Despite its size, Europe is one of the most culturally rich and diverse travel destinations in the world. With jaw-dropping architecture, unforgettable locations and a plethora of delicious cuisine, there’s something for everyone and exploring everything Europe has to offer won’t take a lifetime.
We all know about the popular destinations: London, Paris, Amsterdam and so forth. But Europe has a lot more to offer than just these tourist hotspots. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the lesser-known locations in Europe and discuss what makes them worth a visit. Included in our list is Riga, Hvar, Colmar, and Santorini, among others.
Wroclaw
Located in Western Poland, Wroclaw is known for its rich history and timeless architecture. Surprisingly, this city has been rated by many agencies as the best travel destination in Europe for 2018, topping countless other more popular destinations. This is because the charm and allure of Wroclaw are unlike anywhere else in Europe.
Wroclaw compromises of 12 islands interlinked by over 120 meticulously crafted and maintained bridges, giving the city a similar feel to Venice. Fans of both good cuisine and classic architecture should visit The Market Square and Centennial Hall, as well as the local University.
Santorini
There’s no better place in the world to watch the sun sink into the beautiful blue ocean than Santorini. This Greek island is a great destination for those on a budget as food, accommodation, and transport in Santorini are exceptionally cheap, especially considering what you’re getting.
Friendly locals, amazing beaches, and plenty of shopping make Santorini a perfect getaway for anyone and everyone. When it comes to accommodation, your best option would be to find a villa Santorini. If you’re looking for great luxury accommodation and don’t want to break the bank, be sure to check out BlueVillas villa in Santorini. Villas are always great value.
Riga
Latvia’s capital city strikes an interesting contrast between classic and trendy. This is, in part, thanks to the culturally diverse locals, who are very friendly and welcoming. Aside from the stunning architecture, the city of Riga values the importance of nature, which is why there are plenty of pristine beaches, forests, and hills to explore.
A visit to Riga wouldn’t be complete without checking out The Three Brothers. This trifecta of homes includes buildings from the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries, giving you a unique glimpse into the past. Architecture enthusiasts should be sure to visit the House of Blackheads for a look at one of the most beautifully detailed buildings in Europe.
Hvar
Hvar is a magical seaside city located in Croatia. Nowhere else can one find oceans and beaches as pristine and beautiful. This is one of the many reasons that Hvar has been one of the top-rated destinations in Europe for years. With a taste for the finer things in life, the locals have much to offer when it comes to food, architecture, and shopping.
If you plan on extending your stay in Croatia, be sure to visit some of the other amazing cities located nearby. This includes Zagreb, Rovinj, Zadar, and Split. Wine lovers will find Hvar’s selection of local tastes to be unrivaled, while nature lovers will enjoy a walk through the lavender fields of Brusje.
Colmar
If you’re looking to capture the beauty and romance of France, take a step off the beaten path and head to North East into Colmar, one of the most charming towns on earth. Whether you’re a lover of wine, architecture, good food or you simply want to relax somewhere quiet and scenic, Colmar has you covered.
“Petite Venice” has much to offer when it comes to shopping, accomodation, and culture. Its history is long and very interesting. For example, the creator of The Statue of Liberty was born here. Be sure to visit the Unterlinden and Toy Museums for a look into Colmar’s past.
Milan
No European travel list would be complete without an entry from Italy. After all, Milan has been voted as one of the top travel destinations for over a decade. For those who want to splurge a little or simply pick up something unique, the Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery is home to many chic boutiques with a variety of products on offer.
Art lovers can admire the works found in the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church, which includes Da Vinci’s original Last Supper painting. The nightlife in Milan is also worth checking out, with the Navigli area lighting up and providing plenty of entertainment and good drinks throughout the night.
Conclusion
At this point, one shouldn’t require much convincing to see that Europe has so much more on offer aside from the popular tourist destinations. Paris, Amsterdam, Monaco, and London are beautiful and very tourist friendly, but be sure to make some time for somewhere a little smaller next time. It will be well worth the visit.
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