Europe, which consists of more than 40 nations, is home to some of the most amazing natural landscapes, beautiful seascapes, and fascinating locations on Earth.
Well-known European cities like Amsterdam, London, Paris, Athens, Rome, Venice, Munich, and Vienna are renowned throughout the world for their museums, historic sites, beautiful beaches, endless shopping opportunities, tranquil canals, modern architecture, impeccable service, authentic cuisines, and vibrant nightlife. In addition, the continent of Europe is home to thousands more unusual locations that are less crowded and more affordable.
See the list of 11 amazing unusual locations in Europe below for ideas on how to make your vacations more romantic, bizarre, and scenic.
Santorini, Greece
The world-famous volcanic island of Santorini, also known as Thira, is located in the southernmost section of the Cyclades group of islands in the Aegean Sea, in Greece. This crescent-shaped island is well-known for its beautiful beaches, breathtaking vistas, traditional food, breathtaking landscapes, vibrant nightlife, and top-notch wines.
The most opulent island in Greece is Santorini, which is also one of the must-visit exotic locations in Europe tour packages. Santorini is becoming more and more well-known as a “Wedding Destination” both in Greece and around the globe. Its coastline is lined with distinctive beaches with exotic colors of black, red, and white volcanic sand. The best sites to visit in Santorini include Fira, Oia, Caldera, Red Beach, Pyrgos, and the Akrotiri Archaeological Site.
Sintra, Portugal
Sintra is a charming hamlet located in Portugal’s Serra de Sintra, a region of hills covered in pine trees. One of the wealthiest towns in Portugal and one of the best-kept secrets in Europe, this Portuguese town is known for its undulating mountains, lush forests, unique gardens, gorgeous palaces, and fairy-tale castles.
Formerly the country’s royal town, Sintra today has UNESCO World Heritage status and draws visitors from all over the globe. The top attractions of Sintra include Sintra Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca, Castle of the Moors, Park, and Palace of Monserrate, Palace of Queluz, Praia da Adraga, Praia da Ursa.
Ronda, Spain
A charming tiny town named Ronda was constructed over the 150-meter-deep El Tajo gorge in Spain’s province of Malaga. Ronda, which is surrounded by verdant river valleys and perched over a deep ravine, has a fascinating history replete with outlaws, bandits, guerrilla fighters, and rebels in addition to outstanding beauty and charm.
The Puente Nuevo, a bridge from the 18th century that connects the two parts of the town, is Ronda’s most notable landmark. While the new town of Ronda includes many parks and promenades with majestic views of the surrounding mountains, the old town of Ronda is home to numerous medieval mosques and castles.
The best attractions in Ronda to see when traveling around Europe include Plaza de Toros, Arab Baths, Mondragon Palace, Arabic walls & city gates, Duquesa de Parcent Square, and Duquesa de Parcent Square. The contemporary bullfight, which was essentially created in the late 18th century, was also born in Ronda. If you want to see this bullfight, schedule your trip to Europe around the magnificent Feria Goyesca, which takes place at the start of September.
The Cinque Terre, Italy
Cinque Terre is a chain of five fishing communities positioned high on the Italian Riviera and famous for its spectacular coastline. The Cinque Terre settlements are Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Although Cinque Terre is no longer the undiscovered paradise it once was, it nonetheless exudes a sense of isolated authenticity thanks to its few, winding tiny roads, impeccably preserved architecture, and extensive network of breathtaking mountain and coastline hiking paths.
It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 and is now a protected marine area and national park. The beautiful harbor views, appealing coastline, architecturally intriguing locations, and an abundance of wines make Cinque Terra the perfect destination for a tranquil vacation away from the throngs of tourists.
Meteora, Greece
With enormous rocks that are 60 million years old rising from the Thessalian plains, Meteora is one of the most stunning places in Greece. As the rock cliffs of Meteora have been regarded as the ideal location to achieve spiritual elevation since the early Christian era, a trip there offers the rare opportunity to experience the magnificence of nature in addition to the rich history, breathtaking scenery, magnificent architecture, and man’s eternal desire to connect with the Divine.
Only six of the several monasteries that were built on these spectacular sandstone summits during Byzantine times are still in use today. After Mount Athos, Meteora is the second-largest collection of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Greece and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.
