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The spring season is hanging about and a sense of spring and rejuvenation floats in the air. People are busy making plans and preparations to best witness the upcoming bloom and flush of flowers. Whether you are looking forward more to observing the spring flush, sunbathing at a beachside, or going on nature trails, there are places that cater to all the hues of wishes and wants.
Travellers can now ditch the cliched, crowded locations and look for underrated cities in Europe for newer experiences. Moreover, besides the most popular destinations such as Rome and Paris, travellers can immerse themselves in plenty of lesser-known European cities. Explore the most underrated cities of Europe to make your vacation unlike any other.
Zadar is one of the best lesser-known cities in Europe, located on the northern Dalmatian coast of Croatia. The city boasts a magnificent display of Roman and Venetian ruins and is famously known as Croatia's oldest continuously inhabited city. Travellers can explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stato de Terra, which comprises six bastion forts built by the Republic of Venice on its mainland domains and its Domains of the Sea. The Sea Organ, another renowned attraction, produces pleasant symphonies out of the rolling waves. Adventure enthusiasts can hike around the Plitvice Lakes, while history lovers can immerse themselves in the antiquity of People's Square. The Church of St. Donatus is another must-visit site in this lesser-known European city. Additionally, there are many other things to explore, such as museums, national parks, the Cathedral of St. Anastasia, and the city market.
Take a flight from any metropolitan in India to the Zadar Airport.
Slovenia is home to another significant lesser-known European city called Koper - a port city on the Adriatic coastline. The main attraction of Koper is the Titov Trg, a Venetian-style town square that boasts landmarks like the Praetorian Palace and the Da Ponte Foundation, a replica of Venice's famed Rialto Bridge. Visitors can wander around the Koper Cathedral and Bell Tower and marvel at the mediaeval wonders. The Vinakoper wine boutique is also a must-visit place for an extraordinary wine-tasting experience. The Koper Regional Museum and the Tourist Information Centre are two other places worth checking out when visiting the town. Travellers can also stroll by the Dragonja River or visit the Casa Veneziana in this lesser-known European city. Simply walking around the city's mediaeval centre is an experience rejuvenating enough.
The nearest airport to Koper is Trieste. Take a flight from any metropolitan in India and take a bus.
Trieste is a beautiful city in northeast Italy, often overlooked by travellers. The city has a rich history as a major port, and it remains one of the largest and busiest in Italy, contributing to the city's economic and cultural growth. Trieste is popular as the coffee capital of Italy and has a thriving coffee culture, including its famous espresso, which is a part of the city's identity. The city boasts a blend of architectural styles, including neoclassical, Baroque, and Art Nouveau. It features several significant landmarks, such as Piazza Unità d'Italia, one of Europe's largest seaside squares, and Miramare Castle, a 19th-century castle overlooking the Adriatic Sea. An interesting fact about Trieste is that the famous writer James Joyce lived here while writing "Ulysses," and a museum is dedicated to his life and work. Travellers must visit the Historical Museum of the Miramare Castle, based in the 19th-century castle on the Gulf of Trieste. Kleine Berlin, Museo Revoltella, Beach Barcola, and Golfo di Trieste are other notable sites that travellers should not miss.
Take a flight from any major metropolitan in India to the Trieste Ronchi dei Legionari Airport.
Nafplion served as the first capital of modern Greece after the Greek War of Independence in the 19th century. The city centre boasts a majestic blend of neoclassical, Ottoman and Venetian architectural styles that reflect its diverse past. Travellers can explore many picturesque spots scattered throughout the city, such as the 18th-century Palamidi Fortress, perched on a hill overlooking the town, or the Bourtzi Fortress, located on an islet in the harbour of Nafplion. You can also wander down the charming narrow streets, admire elegant Venetian buildings, and visit the many shops, cafes and restaurants. The ruins of Tiryns and Mycenae, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are also nearby and worth visiting. Remember to savour traditional Greek cuisine at local tavernas and restaurants, especially the seafood dishes, which are particularly famous in this lesser-known European city.
Take a flight to Athens and from there get a bus, rental car or private transfer to Nafplion.
Bilbao, a picturesque port city surrounded by mountains in northern Spain, is best known for its stunning Guggenheim Museum. Designed by Frank Gehry, the museum houses a rich collection of modern and contemporary art. Other museums worth visiting in the city include the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum and the Euskal Museoa Bilbao Basque Museum. The city's historic heart, Casco Viejo, is a charming spot filled with narrow lanes, delightful squares, and impressive buildings. It's an ideal place to explore and shop for souvenirs, local cuisines, and other goods. The city's cuisine is another attraction, featuring pintxos (small, savoury snacks), seafood, and a wide variety of dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Bilbao is also home to numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, making it a food lover's paradise. Other notable attractions in the city include the Basilica of Begona, the Palacio de la Diputacion, the Azkuna Zentroa, the Plaza Nueva, and the opera house Teatro Arriaga Antzokia.
Take a flight from any metropolitan in India to the Bilbao Airport.
Stavanger, a lesser-known city in the southwestern region of Norway, has a rich history dating back to the 12th-century. The city is famous for the Stavanger Cathedral, located in the centre. Visitors can explore the Stavanger Museum, which showcases the city's history and displays preserved wildlife. Stavanger is also globally recognised as the "Oil Capital of Norway" due to its offshore oil drilling. When visiting the city, tourists should not miss Gamle Stavanger, also known as "Old Stavanger." It is a charming district featuring well-preserved white-painted wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors can also check out the iconic Swords in Rock monument, symbolising peace, unity, and freedom. Other notable attractions in this underrated European city include Flor og Fjaere, Lysefjord, Ovre Holmegate, and numerous museums.
Take a flight to the Stavanger Airport available from most major cities in India.
Bruges is a charming city in Europe and is home to remarkable, well-preserved mediaeval architecture, complete with cobblestone streets, picturesque canals, and old buildings that look straight out of the 18th century. The heart of Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is often referred to as a "fairytale city." To get the best of Bruges, you must visit the historic market square, the Grote Markt, where you can feast your eyes on the beautiful surroundings. While you're there, make sure to climb the mediaeval bell tower, Belfry of Bruges, to get a panoramic view of the city from the top. Climbing the tower's narrow staircase is a popular activity for tourists. The city is also renowned for its chocolates and beer, and it has several art museums dotted around. For movie enthusiasts, Bruges has been the pivotal backdrop for the 2008 film "In Bruges," and you can go exploring the locations from the movie.
Take a flight to the Brussels-Zaventem Airport and then a train to Bruxelles-Midi.
