take the road less travelled for your next europe trip
Milan, London and Berlin are overrated, visit these super-rad hidden gems instead.
It’s that time of year again, where Instagram becomes a space filled with super-sunny slideshows of everybody you know sunbathing in Athens, posing in front of the Eiffel Tower or taking a trip down Amsterdam’s dreamy canals. Being stuck at home is never fun (especially after the last few years) and if you’re itching to get your travel fix sorted then why not plan a more unique vacation down to Europe and visit some of the hidden gems that the continent has to offer? Here are just a few places to add to your never-ending travel bucket list, made with help from our super-spiffy travel-planning pals at Rome2Rio.
BRUGES, BELGIUM
Not to be confused with the 2008 dark-comedy starring Colin Farrell, this cobblestoned, historical city is filled to the brim with medieval architecture and a deep history that spans all the way back to the age of the Vikings. You’ll also find the incredibly ornate Basilica of the Holy Blood, a small church adorned with a stunning and Romanesque exterior and it’s just as beautiful and detailed on the inside, too. David Stern, a software engineer, visited Bruges for himself and said that it “gives you that most gratifying feeling of awe,” and that “the magic of the town is in getting lost in its little alleys and canals”. So, if you ever find yourself on the way to Belgium, maybe skip Brussels for a day and take a trip down to beautiful Bruges and spend some time in this fairytale city.
Now, France is already a pretty popular travel destination, but instead of visiting the ultra-glitzy city of lights (or more accurately, the city of tourists) take a stroll off the beaten track and visit the small and quaint town of Colmar. It’s also filled with incredible historical architecture ranging from medieval times to the Renaissance, as well as some pretty lush wineries to get lost in. It’s also home to La Petite Venise which features flowery footbridges and colourful river houses, as well as a food market filled with delicious treats. It’s pretty dang picturesque, and is a sure-fire way to feel like you’ve stepped into a classic Disney film – without all the wicked stepmothers.
Historically referred to as Cattaro, this beach-side town is unbelievably pretty and also is the home to so many super-cute felines who are lovingly cared for and adored by locals and tourists alike. Stefan Seat, Rome2Rio’s Regional Data Manager, visited the seafaring town for himself and described Kotor as being “quite alive,” due to its many shops, restaurants and cafes to check out, and he also said that the town has “a nice historic feel,” because of its architecture and nautical heritage. If history is your jam, then take a stroll up to the city walls of Kotor and walk along the ramparts, where you’ll be rewarded for your labour with breathtaking views of the bright-blue bay and the town down below.
PULA, CROATIA
Home to one of the last still-standing amphitheatres with all of its walls still attached, Pula is a sea-front city right on the tip of Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula that has been destroyed, rebuilt, destroyed and then rebuilt again, making it one of Europe’s most durable cities. It’s mostly known for its vast collection of Roman ruins, such as the Temple of Augustus and the aforementioned Pula Arena, but its stunning beaches are also incredible as well as the perfect locations for snapping pics that are bound to make your homebound friends absolutely seethe with jealousy. Pula’s sunny shores are not something you should miss out on, so do your due diligence and make sure to add this beaut of a town to your travel itinerary.
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