Popular European landmarks are filled with tourists throughout the year. While visiting these iconic places is worthwhile, many less-frequented places all
over the continent allow you to experience their day-to-day life away from all the tourist humdrum.
Also Check: Europe’s Most Beautiful Offbeat Destinations You Must Visit (Part 2).
Isle of Skye, Scotland
Even after its sudden rise in popularity and inclusion in numerous places to see before you die lists, the Isle of Skye remains one of the best quaint spots to experience the Scottish Highlands. It is a fairly big island with many beautiful medieval castles. There are also majestic sea cliffs, caves, and other natural wonders that you can explore. The Isle of Skye also houses the famous Talisker whiskey distillery.
Goreme, Turkey
Goreme is a town in the historical region of Cappadocia, Turkey. The town is also the gateway to Goreme National Park. The unique thing about Goreme is that the whole town is built into a fairy rock formation. In and around the town, you will find the most interesting rock formations with rich history attached to them. For example, an area called Pasabagor Monk's Valley is filled with fairy chimneys, which were also used by the monks to isolate themselves from the world. There is also a completely underground city called Derinkuyu, not very far from Goreme, that you can explore and experience.
Snæfellsjökull National Park, Iceland
Snæfellsjökull is hard to pronounce but not that hard to reach. It is only a couple of hours' drive from Reykjavik and is, in fact, one of the most visited National Parks in Iceland. Snæfellsjökull National Park is set between the ocean and a volcano. It is an active volcano, and on top of it is the Snæfellsjökull glacier. Here, you will find both lava and glaciers. It is hard to find such a degree of diversity in any landscape around the world. It is a place so fascinating that Jules Verne chose it as the starting point of the journey of his famous book 'A Journey to the Center of the Earth'.
Rothenburgob der Tauber, Germany
Rothenburgob der Tauber is a small town in the Bavarian province of Germany that has many of its medieval castles and structures well preserved and has successfully retained its medieval charm. It is, in fact, one of the most beautiful walled cities in Europe. Cobbled streets, quaint and medieval houses, and towering walls the whole city is the archetypical fairy tale Germany. There are many interesting places to explore, like the Medieval Crime Museum. Rothenburgob der Tauber is also one of the best shopping destinations in Germany.
Lake Maggiore, Italy
Ask about the famous lake in Italy, and everyone will tell you about Lake Como. While Lake Como gets more publicity and more tourists, very close to it is another equally beautiful, if not more beautiful, lake called Lake Maggiore. This spectacular lake has beautiful views but very few tourists, not anywhere near its popular neighbor, making it ideal for off-beat travelers. While you are there, visit Isola Bella, home to a 17th-century palace and a stunning terraced garden filled with white peacocks.
