Post first published on SixtyandMe.
Tired of rubbing shoulders just to get a view in world-famous destinations like Venice and Rome? Places overrun by crowds can ruin your dream vacation. Fortunately, plenty of lesser-known European destinations are just as intriguing. Seniors seeking less stressful vacation experiences will appreciate the opportunity for a deeper, more intimate connection with these unique travel spots. From Abruzzo to the Faroe Islands, here are the jaw-dropping European holiday hotspots to visit without crowds.
Abruzzo, Italy
Abruzzo is dubbed the “Green Heart of Europe” for a reason. Much of it is mountainous and hilly, with endless opportunities to connect with nature. It has three national parks, an exceptional Regional Park, and multiple nature reserves. Whether you experience the diverse outdoor offerings at Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park or venture into the surreal beauty of Lago di Scanno, you’ll have a great time.
Not into the outdoor lifestyle? Sample the local wines in hotspots like Cantina Mazzarosa Devincenzi. If you are a history buff, don’t miss strolling through the charming villages of Pacentro and Santo Stefano di Sessanio.
Alentejo, Portugal
Alentejo is an unsung region of Portugal, but its vast, diverse landscapes and endless offerings make it a unique vacation spot. It covers a third of the country, uniquely blending old-world charm, delicious food, wine, and nature. Strolling through the region’s iconic towns and cities, every corner brings a piece of history to life, preserves a unique tradition, has exceptional artisans, and a warm and welcoming local ready to show you around. This place is magical.
Try the local cuisine, particularly the coastal specialties, like the “caldeiradas” and “cataplanas.” These seafood delights are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including the delicious olive oil. Add the Rota dos vinhos do Alentejo (Alentejo Wine Route) to your bucket list if you love wine. Most importantly, connect with nature in places like Serra de São Mamede Natural Park and Sado Estuary Nature Reserve.
Paxos, Greece
Greece boasts some of the world’s most stunning islands, and Paxos is probably the most authentic. Nearly blanketed in olive groves entirely, it uniquely blends tranquility, raw, untouched beauty, and traditional hospitality. An adventurous senior traveler who enjoys stress-free nature destinations will absolutely love it here.
Think pebbly beaches, wild caves, olive groves, and uncrowded trails. The 15-minute hike at Tripitos Arch, which meanders along narrow rocky routes and rewards with magical views of the sea and Tripitos, should be on your to-do list. If you are interested in the history of the place, the Paxos Museum is the perfect spot to get an insight.
Extend your trip to the charming neighboring island, Antipaxos, where you can enjoy a peaceful escape with numerous crowd-free experiences, from relaxed nature walks to water adventures.
Extremadura, Spain
Some of Spain’s most impressive Roman ruins are in the Extremadura region. So, while it’s not on many vacationers’ radar, it’s among the most jaw-dropping European holiday hotspots to visit without crowds.
Merida, once the capital of Lusitania, an ancient Roman province, boasts a collection of well-preserved theaters, including an amphitheater. It’s also home to Puente Romano, the world’s longest Roman bridge, which dates back to 25 B.C., yet it remains in perfect shape. Plenty of ruins celebrate the legacy of Rome, making this region a unique getaway worth ditching the popular spots for.
Beyond Roman ruins, Extremadura presents many opportunities to get lost in nature. It features expansive farmland areas covered in mature oak and cork groves with plenty of outdoor experiences. Plus, if you love the world-famous Game of Thrones, you’ll be happy to tour Caceres, where some scenes from the series (Season 7, to be specific) were filmed.
Aude, France
If you are only paying attention to the world-famous attractions like the Seine, which was recently reopened for swimming, you are missing out on unique travel spots like Aude. It’s perfect for anyone seeking a relaxed holiday in a scenic landscape. The department’s countryside is vibrant and diverse, uniquely blending vineyards, lush forests, and Mediterranean coastlines.
Beaches like Narbonne-Plage and Gruissan-Plage shouldn’t be missed on your bucket list. If you love castles, Peyrepertuse Castle and Chateau de Termes are some of the top options.
Kalopanayiotis, Cyprus
Kalopanayiotis is among the picturesque villages of the Marathasa, Cyprus’ most mountainous area. One of the things it’s best known for is its therapeutic ancient thermal springs, which are a must-visit if you are going for a wellness travel experience. Enjoy world-class treatments at the Casale Panayiotis, whose award-winning spa awaits with a thermal suite, hydrotherapy pool, iconic treatment rooms, and more.
The town’s authentic charm is also reflected in the cobbled streets. Strolling down these streets immerses you in the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of this village and its surroundings. Kalopanayiotis is also worth visiting for its Byzantine monasteries, including the Saint John Lampadistis, which is considered the most impressive of all the Byzantine sites in the country.
For nature lovers, there are many scenic hiking trails within the Troodos Mountains. Don’t miss walking over the Kalopanagiotis Medieval Bridge, which is incredibly photogenic.
Bozburun Peninsula, Turkey
Turkey is worth visiting for many reasons beyond the famous Istanbul and Cappadocia. The Bozburun Peninsula is one of the lesser-known European holiday hotspots that is very much worth your time. Its undeniable mix of surreal beauty, diverse outdoor experiences, and tranquility makes it an ideal getaway.
The hidden paradise is a treasure trove of beautiful coves, picture-perfect villages, and endless stunning vistas. Bozburun town and its harbor are the heart of the peninsula. There are so many things going on, from artisans crafting unique pieces to delicious, authentic cuisine, and more.
Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands are an archipelago between Iceland and Norway. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s a portion of the Kingdom of Denmark, but self-governing, and it boasts a distinct culture. The 17 inhabited islands are unbelievably beautiful and should be among the best European destinations.
With magical cascades, ‘floating’ lakes, majestic peaks, and towering cliffs, adventure through the islands will leave your jaw dropping. If birdwatching is your thing, you can enjoy an up-close encounter with migratory and resident puffins by taking a boat tour.
One of the best parts of exploring the Faroe Islands is seeing their traditional houses. These turf-roofed dwellings, which look straight out of a fairytale, will definitely leave you wanting to revisit this remote place. Another thing you’ll love about the Faroe Islands is its thriving music scene, and its numerous vibrant festivals attract thousands of attendees every summer. The delicious cuisine, with some cooking techniques dating to the Viking era, will have your mind blown.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Which of the lesser-known European destinations have you visited? How was your experience? Any other place you’d recommend? Please share your thoughts with us.
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