Most people are familiar with the standard or “popular” destinations in Europe such as places like London, Paris, Rome, or Barcelona. This post doesn’t include them. We started looking at the European destinations we are being asked for more often, are trending to become more popular, and are standing out from all of the secondary cities.
- Bilbao, Spain
- The Guggenheim Museum
- Capital of Basque country
- Azkuna Zentora – the cultural center
- Over 40 Michelin starred restaurants
- Ideal for: Culture Mavens
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- Cardiff, Wales
- Dragons everywhere, even on their flag
- Wales has over 600 castles
- 13 major castles within a one hour drive
- Home of Doctor Who
- Ideal for: Adventurers who like new venues in the UK
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- Algarve, Portugal
- Black & White cobblestone street of Faro, the capital
- Parque Natural da Ria Formosa
- Golden beaches at Ilha Tavira
- Petiscos de Taberna – the Portuguese answer to Tapas
- Ideal for: Foodies who love wild beaches
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- Bordeaux, France
- Just 2 hours by high-speed train from Paris
- The unforgettable Wine Museum (Cite duVin)
- Day trips to the chateaux and vineyards
- Carcassonne and the Dune du Pilat, la Roche-sur-Yon, Saint Emilion are day trips
- Ideal for: Wine lovers and those ready to go beyond Paris
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- Galway, Ireland
- 13th Century city walls
- Friendly pub life – start at Tigh Neachtain
- Local jewelry has a Galway brand (Claddagh rings)
- Year-round festivals – literature, arts, seafood, music, and horse racing
- Ideal for: Travelers looking to connect with local Irish life
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- Manchester England
- Easy day trips to Liverpool and the lake district
- Home of the industrial revolution
- Museum of Science and Industry & Imperial War Museum
- The UK’s fastest growing foodie destination – vegan and vegetarian creations abound
- Ideal for: Hipsters and those who want to explore beyond London
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- Amalfi, Itlay
- Sorrento – a view of Vesuvius
- Positano – town on a cliff
- Capri – blue grotto and ancient Roman Villa
- Ravello – a garden paradise on a hill
- Pompeii – an unforgettable view of ancient history
- Sentiero degli Dei – path of the gods
- Ideal for: Those in search of La Dolce Vita and bucket list checkers
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- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Fly in or take the train from London
- Edinburgh Castle and the Military Tattoo
- The Royal Mile
- Whisky, beer, and Haggis
- Ideal for: Appreciate a culture of fierce independence
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- Florence, Italy
- Birthplace of the Renaissance
- Visit the Doumo, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Ponte Vecchio
- The Accademia Gallery – houses Michelangelo’s David
- Consider combining with a villa in Tuscany
- Ideal for: Art and History lovers
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- Mykonos, Greece
- Greece’s party island – their answer to Ibiza
- 25 natural beaches
- A wealth of watersports and world class diving
- Wonderful culinary option
- Ideal for: Stair master fans who like to party
Which of these hot destinations are on your list of places to visit in 2020? Not sure which you want to see first? No worries… schedule a free consultation or call 727.748.4077 today.
