10 Offbeat European Destinations To Holiday In This Summer

OT Staff

North Jutland, Denmark

The region of North Jutland is home to the iconic Rubjerg Knude lighthouse, the migrating sand dunes of Råbjerg Mile, a more than 1,500-year-old Viking burial site at Aalborg, and more such hidden gems.

The Rubjerg Knude appears to rise out of the Råbjerg Mile | Shutterstock

St Moritz, Switzerland

Thanks to its favourable location, St Moritz enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year. It became famous due to its mineral springs which were discovered 3,000 years ago and established the town as a summer spa resort.

The Bernina Express stops at St Moritz | Shutterstock

Camargue, France

This coastal region in southern France has a unique natural environment of salt flats, lakes, fields and marshlands, which attract flamingoes on their annual migration. The Parc naturel régional de Camargue is a UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserve.

Greater flamingoes in Camargue | Shutterstock

Alentejo, Portugal

With golden plains, rolling hillsides, lime-green vines, a rugged coastline, traditional whitewashed villages and marble towns, the Alentejo region has it all. Savour its unique cuisine and check out its red clay pottery and embroidery traditions.

Alentejo in Portugal | Shutterstock

Montenegro

This Balkan country has spotless beaches along the Adriatic Coast, mountain peaks 2,000m high or more, plunging canyons, glacial lakes, primaeval forests and charming cities with buildings dating back to the pre-Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque periods.

Lovćen National Park in Montenegro | Shutterstock

Aeolian Islands, Italy

The seven major islands which make up this grouping are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They were supposedly named after Aeolus, the mythical ruler of the winds. They are a small piece of paradise for those hoping to swim and sail in its azure waters.

On the Aeolian Islands | Shutterstock

Senja, Norway

The second largest island in Norway has two contrasting climates: the eastern section has an atypical boreal climate while the western part faces the Norwegian Sea and has a more subpolar oceanic climate. Hike the Segla, catch cod and haddock on a fishing trip, and eat their seafood specialities while you’re here.

Senja in Norway | Shutterstock

Pelion Peninsula, Greece

The upper slopes of the Pelion Peninsula are a green wonderland where trees heavy with fruit vie with wild olive groves and forests of horse chestnut, oak, walnut, fir and beech. Hiking trails and stone paths give way to springs, coves and numerous beaches here.

Chondri Ammos is part of the Pelion Peninsula | Shutterstock

Erfurt, Germany

Situated at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, Erfurt has been the home and meeting place of various intellectuals for aeons. Visit the “City of Towers'” St Mary’s Cathedral, Church of St Severus, St Augustine's Monastery, the Krämerbrücke, etc.

The Krämerbrücke in Erfurt | Shutterstock

Gdańsk, Poland

For centuries Gdańsk has been a melting pot of cultures, peoples and traditions. Check out Neptune's Fountain, the Main Town Hall, the Museum of the Second World War, the European Solidary Centre, and the awe-inspiring beauty of Sobieszewo Beach.

Polish women in their traditional dress in Gdańsk | Shutterstock

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Tress in the Black Forest mountain range in Germany | Shutterstock
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