The Road Less Travelled: 5 Surprising Destinations for Your European Vacation
When we talk about travelling in Europe, there is more than one place that comes to mind. A romantic getaway to Paris, soaking up ancient history in Rome or diving into the culture of London is on the bucket list of every travel enthusiast.
As unforgettable as these destinations are, the Old Continent has so much more to offer. Here I have chosen to present five dreamy places that I want to add to the itinerary of my next vacation in Europe.
Porto Moniz in Madeira, Portugal
Location: northwest corner of the island of Madeira
Closest airport: Funchal Airport (FNC)
Known for: The natural volcanic swimming pools
The Magnificent Madeira
Mentioning the unforgettable beauty of the Madeira Archipelago while talking about the Old Continent's hidden gems will come as no surprise. The Atlantic Ocean Island group is about as close as you can get to a tropical island experience while staying on the territory of a European country. The densely populated islands offer diverse views and experiences combining misty mountains, jungle landscapes and tropical beaches. Porto Moniz is a small municipality that has managed to preserve its authentic spirit tanks to its complete geographical isolation from the rest of the country.
The Crystal-Clear Volcanic Pools
The main reason to visit Porto Moniz is the natural volcanic pools filled with translucent seawater. I cannot imagine a safer, warmer, and more beautiful ocean swim than you can have in them. West of the town is a lido called Porto Moniz Natural Pools that has turned the natural phenomenon into a perfectly safe pool complex, even for families with children. It has a lifeguard and a small entrance fee (3€ or around 4 C$ for an adult).
If you prefer enjoying the beauty of nature without human interaction, there is another set of lava pools overlooking the islet Ilheu Mole. Here you can enjoy fantastic scenery, take great pictures, and have a swim. Just mind the sharp edges of the basalt rocks that form the pools.
Bonus Round
While visiting Porto Moniz, you can walk to the João Baptista Fort, a replica of a fort built in the 18th century to protect the town against pirate attacks. Inside it is located the town aquarium where you can have your first diving experience in a tank with sharks and morays.
Galway, Ireland
Location: Ireland's West Coast
Closest airport: Shannon Airport
Known for: rich medieval history and bohemian lifestyle
Medieval and Modern
If you are like me and you have always dreamed of seeing the romantic Ireland coast in all its beauty, Galway is the perfect spot for you. It is a small town full of history and culture and surrounded by breathtaking nature.
Once a fishing village, Galway flourished in the 13th century when it became a proper medieval fortified town. Today the reconstructed Spanish Arc on the bank of the Corrib River has become a gathering spot for street performers. The gargoyles of Lynch's Castle, one of Ireland's most beautiful town castles built in the 14th century, still watch over Galway. There is no need to look for historical sights here. At every step, you will see remains of the past incorporated into modern life, like the medieval city walls inside the Eyre Square Centre shopping mall.
A pub crawl in the present
But in present days this town is just as mesmerizing, with the famous Irish pubs located so close to one another that you can walk out of one and right into the next one. The illustrious 19th-century blue-painted corner pub Tigh Neachtain is a great starting point where you can try the local brew, Galway Hooker Irish Pale Ale. Live music is a must at Galway pubs, and the famous Róisín Dubh venue hosts amazing silent disco parties and local stand-up acts.
Bonus Round
The shoals of salmons waiting to rush upstream in the river Corrib east of the Galway Catedral offer a unique view. You can also get a permit from Angling Ireland and some premium fishing advice at the local bait shops.
Pag Island, Croatia
Location: northern Adriatic Sea
Closest airport: Zadar Airport
Known for: The moon-like landscape and the Zrce Beach parties
The Perfect Moonscape
Nicknamed "The Moonrock" for its barren rocky landscape, Pag Island is a one-of-a-kind place to visit. How else can you enjoy watching the sunset reflect in the Adriatic Sea's blue waters while sitting on the moon's surface?
The island is connected to the mainland with a bridge that allows easy access. Still, the region is pollution-free, and the waters of the numerous beaches are perfect for a swim. This is the ideal place to get a car and wander around looking for your piece of heaven somewhere around the 27 km of beaches on the island's coastline.
A Premium Party Location
In the Nord part of the island, you will find the resort of Novalja and the world-famous party destination Zrce Beach. The schedule of the local open-air nightclubs is packed with appearances by famous DJs and international festivals during the summer.
Bonus Round
Croatian cuisine represents a marvellous mix of influences, but if you are visiting Pag Island in particular, you can try the distinctive Paski Sir, a local hard cheese made of sheep milk. The cheese factories are open to the public, so you can get a tour and see how it is made and stored.
Thun, Canton of Bern, Switzerland
Location: 28.6 km south of Bern
Closest airport: Bern Airport
Known for: The lake Thun and the Old Town
A walk in the past
If you want to get to know Switzerland, spending time amidst the alpine nature and the cozy historic town on the board of lake Thun is an excellent way to start. Above this jewel of a city towers the Thun Castle dating from the 12th century. Today it is a museum that hosts history-themed children's games, guided tours and even weddings.
The old town of Thun provides the perfect scenery for an extraordinary exploration. Take the main street Obere Hauptgasse which is built in two levels with the sidewalk on the top of the street shops or the 18th-century wooden covered bridge Obere Schedule. Take advantage of the neo-Gothic Schadau Castle and its park.
Lakeside Adventures
The people of Thun call their lido "Strämu" and enjoy going for a swim while contemplating the Bernese Alps. To explore the lake, you can get a motorboat, a paddle boat and even a kayak. You can also join one of the relaxing lake cruises. The lake is surrounded by picturesque castles that you can easily visit.
Bonus Round
Switzerland is known as a peaceful country, so war history enthusiasts might get a little bored. Well, not in Thun, home of the Panzermuseum, exhibiting an impressive collection of Swiss and foreign tanks.
Tromso, Norway
Location: northern Norway, above the Arctic Circle
Closest airport: Tromso Airport (TOS)
Known for: The capital of the Nord and Aurora Borealis
Where Aurora Dances
Suppose you feared going above the arctic circle because you envisioned surviving in an endless icy wilderness. In that case, you will be pleasantly surprised to learn that you can vacation in a vibrant city surrounded by frozen landscapes. Located more than 300 km north of the Arctic circle, Tromso is a large city offering visitors to go as further north as possible without suffering from a lack of commodities.
Apart from visiting the most northern brewery, the most important reason to put Tromso on your map is that it is the perfect place to observe the Aurora Borealis. All kinds of guided tours take you to the main observation point of Norway or lesser-known spots, but the Northern Lights can be seen even above the city itself.
In the heart of Winter
Exploring the city's surroundings gets unimaginably more awesome when you learn that you can get a dog-pulled sleigh and do it in the company of a bunch of enthusiastic huskies. You can even drive the sleigh yourself.
Another way to enjoy the scenery is the Fjellheisen, the Tromso cable car. Although the gondolas go up to the mountain ledge Storsteinen in just four minutes, they will take you to a gorgeous viewing platform where you can marvel at the mountains, fjords and islands surrounding the city.
Bonus Round
Ishavskatedralen, an architectural masterpiece of steel and concrete, is located just outside downtown Tromso. Built during the sixties, the Arctic cathedral resembles a block of ice. Apart from enjoying the view, you can attend a service or catch a live concert.