11 Enchanted Places in Eastern Europe You Have to Visit

Eastern Europe

Today, more travelers are choosing Eastern Europe as their exotic vacation destination. Eastern Europe offers tourists cities with rich culture, medieval old town architecture, lyrical languages and historic palaces.

Here are 11 amazing places you should visit in Eastern Europe.

  1. Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest is known for its exemplary tree-lined boulevards, historic architecture and diverse culture. The most remarkable attractions include Romanian Athenaeum of which the concert hall is the most prestigious hall in Bucharest. Calea Victoriei is the oldest and the most vibrant street of the city. The Parliament Palace is enormous, and is a display of luxurious interiors.

Bucharest

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  1. Sibiu, Romania

A city with a traditional vibe. The colorful houses and cobblestone streets add to the medieval charm of the landscape. The view from the top of the Council Tower is splendid. The Brukenthal museum and Crama siniu Vechih restaurant are the must-visit places in Sibiu.

Sibiu

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  1. Bratislava, Slovakia

It’s a tiny picturesque town with narrow streets, traditional markets and numerous small cafes. Get a bird’s eye view of the town from atop the majestic Bratislava castle. Do make a trip to see the glorious Slavin Memorial.

Bratislava

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  1. Nida, Lithuania

A UNESCO World Heritage Site shared by Russia and Lithuania. Nida is the tourist destination on spit, a curved sand dune. A hike through pine forests, views of pristine white sand beaches are the city’s charms. Parindis is the most splendid and massive dune with a breathtaking view. Curonian National Park will be a treat for wildlife lovers.

Nida

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5. Skopje, Macedonia

A city with high spirits and a relaxed social vibe. The city has a thriving night life. It is a harmonious blend of Christian and Islamic cultures. The historic structures and museums, Triumphal Arch are the most frequented attractions. The Plostad Makedonija Square is dedicated to national heroes.

skopje-macedonia

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6. Dubrovnik, Croatia

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is also the shining star of Croatia. It has some spectacular sculptures, churches and museums. Dubrovnik is incomplete without a walk down the city wall. A cable car ride to Mt.Srd can add to another splendid view of the city.
Dubrovnik, Croatia

 

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  1. Split, Croatia

Split is the heart of Croatia. Diocletian’s Palace is a beautiful Roman monument that is a UNESCO World Heritage. The eastern shores and coastal mountain backdrop adds to the compelling beauty of the city. A visit to the beaches especially Bacvice Beach during summers where people participate in water sports and beach thrills can be really worth your while.

Split

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  1. Orheiul Vechi, Moldova

The most extraordinary and scenic attraction is the Oreil vechi Monastery. Other attractions include an ethnographic museum near Butuncei, some newly opened caves. The view from the monasteries headquarters is just spine chilling.

Orheiul Vechi, Moldova

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  1. Mljet island, Croatia

Covered with dense Mediterranean forest, vineyards and tiny villages it is one of the most beautiful islands in Eastern Europe. Other great attractions are the Mljet National Park, Roman Palace, the salt water lakes, the diverse vegetation and the untouched oasis. Seafood lovers should try Konaba Ankora, the best seafood restaurant.

mljet Islands

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  1. Belgrade, Serbia

A chaotic mix of nouveau masterpieces and a combination of old world charm Belgrade is the most happening place.Kalemegden Citadel is the perfect example of an impressive historic monument. The joyful atmosphere, lively streets and funfairs have its own worldly charm. An underground tour in the city’s past is a must to explore.

Belgrade

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11. Ljubljana, Slovenia

A City full of culture and traditions. Packed with the best museums. Restaurants and cafes in the country. Presernov Trg, the center square is the city’s favorite place to meet and greet. Take a bike ride across the famous lkubljana River. Plan a visit to the Ljubljana Castle and the National University Library to see examples of some stunning architecture.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

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8 Most Underrated Cities in Europe that You Just Have to Visit

Underrated Cities in Europe

Take a trip down small historic towns that will definitely give you a feeling of the warmth and rich cultural heritage of Europe. Here is a listicle that contains some small towns that should be on your travel itinerary as must-visit places to see in Europe.

Heidelberg, Germany

Top among places to see when you travel to Europe should be the picturesque little town of Heidelberg. Nestled in the valley of the Odenwald Mountains, the River Neckar alongside this quaint historic town. A trip to see the Heidelberg Castle is essential as it is a city landmark you don’t want to miss. Follow the trail along the Philosopher’s Walk to the mountains to see famous churches and the University of Heidelberg.

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Bruges, Belgium

If you have not seen the Anglo-American neo-noir crime drama ‘In Bruges’ or you have, Bruges is a city that will draw you in with its historic attractions. The striking medieval architecture and multitude of canals have earned it the sobriquet “The Venice of the North.” For art aficionados, Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child sculpture can be seen here.

