Planning a luxury summer getaway? When it comes to pristine beaches, impeccable service and opulent surroundings, the Caribbean may well be the first obvious port of call – but with the wealth of beautiful cities and beachside destinations that scatter the length and breadth of Europe, why not try something a little closer to home this year?
There are a huge number of great tourist spots in Europe and a whole host of activities to do on the European continent. Plus, with only a short-haul flight to contend with, that’s extra hours added onto your holiday. From history to culture, nature to fashion, there is so much to see and do in Europe – and if you pick the right spots to visit, then you can beat, the crowds too.
Looking for some inspiration? Read on to find out about our top three untapped European holiday destinations.
Le Havre (France)
Located in the Normandy region in France, Le Havre is easily reachable from both Paris and London. Le Havre may not be the most renowned of destinations, but when it comes to beauty, it’s one of the best. The town is one of the oldest in France, though is sadly devoid of many of its ancient buildings due to the destruction heaped upon it during the World Wars. France hired Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer to replace them – and he’s the man who developed most of the modern infrastructure you find in the town today. It is this infrastructure that makes Le Havre so beautiful – the most iconic part being its trademark volcano-shaped building, Le Volcan. In addition to modern infrastructure, Le Havre also holds annual music festivals that attract thousands – and with plenty of great options for shopping and eating out, it’s a lesser-known destination you won’t want to miss.
Northern Germany
When the subject of Germany comes up in a discussion on tourist spots, two things quickly spring to mind; the castles of Bavaria, and the famous annual Oktoberfest. While both are undoubtedly great reasons to visit the nation, look further north to the cities of Bremen and Hamburg, and you will find a more unique type of charm. Bremen’s great attractions are its ancient buildings and streets; the remnants of the buildings that were constructed before the Great Wars, to this day, carry all the history of Germany. Visiting the city of Bremen will help you to learn everything there is to know about Germany’s past – and in a way that is far more thrilling than simply reading a book. Hamburg, meanwhile, is equally historic – but the major attractions of this city are modern building such as the majestic Elbphilharmonie – the most advanced concert hall in the world.
Zagreb, Croatia
Ranked the best city to visit in Europe in 2017, Zagreb is an unmissable destination that everyone should see at least once, offering a bit of everything, from ancient buildings to modern architecture. Perhaps one of the main draws to Zagreb is that, unlike other cities in Europe, it is not heavily populated – hence you can freely move around and explore the city at entirely your own pace. The city is also ‘free’, so you can party late into the night without fear of the police knocking on your door – and, if the mood strikes then you can play some of the latest online casino games here, as most online casinos operate in the country.