Unique places in Europe: where to spend an unforgettable active vacation

The vast and diverse expanse of Europe really does offer a vacation for every taste. Whether you're looking for white sand beaches, picturesque landscapes, remote mountain villages, or the best islands, or you want to have an all-inclusive vacation, you'll definitely find options and offers to suit any request and budget.

If you want a truly unforgettable experience and are tired of crowds of tourists, experts have compiled a list of unique places. The routes will require additional planning, but all efforts will definitely be rewarded with vivid emotions.

Alpine hiking and views of Mont Blanc

Anyone who appreciates the spectacle of a beautiful mountain range should see the panoramas of Mont Blanc. Known for its striking shape, the peak has been attracting adventurers, nature lovers, and avid rock climbers for centuries, but of course, you don't have to be a climber to fall in love with the place.

Mont Blanc is located near Megève, a quaint alpine village that provides an idyllic escape and the perfect introduction to the French Alps. The only place to book a room in this wonderful city is the Four Seasons Megève. Swimming pools, saunas, steam baths and the most luxurious spa will give you true relaxation after long walks.

Arta, Mallorca

The island of Mallorca is not exactly a "hidden gem", but Arta, hidden inland from the east coast, is definitely a unique place. This creative little village has many great restaurants, cafes, and boutiques. It is also home to one of the oldest settlements in Ses Paisses.

Camino de Santiago road

If you're looking for a vacation unlike any other, the Camino de Santiago or St. James' Way will undoubtedly give you an unforgettable experience. The road covers Portugal, France and Spain. What began as a religious pilgrimage now attracts nature lovers, adventurers, or anyone who appreciates hiking. Today, nine routes have become the most popular due to the unique sites along the way. One of the shortest but perhaps the most interesting is the Camino Primitivo. This walk takes approximately two weeks to complete, and the road passes through incredible mountains and quaint villages. Along the way, there are plenty of albergues where you can rest - these converted buildings are basically hostels for pilgrims, offering a warm and cheap place to sleep at the end of each day.

Timisoara, Romania

Timisoara, the third largest city in Romania, may not be a popular vacation destination, but discerning Europeans choose it as a city of gastronomic tourism. Here you can eat the most hearty food that will truly warm your soul. Whether you're looking for meat dishes to fill you up after a day of sightseeing, delicious vegetarian or vegan food, or a Vietnamese meal, Timisoara has it all. Casa Bunicii is the place to go for typical Romanian dishes such as pork shank with rosemary potatoes and homemade lemonade, while Merlot restaurant is perfect if you want something a little more upscale with dishes like wagyu beef and duck breast on the menu. Bio Fresh serves delicious vegetarian and vegan options, as well as a large selection of juices and smoothies.

Greek Islands

Greece has 227 picturesque inhabited islands, so it makes sense to combine several of them for a trip. Upper and Lower Koufonisia are two tiny islands that have never topped the lists of the best places to visit in Greece, so they have preserved their authenticity and untouched nature. Now they have become more famous, but the laid-back atmosphere and the sparkling translucent sea that surrounds them still make Koufonisia a dream destination where you can escape from problems and worries. And from there, it is easy to get by boat to the island of Schoinousa, where you will find bright white buildings with blue shutters, simple taverns and an atmospheric, quiet vacation away from the bustle of the city. Here you can just enjoy life.

Italian region of Lombardy

The Lombardy region of Italy is one of the best places for gastronomic tourism in Europe. Due to the large volume of rice fields (42% of Italian rice production is in Lombardy), the region's specialty is risotto, which is often cooked with mushrooms and sausage. Experts recommend ordering this dish at Valentino Legend Milano restaurant. In addition to risotto, Lombardy is also known for polenta and hearty meat stews, including bruschetti, made from pieces of leftover meat stewed in wine and fennel seeds. A good place to try bruschetti and polenta is Trattoria Parietti in Bergamo.

Comporta in Portugal

The village of Comporta in Portugal has been attracting creative people for years. Casa do Pego is an open-concept bohemian house that will impress anyone who appreciates good architecture, perfectly designed interiors and unspoiled nature. This home is a true paradise with three double bedrooms decorated in dark brown and beige tones, a rooftop pool with bright orange daybeds, and dreamy outdoor spaces created for long dinners at dusk. This is the perfect place for a group creative retreat.

Azores

In the spring, the waters surrounding the Azores are full of whales, making them one of the best places for a special trip. In addition to whale watching, you can enjoy a heavy dose of culture, ancient architecture and great food. The island of São Miguel (Ilha Verde) is a great place to start your trip. Notable buildings include the exquisitely tiled Portas da Cidade and the symmetrical Nossa Senhora da Paz Chapel. The landscapes here are truly incredible - from volcanic peaks to turquoise lakes. The cuisine of the Azores is hearty and rich - don't forget to try cozido, a kind of meat and vegetable stew.

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