12 Unique Places for Your European Travel Bucket List

While there are plenty of obvious places to add to your European bucket list, what about something refreshingly different? If you want to truly understand how diverse the continent is, we recommend adding one or more of these unique destinations to your ultimate itinerary.

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Annecy, France

France has plenty of places that you might think of adding to your bucket list, yet Annecy remains lesser-known – for now. Get there before the crowds to discover a charming old town, with cobbled lanes, and colorful buildings. If that’s not enough, how about glimmering Lake Annecy, plus a backdrop of snow-capped peaks?

Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg is seen by many as Austria’s most beautiful city, not even overshadowed by elegant Vienna. It’s also easy to combine the two, as the train trip between them takes just two hours. Expect a mix of medieval and baroque architecture, a mountainous backdrop, and the Salzach River flowing through the city.

Westfjords, Iceland

While the Norwegian fjords have been on the tourist radar for what seems like forever, it’s a different story with the Westfjords. Spend at least a few days here, and you’ll discover thundering waterfalls, natural hot springs, and beaches with sand in every unimaginable hue. Local wildlife, such as puffins and whales, is another reason to visit.

Rhine River, Germany

Take to the water for a refreshingly different way to see a new country. The mighty Rhine in Germany seems tailor-made for cruising along, admiring the magnificent architecture of the region. Fine wine, filling food, and appealing small settlements await when you return to terra firma for a while.

Pamukkale, Turkey

The terraced rock pools of Pamukkale in Turkey’s southwest are what surreal dreams are made of. You can bathe in the naturally heated spring water here, which is packed with minerals. Capturing the snowy white and azure hues on camera is also an essential part of the experience.

Swiss Alps, Switzerland

Whether it’s a winter visit to whizz down the slopes or a summer trip to do some trekking in the mountains, the Swiss Alps are a year-round destination. Explore pretty, car-free villages with traditional chalets lining the streets, sample Swiss cheese and chocolate, and take scenic train trips from one destination to the next.

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North Coast 500, Scotland

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The North Coast 500 – or NC500 – covers around 500 miles of northern Scotland. You can begin and end your epic voyage in the attractive, compact city of Inverness. Then, tour the Highlands and coastline as the whim takes you, stopping at endless beaches, shimmering lochs, traditional villages, and more.

Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

Get off the beaten path by taking a trip to the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. Lovely villages and small towns, seemingly untouched by time, await. The bay by the Adriatic Sea is a UNESCO-listed area and is steeped in maritime heritage.

Lake Garda, Italy

Kick back and unwind by the biggest lake in Italy, Lake Garda. It’s far more peaceful than Lake Como and set among the glorious Italian countryside. Taking lots of leisurely walks, and tucking into plenty of pasta is, of course, de rigueur.

Tallinn, Estonia

To enter Tallinn in Estonia is to step into a fairytale. There’s a walled old town containing a maze of cobbled streets with many charming cafes. Europe’s oldest pharmacy can also be found in the city and is packed with intriguing curiosities. You can also fill up on authentic Baltic fare to keep you going while exploring.

Greek Island Hopping

You might have been to one or more gorgeous Greek islands before, but have you done any island hopping? Traveling between the islands to find your favorite is an incredible experience. Just imagine the scenery – stacked buildings like white sugar cubes contrasting against turquoise waters, emerald forests, and the brilliant blue sky.

The Cotswolds, England

No landscape is more quintessentially English than the Cotswolds, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (yes, that is a thing). The “wolds” of the name are the gently rolling hills, and among these, there’s a seemingly endless supply of stunning small towns and villages. Taking long walks, calling into cafes and pubs, and staying at sumptuous, historic hotels is all part of the deal.