The enormous smooth rock pinnacles with their monasteries perched on them make the ideal backdrop for a science-fiction or fantasy story.
Kotor, Montenegro
On Montenegro’s northern coast, Kotor is a fortified town located in the remote Boka Kotorska harbor. Kotor is one of the best-preserved sites in the Mediterranean region and one of the best-kept secrets in Europe. It is adorned with stunning scenery and full of a rich cultural legacy. The attractive town of Kotor was added to UNESCO’s list of World Natural and Historical Heritage Sites because of its medieval architecture and numerous cultural heritage monuments.
The must-see attractions in Kotor during your Europe tour are Perast, the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks, the Old Town, the Castle of San Giovanni, St. John’s Fortress, the Maritime Museum, the Cathedral of St. Typhoon, the Churches of St. Nikola & St. Luke, Citadel Bastion, and the South Gate.
Sofia, Bulgaria
The warmth of positive publicity hasn’t been kind to Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria. However, with its onion-domed cathedrals, Ottoman mosques, and obstinate Red Army monuments, Bulgaria’s pleasantly laid-back capital is perhaps one of the best unusual travel destinations in all of Europe.
Apart from that, Sofia is home to several of Bulgaria’s best galleries, parks, restaurants, and nightclubs. The National Historical Museum, Church of St. George, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Boyana Church, and Vitosha National Park are a few of the well-liked attractions in Sofia that are included in Europe vacation packages.
Bled, Slovenia
The summers in Europe are renowned and lovely with their clear blue skies and vibrant flowerbeds. Instead of congested tourist destinations like France and Italy, Bled in Slovenia is the greatest spot to feel the true delight of summer.
The little, quaint town of Bled is regarded among the most beautiful alpine resorts as well as the most stunning offbeat places in Europe thanks to its glacial lake, a picture-postcard church situated on an islet, medieval castle on a rocky cliff, and some of the tallest peaks of the Julian Alps. The main draw of Bled is its lovely Lake, which has a tiny island in the middle of it.
The biggest tourist attractions in Bled include the Church of the Assumption of Mary, Vintgar Gorge, Pokljuka Plateau, Triglav National Park, and the Castle of Bled or Ljubljana.
Also, Read 10 Most Beautiful Cities In The World
Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Luxembourg City, the capital of Luxembourg or the capital of the Grand Duchy, is a fascinating city of contrasts suited for individuals who are looking for something different out of routine city travels. It is majestically positioned across the deep gorges of the Alzette and Petrusse rivers. This charming city provides an amazing fusion of natural landscapes, history, culture, and the arts.
There are many beautiful places to visit in Luxembourg, including charming back lanes, grand boulevards, and an old town that has been conserved. Some of the well-known tourist attractions in Luxembourg are the Grand Ducal Palace, the National Museum of History and Art, the walls of Corniche, and the Grand Duke Jean Museum of Modern Art. Additionally, the city is well known for its EU and financial hubs.
Abisko, Sweden
A little village in northern Sweden called Abisko is well-known throughout the world for its beautiful Northern Lights. Tourists travel to Sweden in the winter to view the breathtaking Northern Lights, and in the summer they go hiking and experience the midnight sun.
Additionally, this Swedish community is well-known for its breathtaking alpine scenery, glistening lakes, flowing rivers, and vast areas of wilderness that have been conserved, as well as for thrilling activities like trekking. Abisko is one of the must-see alternative tourist sites in Europe and a haven for adventurers thanks to its breathtaking Arctic terrain. The must-see attractions of Abisko are the Abisko National Park, Abisko Jokk, Silverfallet, and Tornetrask.
Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is one of the oldest towns in Europe and is frequently referred to as “the city that never sleeps.” Belgrade, which is at the meeting point of the Sava and Danube rivers, has a lengthy history, which is reflected in its architectural landmarks and museums.
The main attractions in Belgrade to see while traveling through Europe include the impressive fortification Beogradska Tvrdava, St. Sava Temple, Crkva Svetoga Marka, Nikola Tesla Museum, and Knez Mihailova. A person can also go to Skadarlija, the bohemian street for music, and the floating clubs on the riverbanks for fantastic parties and nonstop enjoyment.
