Hidden Gems in Europe
Europe is a well-litigated continent by now, in travel terms; it’s the subject of a million tour diaries, the crucible for countless personal revelations, the landscape in which futures are forged. But, as someone that has trodden this ground before, none of this is new to you.
Europe is well-trodden ground, precisely for the import of its myriad continental cities, towns, parks and treks. But there are some places in Europe far less trodden than others. There are some beautiful destinations waiting in the mainland, and which fly well beneath the notice of the majority. How do you find these places -and which are the best?
Why Now Is The Perfect Time For Hidden-Gem Travel
First, it would be beneficial to explore why it is we seek the lesser-known, over the obvious-choice European destinations that so readily dominate lists of favoured destinations for travellers of every ilk. An obvious answer, so to speak, would be the popularity of such places; when was the last time you attempted to queue for access to the Eiffel Tower, par example?
Ultimately, as UK tourists, we’re embracing lesser-visited destinations – driven by a number of aspects, quietude amongst them. But, also, we crave affordability, sustainability, and the desire for authentic experiences. Affordability is perhaps the most pertinent of these three considerations; a cost-of-living crisis makes travel – ultimately a non-essential expense – more of a luxury than it ever has been. Why, knowing this, would one willingly expend unnecessary money on the inflated costs of tourist-trap food, drinks, accommodation?
Charming Small Cities Worth Visiting
With this, there is only one question: where on Earth to go? Thankfully, that one question has thousands upon thousands of answers – some small few of which are listed here for your own delectation. First, let’s consider the cities; urban adventures that don’t come with the associated cost of big-ticket destinations like Paris, Barcelona and Rome.
If you want for somewhere sunny, you can’t go wrong with Portugal. But rather than heading for the instinctual Porto, you could instead go for Tomar; a stone’s throw from Lisbon, Tomar is a stunning city with a quaintness unchallenged by other Balearic cities. For Eastern Europe, a Budapest holiday puts you in touch with incredible architecture and remarkably affordable hospitality in almost equal measure.
Off-The-Beaten-Track Retreats
Of course, not everyone wants an urban getaway. Sometimes, it’s a bit of peace and quiet you need – and not the expensive kind, touted by popular coastal resorts in Spain or France. You might instead try quiet islands like the Azores, or head to the Albanian Riviera for a serene escape away from the aforementioned crowded beaches.
Again, if heat isn’t the main requirement, you stand to gain all the more; Slovenia is a stunning place to get away, but you don’t need to pay Lake Bled prices to enjoy it; you could instead profit from visiting Lake Bohinj – or. In Switzerland, Appenzell.
