These hidden gems of Europe may well be places you haven’t heard about, let alone considered visiting! If you’re looking for something off the beaten track, we have some great ideas for you. Alternatively, find more unusual destination ideas by having a look at our other articles about hidden gems.
Here at Economy Car Hire, we’ve taken your favourite countries to visit for a spot of sunshine, culture or even food and plucked out a new destination for you to feast your senses on. Read our top 6, all hand-picked for you.
1. Sylt, Germany
Sylt is unlike most German clichés of traditional lederhosen, loud football fans and great beer. It is better known for its pristine beaches, thatched-roof houses and spectacular dune landscape.
It is Germany’s northernmost island, a true surfer’s paradise. The fierce North Sea winds here result in waves that are several feet tall! Sylt’s eastern Wadden Sea shoreline is wonderfully tranquil. Vast mudflats are revealed at low tide.
Candy-striped lighthouses rise above wide expanses of shifting dunes. Fields of gleaming yellow-gold flowers litter the landscape. You will also find several saunas dotted along the. The idea is to heat up and then run naked into the chilly North Sea!
2. Cappadocia, Turkey
This region is worthy of a visit, purely for the bragging rights of one of the 21st century’s most unique accommodation. Cappadocia is plucked from a psychedelic dream. Its honey combed hills and towering boulders are home to one of the most primitive yet fantastical cities.
The region’s soft stone has been used as shelter for thousands of years. The extensive network of subterranean dwellings forms an otherworldly cityscape.
The lunar like scenery makes for fantastic hiking opportunities. Alternatively, visit the churches of Göreme and the Open-Air Museum. Here you’ll get a greater insight into the lives of the city’s inhabitants.
3. Lecce, Italy
Lecce is the Baroque masterpiece of southern Italy. It’s a riot of cherubs and dazzling architecture. The city lies in the region of Puglia, down at the heel of Italy’s boot. It is surrounded by attractive countryside and within easy access of both the Adriatic and Ionian seas.
Lecce is also a capital of southern Italian cooking. The city brims with rustic restaurants. Fill up on the hearty peasant cuisine and robust red wines of the Puglia region. Throw in a buzzing bar scene, upmarket boutiques and antique shops. Lecce is a lively but graceful and relaxed town. Easily reached by budget flights from the UK, it makes a good destination for a weekend break or a touring holiday.
4. Rovinj, Croatia
Rovinj is coastal Istria’s star attraction. Pastel-coloured houses cluster together on steep winding streets, topped by a Venetian bell tower. You would think you were in Italy. The ‘Pearl of the Istrian Coastline’ remains one of the last true Mediterranean fishing ports.
Wooded hills surround the Venetian old town, which spread out across the oval shaped peninsula. Webbed with steep cobbled streets and piazzas, little artist workshops make this a thriving hub. Fine-dining restaurants are tucked away on narrow streets, while chic bars line the waterside.
The coastline is backed by dense pine forests and dotted with tiny shingle coves. The 14 green islands of the Rovinj archipelago make for a pleasant afternoon away. The most popular of which are Sveta Katarina and Red Island.
5. Dijon, France
The phrase ‘hidden in plain sight’ springs to mind, when describing this little French gem. Famous for its mustard, Dijon is often overlooked as being a great getaway destination. Filled with elegant medieval and Renaissance buildings, the lively centre is wonderful for strolling. Especially if you like to balance your cultural outings with excellent food, fine wine and shopping.
The buildings in the city centre are glorious displays of Gothic and Baroque styles. Whereas other great cities are centred on the cathedral square, Dijon revolves around its market. With one look at the riches that await shoppers, it’s no surprise. It’s teeming with mouth-watering produce, scented cut flowers and freshly baked croissants.
Be sure to visit the Maille shop on the rue de la Liberté. This once supplied mustard to almost all French aristocratic kitchens and dinner tables. Take your pick of the variety of flavours and admire the exquisite hand-painted mustard pots.
6. Lugano, Switzerland
This is Switzerland with an Italian accent.
Lugano is a vivacious city. It sits at the edge of one of Europe’s most picturesque lakes. Chic boutiques, bars and pavement cafes huddle in the tangle of steep cobblestone streets that unravel in a flowery promenade at the lake’s edge.
Lugano is just a short, scenic train ride over the Alps. Surrounded by plush mountains, it offers the largest network of mountain bike trails in the country. Topped off with incredible scenic views and amazing hiking opportunities too. The mountains are also Switzerland’s sunniest!
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to the Alprose Chocolate Museum. Follow the history of chocolate from its creation to the present day. You also get to see the Swiss tradition of chocolate making. Don’t worry there are plenty of chances to sample as you study!
So, there you have it. Shake up your list of dream destinations with these 6 new additions! From historic charm to unusual landscapes there’s something unique to discover at every corner.
Already visited one of these hidden gems? Let us know what you thought and your recommendations on the best sights to see!
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