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The summer is the time when Americans love to explore Europe. What Americans don’t love-however, are the crowds that surge at every major city in Europe. If you are looking for your next European trip to be less crowded and more peaceful, investigate one of these destinations. Read on to discover these seven underrated spots in Europe you should visit.
7 Underrated Spots in Europe
See Fairytale Inspiration at Funen, Denmark
Funen is the birthplace of famed children’s author Hans Christian Andersen. This little town is located on an island called Fyn. The island is filled with gems like Egeskov Castle that must have inspired the famous fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen. In Funen, you can also visit H.C. Andersen’s House and take a step back in time. Besides historical sites, there are a wide range of things to do in Funen including bridge walking, scavenger hunts, and shop at Odense market, plus much more.
Visit ‘Medieval Manhattan’ Bologna, Italy
Bologna is full of terracotta rooftops and the anatomy theatre, which add a unique element of culture to this academic city. See and explore the beautiful Basilica of the Madonna di San Luca on the hilltop beyond the city walls. While in this glorious city don’t forget to sample that famous Bolognese cuisine, especially the sauce. Osteria 3 Leoni offers fine northern Italian cuisine with vegetarian and gluten free options.
Stroll the Riva Promenade in Split, Croatia
Split is the second largest city in Croatia, but somehow this coastal gem is underrated. This city has an eclectic mix of ancient history with contemporary life. In Split, you can explore Diocletian’s Palace, which dates to 305 AD and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a stroll in Old Town’s cobblestone streets to People’s Square, right in the heart of Old Town. In the square, there are number of restaurants and cafes for enjoyment. At Ciri Biri Bela, you will dine on amazing Mediterranean and Croatian cuisine.
Enjoy the Mountain Panorama at Innsbruck, Austria
This city located in the center of the Alps is much more than a ski destination. Innsbruck is an idyllic city with a rich history. The highlights of Innsbruck are the Golden Roof, the Imperial Palace, and the Court Church. While in the city you can hike and explore the nearby Nordkette mountain range, or just enjoy their view from the city. Active people will love biking or walking the city’s many trails, swimming, horseback riding and golf, plus much more.
Explore the Ruins at Thessaloniki, Greece
A one hour flight from Athens will get you to the country’s ‘second city’ Thessaloniki. For history buffs, the city has several ruins from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman eras to explore. Thessaloniki highlights are the White Tower, the Roman Forum, and the charming cobblestone streets of the historic quarter Ano Poli. After a day of exploration, head over to Valaoritou Street for a tasty cocktail at The Happy Pub or Dentro Sto Bar. The city is also a popular spot for locals as the beaches are less crowded than on the Greek Islands.
Spend Time in the Bronze Age in Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia is 1,200 miles of stunning coastline that blends from beaches into mountains. The rugged landscape is dotted with thousands of nuraghe- Bronze Age stone ruins that are shaped like beehives. Besides spectacular beaches, visitors can play golf, go horseback riding, scuba diving and hike the trails. Sardinia also has its own cuisine with a local highlights being the savory porreddu, a grilled suckling pig, and Carloforte tuna fish.
Party at Belgrade, Serbia
This capital of Serbia has become quite the party spot for younger travelers. This is due to the large array of bars and restaurants in the city. Dining highlights include Babaroga Steakhouse and the Riddle Bar. In Belgrade, you can float on a splavovi, a floating lounge that is anchored along the Danube and Sava Rivers. For a history lesson, be sure to visit Beogradska Tvrdava, the fortress that represented the city’s part in the Austrian, Ottoman, Serbian, Byzantine, and Roman empires.
Come and visit these underrated spots in Europe this summer!
READ MORE:
Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 for 2021
Germany Eases Travel Restrictions For More Countries Including UK
Switzerland Reopens To US and Canadian Tourists
Top 10 Destinations To Visit In Italy This Summer
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Bob
Monday 12th of July 2021
Like this very much
Ashley
Monday 12th of July 2021
Serbia is literally my favorite country to travel to, in Europe. I love everything about that place. I highly recommend everyone to visit and experience it for themselves.
Elisa
Monday 12th of July 2021
Underrated destinations? Only by Americans I guess... In Split, Thessaloniki and Belgrade there are lots of tourists (at least before covid), but both cities are quite nice and yes, if you compare them to Rome, Amsterdam or Dubrovnik I guess it's 'less busy':-).