Tourist destinations in Europe
Size is not the main thing! Europe is four times smaller than Asia and three times smaller than Africa, but it attracts more travelers from all over the world. If you’re just starting to explore Europe, some destinations are mandatory:
If you have been to Europe more than once and are looking for new interesting destinations, this article is for you.
Porto and the Douro valleys, Portugal
The Portuguese city of Porto is known for its fortified wine – port wine – everywhere! Life in this coastal city was leisurely and measured, but recently the city has been transformed and surprised by its dynamic character. Today, Porto is the capital of the arts.
At the forefront of the city’s bohemian art scene is the Rua Miguel Bombarda gallery, which is reminiscent of a lively art festival at the opening of new exhibitions. By the way, exhibitions in different centres and galleries on this street open simultaneously, which allows visitors to appreciate all the new art in one visit.
The huge (Museum of Modern Art) hosts the best exhibitions. Meanwhile, the popular CasadaMúsica, designed by leading Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, is a regular venue for musical performances, including performances and free outdoor concerts in the summer.
Recently, Porto has opened famous restaurants that give a certain charm to the city and attract even more tourists. Wine tourism is developing in the historic homeland of Port, with excursions to wineries and tastings.
Outside Porto, the Douro Valley, a picturesque area that consists of steep slopes, stretches. These slopes are home to famous Portuguese vineyards and picturesque villages, while riverboats and cruise ships sail along the Douro River.
Budapest, Hungary
What was old now becomes new in the Hungarian capital. Want to try new types of bars? Head to Romcoxma (“ruined pubs” in Hungarian) or Kertek (bars in gardens and parks). These are very trendy pubs today, which are located in abandoned buildings or in the wild.
You can stay overnight in historic hotels like retro-chic. These are historic buildings such as the residence of former Prime Minister Brody House or the former palace of the aristocracy and now the Hotel Palazzo Zichy.
Budapest has long been famous for its numerous thermal springs. In 2013, the famous 16th century Turkish baths, which have been closed for a long time, are opened after reconstruction. These baths are located on the grounds of the luxurious Ratz Hotel in Budapest.
The retro-style trend will continue in restaurants, old-fashioned cafes and cozy bistros “etkezdek”, which serve simple Hungarian dishes.
Northern Iceland
Iceland is one of the most popular tourist destinations in 2013. Why does Iceland attract travelers? Firstly, famous Icelandic bands such as Björk, Sigur Rós, Múm, The Sugarcubes and Mínus.
Second, famous detective writers. Thirdly, there are therapeutic geysers and thermal springs. Fourth, the decrease in the level of “cost” of recreation due to the economic crisis in the country. Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland and the Golden Circle, is especially popular.
Also be sure to visit Akureyri, which is considered the second largest Icelandic city, and get acquainted with the vast expanses of wildlife. You will see incredible geysers, lava fields and high waterfalls.
Chinkwe Terre, Italy
Cinque Terre is a national park in Italy that consists of five small settlements 5 km west of the city of Spice. The park is located on the coast of the Gulf of Genoa and belongs to the district of Liguria.
In 1997, UNESCO added the landscape of Chinkwe Terre Park to the World Heritage List.
Five villages – Monterosso, Vernazza, Cornilla, Manarola and Riomaggiore – have their own identity. By the way, traffic is prohibited or very restricted inside each settlement.
This fact gives a certain flavor to the life of the locals. Medieval pirate defences and other buildings from that period have been preserved throughout the park. Unfortunately, the 2011 flood destroyed most of the buildings, destroyed vineyards and caused irreparable damage to the architecture of the towns.
In two years, the people of Jinqué Terre have been rebuilding their settlements on their own and have achieved much. We can estimate it ourselves!
Moravia, Czech Republic
Prague, Karlovy Vary and Bohemia are the most popular tourist routes in the Czech Republic. Moravia is quiet and cozy – not yet spoilt by tourists and ready to show the true traditions of the Czech Republic.
Moravia is famous for its strong red wines and, more recently, its late maturing white wines. Wine tasting is easy – there are no Michelin-starred restaurants, no high-class boutiques, of which there are many in the promoted wine regions of Europe. In Moravia, you’ll find local harvest festivals, small family wineries and cycling through hilly vineyards.
The Moravian region includes one of the most undervalued Czech cities, Olomouc. The town hosts one of the largest beer festivals in the world, and nightlife attracts Czech youth all year round. Brno is a city in the Moravian region, famous for its museums. The most fantastic museum is the Brno City Museum.
It is located in Špilberk Castle, which was built in the 13th century. Another interesting museum is the Mendal Museum. It is dedicated to the monk who defined the foundations of modern genetics.
Bern, Switzerland
Bern is the unwavering European capital. Switzerland is very popular with ski resorts and magnificent nature, but the capital is a bit forgotten by tourists.
Bern combines strict, noble aristocratic style with modern and a little bit sharp architecture. The magnificent fountain of the 15th century in the Old Town, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, is located near the Paul Klee Center, designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano.
Not far from the fountain is the former home of Albert Einstein. Fancy boutiques, smart bars and ultra-modern cuisine will provide you with an unforgettable vacation. Travellers can arrange gastronomic tourism. Bike ride on the Emmental Cheese Route and taste cheeseses from different manufacturers.