Top 5 Remote Destinations in Europe

Planning Your Next Trip?

When you are looking for a change of scenery, deciding where to go can be a bit of a challenge. Sometimes, you don’t want the hustle and bustle of a city and might prefer something more remote. Whether that be a beach in Norway, a remote island in Scotland or somewhere in the mountains, we always want to find somewhere accessible that might not need a private plane.

Here is a selection of some of the best and most beautiful remote spots in Europe to help you and your loved ones get away from it all and enter into a not-so-popular new reality.

1. Finnish Lakeland, Finland

You need to go to Finnish Lakeland if you are searching for a trip that can offer peace and quiet with some stunning scenery. During the summer months, there are two colours you will see: blue and green. Unbeknown to many, there are 188,000 lakes situated in Finland. Amongst these, you will find Lake Saimaa in the Finnish Lakeland, which is the biggest and home to 14,000 islands. There are so many islands; the lake doesn’t look like just a bit of water but rather a little community. You can rent a cottage there and get away from the noise of regular life.

2. Hoy, Orkney, Scotland

If you are interested in climbing, this is the escape for you. Hoy is the second largest of the other 72 Orkney Islands in Scotland. You can find it in the north of the country, known as the “high island” by the Vikings because of all the different hills and peaks to explore. One of the most famous landmarks you can find there is called Old Man of Hoy, which is a 137-metre sea stack, perfect for climbing in the summer. There is a lot of accommodation around the area, with holiday houses or hostels, perfect for trips with friends or family.

3. Bardsey Island, Wales

For a staycation-type holiday but appreciating the beauty that isn’t a typical city break, Bardsey Island will be a trip you won’t forget. Stay in one of the nine holiday homes there that don’t have electricity, never mind Wi-Fi. The island lies 3km off the coast and has been known as a religious site since the sixth century. You can find different types of seabirds as well as other aquatic animals like dolphins and grey seals. This is a trip where you can cut off from the real world and understand what it feels like to really take in your surroundings.

4. Unstad, Lofoten Islands in Northern Norway

If you are someone who loves the water, travel to Unstad Bay in Northern Norway. You will find some of the coolest waters here, with a maximum temperature of 14°C, and it is known as one of the best places to surf in the world. Due to the cold waters, the area has only been a popular surfing destination since the 1990s when improved wetsuit technology made it possible to survive the low temperatures. Beautiful fjords and mountains surround this area, and it would be great to plan to go during the summer months so you can surf until the sun goes down.

5. Peaks of the Balkans

As many of us spend a lot of the year sitting in front of a desk, not really moving around, it is likely that with a break, you might want to stretch your legs to go and explore. What better way to get your steps up than by walking around the wild mountain regions of the Western Balkans? Get your walking boots ready, as the Peaks of the Balkans are 119 miles that circle around Kosovo, Montenegro and Albania. Whilst you walk, you will be following in the footsteps beaten along old mule tracks, pathways taken by shepherds and windy roads that will show off some of Europe’s most beautifully remote scenery. If you wish to complete the whole walk, it will take roughly two weeks and will include a variety of landscapes like peaks, valleys and lakes, as well as pit-stops in mountain villages for some food and fuel.