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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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14 Fairytale Destinations You Must Visit In 2016

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Here is a listing of some fairytale destinations that look so picturesque like they are right out of a book.

Hoi An, Vietnam

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for producing silk lanterns. Located off the coast of the South China Sea, this place has preserved the charm of South-East Asian culture of the15th to the 19th centuries. You can visit the famous Elephant Bridge here along with pristine white sandy beaches.

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Greenland

This is the biggest island in the world, which is covered with snow throughout the year. A place of soulful quietude, this sparsely populated nation offers gorgeous vistas and chocolate-box houses in vibrant colors.

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Bamboo forest, Kyoto, Japan

This is one of the most famous tourist spots in Kyoto, also known as the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. In Japan, bamboo are said to protect against evil. But the swishing sound of these beautiful bamboos are known to put people into a state of soothing reverie.

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Kathmandu, Nepal

Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, this place exudes a feeling of calm. Filled with ancient temples and Buddhist monasteries, the atmosphere radiates spiritual bliss. Archeologists have found traces of civilization in this ancient city dating back to 185 CE.

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Sintra, Portugal

A stone’s throw away from Lisbon, the historic town of Sintra was the inspiration behind Lord Byron’s Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage. Lined with exquisite 19th century architecture, Sintra is a great place to just walk around absorbing the beautiful vibe. Preserved by the UNESCO, Pena Palace is a sight to behold.

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Colmar, France

The little town in north eastern France goes by the sobriquet of ‘Fairytale Town’. With only 65 thousand residents, this quaint town emits peace and serenity. Noteworthy painter Martin Schongauer, sculptor Frédéric Bartholdi (of the Statue of Liberty fame), and Alsatian wine all find their home here.

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The Faroe Islands

A chain of islands located in Denmark, the Faroe Islands are well-known for breathtaking landscapes, the pleasantly chilly Nordic climate, rolling mists and remarkable volcanic rocks with steep hills that create an environment fit for a painting. The kind where you are sure to find creatures from Scandinavian myth.

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Alhambra, Granada, Spain

The Sultan of Granada built a palace on a fortress in 1333. An excellent exemplar of Islamic architecture, the palace is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, gushing fountains and glistening pools. This palace has served as an inspiration for many artists, writers and filmmakers.

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Cappadocia, Central Anatolia, Turkey

This historic spot is known to be steeped in rich heritage as much as it is a natural wonder. The rocks in this region have formed hoodoos or fairy chimneys. These rock formations are used for dwellings, with the oldest carvings going back to the 8th century.

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Venice, Italy

This city is a group of small islands joined by bridges and canals. So you can very well imagine that the streets are filled with water so you will be travelling across town in a gondola instead of a car. A cultural center of Europe’s Renaissance period. This city is fast sinking so go see it before it is no more.

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Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

Suspected to be the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, this 19th century castle in Germany towers atop a craggy peak over the village of Hohenschwangau in south-west Bavaria. Built by Ludwig II of Bavaria, this castle is a major tourist spot that has attracted more than 61 million tourists.

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Lake Bled, Slovenia

Right in the midst of a glimmering lake in Slovenia lies a tiny charming island, surrounded by exquisite scenery. A perfectly romantic spot to be married, this island houses a 170-ft high church which you can reach to by boat. According to folk custom, it is thought to be good luck for the groom to carry his bride up the stone Baroque staircase, and then ring the bell in the tower and make a wish while within the church.

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Tunnel of Love, Ukraine

In the heart of a forest corridor lies the Tunnel of Love, which is a leafy route that is known to have induced many a lover to propose to his beloved. The perfect spot for a romantic walk, this foliage-encased is also a train tunnel so you will need to watch out for the train along this two-mile track.

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Vaadhoo Island, Maldives

The Sea of Stars on Vaadhoo Island really doesn’t seem like its real – the glittering waters that lick the shore are actually caused by a special type of plankton called dinoflagellates, emitting a light as their cell membranes experience electrical signals which causes them to glow. This bioluminescence makes this a brilliant display which seems like it’s molten moonlight.

Vaadhoo Island

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8 Enchanting Flea Markets to Visit in Europe

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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

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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.

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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.

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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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7 Most Romantic Vacation Ideas for Couples

Vacation Destinations for Couples

Romantic gateways for couples mostly involve beach walks, candlelit dinners, and luxury accommodations. The article illustrates 15 vacation ideas for couples.

Kerala, India

Vacations for couples are in three major areas: Thekkady, Munnar, and allepy. Kerala is attractive because of the tropical forests and the pristine beaches.

Couples are advised to visit Munnar. The destination has an attractive view of diverse wildlife. Thekkady and Allepy are appropriate destinations because of the enjoyable view of the glittering waterfalls.

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Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto is considered as an attractive destination for couples. This is because of the Zen temples, Enryaku-Ji, and Ryoan-ji romantic attractions.

The Zen temples have Chinese influenced gardens that generate a romantic feeling. Enryaku-Ji is an ancient Japanese temple that enables couples to observe breathtaking mountains. Ryoan-ji is located in western Tokyo and its main attraction is the rock garden.

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Maui, Hawaii

Maui provides good vacations for couples. The romantic destination is viewed as magical because of white sandy beaches and historic villages.

Haleakala National Park is located in Maui. The park has the highest point on the island. Couples are thus able to have a complete view of the volcanic crater within the park.

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Paris, France

The city is also referred to as the city of lights and the city of love. The three major romantic gateways in the city are Eiffel Tower, Palais-Royal, and Sacré-Coeur.

Viewing the Eiffel Tower is a romantic experience for couples. The couples can also visit the peaceful Palais-Royal secluded garden for leisure walk. Sacré-Coeur offers a nice sunset experience for the couples.

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San Sebastian, Spain

The two main vacation ideas for couples in the city are Monte Igueldo and basque food. Monte Igueldo offers a good view of the sunset and the city. Basque food is best served in popular restaurants such as Arzak.

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Vienna, Austria

Vienna has an attractive destination known as Schönbrunn Palace. The palace creates romantic feeling because of the picturesque garden scenery and pristine hedgerows.

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Wellington, New Zealand

The destination has mystical ambiance that attracts lovers. The two top destinations in the city are the Wellington Botanic Garden and the Kapiti Island.

Wellington Botanic garden has many exotic plant species; for example, rare trees. Kapiti Island has the highest point in the city. The island, therefore, provides the best scenery of wildlife, plants, and the larger wellington area.

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