As the winter weeks roll steadily in, many minds will naturally turn to the prospect of the next big getaway; away from the cold bluster of late November, and instead towards the bucolic bliss afforded by a summer escape. But, having tired of the same old sun-and-sea holiday, you might be wondering where next to cross off your travel list.
Here, we’re going to make a case for the lesser-travelled destinations in Europe – the places that don’t usually top the lists of popular flight destinations, or which tend to live unfairly in the shadows of high-profile European holiday spots like Paris or Marseille. Your next holiday could be not only cheaper than the popular fare, but also far more rewarding than any tourist hotspot.
The Magic of Slovenia’s Lakes and Mountains
Slovenia is one of the most unassuming countries in central Europe, purely for the relative lack of visibility it has here in the UK. That unassuming nature, though, hides some of the most stunning natural landscapes you can find in the mainland. Slovenia shares in the same Alpine mountains as Austria to its north and Italy to its west, mountains which harbour glacier lakes and forests that defy description.
The most famous of these lakes, and the fodder for a thousand screensavers, is Lake Bled. Lake Bled sits in the Julian Alps in Slovenia’s northwest, and possesses an island on which one of the most iconic European castles was built. If you’re stuck for anywhere to start with Slovenia, start here.
Croatia: The Adriatic’s Best-Kept Secret
If Slovenia looks a little cold for your liking – and if you’d like a bit more Mediterranean coast as part of your next big getaway – you might look south of Slovenia’s border, to Croatia. Croatia holidays have so much to give, whether you opt for any one of the 1100-plus miles of beautiful mainland coastline, or the further 2,500 miles of island coastline off-shore, or the myriad national parks and nature retreats inland. Whatever you opt for, you’ll find balmy weather, amazing adventure-sporting opportunities, or culture-rich city centres bustling with Mediterranean life.
Albania’s Untouched Coastline
Albania is another oft-ignored holiday destination on the Balkan peninsula, frequently mistaken for a cold and distant locale in mainland Europe that doesn’t warrant a summer-holiday look-in. This couldn’t be further from the truth, though. Not only are there sun-dappled beaches and genuine azure waters (see the Blue Eye Spring in the north, and be astonished) to discover, but also a wealth of cultural history – stretching back to the dawn of civilisation.
Baltic Beauty: Exploring Estonia’s Historic Cities
Finally, if you don’t mind the cold and do want a holiday that covers all your potential bases, there’s no better option than Estonia. This Baltic country has a shore that points squarely at the Arctic Circle, but still has beachland worth braving the cold for. Its urban architecture must be seen to be believed, its natural landscapes are stoically beautiful beyond measure, and, as a little bonus, it has one of the most surprising music scenes in Europe.
About Peter C.
Peter is a digital nomad who largely writes from Asia, Europe, and South America. Always following the "vibe," he sets up shop in hostels and AirBNB's and continues to entertain us with wild stories from life abroad. Ask him anything in our community forum. Make sure to download the AllWorld Travel Hacks FREE ebook.
