Summer is here (sort of) and so begins the pretty predictable exodus to the popular parts of Europe, from the Spanish Costas and cypress tree-dotted hills of Tuscany to the beaches of the South of France. These places are popular for a very good reason, but for anyone seeking even a smidgeon of originality (or who left that Cote D’Azur villa booking too late), fear not – Europe is awash with quirky corners that might not yet have appeared on your radar but which work a treat for a summer sojourn.
Puglia, Italy
OK, so it’s a little bit on the radar now, but there are cute little trulli (dry stone walled – and roofed – miniature houses) and restored masseria (fortified farmhouses) opening up all the time, and if you’re happy to be a bit inland some of them are also extremely good value. Meanwhile, Puglian food might just be the best in Italy, which is saying something.
Gozo, Malta
Malta’s little sister has a nice range of accommodation, from spa resorts to 5* hotels and even private houses to rent, and while there’s an absence of sandy beaches, exploring the coastline and coves on your own boat charter is a magical way to explore the island where – legend has it – sea-nymph Calypso trapped Odysseus. On the subject of sea nymphs, Gozo is famous for having possibly the best diving in the whole Mediterranean.
Basque Country, Spain
Everyone knows about the cities of San Sebastian and Bilbao, famed for their foodie and contemporary art scenes, but the rest of the Basque Country is equally alluring thanks to lovely beaches (many with excellent surf breaks) and some of the most unspoilt and beautiful countryside anywhere in Europe. Walk from charming hotel to charming hotel through lush mountain pastures, all the while sampling the food that the region is rightly famed for.
Istria, Croatia
On the subject of food, Istria has – by far – Croatia’s finest cuisine, thanks in no small part to its geographic and cultural proximity to Italy, and coastal waters that produce some of the finest seafood in the Mediterranean. There’s also a winning combination of rolling countryside that often looks identical to that in Tuscany, complete with hill towns and truffle-filled forests, and a coastline every bit as pretty as that of Dalmatia to the south.
West Coast, Sweden
A pretty coastline and sumptuous seafood are two things Istria shares in common with the beautiful archipelago stretching along the West Coast of Sweden to the north of second city Gothenburg. Add in that city’s hip and elegant resurgence and a series of quirky hotels (one floating in a secluded bay) along the coast and this is perfect road trip and family holiday territory.
Transylvania, Romania
True timewarp travel, this one, with much of Transylvania seemingly unchanged for centuries thanks to well-preserved medieval villages, the widespread use of horse and carts as the main mode of transport and stunningly beautiful forests and mountain ranges populated with bears, wolves and lynx. There are hugely charismatic places to stay (including a lodge owned by our very own Prince Charles) and history and heritage enough for the most voracious culture vulture to gnaw on.
The Lofoten Islands, Norway
Norway’s fjords are dramatic enough, but where these mighty waterways indent into Norway’s west coast, the Lofoten Islands stretch like jagged dragon’s teeth out into the Norwegian Sea. Spend a week driving along the dramatic coastal road connecting the islands via bridges and enjoy excellent seafood (again), breath-taking walking country, the chance to sea kayak beneath vast mountain ranges and – the icing on a very quirky cake – stay in rorbuers: cleverly converted fishermen’s huts that line the quaysides in some of the pretty fishing villages no route.
The Peloponnese, Greece
The Greek Islands are a nailed on classic summer destination, but the mainland is often forgotten. In our humble opinion that’s a great shame, and one area in particular – the Peloponnese – is a perfect destination for families and couples alike. The three-pronged peninsula is home to beautiful beaches, all the cultural curiosities and awe-inspiring antiquity you’d expect from Greece, stunning and truly wild landscapes in the interior and a clutch of the finest chic boutique hotels anywhere in Europe.
Tom Barber is Co-Founder of Original Travel.
