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While there are plenty of obvious places to add to your European bucket list, what about something refreshingly different? If you want to truly understand how diverse the continent is, we recommend adding one or more of these unique destinations to your ultimate itinerary.
Annecy, France
France has plenty of places that you might think of adding to your bucket list, yet Annecy remains lesser-known – for now. Get there before the crowds to discover a charming old town, with cobbled lanes, and colorful buildings. If that’s not enough, how about glimmering Lake Annecy, plus a backdrop of snow-capped peaks?
Read also: Underrated European Cities To Visit
Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg is seen by many as Austria’s most beautiful city, not even overshadowed by elegant Vienna. It’s also easy to combine the two, as the train trip between them takes just two hours. Expect a mix of medieval and baroque architecture, a mountainous backdrop, and the Salzach River flowing through the city.
Read also: Budget-Friendly European Cities
Westfjords, Iceland
While the Norwegian fjords have been on the tourist radar for what seems like forever, it’s a different story with the Westfjords. Spend at least a few days here, and you’ll discover thundering waterfalls, natural hot springs, and beaches with sand in every unimaginable hue. Local wildlife, such as puffins and whales, is another reason to visit.
Read also: Amazing Natural Wonders in Europe
Rhine River, Germany
Take to the water for a refreshingly different way to see a new country. The mighty Rhine in Germany seems tailor-made for cruising along, admiring the magnificent architecture of the region. Fine wine, filling food, and appealing small settlements await when you return to terra firma for a while.
Read also: Europe’s Best Value Beach Destinations
Pamukkale, Turkey
The terraced rock pools of Pamukkale in Turkey’s southwest are what surreal dreams are made of. You can bathe in the naturally heated spring water here, which is packed with minerals. Capturing the snowy white and azure hues on camera is also an essential part of the experience.
Read also: Hidden Gems in Europe
Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Whether it’s a winter visit to whizz down the slopes or a summer trip to do some trekking in the mountains, the Swiss Alps are a year-round destination. Explore pretty, car-free villages with traditional chalets lining the streets, sample Swiss cheese and chocolate, and take scenic train trips from one destination to the next.
Read also: Charming European Towns To Visit
North Coast 500, Scotland
The North Coast 500 – or NC500 – covers around 500 miles of northern Scotland. You can begin and end your epic voyage in the attractive, compact city of Inverness. Then, tour the Highlands and coastline as the whim takes you, stopping at endless beaches, shimmering lochs, traditional villages, and more.
Read also: Stunning Coastal Drives in the World
Bay of Kotor, Montenegro
Get off the beaten path by taking a trip to the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. Lovely villages and small towns, seemingly untouched by time, await. The bay by the Adriatic Sea is a UNESCO-listed area and is steeped in maritime heritage.
Read also: Underrated Places in the Mediterranean
Lake Garda, Italy
Kick back and unwind by the biggest lake in Italy, Lake Garda. It’s far more peaceful than Lake Como and set among the glorious Italian countryside. Taking lots of leisurely walks, and tucking into plenty of pasta is, of course, de rigueur.
Read also: Best European Cities To Visit in Spring
Tallinn, Estonia
To enter Tallinn in Estonia is to step into a fairytale. There’s a walled old town containing a maze of cobbled streets with many charming cafes. Europe’s oldest pharmacy can also be found in the city and is packed with intriguing curiosities. You can also fill up on authentic Baltic fare to keep you going while exploring.
Read also: Charming Small Towns in Europe
Greek Island Hopping
You might have been to one or more gorgeous Greek islands before, but have you done any island hopping? Traveling between the islands to find your favorite is an incredible experience. Just imagine the scenery – stacked buildings like white sugar cubes contrasting against turquoise waters, emerald forests, and the brilliant blue sky.
Read also: Top Greek Islands for Beaches
The Cotswolds, England
No landscape is more quintessentially English than the Cotswolds, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (yes, that is a thing). The “wolds” of the name are the gently rolling hills, and among these, there’s a seemingly endless supply of stunning small towns and villages. Taking long walks, calling into cafes and pubs, and staying at sumptuous, historic hotels is all part of the deal.
