The sun is here, and with it two seasons’ worth of holidaymaking potential. Having successfully vanquished the cold and drear of the shiver season, what better way to properly embrace the promise of summer than to book something special with your loved ones?
If you’re reading this, you want to do that, but you’re not interested in going to the same old sun-trap destinations that always top the tourism statistics. Nice as a weekend on a beach in Spain can be, Europe has so, so much more to offer. So, then, in the interests of being niche, what are some best-kept-secret destinations in Europe that are sure to deliver you some life-long memories?
Andorra
Well, why not start with something deeply unconventional for an average summer holiday? Rather than jet-setting to the nearest destination promising cloudless 30+ degree weather, have you considered instead header for colder, more altitudinous climes? Indeed, summer could be the perfect time for you to go on your first ever skiing holiday – and ideal for the relative lack of skiers you’ll need to contend with in the process.
My suggestion for your hidden-treasure ski holiday is Andorra – a true hidden gem in the Pyrenees, nestled between Spain and France and beholden to some of the most stunning views in Western Europe. Andorra ski holidays are bursting with promise – stunning mountains, ski resorts, natural hot springs and charming towns abound!
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Here’s another off-kilter destination suggestion that eschews stifling heat in favour of something else entirely: Slovenia. More accurately, Lake Bled in Slovenia – a frankly stunning stretch of fairytale beauty framed by Alpine mountains and dense, rich woodland.
Lake Bled is exceedingly picturesque, and frequently used for location filming in ‘the movies’ accordingly. You may recognise the incredible church-on-an-island, which looks to be floating in the middle of the lake’s chill, blue waters. If you’re looking for a scenic getaway with a hint of soft-focus gothic majesty, look no further than one of the most beautiful places in Europe.
Faroe Islands, Denmark
The Faroe Islands are what you find if you travel north through Scotland, then just keep going for a while. Dead north of Britain’s rocky tip, the Faroe Islands are actually part of Denmark – technically speaking, at least. These islands number 18, and share between them a rich geological history that makes for some stunning North-Sea landscapes.The remoteness of the Faroe Islands is draw enough for many, being a realm of distinct quietude – literally, and with regard to the beautiful rural lives lived across the isles.
Come for the towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and colourful villages; stay for the hospitality, the incredible food, and the incomparable birdwatching. Seriously, though, the Faroese landscapes must be seen to be believed, and a single hour spent atop just one of the islands’ jagged peaks would more than justify the journey.
