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.
In the 14th century, a group of Augustinian hermits built a monastery on a secluded island in the middle of a lake in Croatia. In the mid-1400s, a group of Franciscan monks expanded the monastery in the wake of fleeing a Turkish invasion in Bosnia. Visovac Monastery—which is located in Krka National Park—is a peaceful…
A rocky expanse in County Clare, Ireland, known as the Burren, is home to a stately 5,000-year-old tomb that served as an active burial site for over 600 years. In the mid-1980s, an archaeologist named Ann Lynch excavated the striking stone structure that has captivated locals and travelers for centuries. In recent years, Poulnabrone Dolmen—as…
In the 16th century, the Tremayne family began cultivating a lush garden at Heligan Estate in Cornwall that blossomed into one of the most celebrated green spaces in all of England. Prior to the outbreak of World War I, Heligan Estate employed 22 gardeners who tended to a pineapple pit, tropical flowers and ferns, and…
New York-based physician Esteban Martin Martin always had great enthusiasm for the life and travels of explorer Christopher Columbus. Though Christopher Columbus was Italian, Spanish monarchs King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella funded Columbus’s expeditions to the New World. Esteban Martin Martin was convinced that not enough people appreciated Spain’s contributions to the legacy of Christopher…
A tumultuous volcanic eruption nearly 4,000 years ago ensured that the scenic Greek island of Santorini is steeped in rich history. Some historians believe that a Bronze Age settlement, now known as Akrotiri, which was blanketed in volcanic ash, is the lost city of Atlantis that the philosopher Plato spoke of in his famous Dialogues….
A pointy ledge that resembles the tongue of a mischievous troll, known as Trolltunga, is Norway‘s most famous rock formation. Situated 2,300 feet above the gleaming Lake Ringedalsvatnet, hiking to Trolltunga takes between 7-12 hours from start to finish. If you’re a seasoned, physically fit hiker who is yearning to experience the scenic vista of…
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…