Published 28th Jun. 2021
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Rich in history, architecture and nature, it’s no surprise that Europe draws in masses of tourists every year. If you’re desperate to explore the continent but can’t stomach the crowds, we’ve got you covered with our roundup of alternative holidays to Europe. From the wild beauty of Croatia’s Istria region to the majestic landscapes of Iceland, we can recommend some of the best hidden-away spots for an off-the-beaten-track trip.
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Summer in Sweden is a great option if you’re in the market for an alternative holiday to Europe. Spend your time here exploring remote fishing villages with their red boathouses and charming little hotels; kayaking around idyllic archipelagos with only the local seals for company; and feasting on traditional Swedish food - the perfect indulgence after a day in the wilderness. End your trip in Stockholm, the country’s trendy capital, for a hit of culture and the chance to stroll through the colourful streets of the old town before you head home.
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Iceland is one of our all-time favourite destinations when it comes to alternative holidays to Europe. Ideal for adventure-loving families, a trip to Iceland is filled with unforgettable experiences in nature, from walks along black sand beaches to drives along breathtakingly beautiful coastal roads and whale watching cruises out to sea.
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Look beyond the Dalmatian Coast and Dubrovnik - Croatia’s classic destinations - and head north towards the border with Italy for a serene stay in Istria. Still relatively undisturbed by mass tourism, this picturesque peninsula is overflowing with handsome historic cities and beautiful nature. Soak up the tranquility of the region as you wander along cobblestone streets in its medieval towns; feast on delicious cuisine including truffles - a local speciality - in traditional restaurants; and unwind with a seaside break on the idyllic Krk Island.
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Turkey’s Lycian Coast - also known as the Turquoise Coast - is a prime spot for an alternative holiday to Europe. Beginning in Gocek, a beautiful little town on the Turkish Riviera, wind your way along the coast, stopping off in some of the region’s prettiest coastal towns and enjoying a slower pace as you set off on idyllic cruises; stay in charming hotels with views of the sea; and visit ancient castles, monuments and tombs, some dating back as far as the fourth century BC.
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Venture into the rolling hills to experience France’s sublime landscapes and seek out some of the country’s best wines. Explore sunny vineyards in Reims, Epernay and Champagne; sit back and relax with a glass of bubbly in hand as you float along the Marne on a private cruise; and learn about (and taste) some of Burgundy’s best vintages accompanied by an expert oenologist. Top off your trip with a delicious dinner in a Michelin-starred restaurant and a stay in a 19th century country manor for a luxurious getaway far from the bright-lights and busy streets of Paris.
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Enjoy a taste of the laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle with an island-hopping holiday in the Cyclades - a gorgeous group of Greek islands known for their beautiful beaches, ancient sites, and pretty blue-and-white stucco towns. Enjoy serene stays on the islands of Sifnos and Milos and spend your days strolling around sleepy fishing villages; cooling off with dips in the sea; and feasting on local produce - everything from homemade olive oil to tomatoes picked fresh from the garden.
Header image by Mihmanduganli / Pexels.
Practical advice and inspiration for your next trip
Now that the clocks have gone back and winter has truly set in, it’s no surprise that people are dreaming of next year’s getaway. But where to go? 2026 is set to be a pretty exciting year in travel, from the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in the USA to the lifting of non-essential travel bans in South Mozambique. To help you decide, we’ve crafted a shortlist of the hottest destinations on the map, including two new destinations we’re adding to our roster next year.
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First emerging in early 20th-century Paris, Art Deco made its world debut at the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs, a showcase of the movement’s arts and architecture. Characterised by geometric shapes, streamlined forms, symmetry and verticality, the Art Deco style embodies machine-age modernity. As we mark a century of Art Deco’s enduring influence, it’s time to celebrate its global legacy.
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Southeast Asia is a favourite for first-time travellers – safe, welcoming and easy to explore. Yet all too often, Cambodia is the casualty of the Indochina loop, with many simply dropping in to see the (admittedly awe-inspiring) Angkor before moving swiftly on. On my first visit, I was guilty as charged. But my return visit changed everything. Cambodia, I realised, has come of age. It’s no longer the ‘add-on’ destination, but a country that demands time, rewards curiosity and offers depth, warmth and discovery at every turn.
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