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With a short 3 hour flight from Brisbane to New Zealand, there is plenty to do in a long weekend.
European summer beckons with its irresistible allure of sparkling coastlines, rich history, adventure, food and culture. Instead of going bumper to bumper with touristy hot spots, we’ve uncovered some of Europe’s best hidden towns and regions for a truly memorable escape.
Skip the high season crowds and prices and opt for places the locals stay and play instead. From fun in the sun by the coast, to exploring historic cities and immersing yourself in nature, there’s a destination with your luggage tag’s name written all over it.
Europe’s best offbeat Euro summer destinations are calling. Read on to ignite your wanderlust.
Coastal Adventures
Kefalonia (Cephalonia), Greece
Kefalonia is the largest island in the Ionian Sea off the west coast of Greece, where emerald green mountains meet vibrant blue oceans.
Less developed than its neighbouring islands, Kefalonia is home to stunning stretches of sand, pastel-coloured cobblestone villages and rich cultural traditions.
The best way to explore Kefalonia is by car so you can explore all corners of the island.
Visit Myrtos, a powdery white sand cove and turquoise sea surrounded by cliffs and then make your way to the village of Asos to wander narrow laneways and see colourful homes covered in bougainvillea.
Keep your followers back home jealous by sharing photos of Melissani Lake and Drogaranti Cave, two geological wonders that need no filter. The underground lake has an open ceiling that lights up the crystal-clear water with sun rays, while the cave is the place to get up close with stalactites and stalagmites.
GETTING THERE
Bonifacio, Corsica
Located on the southern tip of the French island of Corsica, Bonifacio’s precarious location perched atop an eroding limestone promontory jutting out into the sea is a sight that must be seen to be believed.
This awe-inspiring position provides panoramic vistas of Corsica’s coastline, but it’s not the sole allure of this charming town.
Bonifacio has two distinct parts, the promenade around the harbour and the historic old town with the citadel.
The recently restored old town welcomes visitors with a captivating and bustling labyrinth of streets and alleys filled with brasseries, cafes, bars and boutiques, while down at the marina freshly caught seafood is on the menu.
GETTING THERE
Hvar Island, Croatia
While the main town of Hvar is full of super yachts and the buzz of tourists in the summer, tranquillity awaits not too far away as you escape the town bubble and explore the rest of the island.
The beaches are spectacular, from popular coves to quiet secluded bays surrounded by cliffs.
Hire a boat and explore the Pakleni Island Archipelago for a day of swimming, snorkelling and adventuring. Drop your anchor wherever you like and have the freedom to relax and play all day long.
One small town definitely worth a visit is Stari Grad, with cobbled laneways, authentic restaurants, a relaxed atmosphere and far cheaper prices than Hvar town.
GETTING THERE
Valletta, Malta
Valletta is one of Europe’s smallest capital cities, but while it may be smaller than its counterparts there’s no shortage of things to do and see.
Valletta is packed with sites of historical significance, with buildings dating back to the 16th century, and it was officially listed UNESCO World Heritage site in 1980.
Built on a peninsula between two natural harbours (Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour), the city sits perched on higher ground and one of the best places to visit is the Upper Barrakka Gardens, with fantastic views of the cities of Senglea, Vittoriosa and Cospicua.
The city offers plenty of museums including the National Warm Museum, Grand Masters Palace and National Museum of Archaeology as well as the impressive baroque-style St Johns Co-Cathedral.
GETTING THERE
City Exploring
Porto, Portugal
The Duoro River, the epicentre of this former port city, is the ultimate backdrop for a leisurely holiday in the town that gave the country (and port wine) its name.
Porto is a city best enjoyed on foot, so lace up your sneakers and plan a visit to the Ponte Dom de Luis double-deck metal arch bridge spanning the river between the old town and the wine-making district of Vila Nova de Gaia. It offers fantastic views of the city and the bridge itself is a sight to behold.
Jump aboard one of the vintage trams to do a romantic loop of the city, and be sure to visit São Bento Station which is argued to be the most beautiful train station in Portugal with its mansard roof, Renaissance stone façade and over 20,000 tin-glazed blue and white tiles used to create beautiful historical scenes.
For more charming architecture, there is Livaria Lello, one of the world's most beautiful bookstores with wooden walls and red-carpeted grand stairway.
After all the sightseeing, it’s time to enjoy some authentic Portuguese food including a hearty traditional francesinha sandwich, the small yet mighty Pastel de Nata (Portuguese tart) and of course a glass of Port wine.
GETTING THERE
Dublin, Ireland
During the summer months, Dublin city enjoys clear skies, meaning it's a wonderful time to embrace picnics in the flowering gardens, stroll the cobbled streets, enjoy outdoor festivals and food markets or visit the coastal towns.
