I do not know about you, but I soon get tired of the big cities and destinations filled with tourists that are in all the travel guides. They are usually fine for a weekend getaway and to see them once in a lifetime, also to attend unique events or festivals that usually take place there. But beyond that, noise, pollution, lots of people, traffic and high prices make me want to avoid them as much as possible. As a result, I am someone who loves nature and places outside the crowded tourist circuits. A simple person who enjoys the tranquility and the landscapes that put you in contact with nature and give back all the energy that the big cities are determined to take away over and over.
I understand that the first time you have a chance to be in UK you visit London, on your first trip to France you can not miss Paris and to complete the most common European tour, you also include cities Like Madrid, Rome, Amsterdam or Berlin in the package.
But what happens when you have visited these sites and you want to explore something else?
That’s where the unique hidden gems like these that I will introduce you a bit further down come into play.
Unique off-the-grid destinations that will not leave you indifferent and undoubtedly will create memories to last a lifetime.
Get ready because we are about to start a trip through Europe’s less visited but certainly more spectacular places. Without further ado, thse are the top off-the-grid European highlights worth a detour:
1. Snæfellsjökull National Park
Set between the ocean and a volcano, this varied landscape features lava fields and glaciers that earn Iceland’s title as ‘The Land of Fire and Ice’.
Read more: The 50 Key Stops Of An Iceland Road Trip + Map
2. Isle of Skye, Scotland
Experience the best of the Scottish Highlands with Skye’s majestic sea cliffs, caves, lochs, and medieval castles, along with the Talisker whisky distillery.
Read more: 5 Road Trips You Cannot Miss In The UK
3. Kylemore Abbey, Ireland
Soak in the spirit of Ireland in this 1000-acre estate’s picturesque Victorian Walled Gardens, Gothic Church, and Kylemore Castle that is still home to Benedictine nuns.
4. Mont Saint-Michel, France
Take a step back in time with a visit to an 8th-century Gothic abbey and shop-lined Medieval village on this tiny island off the coast of Normandy.
Read more: Water Photo Tips To Take Your Pics Next Level
5. Cuenca, Spain
A medieval walled city built as a defensive stronghold overlooking the countryside, Cuenca’s cathedral and ‘casas colgadas’ (hanging houses) are a must-see.
6. Lake Maggiore, Italy
While Lake Como gets most of the publicity, its neighbor Lake Maggiore is equally spectacular. Visit Isola Bella, home to a 17th-century palace and a stunning terraced garden filled with white peacocks.
7. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
This Bavarian town on the Tauber River has retained its medieval charm. Take a walking tour, visit the medieval Crime Museum, and enjoy some of the best shopping in Germany.
8. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
Transport yourself to another time with a visit to this fairy tale town built around a 13th-century castle and set along the Vltava River.
9. Lake Bled, Slovenia
Nestled in the Julian Alps next to Triglav National Park, with a medieval castle and Gothic island church, Bled takes its place among the world’s most beautiful lakes.
10. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Explore this geological gem’s breathtaking scenery as you wave around the park’s 16 emerald lakes and countless cascading waterfalls.
Read more: 12 Stunning National Parks In Europe You Should Add To Your List Now
11. Göreme, Turkey
Incredible volcanic rock formations create this village’s otherworldly feel. Explore prehistoric cave dwellings, visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum – once home to Byzantine monks – and take in the valley’s scenery during a hot air balloon ride over Capadoccia.
Read more: Should You Travel To Turkey? Thoughts Of A Curious Explorer
Fantastic choice of photos. That image of Mont St Michel is wonderful. Reminds me of the trips I used to take there as a kid.