A powerhouse land of attractions wrapped over a wealth of history, culture, nightlife, tasty European dishes and charming as well as loving people to celebrate with as company - EUROPE, still remains as one of the hottest destinations in the world for tourists.
However, we all are aware of a lot of famous tourist destinations in the continent, but are yet to discover few enchantingly exciting and mesmerizing destinations which escape the bucket lists of many in general, all of which deserves much credit. So let’s inculcate in an enduring ride across the 10 most underrated destinations in Europe.
1) Cuenca, Spain
Perched upon a rock and with a history that can be traced back around 1300-years, the colourful houses, castle ruins, and cathedral packed with architecture spanning through various time periods come together to provide another world like feel. The surrounding nature of the karst mountains, coupled with the crystal blue river provides an awesome adventure playground alongside the city break.The top 3 places to visit here, are -
*Cathedral of Our Lady of Grace and Saint Julian
*Church of Saint Peter
*Church of Saint Michael
The busiest month for tourism in Cuenca, Spain is May, followed by February and March.
Often overshadowed by its larger neighbor, Amsterdam, Rotterdam is an underground music and street arts Mecca. Bombed nearly into the ground during World War II, the city is renowned for its bold and modern architecture.
The top 3 places to visit here, are -
*Rotterdam Central Station
*Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk
*Europort
The peak time to visit is Oct–Nov & Apr–May.
If rows of multi-colored gingerbread houses are your vibe, the Italian-influenced Czech town of Telč should be on your travel bucket list. Baroque-Renaissance homes line the main Zacharias of Hradec Square, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while on the other side of the square sits the storied Telč Castle.
The top 3 places to visit here, are -
*Town square
*Castle square
*Telc’s park
The warmer months (May–Aug) are the most popular time for visitors.
Known as the world’s “oldest Christian country,” Armenia is one of the most fascinating places you can visit. The capital, Yerevan, is one of the longest continually-inhabited cities on earth, and is known for its majestic views of Mt. Ararat—Armenia’s national symbol—as well as its ararat brandy and wine. Yerevan’s been dubbed the “pink city” for the rose-hued volcanic tufa rock that forms much of its architecture. This area, amongst others, has been greatly developed over the past decade, resulting in more restaurants, cafés, shops and hotels.
The top 3 places to visit here, are -
*Republic Square*Matenadaran
*Cascade Complex
The peak travel season is summer (Jun–Aug).
Brussels is fabulous but you can escape the hustle and bustle by heading south to the riverfront town of Dinant. Nestled between the Meuse River and its citadel, it boasts stunning architecture and some amazing views from the mountaintop fortress. Be sure to visit the waterfalls of the Grotto of Dinant, the Sanctuary of Beauraing, and the Collegiate Church of Notre Dame de Dinant, a 13th-century Gothic cathedral.
The top 3 places to visit here, are -
* The Citadel of Dinant
* Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame
* Adolphe Sax Museum
The most popular times to visit Dinant are late spring and summer (May–Aug).
The Georgian capital of Tbilisi is a fantastic city to get lost in. While it’s very much off the beaten track, it has a lovely Old Town with enticing winding alleyways and traditional balconied houses that are tucked in between magnificent Art Noveau buildings. There are lots of traditional markets to explore, filled with colorful produce, breads and meats, and no Walmart in sight. When it comes to food, as there are people here from just about every culture, from Russia to the north, Turkey to the west, Armenia to the south and Azerbaijan to the east, it results in an outstanding mix of eats as well.
The top 2 places to visit here, are -
*THE OLD TOWN.*SULPHUR BATH.
Peak travel season is May–Sep. Summer (Jul–Aug).
Piran is a postcard-perfect town that’s often compared to Venice, situated on a beautiful peninsula that lies between the Gulf of Piran and the Bay of Strunjan. Stepping into the old port is like stepping into an open-air museum with its many colorful medieval buildings and long, rich history. Piran’s Church of St. George with its separate bell tower and baptistery is quite similar to the campanile of St. Marco in Venice. Head to Tartini Square for some great people watching and a cocktail or two.
The top 3 places to visit here, are -
*Tartini Square*Stroll the Harbor
*Visit the Church of St. George
A popular time to visit Piran is Apr–Sep.
While Dublin has a lot to offer, it’s also a sprawling, traffic-filled city. Cork, on the other hand is sometimes referred to as the “real capital of Ireland,” and it’s a lot easier to navigate. It’s filled with happening pubs that host live music, outstanding art galleries and thought-provoking museums, and it offers one of the best foodie scenes in the entire country. Just be sure to bring plenty of loose clothing to wear after feasting on all the fresh seafood, local cheeses, handmade chocolates, and Guinness to wash it all down with of course.
The top 3 places to visit here, are -
*Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle (Blarney Stone)& Cahir Castle*Magical Cork Self-Guided Audio Tour
*Operation city Quest of Ireland
Many visitors come to Cork between May–Aug and in Dec.
Turku was named the European Capital of Culture in 2011, but it’s still managed to remain under the radar with tourists. Finland’s oldest town boasts a a burgeoning food and drink scene, charming cobblestone streets to explore, a medieval castle, a picturesque waterfront and the opportunity to enjoy exciting nightlife too. The 1886 Turku Market Hall is a great way to explore the cuisine. Be sure to sample the traditional salmon soup with local rye bread for an authentic Finnish experience.
The top 3 places to visit here, are -
*Turku Market Hall
*Aboa Vetus Ars Nova Museum
*Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum
Peak travel time is late spring through summer (May–Aug).
Filled with a maze of cobbled streets and alleyways, Guimaraes is one of the prettiest cities in Portugal. It’s also home to a 10th-century castle guarded by a statue of the nation’s first king. From the towers and battlements inside, you can enjoy a fabulous view of the city and beyond. It’s the kind of place that’s best experienced while sipping the local coffee, or a glass of local wine, in one of the medieval squares like Praca de Santiago or Santiago, and watching the world go by.
The top 3 places to visit here, are -
*Palace of the Dukes of Braganza
*Historic Guimarães
*Guimarães Castle
Peak travel is Jul–Sep.
-Arthita Ray
An undergrad student, Amity University Kolkata. An avid orator, anchor, creative writer, singer, debater and a movie and sports buff. Have work experience with The Telegraph, Friends FM and GreyMatters Communcations.
This is superb!
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