Stunning Undiscovered Places in Europe
Due to its rich history and vibrant architecture, Europe has numerous hotspots that millions of tourists visit every year. Think of the Roman Colosseum, the Berlin Wall or the Spanish Alhambra Palace. However, in current times, it’s much better to go on holiday to some of the more quiet, secluded places. Lucky for us, Europe has a lot of undiscovered, under-the-radar locations that exude elegance and natural beauty. Go on holiday to some off the beaten path locations in Europe with our six recommended highlights.
- Sólheimasandur's Wreckage, Iceland
- St Michael's Mount, England
- Calanches de Piana, Frankrijk
- Lake Lovatnet, Norway
- Bay of Kotor, Montenegro
- Múlafossur Waterfall, Faroe Islands
Sólheimasandur Wreck, Iceland
Visit the Sólheimasandur plane wreck which lies on a black sand beach, on a trip through Iceland. It was a US Navy Plane that crashed for unknown reasons in 1973. Thankfully, everyone on the plane survived. However, the aircraft was far too damaged to be restored.
From Reykjavik, it’s about a 2.5-hour drive to the wreckage. Cars are not allowed all the way in, but there is a small parking lot nearby. From the parking lot, it’s an easy hike to and from the wreck, around 7 kilometres, but you can enjoy the enchanting scenery of the surrounding mountains and ocean on your way. It’s so remote that you will feel like you are the only one there.
Our Recommendation: Go to this wreck on a clear evening to admire the Northern Lights. You can also take a 2-hour drive to Park Skaftafell which is also another remote destination in Iceland.
St Michael's Mount, England
The well-known French hotspot St Mont Michel is visited by many tourists all year round, but did you know that there is a counterpart to this highlight in England that is much less crowded? The St Michael's Mount stands near Plymouth and, like St Mont Michel, is a tidal island so you can only walk towards the monastery during low tide because, at high tide, the connection towards the island is flooded. Since this island has much fewer visitors, it is also easier to get a stunning picture. Do you enjoy taking pictures on vacation? Discover the great ideas we have for your holiday photos!
Our Recommendation: Buy a ticket online to go to St Michael’s Mount. Tickets are limited due to the newly implemented social distancing measures, so make sure to check the admission in advance. A single adult ticket costs £11.50, while a family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children) is £28.50.
Calanches de Piana, France
The French island of Corsica is also called the New Zealand of Europe and for a good reason. From vast clear blue bays to rugged red cliffs, it truly looks like the island country. One of the most famous cliffs on the island is the Calanches de Piana, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site. This astounding natural phenomenon of rocks and steep walls was created by erosion. Although the Calanches de Piana is famous, you will encounter few people while climbing the Calanches, making this destination one of the ideal remote highlights in Europe.
Our Recommendation: The best way to explore the Calanches is by driving through them. There are multiple places where you can stop to enjoy the magnificent rock formations. Rent a car in Corsica and discover all it has to offer.
Lake Lovatnet, Norway
One of the most spectacular yet peaceful lakes in Norway is the magnificent Lake Lovatnet. Surrounded by mountains, waterfalls and a glacier, this lake is a definite must-visit when it comes to remote destinations in Europe. Feel at peace as you gaze at the soothing emerald green waters and have a relaxing afternoon here.
Our Recommendation: If you are up for a little adventure, you can canoe on the Lovatnet lake. From the canoe, you will feel one with nature overlooking the turquoise blue lake and the magnificent glacier.
Are you looking for holidays full of outdoor adventures? Check the most thrilling sports and some of the most impressive hiking routes you can do all over the world.
Bay of Kotor, Montenegro
Montenegro is becoming a more fashionable holiday destination among Europeans. With many mountains, extensive bays and old architecture, this Balkan country is worth a visit. Our travel tip for this charming Balkan country? The Bay of Kotor! If you climb up in the town of Kotor, you will be rewarded with a remarkable view over the bay, the mountains and the city. Although Montenegro gets busier every year, this country remains one of the more remote places in Europe.
Our Recommendation: Go for a boat tour on the Bay of Kotor, and visit the Lady of the Rocks. Get your ticket here.
Múlafossur Waterfall, Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands are the ideal destination for anyone who wants to enjoy all that nature has to offer in peace. With unspoiled landscapes, picturesque villages and many waterfalls, there is plenty to see and do. A remote highlight that you should not miss is the Múlafossur waterfall. This 30-meter high waterfall is a popular place among nature lovers, but due to the remote location of the Faroe Islands, it remains as one of the more quiet highlights.
Our Recommendation: The Faroe Islands are the ultimate destination for birdwatching, as thousands of birds come here every summer to breed. Check out this Birds of the Faroe Islands booklet to learn more about the birds you’ll see on your trip here.
In the current situation, travelling might seem like a real challenge, but we endorse you to continue planning your next adventure and keep your travel spirit up. Do you remember how you felt last time on holidays full of undiscovered routes, untasted flavours, unheard languages and unseen sceneries? The world out there is still waiting for you to explore it, and we hope you don’t give up on your dreams.
If you’ve set your mind about the next trip, before you go, make sure you pack all travel essentials and consider travel restrictions and advice by the UK government to make the most of your trip.
Laurens
Hi! I am Laurens and I'm currently a content & campaign intern at Vayama.ie. I never get bored of travelling and my current favorite destinations are the Canary Islands, Greece, Spain and Thailand. I also have a very long bucket list with a lot of destinations that I hope I can finish one day!