We’ve been travelling together in Europe on and off for more than 40 years, and there’s still so much to see.
Outside the ‘big ticket’ destinations, there are dozens of smaller, more secluded places to discover.
Here are 7 which are on our list to visit in 2023.
It’s a long list.
It may take more than a year.
But we can dream, can’t we?
Veli Losinj, Croatia
Forget Dubrovnik, its busy streets, cruise liner parties and Game of Thrones inspired city walks. Instead, head north to an island in the Adriatic.
Natural landscapes, crystal clear waters and heavenly beaches, it’s just a short drive from the delightful town of Mali Losinj and will more than repay the effort of getting there.
Once an important fishing port, its main economy is now based around tourism, with beautiful beaches at the foot of the Kalvarija mountain. Take a boat trip, and you may even spot dolphins.
How to get there
In high season there are flights from UK to Losinj itself or head for Pula or Rijeka on the mainland and hire a car.
Where to stay
You’re unlikely to get a package deal to Veli Losinj, but there are plenty of villas and AirBnB accommodation to choose from, so independent travelling is probably best for this destination.
Torrevieja, Alicante, Spain
Alicante’s a popular destination for sunseekers, but have you found the pink lake?
The lake is in the Natural Park of the Lagunas de la Mata y Torrevieja.
The colour (think candy floss and bubblegum) comes from a combination of algae and bacteria, which gives the water allegedly healing properties. It can smell a little odd, but is perfectly safe, although swimming is prohibited to protect the delicate ecosystem. But just think of the photos! You might even get to see some rosy-hued flamingos.
The area also has a beautiful, but more traditionally coloured, green lake and soft, sandy beaches.
How to get there
The nearest airport is Alicante and a flight takes around 2 and half hours from London. An hour and a half train journey gets you to Torrevieja itself.
Where to stay
Plenty of city and beach hotels in the area.
Pietrapertosa, Basilicata Region, Italy
We love the Veneto and I still want to see Pompeii and Herculaneum, but much further south, almost in the toe of Italy’s boot, is the Basilicata region and the stunningly beautiful Pietrapertosa.
Named in 2019 as one of the 20 most beautiful villages in Italy, it’s not easily accessible as the region is mountainous and well off the usual tourist track. But the adventurous will be rewarded with lush forests, great hiking trails and, we’re told, the best bread in Italy from the region’s golden fields.
Thrill seekers will love the longest and highest zip line in the world. Volo dell’Angelo – or Angel Flight – goes from peak to peak between Pietrapertosa and Castelmezzano.
How to get there
The nearest big city is Naples, a two and a half hour drive away.
Where to stay
It’s growing in popularity, but still a hidden gem, and there are plenty of hotels and restaurants nearby. Just be aware that the roads are winding and pretty steep in places, so buckle up, even if you’re not taking the Angel Flight!
Bauduen, France
Everyone knows Nice, and it’s a great holiday destination. But just an hour and a half away in the hills above the Côte d’Azur is the traditional French village of Bauduen.
Perfectly placed for nature lovers wanting to explore the Gorges du Verdon, there’s a 3 hour hiking trail around the village through some glorious scenery.
And if you’re star struck, then pay a visit to the astronomical observatory. You can even stay on site for unequalled views of the night sky.
How to get there
It’s about a two-hour drive north-west of the French Riviera up into the mountains.
Where to stay
Plenty of hotels, auberges and campsites to choose from, or book a holiday to Nice and make Bauduen a day trip.
Thun, Switzerland
Views of the Alps, a clear blue lake and buildings that date from the 11th century, Thun is simply picture-perfect. Paddle steamers cross the lake, or the more active can propel themselves in a kayak.
One curiosity not to be missed is the Thun Panorama, in Schadau Park, a 19th-century, 360-degree painting of the town.
How to get there
If you don’t mind a long drive, it’ll take about 12 hours, or you can Eurostar to Geneva and take a local service from there. Alternatively base yourself in Bern or Interlaken, and use the regular train services which get you to Thun in less than half an hour.
Quedlinburg, Germany
In the heart of Germany, south of Hanover and Berlin, is the historic town of Quedlinburg. Known for medieval streets, filled with half-timbered houses, it’s a picture-perfect spot, easily covered on foot.
The castle complex, founded by King Henry I and enhanced by Emperor Otto I in 936, includes a Romanesque church, where Henry himself is interred and what’s left of the religious community for women, founded by Henry’s widow Matilda.
During the Nazi regime, the town had a less than savoury reputation, being the centre of an almost cult-like worship of King Henry and for its association with the nearby Langenstein-Zwiebergehe concentration camp. But recently it’s been sensitively restored and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How to get there
A flight from the UK to Leipzig is your best bet, although you can take the train all the way to Quedlinburg itself, a journey of around 14 hours!
Where to stay
Plenty of hotels and AirBnB options.
Ilha do Farol, Algarve, Portugal
A true touch of paradise with endless, almost deserted, sands bathed by clear waters. It’s a national park – a sandy 6 kilometre strip just off the coast near Faro, a photographer’s dream for sunsets and if you climb to the top of the 50-metre tall lighthouse you’ll be rewarded with some great views across the island.
Total rest, relaxation, peace and quiet.
How to get there
Algarve’s a popular tourist destination, so you have plenty of alternatives.
Once there, it’s a short ferry ride from Olhao or Faro, or you can take one of the island-hopping boat trips.
Where to stay
Not many facilities on the island itself, but look for hotels and villas a short drive away.
Do you have any hidden gems you’re willing to share?
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