Phoenix Park, the largest city centre park in Europe, is a must-see destination with several monuments within. Keep your eyes peeled for the herd of deer that live in the park.
Uncover the secrets of Ireland's iconic brew with a Connoisseur Experience at Dublin's Guinness Storehouse or sample Irish whiskey on a guided tour of the Jameson Distillery.
Walk the streets and immerse yourself in over 1,000 years of history, as echoes of the Vikings mix with buzzing boutiques, cobbled streets reverberate with the sounds of buskers, and 18th century parks play host to various alfresco festivities.
With only 25 minutes to the coast, a fun day trip to the seaside at Howth Head offers beaches and wildflower-covered sea cliffs and is a great place for a hike or outdoor activities like kayaking and golf.
GETTING THERE
Copenhagen, Denmark
Denmark’s summer paradise and capital city, Copenhagen is an exciting city with harbour baths, streets full of colourful houses and outstanding restaurants which serve scrumptious Scandinavian dishes and laid-back vibes known as “hygge” (a Danish term roughly translating to “cozy vibes”).
Jump on a bicycle, the easiest way to get around, and explore the Nyhavn district with multicoloured buildings lining the canal and streets filled with restaurants, bars and cafes that sprawl out during the warmer months and live jazz music fills the air.
Then it’s on to the many galleries and museum on offer, such as Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Nationalmuseet and Louisiana Museum of Modern Art for a dose of art and culture.
Dedicate some time to exploring the fairytale Renaissance castle Rosenborg Slot, home to the Danish crown jewels, several lavish rooms and a priceless wine collection. The castle’s leafy surrounds are perfect for strolling and picnicking.
When the weather warms up, it’s time to cool off at the harbour baths, public swimming spots with boardwalks and cafes, dotted around the city.
GETTING THERE
Nature's Paradise
Bergen, Norway
Located on Norway’s southwestern coast, Bergen is surrounded by mountains and fjords, and is an ideal central point to explore the natural beauty of the region.
The most popular fjords near Bergen are Sognefjorden, Hardangerfjorden and Osterfjorden and many cruise operators run daily excursions of these must-see natural wonders.
Next, it’s time to take to the skies in a cable car up the mountain of Ulriken, 643 metres above sea level, or if you feel like hiking, the more easily accessible Mount Fløyen has several tracks to choose from.
Back in town, Bryggen is a focal point for visitors, with colourful wooden houses on the old wharf, once the key centre for trade between Norway and Europe and is today home to restaurants, galleries and boutiques.
Bergen is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, so food is high on the agenda. Seafood is at the core of Bergen cuisine, and you’ll find menus packed with dishes like fish soup, fish cakes, and persetorsk, a dish made of cod cured with sugar and salt that’s native to the city of Bergen.
For a dose of history, visit the Old Bergen Museum, a reconstructed town of around 50 historic houses. The open-air museum shows what Bergen, which was Europe’s biggest wooden city in the 1800s, looked like in the past.
GETTING THERE
Lucerne, Switzerland
The city of Lucerne in central Switzerland offers one of the region’s most stunning vistas, set on the shores of pristine Lake Lucerne and surrounded by Swiss Alps.
One of the best ways to appreciate the splendour is to hop onto one of the boat cruises on the lake and sail the cobalt blue waters past local swans, rolling hills, castles and charming lakeside villages.
Back in Lucerne’s Old Town, the crystal-clear streams flow through a central canal and under the city’s most famous landmark Chapel Bridge, Europe’s oldest covered bridge.
Historic buildings decorated with frescoes line the town square and cobblestone streets host quaint shopfronts for cafes, boutiques and of course Switzerland’s famous chocolatiers.
Another unmissable nature experience is a trip to Mount Pilatus and its snow-capped peaks, a scenic adventure just outside of the city of Lucerne. Ride a series of gondolas and a cable car to the top, enjoying impressive views along the way.
GETTING THERE
Bled, Slovenia
Bled is an idyllic mountain village set on the shores of the tranquil Lake Bled, which is framed by lush forests and rolling hillsides.
The city is on the doorstep to Triglav National Park and Slovenia’s Alpine region, with phenomenal waterfalls, gorges and lakes where you can hike past turquoise waters, colourful wildflowers and rocks walls.
Back in town, the beautiful Lake Bled is ideal for water activities. Hop on a boat or rent paddle boats and kayaks to explore on your own. Be sure to visit the Bled Island Church of the Assumption by boat, located in the centre of the lake.
One other must-see is Bled Castle, a medieval castle built on the rock high above the lake offering some of the best views of the region.
GETTING THERE
So where will this European summer take you? Whether you’re craving a cosmopolitan city adventure, a relaxing holiday with sea views or keen to take out and about in nature, there’s a myriad of destinations awaiting you.
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