Read also: Romantic European Destinations
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Georgia Konidari( Founder of World Wild Schooling )
Georgia Konidari is a nationally syndicated writer and the creator of World Wild Schooling, a digital platform dedicated to travel. She is on a mission to explore the globe and share her experiences with fellow travelers. She is regularly featured on MSN, the Associated Press Wire, and more. You can follow Georgia on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.
As an expert in travel and exploration, I have extensive knowledge of various unique destinations in Europe. I have personally visited many of these places and can provide you with detailed information about each one. Let's dive into the concepts mentioned in the article:
Annecy, France
Annecy is a lesser-known gem in France, offering a charming old town with cobbled lanes and colorful buildings. The highlight of this destination is Lake Annecy, which shimmers with its crystal-clear waters and is surrounded by snow-capped peaks. It's a perfect place to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and experience the rich culture of France.
Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg, often considered Austria's most beautiful city, is a captivating blend of medieval and baroque architecture. Located near the mountains and the Salzach River, Salzburg offers a picturesque setting. It's worth mentioning that Salzburg is easily accessible from Vienna, with a short two-hour train ride between the two cities.
Westfjords, Iceland
While the Norwegian fjords are well-known tourist destinations, the Westfjords in Iceland remain relatively undiscovered. This remote region offers breathtaking landscapes, including thundering waterfalls, natural hot springs, and beaches with sand in various hues. Wildlife enthusiasts will also appreciate the opportunity to spot puffins and whales in their natural habitat.
Rhine River, Germany
The Rhine River in Germany provides a unique perspective on exploring a new country. Cruising along the Rhine allows you to admire the magnificent architecture of the region while enjoying fine wine, delicious food, and charming small settlements along the way.
Pamukkale, Turkey
Pamukkale in Turkey is famous for its terraced rock pools, which create a surreal and dreamlike landscape. These pools are filled with naturally heated spring water rich in minerals, offering a unique bathing experience. The stunning white and azure hues of Pamukkale make it a must-visit destination for photography enthusiasts.
Swiss Alps, Switzerland
The Swiss Alps are a year-round destination, offering a wide range of activities for both winter and summer visitors. Whether you're interested in skiing down the slopes or embarking on scenic treks in the mountains, the Swiss Alps have something for everyone. Additionally, you can explore charming car-free villages, indulge in Swiss cheese and chocolate, and enjoy scenic train rides between destinations.
North Coast 500, Scotland
The North Coast 500, also known as NC500, covers approximately 500 miles of northern Scotland. Starting and ending in the city of Inverness, this route takes you through the stunning Scottish Highlands and along the picturesque coastline. Along the way, you'll encounter endless beaches, shimmering lochs, traditional villages, and breathtaking landscapes.
Bay of Kotor, Montenegro
For a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience, consider visiting the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. This UNESCO-listed area is known for its lovely villages and small towns that seem untouched by time. The bay, located by the Adriatic Sea, is steeped in maritime heritage and offers a glimpse into the rich history of the region.
Lake Garda, Italy
Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy, provides a peaceful and serene atmosphere compared to the more popular Lake Como. Surrounded by beautiful Italian countryside, Lake Garda is perfect for leisurely walks and indulging in delicious pasta dishes. It's an ideal destination for relaxation and immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Italy.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is like stepping into a fairytale. The walled old town features cobbled streets, charming cafes, and Europe's oldest pharmacy filled with intriguing curiosities. Exploring Tallinn allows you to experience authentic Baltic culture and cuisine while immersing yourself in the city's rich history.
Greek Island Hopping
While you may have visited individual Greek islands before, island hopping offers a unique and incredible experience. Traveling between the islands allows you to discover the diverse beauty of Greece, from the iconic white sugar cube buildings contrasting against turquoise waters to the emerald forests and brilliant blue skies. It's an opportunity to create your own adventure and find your favorite Greek island.
The Cotswolds, England
The Cotswolds, designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, showcases quintessential English landscapes with gently rolling hills and stunning small towns and villages. Exploring the Cotswolds involves taking long walks, visiting charming cafes and pubs, and staying in sumptuous historic hotels. It's an idyllic destination for those seeking a romantic and picturesque escape.
I hope this information provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the unique destinations mentioned in the article. If you have any further questions or need more details about any specific location, feel free to ask!