Hello everyone, I’m from England and thinking about doing a mini-trip around Europe next year. Doing some reading up on it I stumbled across some really positive reviews of Albania, somewhere I hadn’t really considered visiting before, but I now am.
It got me thinking, where are the other hidden gems in Europe? Off the usual tourist trail – any suggestions?
Thank you
Depending on the length of your minitrip, I might suggest Kosovo, just across the border from Albania. And safe!
parts of Montenegro are off the beaten track, but not the coast from May till let's say September. Bosnia and Herzegovina still is a wonderfull country and although Mostar is rather busy sometimes, other places are relatively quiet as well.
Probably a great area to combine these countries, even with Serbia, Macedonia. The Balkan in general is pretty relaxed, safe, cheap, friendly people but still good infrastructure to get around and good weather in summer.
Further east Moldova and parts of Ukraine are not as popular either.
If weather is less of a thing, I can recommend the Faroer Islands or just travel around some Scandinavian and Baltic countries at the end of winter. It's not that cold, snow is still there and alltogether it's just a beautiful and quiet time (except the northern ski areas, too crowded and overpriced).
Finally, still Europe: Georgia and Armenia! Beautiful countries with great culture and nature and safe and friendly as well. Azerbaijan might offer the same, but haven't been there (yet..
).
Cheers
Michael.
Ghent is a fabulous city - really pretty, has a good vibe and some great restaurants, bars and cafes. I visited earlier this year after reading a post on TP and have to admit I barely knew anything about the city before that. I think people tend to skip it and visit Bruges instead, which we thought was over - rated.
Ghent! Yeah I dont wanna keep blowing it up because everyone will go but this is what this site is for I guess. You have to see this city.
Im also living in Lviv, Ukraine now.... and Id say, another hidden away gem!
Ghent sounds like somewhere I must visit. In fact everywhere that has been suggested sound like places I need to visit! Thank you!
Anyone ever been to Bulgaria? Have heard good things about there as well
Just to let you know (if any of you are interested!) that I decided to go to Ghent and will be going in just over three weeks. Thanks everyone for your suggestions. If anyone has any tips for places to see in Ghent they would be appreciated (Bex I’ve still got your PM of suggestions and will make sure I incorporate them into my trip!).
Albania? I was there few months ago, in Tirana and it was nothing really nice.
My tips are:
krakow (a lot of tourists, but wonderful city)
Lviv, ukraine, a small krakow without tourists
Kiev, ukraine, very interesting city
Porto
Apulia and Sicily (italy) regions in spring, for a warm sun, good food, nice landscapes and people
Sarajevo
Plovdiv, bulgaria (as you asked about bulgaria)
moravia region, in Czech rep, at the end of august, for wine fests
There is no place like Paris, Barcelona or Rome but Europe has unseen places that match the big attractions on beauty and charm, and with far tourists. Take the road less traveled with these hidden gems in Europe,
Burg Satzvey,Germany, Amiens, France, Haarlem,The Netherlands, La Coruna, Spain, Olomouc, Czech Republic, Tartu,Estonia, Lancut, Poland, Barcelona, Spain, Kalamiotou Street, at night
Copenhagen, Bakken amusement park , Istanbul, Krakow, Poland
Bunkier Sztuki Contemporary Art Gallery these places are famous . hope you like this.