Unique places in Europe: where to spend an unforgettable active vacation

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The vast and varied spaces of Europe actually offer a vacation for every taste. Whether you are looking for white-sand beaches, picturesque landscapes, remote mountain villages or the best islands, or you want an all-inclusive vacation, you will definitely find options and offers for every request and budget.

Alpine hikes and views of Mont Blanc

Anyone who appreciates the spectacle of a beautiful mountain range should see the panoramas of Mont Blanc. Known for its spectacular shape, the peak has attracted adventure seekers, nature lovers and avid rock climbers for centuries, but of course you don't have to be a climber to fall in love with this place.

Mont Blanc is not far from Megeve, a quaint alpine village that provides an idyllic escape and the perfect introduction to the French Alps. The only place to book a room in this wonderful city is the Four Seasons Megève. Pools, saunas, steam rooms and the most luxurious spa will give you true relaxation after long walks.

Arta, Mallorca

The island of Mallorca is definitely not a “hidden gem”, but Arta, hidden inside countries from the east coast, is definitely a unique place. This creative little village has lots of great restaurants, cafes and boutiques. It is also home to one of the oldest settlements of Ses Paiss.

Camino de Santiago Road

If you want a vacation unlike any other, the Camino de Santiago, or Way of St. James, is sure to give you an unforgettable experience. The road covers Portugal, France and Spain. What began as a religious pilgrimage now attracts nature lovers, adventurers or anyone who appreciates hiking. Today, nine routes have become the most popular thanks to the unique objects along the way. One of the shortest, but probably the most interesting, is the Camino Primitivo. This walk takes about two weeks and the road passes through incredible mountain views and quaint villages. Along the way there are plenty of albergues where you can rest – these converted buildings are basically pilgrim hostels, offering a warm and cheap place to sleep at the end of each day.

Timisoara, Romania

Timisoara, the third largest city in Romania, may not be a popular holiday destination, but discerning Europeans choose it as a city of gastronomic tourism. Here you can eat the heartiest food that will really warm your soul. Whether you're looking for a meaty meal to fill you up after a day of sightseeing, a delicious vegetarian or vegan meal, or a Vietnamese meal, Timisoara has it all. Casa Bunicii is the place to go for typical Romanian dishes such as pork knuckle with rosemary potatoes and homemade lemonade, while Merlot Restaurant is perfect if you want something a little more upmarket with dishes such as wagyu beef and duck breast on the menu . Bio Fresh serves delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as a large selection of juices and smoothies.

Greek islands

Greece has 227 picturesque inhabited islands, so it makes sense to combine several of them for a trip. Upper and Lower Koufonisia are two tiny islands that have never topped the lists of the best places to visit in Greece, so they have preserved their authenticity and untouched nature. Now they have become more famous, but the relaxed atmosphere and the sparkling translucent sea that surrounds them still make Koufonisia a dream place to escape from problems and worries. And from Koufonisia, it is easy to reach by boat to the island of Shinussa, where you will find bright white buildings with blue shutters, simple taverns and an atmospheric quiet vacation away from the city bustle. Here you can simply enjoy life.

The Italian region of Lombardy

The Lombardy region of Italy is one of the best places for gastronomic tourism in Europe. Due to the large volume of rice fields (42% of Italian rice production is in Lombardy), the region's signature dish is risotto, often made with mushrooms and sausage. Experts recommend ordering this dish at the Valentino Legend Milano restaurant. In addition to risotto, Lombardy is also known for polenta and hearty meat stews, including bruschitti, made with pieces of leftover meat braised in wine and fennel seeds. A good place to try bruschetta and polenta is Trattoria Parietti in Bergamo.

Comporta in Portugal

The village of Comporta in Portugal has attracted creative people for years. Casa do Pego is an open-concept bohemian house that will impress anyone who appreciates good architecture, perfectly designed interiors and untouched nature. This home is paradise with three double bedrooms decorated in taupe and beige, a rooftop pool with bright orange sun loungers and dreamy outdoor spaces made for long twilight dinners. It is an ideal place for a group creative vacation.

Azores

In spring, the waters surrounding the Azores are full of whales, making the Azores one of the best destinations for a special trip. Aside from whale watching, there's plenty of culture, ancient architecture and great food to enjoy here. The island of San Miguel (Illa Verde) is a great place to start your trip. Notable buildings on São Miguel include the ornately tiled Portas da Cidade and the symmetrical chapel of Nossa Senhora da Paz. The landscapes here are truly incredible – from volcanic peaks to turquoise lakes. Azores cuisine is hearty and rich, pay attention to cozido, a type of meat and vegetable stew.