Bruges-Belgium

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Ferrara, Italy

The city of Ferrara is ringed by an ancient wall that is over nine kilometers. Apart from some stunning cathedrals, you can also see palaces that were built during the 14th and 15th centuries. Stroll along the broad walkways and take in the sights and sounds of this beautiful city. Ferrara is also the hometown of several famed writers, artists and musicians.

Ferrara

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Valencia, Spain

Valencia is located strategically between Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza. Spain’s third largest city is filled with old-world charm like winding streets, striking architecture and gorgeous cathedrals. The large plaza in Valencia has many well-known museums and galleries to engage visitors.

Valencia

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Porto, Portugal

In 2001, Porto was crowned European Cultural Capital because of its long standing tradition in music, art and athletics. The city celebrates several cultural festivals like St. John (late June) and Queima das Fitas (early May). It is also home to the FC Porto among other football (soccer) clubs.

Porto-Portugal

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Biarritz, France

Situated on the Bay of Biscay, Biarritz is a lively coastal city that attracts a lot of tourists and surfers. The Biarritz Surf Festival is held annually that brings in surfers and fans from around the world. Interestingly, Biarritz is located in the Basque Country region so it offers a wonderful blend of French and Spanish cultures.

Biarritz-France

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Innsbruck, Austria

The city’s claim to fame is the fact that it has played host to the Winter Olympic Games twice (both in 1964 and 1976). The high altitude makes it the perfect place for winter sports and it is also the ideal playground for hiking, climbing and mountain biking throughout the rest of the year. The little city is full of museums, castles and notable sites of historic value.

Innsbruck-Austria

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Gothenburg, Sweden

Gothenburg is a university city that is well-known for hosting festivals like the Gothenburg International Film Festival and music festivals Way Out West and Metaltown. The city is a bastion of Scandinavian architecture, museums, sports and rich cultural history.

Gothenburg-Sweden

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8 Enchanting Flea Markets to Visit in Europe

best-flea-markets-in-europe

Flea markets are places for great deals and unearthing some one-of-a-kind treasures that is sure to make your trip to Europe all the more special. European flea markets are known for a bit of everything from jewelry to handmade edibles. For connoisseurs of times past, you will also find vintage flea markets filled with flea market antiques that can be bought at great prices.

Braderie de Lille Flea Market

An hour’s ride away from Paris by the TGV, the quaint town of Lille in France has the biggest flea market in Europe – the Braderie de Lille Flea Market. An annual event that lasts two days, the “Braderie” (French for “sell at a low price”) flea market attracts over 10,000 sellers. Dating back to the medieval times, this French flea market attracts more than two million visitors every September.

Portobello Road Flea Market

The Portobello Road Flea Market in Notting Hill, London is a gigantic crowd puller every Saturday, though you will find shops open from Monday to Friday. With more than 2,000 exhibitors on Saturday, this is one of the top flea markets in Europe with a bohemian vibe. You are likely to find everything from Limoges to exotic culinary ingredients in this place where you can shop and wind down with something to eat after you are done.

IJ-Hallen and Waterlooplein Flea Markets

Amsterdam’s most famous flea market has to be the Waterlooplein. The Amsterdam flea market is open six days a week and houses everything you can possibly imagine from vintage garments to old cameras. But if you would like to discover hidden gems in Amsterdam, then head to the IJ-Hallen in Noord, which is the largest flea market in the Netherlands and one of the biggest in Europe.

Waterloo Flea Market

The Waterloo Flea Market of Belgium is held on Saturdays in the parking space of the Carrefour supermarket. Other names that this flea market goes by are “La Brocante du Biggs”, “Brocante Château Cheval”, “Brocante du Carrefour”, “Brocante de Waterloo”, or “Brocante du Lion”. If the historic battlefield doesn’t get you to visit the area, consider the 300 flea market booths packed with goodies for bargain hunters.

The Antiques Market/Flea Market in Arezzo

At the heart of Tuscany lies the ancient city of Arezzo in Italy, with Roman buildings, medieval Piero della Francesca murals and Renaissance architecture. This town is a great attraction for art enthusiasts, but every month on the first weekend, the Piazza Grande is an antique lover’s paradise. The Arezzo flea market offers paintings, bric-a-brac and Roman coins.

El Rastro Flea Market

More often going by the name “el Rastro”, this is the popular open air flea market in Madrid, Spain. This flea market is situated along Plaza de Cascorro and Ribera de Curtidores, between Calle Embajadores and the Ronda de Toledo. Regulated by the Madrid town council, this market has 3,500 stalls hawking their wares new and old. By municipal discretion, this market is held every Sunday and public holiday of the year, from 9 am to 3 pm, in the barrio de Embajadores (‘Ambassador’s neighborhood).

