Hidden European Gems Beyond Paris And Rome

Undiscovered European Destinations Beyond Paris And Rome

When you want a detour from the noise of city life, Europe is the continent to choose from. With a history and culture that blend seamlessly into modern life, living at a slow pace, you will feel that it is the centre of everything. But why visit places that have made it to many people's bucket lists and have even been traveled to? So travel to the rest of Europe now. In this post, you will find a selection of destinations to visit in Europe, featuring stunning landscapes, rich cultural and historical significance, a diverse range of food, events, and traditions that you won't want to miss. 

Greece

When you visit Greece, you will experience stunning scenery and witness its rich history. This place is a regal blend of pristine beaches, the islands, and mountains, so whatever you are looking for is available. 

Capital: Athens

Places to Visit: Santorini, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Chania Town, Acropolis, Elafonissi Beach, Parthenon, Plaka, Balos Lagoon, Meteora, Lindos Village, Fira to Oia Walk, Panathenaic Stadium. 

Food to Try: Moussaka, Gyros, Souvlaki, Greek salad, Tzatziki, Keftedes, Spanakopita, Dolmades, Grilled Octopus, Kleftiko, Tiropita, Loukoumades, Bougatsa, Galaktoboureko, Ouzo, and Retsina. 

Events to attend: The Athens and Epidaurus Festival, the Patras Carnival, the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, Rockwave, and the Aegina Pistachio Festival. 

Norway

All of us have heard about Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis, while only some of us have witnessed them in reality. The best and prime location is Norway. This vibrant city boasts many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, so be sure to visit it soon. 

Capital: Oslo

Places to Visit: Mount Floyen and the Funicular, Norsk Folkemuseum, Vigeland Park, Geiranger Fjord, Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf, The Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, Viking Ship Museum, Mount Ulriken and the cable car, Preikestolen, The Bergen railway, Flor og Fjærder, and Fish Market. 

Foods to try: Farikal, Brunost, Fiskesuppe, Gravlaks, Våfler, Norsk Kanelboller, Polse i Lompe, Salmon, Fenar, Räksmörgås, Lapskaus, Mølter, Salt Lakris, and Rømmegrøt. 

Events to attend: Tromsø International Film Festival, Oslo Jazz Festival, Stavanger International Piano Festival, Norwegian Festival of Literature, Vrimledagen City Event, Kunsthall Stavanger, and Nordover Art Center. 

Spain

Spain, a city deeply embedded in culture and history, wears it proudly. Not just that, you will also get to see the diverse landscapes, beaches, and mountains, as well as many other locations within the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Read about the other information below: 

Capital: Madrid

Places to Visit: Basílica de la Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, Plaza de España, Parque Güell, Museo Nacional del Prado, The Alhambra, Loro Parque, Real Alcázar de Sevilla, Gothic Quarter, Mercat de la Boqueria, Royal Palace of Madrid, and Mezquita Cathedral de Córdoba. 

Foods to try: Paella, Spanish Omelette, Patatas Bravas, Gazpacho, Jamón Iberico, Churros, Chorizo, Pan Can Tomato, Tapas, Albondigas, Manchego, Migas, Bacalao and Bocadillo, Sardine Toast, Empanadas, Spanish Lasagna, Palmeras, Patatas Fritas, Calamari Sandwich. 

Events to attend: La Fallas Festival, the San Fermin Running of the Bulls, La Tomatina, Primavera Sound, FIB Benicassim, Spanish Grand Prix, Las Fallas, and Tenerife Carnival. 

Belgium

If you are a medieval city explorer, then Belgium is the place for you. You can learn many things about the world's history by exploring the numerous museums available. So, taste the famous chocolates and experience the beauty. 

Capital: Brussels

Places to visit: Grand Place, Historic Centre of Brugge, Atomium, Gravensteen, Antwerpen-Centraal, the Markt, Belfort, Basilica of the Holy Blood, St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral, De Halve Maan Brewery, Graslei and Korenlei, and Minnewater Lake. 

Foods to try: Moules and Frites, Carbonade flamanade, Belgian Waffles, Speculoos, Cuberdon, Flemish Asparagus, and Pistolet. 

Events to attend: Tomorrowland, Rock Werchter, the Binche Carnival, Brussels Christmas Market, Graspop Metal Meeting, Dour Festival, Gentse Feesten, Zinneke Parade, and Light Festival Ghent. 

Portugal 

Portugal is the perfect blend of city life and ancient architecture and culture. It features iconic building styles and natural landscapes that make your trip worthwhile. 

Capital: Lisbon

Places to visit: Alfama, Quinta da Regaleira, Mosteiro das Jeronimos, Castelo De São Jorge, Torre de Belém, Dom Luís I Bridge, Bairro Alto, Park and National Park of Pena, Pico do Arieiro, Praca do Comércio, São Bento Railway Station, and National Tile Museum. 

Foods to try: Pastel de nata, Caldo verde, Arroz de Marisco, Bifana, Frilled Sardines, Bacalhau, Francesinha, Cozido à Portuguesa, Cataplana de marisco, Alheira, Polvo a lagareiro, Feijoada, Serra da Estrela Cheese, and Carde de Porco a alentejana. 

Events to attend: Feste de São João, Sintra Festival, NOS Alive and Boom Festival, Flower Festival, and Lisbon Marathon. 

Italy

Italy is known for its food and architecture. Many sites have been reconstructed from their ruins and are now maintained. It is home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites. 

Capital: Rome

Places to visit: Colosseum, Duomo di Milano, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Piazza Michelangelo, St. Peter's Basilica, Museo Cappella Sansevero, Doge's Palace, Galleria Borbonica, Trastevere, Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. 

Foods to try: Pizza Margherita, Carbonara Pasta, Bistecca alla Fiorentina, gelato, tiramisù, Cannoli, Spaghetti alla Carbonara, cacio e pepe, Ragu alla Bolognese, Lasagne, Risotto alla Milanese. 

Events to attend: Venice Carnival, Palio di Siena, Verona Opera festival, Infiorata Flower Festival, Ferragosto, Alba White Truffle Fair, Umbria Jazz Festival, Venice Biennale, Ravello Festival, Cous Cous Fest, Historical Regatta, Calcio Storico Fiorentino. 

Albania 

Visit Albania for its stunning mountains, picturesque beaches along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, welcoming people, and fantastic cuisine. Read more about Albania below: 

Capital: Tirana

Places to visit: The Blue Eye, Butrint National Park, Skanderbeg Square, Berat Castle, Grand Park, Kruja Castle, Gjirokaster Castle, Rozafa Castle, Dhermi Beach, Xhamia Et'hem Bej, Lekuresi Castle, Pulebardhan Beach. 

Foods to try: Tave Kosi, Byrek, Fergese, Speca te mbushura, Qofte, Flija, Tarator, Japrak, Fasule, Trilece, Petulla, Baklava, Kacavall, and Raki. 

Events to attend: Gjirokaster National Folklore festival, Dita e veres, Tomorr Mountain Pilgrimage, Korca Beer Festival, Kala Festival, White Night in Tirana, South Outdoor Festival. 

Conclusion: If you are looking for places to visit in Europe and want to skip the famous tourist attractions to explore the hidden gems, then this is your guide. These places have so much more to offer tourists, including art, architecture, food, climate, scenery, festivals, and more.