Buzz
Paris, Barcelona, Berlin, Rome, London… remain perennial tourist magnets in Europe. However, the continent's allure on the travel map goes beyond them! According to travel experts, summer 2014 will see the emergence of these “hidden treasures” in this region.
In reality, Europe boasts numerous off-the-beaten-path destinations that are a must-visit for those craving something new. The online travel platform Expedia notes that lesser-known European cities still offer unforgettable getaways for travelers.
These are cities that may still lack the crowds but hold plenty of discoveries. What's more, the prices in these places are quite affordable.
* Dubbed as the “navel of the universe,” the town of Delphi in central Greece is an archaeological site listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just an hour's drive from the capital Athens, visitors to Delphi can immerse themselves in the past with numerous relics from the time when Delphi was the religious center of Ancient Greece, such as the circular stone square bearing traces of the temple of the god Apollo…
Currently, Delphi is a captivating tourist destination, especially with the addition of the Parnassus ski center. In recent years, numerous hotels, guesthouses, and eateries have sprung up in Delphi.
* Rovinj, a historic town in the Istria region of Croatia, with its sparkling miles of beaches under the sun along with pristine forests and small surrounding islands, has earned admiration from many as the “emerald gem of the Adriatic Sea.” But this typical Mediterranean town particularly charms tourists with its rich and diverse architectural structures.
The winding, steep, winding streets adorned with rows of closely-knit houses easily bring a sense of tranquility to distant travelers… Every July, Rovinj becomes livelier with a week-long jazz music festival as tourists from all corners continuously flock to this place.
And no visitor can overlook the ancient castle Quinta da Regaleira. The vast grounds here with waterfalls, parks… can easily make you lose your way and forget about time.
Sintra will also compel you to spend a lot of time capturing the beautiful images of palaces, hidden gardens on the hillside, glimpses amidst ancient tree forests…
* Any stranger arriving in the underground city of Cappadocia, Turkey, is amazed by the incredibly unique landscapes formed from giant volcanic rocks combined with the erosion of wind and rain from tens of millions of years ago.
The strange formations of rocks and countless caves, along with numerous towering chimney-shaped rock columns and underground multi-layered housing systems in the towns of the region, have created a magical landscape for Cappadocia.
Exploring the fascinating landscape of Cappadocia from a hot air balloon at sunrise will be the ultimate experience for those who love the beauty of nature. The ideal time to visit Cappadocia is from May to November.
* The resort city of Brighton located on the southern coast of England is a place with a vibrant nightlife and rich cultural diversity with many festivals regularly organized. Besides sunny beaches, Brighton welcomes visitors with its historic districts.
You can visit the Brighton Pavilion to admire the palace with Indian architectural style amidst the European sky, stroll along the Pier to admire the shops, search for unique handicrafts…
* As the birthplace of the renowned flamenco dance, the city of Seville in southern Spain, belonging to the autonomous community of Andalusia, will be an ideal destination for dance and music enthusiasts. Not only that, Seville also attracts tourists with its magnificent architectural structures built since the Middle Ages and traces of the Seville period - the leading cultural center of Spain centuries ago.
The Guadalquivir River flowing through the city adorned with various architectural bridges will keep tourists endlessly fascinated! The historic district in Seville, the third largest in Europe, boasts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Alcázar Palace complex, Seville Cathedral, City Library…
* Known as the “flower garden of Europe”, located just half an hour drive from the capital Amsterdam, the city of Lisse in the Netherlands (only 16.11km2 in size, with 0.41km2 being water) is also a gathering place for tourists from various countries in May, when the city is filled with colorful tulips, irises, lilies… Surrounding the city are vast tulip fields stretching as far as the eye can see, shimmering under the spring sun.
Visiting Lisse during the world-famous Keukenhof flower festival held for two months (mid-March to mid-May) at Keukenhof Park, you will be mesmerized by the vibrant floral display. A must-visit in Lisse is the black tulip museum, a flower symbolizing an eternal love…
* The historic city of Sylt in Schleswig-Holstein, located on the largest island in the northernmost part of Germany, is considered a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. With over 40 km of fine sandy beaches featuring numerous thermal spas and health centers, it is regarded as an impressive summer destination for high-income tourists and is chosen as a weekend getaway by the residents of Hamburg.
Since being opened up for tourism in the mid-19th century, Sylt has become a natural backdrop for many movies. And since then, this historic city has been chosen as a summer retreat by numerous Western artists.
As reported by Tuoi Tre newspaper
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourMay 13, 2014
