Explore Europe’s most unusual, hidden, and fascinating places. From fairy-tale villages and dramatic coastlines to mysterious ancient sites, surreal landscapes, abandoned towns, and quirky architectural wonders — discover the strange, beautiful, and lesser-known destinations that make Europe unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or exploring the continent’s remote corners, this guide highlights Europe’s most unique, unusual, and breathtaking spots.
Any lover of all things Italian will happily tell you that Vernazza is one of Italy‘s most resplendent villages. Dotted with colorful buildings that overlook the sea, the petite fishing village is considered the crown jewel of a collection of five small towns known as Cinque Terre. With no vehicular traffic, stepping onto the charming…
Norway has a rich history of nurturing skilled carpenters who build stately churches, boats, and homes out of wood. Electrician Kjartan Aano’s yearning to build a romantic treehouse for his beloved wife Sally inspired the couple to enlist the design studio Helen & Hard to construct a series of wooden treehouses anchored to living, breathing…
The medieval town of Canterbury is home to towering cathedrals, gardens galore, and lovely avenues lined with historic buildings full of cultural treasures. Visitors can tour a medieval church, explore a quirky museum, or unwind at a Canterbury Tales-themed cat café. Canterbury also boasts numerous elegant places to stay, ensuring that your time in one…
If ever there was a cave that could conjure visions of gorgeous water nymphs frolicking in enchanted waters, Melissani Cave—located on the Greek island of Kefalonia—certainly fits the bill. Melissani Cave is home to a shimmering underground lake that once housed a temple dedicated to the mischievous god Pan, who was associated with untamed wilderness….
The tiny Croatian town of Hum—which is located on a hilltop in the Istria region—prides itself on being the smallest town in the world. Even though Hum has not officially been deemed the smallest town in the world by any record-keeping organization, the fact that it is far less than a mile long and wide…
In 1995, the jewelry company Swarovski celebrated its 100th anniversary by creating a theme park/museum in Wattens, Austria—not far from the exact spot where Swarovski was founded in 1895. Artist Andre Heller crafted a green Giant with sparkling crystal eyes whose lair houses an ever-expanding “Chamber of Wonders” known as Crystal Worlds—or Kristallwelten—that showcases the…
One of Italy‘s most magnificent hidden beaches is located in the charming Italian town of San Nicola Arcella. Travelers often pass by secluded Arcomagno Beach without knowing what they have missed. Arcomagno Beach is home to a towering natural arch that leads to a secret pebble beach. Viewing the pristine aquamarine waters of the Tyrrhenian…
Since shortly after the Norman conquest of England in 1066, the charming fishing village of Clovelly has been privately owned. Once the property of William the Conqueror, Clovelly alternated between royal and private ownership until the village was inherited by the Hamlyn family in the late 1800s. Descendants of the Hamlyn family still run Clovelly…