Munich Flea Market

Munich is always happening – if it’s not the Oktoberfest, the Theresienwiese grounds house the Munich flea market is one of the top flea markets in Europe. This humongous flea market sets up during the Munich “Frühjahrsfest” (the first Saturday of the Spring Festival of Munich, in April). With around 3,000 exhibitors that pull in crowds of 80,000 from all over Europe. Thrifters who love flea market merchandise will delight in the great selection of militaria, home appliances, electronic, antiques, etc.

Cormano Flea Market

The Cormano Flea Market near Milan is open every Saturday at 7.30am and winds up by lunchtime (2 p.m.). With 150 stalls that make up this treasure hunter’s cove, you will also find great deals on what the area is famous for since the 14th century: silk. Here is the most beautiful market for vintage silk fabric in Europe as well as household goods, glass and silver and whatnot!

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Europe’s 10 Best Hidden Beaches for 2016

Best-Beaches-in-Europe-Top-10

Searching for a place to visit during your vacation? Europe is the place to be. Europe has some hidden beaches that will make you keep coming back for more vacations. Europe is ranked as one of the best tourist destination continent, having the best beaches ever.

For a stress-free holiday, consider visiting the following hidden beaches.

 

Cies Islands, Spain

Commonly known as the Galician Seychelles, Cies Islands is one of the European hidden beaches you should consider attending this year. Cies is part of the Atlantic Islands National Park. Galian Seychelles Beach is located in Spain and is mostly characterized by white sand.

To all the tourism enthusiasts interested in visiting Galian Seychelles beach, accommodation is not a problem due to the presence of the Pazo Los Escudos mansion with luxurious rooms.

Cies Islands Spain

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Notre Dame Beach, France

Notre Dame is a France hidden based beach which is surrounded by olives and vines. Notre Dame beach is located at Porquerolles. The beach is also surrounded by the forest that contributes to the beach’s fresh air and conducive environment.

Notre Dame beach is characterized by White and gold sand. Accommodation is checked due to the presence of the Villa Sainte-Anne hotel, which offers accommodation at a fair price.

Notre Dame Beach

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Anamur-Iskele Beach, Turkey

Anamur-Iskele is a Turkey-based beach that provides the sense of belonging to the tourists due to its natural environment. This beach is surrounded by some resorts, a factor that has contributed to an increased number of visitors.

Anamur-Iskele beach is next to the Yan Hotel, a luxurious hotel that provides an excellent sea view.

Anamur-Iskele Beach

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Viveiro Beach, Spain

Viveiro, Galicia is a hidden beach located on Spain’s northern coast at the town of Viveiro. Viveiro, Galicia secret beach is the ultimate place for families willing to spend their vacation at a private and pure beach.

Tourists who have been visiting Viveiro hidden beach rents a room at Ego hotel which provides a great sea view.

Viveiro Beach

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Comporta Beach, Portugal

Comporta beach is a hidden beach based in Portugal and located at Troia. Comporta beach is characterized by the sand dunes, a factor that has been attracting tourists to the area. Comporta beach is surrounded by some resorts, including the Comporta Café.

Accommodation is offered by the Sublime hotel, one of the luxurious hotels in Portugal.

comporta-beach

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Paleochora, south-west Crete, Greece

Greece is one of the tourist destinations sites in Europe that now presents the Paleochora beach to the Tourism fanatics. Paleochora is a local hidden beach that is surrounded by nature. It’s located in the south of Hania.

Tourists who have been visiting the Paleochora beach rent rooms at the Manto Studios hotel, which is a family-managed hotel.

paleochora

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San Pantaleo, Sardinia

San Pantaleo is a hidden beach which is located at Costa Smeralda. San Pantaleo beach is characterized by white powdery sand and granite boulders. Visit the San Pantaleo beach and enjoy privacy and simplicity at a fair cost. Also, enjoy a stay at the Locanda Sant’Andrea Hotel at a reasonable price.

San Pantaleo

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Koufonissia hidden beach

Koufonissia is a secret beach based at Greece. Koufonissia is comprised of the Lower Koufonisi and the upper Koufonisi. Apart from tourism, the locals also carry out fishing activities.

Koufonissia Beach is characterized by satin white sand. Visit this beach and enjoy a stay at the Koufonisi windmill port.

Koufonissia hidden beach

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Palagruza Beach

Palagruza is one of the hidden beaches located in Dalmatia, Croatia. Palagruza has been one of the most visited beaches as it is an archaeological site. The beach is gorgeous in jewelry and other ceramic vases. Visit the Palagruza beach and enjoy a stay at the Palagruza lighthouse. The hotel offers tourists with groceries and seafood.

Palagruza Beach

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Mljet hidden beach

Mljet is a refuge island based in Dalmatia, Croatia. Tourists visiting the Mljet beach also enjoy a ride at the Mljet National Park. Also, this beach also contains a diving club which visitors can join for leisure purposes.

Visit Mljet hidden beach and while enjoying a stay at a five-star hotel, Hotel Odisej.

Mljet hidden beach

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