6 Unusual European Locations to Visit

 

Most people visiting Europe stick to the same old standby destinations like France, Italy, and Spain. While these are all great destinations, there are many other amazing places to see on the continent. If you're looking for a change of scenery, why not check out some of the more unusual locations in Europe? Here are six unusual locations on the Old Continent that are definitely worth a visit.

Basque Country, Spain

When you think about Spain, you probably imagine the capital city of Madrid, vibrant Barcelona, deserted Andalucia, party islands like Ibiza, Flamenco, and sangria. However, Spain is much more than that. The Basque country, located in the north of the country near the French border, is a great place to visit if you're looking for something different.

The region has its own unique culture and language. Basques are very proud of their heritage and have a strong sense of separateness from Spain. An extreme example was ETA, a separatist group that waged a violent campaign for independence from Spain for many years.

Nowadays, Basque country is a peaceful place and an excellent destination for travelers. The region is famous for its food, with some of the best chefs in the world coming from here.

Three cities worth visiting in the Basque Country are Bilbao, San Sebastian, and Pamplona. 

Bilbao is home to the Guggenheim museum, a must-see for any art lover. San Sebastian is a beautiful coastal city with great beaches and an excellent food scene. Pamplona is famous for Sanfermines - the famous festival where people run with the bulls through the streets.

The climate in Basque Country is milder than the rest of Spain, so it's a great place to visit any time of year.

Iceland

Iceland, also known as the Land of Fire and Ice, is the youngest piece of Europe situated near the Arctic Circle at the junction of two tectonic plates. This unique location, combined with intense volcanic and seismic activity, makes it one of the Earth's most beautiful and unpredictable parts. 

In short, this small island in the middle of nowhere is a pure masterpiece of nature. You will not find such a variety of natural phenomena anywhere else. In 2019, so just before the pandemic, over 2 million people visited Iceland. This number was relatively small compared to the beauty of the Land of Ice and Fire.

Moreover, most tourists limit themselves to visiting just some top places in the so-called “Golden Circle”. These are undoubtedly amazing places, but this magical land offers so much more!

Out of several natural wonders you can find in Iceland, volcanoes have a special place. In March 2021, media worldwide reported about the volcanic eruption in the south of Iceland. I was so lucky to go there at the beginning of September and admire this phenomenon with my own eyes. Surprised? Volcanic eruptions can last even thousands of years!

Moreover, there are about 918 waterfalls in Iceland. Nine hundred eighteen! And each of them is beautiful in its own way. Not enough? So how about seeing and experiencing glaciers, lava fields, geysers, hot springs, northern lights, and whale watching? The list of Iceland's natural wonders is purely overwhelming.

Lower Silesia, Poland

When you think about Poland, the first things that come to mind are probably Krakow and Warsaw. While these cities are definitely worth visiting, there is much more to see in Poland. Lower Silesia, located in southwestern Poland, is a great destination for those looking to get off the beaten path.

The capital city of Lower Silesia, Wroclaw, is a city like no other. It is often called the Venice of Poland because of its many canals and bridges. The city is also home to many universities, making it a lively and youthful place. Moreover, with its rich and very complicated history, Wroclaw is a great place to learn about Poland's past.

Lower Silesia is also home to some of the country's most beautiful castles and palaces. Ksiaz Castle, located near Walbrzych, is one of the largest castles in Europe and well worth a visit. The castle has an interesting history - it was occupied by the Nazists during World War II, and its undergrounds were used as a secret military base. Moreover, Ksiaz castle was a part of a crazy project Riese, which consisted of building a system of secret tunnels and creating the underground city as a headquarters for the German Third Reich's leadership, including Adolf Hitler.

Montenegro

Montenegro is a small country located in southeastern Europe. It is bordered by Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, and Albania. Montenegro has a long Adriatic coastline and is known for its beautiful beaches.

The country's name means "black mountain" in Venetian, and it is said to be named for the dark forests that cover the mountains. Montenegro is a relatively new country, having only become independent from Serbia in 2006.

Montenegro is a great place to visit if you want a less touristy and more authentic experience. The people are friendly and welcoming, and there is plenty to see and do. Montenegro's coastline is dotted with small towns and villages, each with its own unique charm. The country is also home to many national parks and reserves, making it a great destination for nature lovers.

Sicily, Italy

Italy is one of these countries which you can visit thousand times and still discover something new every time. Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is just another example of that fact.

The island has been a crossroads of cultures for centuries. Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and Spanish have all left their mark on the island. This is reflected in the Sicilian culture, which is a unique blend of these various influences.

Palermo, Catania, and Syracuse are just a few of the many places to explore on this fascinating island. Sicily is also home to some of Italy's most active volcanoes. Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, is located on the island.

Transylvania, Romania

Transylvania is a historical region located in central Romania. The region is best known for its association with vampires and Dracula. However, Transylvania is much more than just that.

The region has a rich history and culture and is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in Romania. Transylvania is a great place to visit if you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination. It is relatively undiscovered by tourists, making it a great place to get a taste of the real Romania. Transylvania is also home to some of the country's best-preserved medieval towns, such as Sighisoara and Brasov. Whether you are looking for history, culture, or just a unique travel experience, Transylvania is a great destination.

To sum up, Europe offers plenty to offer if you are looking for an unusual and unique travel destination. From the charming canals of Wroclaw to the active volcanoes of Iceland, there is something for everyone. So get out there and explore!

Author’s bio:

Michal Jonca is a travel, food, and trail running passionate who visited 40+ countries on four continents. He is a Travel Leader for the adventurous travel company Solisci and the Community Manager at PhotoAiD. 

Only this year, he enjoyed his workation in Thailand, Turkey, and the Caucasus mountains. He runs the travel blog Opowieści Podróżne.