What to see in Europe: 5 beautiful but little-known places

An expert has compiled a list of Europe’s top 5 hidden gems: from the deep canyons of Greece and the fjords of Norway to the fortress of Marwan, which seems to hang in the clouds. Find out where to spend the perfect holiday

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Popular European capitals such as Rome, Paris or Barcelona are increasingly associated not with romance, but with endless queues and crowds of people. The struggle to get a good photo against the backdrop of famous landmarks is becoming truly exhausting. That is precisely why experienced travellers are changing their itineraries, setting off in search of hidden gems.

Based on recommendations from travel blogger Tyler Fox for the Travel off path portal, we have compiled a selection of stunning European locations that are not yet overrun by tourists.

What to see in Greece: the mountainous region of Zagori and the deepest canyon

If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-track routes in Greece, head to the north-west of the country. High in the Pindus Mountains lies the secluded Zagori plateau. Here lie 46 authentic stone villages, preserved in their original state.

This area is separated from the rest of the world by the Vikos Gorge — a natural wonder listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s deepest canyon in relation to its width. In Zagori, you can spend hours walking along ancient paths, admiring the high stone bridges that local craftsmen built over the centuries without using cement. Once you’ve descended to the Voidomatis River, be prepared for a refreshing coolness: the water is fed by crystal-clear springs and stays at 8.5 °C all year round.

Norway’s fjords: the island of Senja as an alternative to the Lofoten Islands

Due to the unusually hot European summer, tourists are increasingly choosing northern destinations. The island of Senja, located 300 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, offers scenery every bit as stunning as the famous Lofoten Islands: deep turquoise fjords and jagged alpine peaks, but without the tourist crowds.

The main attraction here is the Hesten Cliffs. It is from here that the best panoramic view of Séglú opens up — a monumental cliff that drops sheer as a wall straight into the icy ocean. A gastronomic highlight of the trip will be skrei — a special Arctic cod that swims a thousand kilometres from the Barents Sea to the waters of Sognefjorden.

Beautiful cities of Portugal: the medieval fortress of Marvão in the clouds

On the border with Spain lies a hidden gem of a settlement, founded as far back as the 8th century. Marvão stands atop a gigantic quartzite rock over 800 metres high.

In the 13th century, the village was surrounded by mighty granite walls, which have been wonderfully preserved to this day. Thanks to the white facades of the houses and its incredible location high up on the cliff, Marvão looks like a fairytale snow-white fortress, literally soaring in the clouds above the Portuguese plains.

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Banská Štiavnica in a volcanic crater

This Slovakian town is unique in its location — it is built right inside the collapsed caldera of an ancient volcano. In the past, the local rock concealed rich deposits of gold and silver, which made Banská Štiavnica a thriving mining centre.

When the mineral deposits were exhausted, the town seemed to stand still in time. In the 20th century, the local authorities lacked the funds for large-scale modernisation and redevelopment, thanks to which the magnificent Gothic and Renaissance architecture has been preserved in perfect condition. In addition, the ‘Taichi’ — a system of 60 artificial lakes — is well worth a visit. Engineers once created them to protect the mines from flooding, and today these lakes, surrounded by dense forest, have become ideal spots for a peaceful retreat.

Ireland’s Nature: the wild landscapes of the Beara Peninsula

For lovers of rugged coastal romance, Ireland’s Beara Peninsula is the perfect choice. The main attraction here is a drive along the winding serpentine road of Healy Pass. The road cuts through desolate rocky wastelands, where you can drive for miles in complete solitude.

Once you reach the westernmost point of the peninsula, be sure to take a ride on Ireland’s only cable car. It stretches right over the churning waves of the Atlantic Ocean and leads to Dursey Island. And the best way to round off a busy day is in one of the local pubs, enjoying the freshest seafood.

Are you planning to travel to remote corners of Europe? You can quickly arrange a travel medical insurance policy on the Visit Ukraine portal. Complete the paperwork online in just a few minutes before you set off to ensure your safety on any route, no matter how unusual.

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