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If you wish to avoid the crowds on your first European vacation, the cities and islands listed below will allow you to pretend you have Europe all to yourself. Meteora, Greece Walk around this... |
If you wish to avoid the crowds on your first European vacation, the cities and islands listed below will allow you to pretend you have Europe all to yourself.
Meteora, Greece
Walk around this wonderful part of Greece and you’ll behold breathtaking sights of ancient monasteries and the most gorgeous vistas of Europe. Photographers will find endless inspiration in Meteora so if you want to take home some photos, make sure you have enough film – or memory space – for the task. Nearby is Metsovo, a woodcarving community, and if you go there early enough, you can have purchase some of their works or even have something commissioned.
Cathar Country, France
A jewel amidst many other jewels, Cathar Country isn’t one of the most famous places in France. Consider that a good thing, though, as it means you can explore the beauty Cathar Country has to offer without having to jostle with thousands of other tourists.
In Cathar Country, you’ll find the magnificent walled city of Carcassonne. There, you’ll be able to enjoy a number of wonderful walking trails and affordable and abundant choices for lodgings while uncovering the secrets of Rennes le Chateau, exploring hilltop castles, and savoring the taste of Blanquette de Limoux, a sparkling wine produced from this region.
Asturias, Spain
This is the perfect place for travelers wishing to reacquaint themselves with the quiet but enchanting beauty of nature and the old way of living. Although the usual accommodations are available, your vacation in Asturias will become richer if you try to emulate the locals’ simple lifestyle and stay in casa rurales (rural houses) or posadas (historical inns). Stay away from those multiple-star hotels and resorts!
Take your time exploring and enjoying the solitude of the region’s plentiful prehistoric caves. Altamira, one of its most famous caves, is aptly referred to as the Sistine Chapel of Prehistoric Art.
After your bout of artistic spelunking, you should pass through Ribadesella, a port town, by taking the pilgrimage route. Be sure to prep yourself up with a nice cup of cider and cabrales, a native variety of blue cheese.
Sardinia
This is the island for tourists looking for some peace and quiet amidst vivid and beautiful surroundings. Its culture is rich, old, and untouched and the various works of arts you’ll see here are refreshing and something you’ll wish to take home.
Go to Orgosolo to view political murals, head to Tiscali and explore an ancient village, and take a dip in Fordongianus’ various (still running) Roman baths. Make time to appreciate the precise craftsmanship and beauty of Santa Christina, a sacred well, and any of the island’s Nuraghe or bronze tower.
Dining is another unique experience in the island so remember to try out Sardinia’s roast meats, seafoods, and myrtleberry liquor called mirto. Festivals in the island are plentiful and extremely traditional; if you happen to visit the island on July, check out l’ardia di San Constantino, a horse race that will get your heart galloping in excitement.
Malta
The best time to visit the island is between mid-November and mid-May. Spring enriches Malta with plants in full bloom and a boat tour around the island will let you appreciate its lush and green color.
In Malta, the most important places to visit are the areas where battles fought by the Knights of St. John took place, the islands of St. Paul and Gozo, and of course, the Neolithic Temples, ancient structures that predate even the pyramids.