With its uncrowded roads, pretty traditional towns and miles of unspoilt scenery, Europe is seemingly made for an incredible road trip. If you’ve already hit the continents’ major cities and tourist spots, here’s our collective favourite non-touristy travel destinations to explore by car instead…
The Auvergne, France
Unbelievably the whole of this region remains firmly under the average tourist’s radar. It’s a remarkable mountainous area with remote, wild and unspoiled rural landscapes punctured by The Allier River. Visit for extinct volcanoes, the deeply ravined Cantal mountains and the forest of spectacular darkly wooded pinnacles surrounding Le Puy.
Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
The eternally sunny port city of Tarragona definitely should be receiving more attention than it’s currently receiving. Located on the Costa Dorada (Golden Coast), 60 miles southwest of Barcelona it’s a fascinating mix of relaxed Mediterranean beach life, Roman history and cobbled medieval alleyways. History fans will also love the wealth of Roman ruins, including a seaside amphitheatre.
Bergamo, Italy
While most head for Rome, Venice or Milan there are many other beautiful and traditional places in Italy that are overlooked. Bergamo – located in Lombardy – is one of those places. Enjoying a privileged position overlooking the Bergamo Alps, the picturesque city is known for its fine dining, art, medieval Renaissance and baroque architecture as well as its breathtaking views.
Appenzell, Switzerland
One of Switzerland’s prettiest places this is where a traditional way of life still lives on – think cowbells, rural customs, and bell-shaped barns dotted all over the rolling pastures. Located 95km east of Zürich, the area offers excellent hiking opportunities, folk festivals and plenty of yodeling.
Heidelberg, Germany
One of the few German cities that wasn’t destroyed in World War II, but yet it remains a fairly undiscovered travel destination. Located on the River Neckar in south-west Germany it’s Old Town is a very pretty place with all the usual traditional German cliches of beer steins, cuckoo clocks and narrow cobblestone streets. Also, visit for the important historic sights; the medieval Old Bridge, Knight St. George House and the Heidelberg Castle.
Bled, Slovenia
Although this lovely place is becoming increasingly more popular with travellers in the know, it still has quite a way to go before it becomes a famous European beauty spot. It’s a picturesque, almost fairy-tale esque town in northwestern Slovenia’s most famous for its views of the lake. The beautiful lake has its own islet on which a small pretty church sits. Beyond it you can see the gothic Bled Castle that is perched on the cliff’s edge – perfect for photo opportunities.
15 Comments
Julie
4 June, 2015 at 3:20 pmGreat photos! Looks like a great combination of nature + romance!
Karl
20 May, 2015 at 1:18 amGreat Post Becky. Always on the lookout for some of the less oft visited. My friend visits Bled every year and raves about it. The Heidelberg pic is awesome.
Becky Moore
22 May, 2015 at 8:09 pmLake Bled is a place that everyone seems to be raving about at the moment – and with good reason! 😉
Pixie
14 May, 2015 at 2:05 pmWe have been to all of these countries , but some how missed all of these places , an excuse to go back I think.
Becky Moore
22 May, 2015 at 8:09 pmA good excuse indeed 😉
Yiwu
14 May, 2015 at 6:23 amomg! cool spots!
Steph of Big World Small Pockets
12 May, 2015 at 1:15 amTotally agree with Bled, Bergamo and Heidelberg! Its also worth checking out Saranda in Albania, Brittany in France and Jersey in the Channel Islands if you’re looking to get away from the crowds!
Becky Moore
22 May, 2015 at 8:19 pmOoh good tips thanks Steph for sharing them! 🙂
Emma
10 May, 2015 at 2:33 amWow really fancy Appenzell, didn’t even know about it but it looks beautiful!
Becky Moore
22 May, 2015 at 8:20 pmGood choice 🙂
Scott
10 May, 2015 at 12:59 amThey all look like great places! Would especially love to visit Bergamo in Italy!
Becky Moore
22 May, 2015 at 8:20 pmI’m sure you would love it Scott!
Marc
8 May, 2015 at 5:11 pmGreat article Becky. I have been to Bergamo Italy and Loved it. I may have to try the France when I go visit next year. 🙂
Becky Moore
22 May, 2015 at 8:20 pmIf you do, let us know what you think!
Zascha
7 May, 2015 at 1:15 pmI’m very intrigued by the town in Italy, but definitely the one in Switzerland as well! No wonder they’ve been named the happiest people in the world when they live in such beautiful surroundings.