With the world opening its arms to tourists all over again post the Covid pandemic, Europe has maintained its top place on most travel lists. There are more than 40 countries in the European continent, with each of them offering a glimpse into unique aspects of history, culture, and natural scenery.
With so much to experience, the popular vacation spots in Europe often get overcrowded. However, hopes of having a serene vacation are not lost for those keen on exploring offbeat destinations for a European getaway. These places are not only friendly to travelers from across the globe but also have treasures galore that still remain largely untouched and undiscovered by the world.
Once you get a sneak peek into some of these offbeat locales, you could always plan your itinerary with the help of travel experts like Holidu for your next vacation.
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Bled, Slovenia
European summers are known for their clear blue skies and vibrant floral cover, making the landscape picture-perfect. While most tourists would opt for popular spots like Italy and France, a lesser known but equally magnificent location is Bled in Slovenia, which is a popular destination for experiencing European summers.
Bled is one of the most breathtaking alpine resorts with amazing churches, a medieval castle on a rocky cliff and some of the highest peaks in the Julian Alps. The highlight of Bled is a magnificent glacial lake with a tiny island at its center.
Other interesting places here include Mary’s Assumption Chapel and Vintgar Gorge, the Bled Castle or Ljubljana‘s Palace, Triglav National Park, Pokljuka Plateau and St Martin’s Chapel.
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Sofia, Bulgaria
Although it is the Bulgarian capital, Sofia is a laid-back city that is undoubtedly one of the best offbeat European destinations. There are Ottoman mosques and Red Army monuments that offer something different to tourists other than churches.
Sofia is also home to many of the finest museums and galleries, parks and manicured gardens, restaurants, and clubs. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Boyana Church, St. George Church, National Historical Museum and Vitosha National Park are some of the popular things to add to your itinerary while in Sofia.
Adventure lovers lose no heart, for this cosmopolitan sprawling city is a playground for party animals too. Sofia is alive with an eclectic blend of old and new with both bass-thumping nightclubs and artifact-stacked museums.
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Santorini, Greece
The world-famous volcanic island of Santorini, also known as Thira, is located in the southernmost Cyclades chain of islands in the Aegean Sea. Known for its magnificent landscapes, breathtaking beaches, spectacular scenery, vibrant nightlife, traditional food and outstanding wines, Santorini is a luxury island in Greece.
Beaches glistening with unique and exotic black, red and white volcanic sand colors are a must-see here. And so are views across the caldera in Oia, Fira, Akrotiri Archeological Site and Red Sand, Pyrgos. So, if you’re looking for historic explorations, balmy beach days, sensational sunsets, historic attractions, and glamorous nights, you must pack your bags and head to Santorini.
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Sintra, Portugal
This picturesque town in Portugal is nestled amidst the Serra de Sintra pine-covered hills. Dense forest cover, exotic gardens, exquisite palaces, and fairy tale castles, make this city one of Europe’s best offbeat destinations. Sintra holds a UNESCO world heritage status and was once a royal town and the hometown of Portugal monarchs.
The city is lined with fairy-tale castles and historic mansions. The must-visit attractions here include the Sintra Palace, Pena Palace, Praia da Adraga and Praia da Ursa, Queluz Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Moors Castle, Cabo da Roca andMonserrate Park and Palace.
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Crete, Greece
This island nation in the Mediterranean promises you clear blue skies, a rocky and rugged landscape, and pleasant weather almost all round the year. Mythology and incredibly ancient history make Crete a destination out of a fairy tale. It is said that the Greek god, Zeus, son of Kronos was born in a cave on Mount Ida, the tallest mountain in Crete.
There are also gorgeous beaches and waters of stunning natural beauty in Crete. With so much to see, do and learn, you will always be left longing for a longer vacation.
Conclusion
While a typical European holiday involves popular destinations, they are more often than not full of tourist seas. So, for your next vacation, try something different and swap overcrowded tourist spots for an offbeat European getaway.
