It is true that Ryanair does not have direct flights to these cities, but a little effort (and a couple of stops and the occasional train and bus) is worth it to discover some of the most unique corners of Europe beyond the jack, knight and continental king that we all know, even if we have not been (physically) there.
Akureyri (Iceland)
Let’s start in the north. And so far north because this city in Iceland is close to the Arctic Circle, so if you’re looking for a cool summer, come to the fourth largest city in the country. But this is Iceland, so a “big” city doesn’t even have 20,000 inhabitants.
Despite this, Akureyri is famous for its youthful atmosphere and its nightlife, in addition, of course, to the thousand and one natural treasures that you have around you: a true gem in which the typically Icelandic sense of humour is not lacking: some traffic lights replace the red circle with a heart… Maybe if we copied this in Madrid, hurried drivers would step on the brake instead of the accelerator when the light turns red.
Uppsala (Sweden)
We continue north passing through one of the oldest cities in Sweden where there is also no lack of a relaxed atmosphere thanks to the more than 40,000 students who live there for a good part of the year: its prestigious university remains a magnet for thousands of young people. But if you want a little more peace and quiet, head over to the mounds of Gamla Uppsalaa Swedish national symbol: the country’s kings have been buried here since the 6th century.
Torshavn (Faroe Islands)
We’re heading south… but not too far, because in the middle of the Atlantic lies one of the continent’s best-kept natural treasures: the Faroe Islands, between Denmark and Iceland. In fact, there are interesting (although quite expensive) combinations to combine these islands with their northern neighbour, completing a dream trip.
But if you don’t want to go that high, you can “settle” for Tórshavn (and its surroundings), the capital of the Faroes, a city of 23,000 inhabitants that grew around a primitive Viking enclave established in the 10th century.
Klaipeda (Lithuania)
We are going to one of the most spectacular places in the Baltic, the Curonian Spitan impressive strip of land and dunes that connects the Curonian Lagoon with the Russian Kaliningrad Oblast.
This is where Klaipėda, Lithuania’s oldest city and the country’s main port city, is located, where many Baltic cruise ships arrive: its buildings in the Prussian Fachwerk style with its charming half-timbered buildings also define the unique character of this city of 160,000 inhabitants.
Herculane Dance (Romania)
We go down to the south of the continent to discover one of the best kept secrets of Romania, the spa town The most important city in the country: the Spanish emperor Trajan founded a spa here in the 2nd century. With only 6,000 inhabitants, it is the perfect excuse to explore the Banat region and discover the Danube as it passes through south-west Romania.
Burgas (Bulgaria)
Are you tired of the typical crowded beaches of the European coast? Are you looking for a truly original tourist destination in Europe? Perhaps the answer lies in the easternmost part of the continent, where Burgas is located, the fourth most populous city in the country with its 210,000 inhabitants, the base camp for discovering the western coast of the Black Sea.
And less than 30 kilometers from Burgas is Sunny Beachone of the most touristic places in the country with its five kilometres of beach from the bay of Sveti Vlas to Nessebar. This area is certainly inspired by other western tourist places, but here at least you won’t find the neighbour from the fifth floor with the little ones, as it’s enough to see them the rest of the year.
Bled (Slovenia)
We leave the coast and head inland to visit one of Slovenia’s iconic places. Not in vain is Bled located very close to the Triglavthe country’s symbolic mountain that even appears on its flag. The lake that surrounds this town of 11,000 inhabitants is one of the great wonders of Central Europe.
Rent the traditional boat pletna and heading towards the island where the Church of the Mother of God is located, which replaced the ancient pagan temple that was located here in the 8th century: your camera will surely appreciate the visit.
Horta (Portugal)
And we return to the beginning, to the Atlantic, but to visit some islands much further south than Iceland, although equally spectacular: they are the Azoresone of the most unknown treasures for travelers, who always tend to prefer to head towards islands that are a little more “comfortable.”
But if you are looking for something different (and fresh) for this summer, stop by Horta, on the island of Fayal, which they say has “the most attractive marina in the worldWe don’t know if it goes that far, but this city is a marvel for fans of marine nature and open spaces… and a little less crowded.
