Europe may well be one of the smaller continents but it’s also one of the most tightly-packed when it comes to the number of countries that are here. That’s what makes it a great region to explore the huge mix of cultures, history and more unusual places in Europe that are dotted all across the continent.
Now, we’ve all heard of the likes of Paris, London, Barcelona and Rome which are well-trodden places for us to explore. That being said, there’s honestly a heap of other regions and gorgeous European islands that are sometimes missed.
This is exactly why I wanted to share some of the more unusual places in Europe to visit on your next trip. Now, I’ve tried to share a few from all across the continent so you’ll hopefully find a few that are close to the country you’re visiting.
Anyway, I’m totally rambling on, take a look at some of the unusual places in Europe to visit. Have the best holiday!
1.) Tromso, Norway
Visiting the Arctic Circle is incredible, especially in and around the Arctic city of Tromso.
We recently got to visit Tromso and it was so dreamy, especially in the colder months. We visited in April (so we had some good daylight hours) and totally loved it.
Though, temperatures regularly dipped beyond -20c, it was an icy wonderland to explore; especially in the wider region, too.
There’s not really a wrong time to visit but obviously seasons are quite different due to the midnight sun in summer.
Make sure to try the cities spa boat that leaves the harbour, attend the Tromsø International Film Festival and the Northern Light Festival, or head out to spot some whales.
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can actually head out for a swim in the Arctic Sea (on the Spa Boat), too. We totally loved this experience. It really is one of the more unusual places in Europe that you can’t really miss.
Oh, don’t forget to grab one of the biggest burgers ever from Burgr in the city centre. Just visit with an empty tummy, you’ll leave stuffed.
Read more: Exploring Tromso and the surrounding region
2.) Calabria, Italy
Calabria is a beach lovers dream! One of the best things about Calabria is that you can spend the whole morning basking up the sun and waves, whilst in the afternoon, exploring some of the tiny villages in the region.
It’s totally gorgeous and the whole region (especially the town of Tropea) is charming (in that Italian way that makes you want to explore even more).
Make sure to also visit Pollino National Park which is Italy’s largest protected area.
It really is stunning and a little cheaper than places like Tuscany or Umbria, too.
It really is one of the more unusual places in Italy that’s more off the beaten track than the bigger cities of Verona or Rome.
Read more: Best places in Southern Italy to visit
3.) St. Michael’s Mount, England
St. Michael’s Mount is one stunning historic site to see in the stunning region of Cornwall, England.
Not to be mixed up with Mont-Saint-Michel in France, it’s the perfect place to explore alongside its beautiful neighbour, Marazion where you can pick up some typical Cornish fudge.
St. Michael’s Mount really is the perfect place to explore when tides are low, just make sure to keep an eye on when the sea comes back in; no one likes to be stranded or cause unnecessary risk.
Read more: Best places in Cornwall to visit
4.) Grundarfjörður, Iceland
Iceland has become increasingly popular over the last few years and it’s easy to see why! Although most visitors head towards the south-west of the island, places like Grundarfjörður are well worth a visit.
The whole area around Grundarfjörður is just stunning. Plus, there are so many incredible places in Iceland to visit, so you’ll be spoilt for choice whilst exploring one of the more unusual places in Europe.
Make sure to visit Kirkjufell Mountain during a hike around the area. Honestly, the hikes in Iceland are out-of-this-world! You might also spot some puffins too.
It’s the perfect place to explore Snæfellsnes National Park. In the summer months, locals build a replica Viking Village in the centre of Grundarfjörður that’s really worth a gander at.
Read more: Best places in Iceland to visit
5.)Tarn canyon, France
Definitely, one of Europe’s most beautiful canyons, Gorges du Tarn (or Tarn Canyon) is most certainly one incredible place to explore. Rent a kayak or canoe and head through the canyon itself.
Make sure you also visit Castelbouc, Peyreleau and Eglazine, too. They are small villages that are perched between the gorge and the river and are totally stunning to see. Oh, and if you’ve got time, take a trip over to Saint-Chély in Occitanie. It’s a stunner.
It’s one of the more unusual places in Europe to visit, especially after exploring the beauty of this region.
Read more: Best places in France to visit
6.) The Azores, Portugal
This bunch of Mid-Atlantic islands are one of the most breathtaking set of islands in Europe. Think volcanoes, huge craters, stunning Portuguese village and a UNESCO protected Biosphere Reserve.
It’s a stunning place to visit some of the more unusual places in Europe. It’s like a warmer Iceland!
Read more: Best places in Portugal to visit
7.) Perast, Montenegro
Persat is a little old town in the Bay of Kotor and arguably one of the prettiest in the area. This gorgeous town has a strong Venetian history that dates back many hundreds of years that is well worth seeing.
Make sure to visit some of the nearby islands, too; St George and Our Lady of the Rocks, which houses a quaint little church that has been there for over 500 years.
Prices are cheaper than other destinations than the likes of Greece and Spain, so you’ll save a few pennies, too.
Read more: Cities in Europe to visit
8.) Lednice-Valtice, Czechia
We’re all familiar with the beauty of Prague but travel a little further south-east from the city and you’ll eventually hit Lednice-Valtice. It’s one stunning place you have to see in the Czechia.
Make sure you visit Lednice Castle and the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary for some of the grand gothic architecture.
Alternatively, for a relaxing afternoon, hop onto one of the many little boats that stream down the river. It’s easily one of the more unusual places in Europe to visit when in Czechia
Read more: Best things to do in Prague
9.) Slovak Paradise National Park, Slovakia
The Slovak Paradise National Park certainly lives up to its name.
Filled with over 300km of marked trails and hiking routes, it’s one of the best places to come and experience the nature here in Slovakia. Make sure to visit some of the impressive caves whilst you’re there, too.
It’s easily one of the more unusual places in Europe that are sometimes forgotten compared to its big-hitting neighbours like Italy or Croatia.
After working up an appetite in the national park, grab yourself a traditional dish of Bryndzové pirohy, there little cheese parcels or dumplings that are sent from the heavens. I loved them on our last trip to Slovakia.
Read more: Best things to do in Slovakia
10.) Croatian Islands
Croatia is one of my favourite coastlines to explore; with the islands of Croatia being some of the prettiest in all of Europe.
For instance, after perching yourself in Split or Dubrovnik, you can easily explore some of the more unusual places n Europe that are within easy reach of both cities.
Honestly, its stunning islands and coastline are just so dreamy, with the island of Pag being no exception.
Once there, make sure you take a dip off Simuni Beach, see the Pag Lace Gallery and visit the Olive Gardens of Lun which has some of oldest olive trees in Croatia.
Read more: Best islands in Croatia to visit
11.) Gotland & Visby, Sweden
Sweden has a massive amount of thing for us travellers to experience, from the Ice Hotel in the North, Stockholm, Swedish Lapland and Gothenburg in the west, it really is a diverse country.
One place that doesn’t immediately spring to mind is Sweden’s largest island, Gotland.
Make sure to visit the historic city of Visby and see the incredible Visby City Wall, St. Nicolai Ruin and sample some of the city’s seafood in one of the harbour-front restaurants.
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, head for a tour of Lummelunda Cave, which is Sweden’s longest cave system. It really is one of the more unusual places in Europe to visit when exploring Sweden.
Read more: Best things to do in Stockholm
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