For the road less travelled THE MOST BEAUTIFUL Under-the-Radar DESTINATIONS INEUROPE TO VISIT Before You Die

FROM THE OWNER OF GLOBALGRASSHOPPER.COM BECKY MOORE & REGULAR CONTRIBUTOR BETH PINCHES BeautifulTHE MOST UNDER-THE-RADAR DESTINATIONS IN EUROPE TO VISIT BEFORE YOU DIE

That beguiling continent bordered Ah Europe! by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea to the south.

Take a trip to Europe and you'll be guaranteed to be charmed by its photogenic beauty, unrivalled history and dazzling artistic and culinary diversity. Although knowing where to start can be a little overwhelming, especially if you want to avoid the crowds.

Being fans of under-the-radar destinations we've put together a list of our favourite underrated destinations that often get lost in the shadows of their more famous neighbours. Hopefully we will inspire some of you intrepid travellers to take the road less travelled on your next European getaway- we promise you won't be disappointed!

Becky Moore, owner of GlobalGrasshopper.com Photo by Porfirio / CC BY 2.0

a picturesque island filled with pastel-hued houses and fragrant PROCIDA, ITALY lemon groves

This beautiful pastel coloured island located off the Bay of Naples is one of Italy’s true hidden “I left with the enthusiasm of a child who is gems. A soulful blend of sun-bleached streets going to see the curtain rise on some of the most and shady lemon groves, Procida makes a beautiful scenes of both nature and life.” wonderful place to soak up some real Italian Procida honours these creatives for whom spirit... and we don’t just mean Limoncello! Enjoy it was such an influence by hosting an annual delicious seafood at one of the many port side culture week and awarding the renowned ‘Elsa trattorias or sample the local dish ‘Insalata al Morante Literary Prize’. Each year it also holds the Limone’. Alternatively eavesdrop on old seaman ‘Miss Graziella’ contest, a beauty pageant with a swapping yarns in the picturesque harbour or traditional twist. A good starting point to explore just wander the little streets and soak up the the Procida is Cirraccio, from its main piazza you wonderful authentic atmosphere. can reach any point on the island within 1.5 km. From the Ciesa di San Antonio you can descend Procida has a rich cultural history extending the stone steps onto Pozzo Vechio Beach - a into the twentieth century where it has provided long stretch of sandy beach lush with plants and inspiration for a vanguard of artists, poets, caressed by the mistral winds that was made writers, photographers and film-makers. It famous by its appearance in Il Postino. If you walk also has a few claim to fames - it was the idyllic back through the square you can climb down to setting of the films ‘Il Postino’ and ‘The Talented the stunning Chiaia beach and soak up the lovely Mr Ripley’ as well as the novels ‘Arturo’s Island’ panoramic views over Corricella. by Elsa Morante and ‘Graziella’ by Alphonse de Lamartine who praised the island saying: Photo by CucombreLibre / CC BY 2.0 Procida continued...

The Marina Corricella is a Procida must see - The fitter traveller can climb the rugged hill to this is where you can explore the sun-drenched the fortified centre ofTerra Murata, the highest terraces and colourful houses via the tangle of point on Procida, and take in the breathtaking stairways and passages hidden amongst them. views of The Bay of Naples. Whilst up there try In this peaceful oasis you can findboutique visiting the 16th century Abbey of San Michele shops to peruse and soak up the warm friendly with its many works of art and basement tour of atmosphere and then finish up by dining under the ancient burial ground. Don’t forget to sample the soft lights of the marina just metres away the island’s delicious cuisine, traditionally fish and from the sea. The island’s largest harbour the sea food. For a contemporary twist on traditional Marina Grande - where you disembark the ferry fayre visit Il Gazebo on Marina Grande, or sit on from Naples or Ischia - is busier but still worth the terrace of La Pergola and enjoy traditional a visit. From here you can be captivated by the dishes, handmade pasta and desserts under the charm of the typical pastel coloured houses shade of beautiful lemon trees. Accommodation and the imposing Palazzo Montefuso with its in Procida is both reasonably priced and varied. spectacular medieval battlements. You can get Try the unique boutique B&B Casa Bormioli, an eyeful of the baroque bell of Chiesa Santa decked out with objects collected by its well Maria Della Pieta and see the ancient tufa caves, travelled owners or the tranquil Tirreno Hotel dug centuries ago to shelter boats in stormy Residence, with its gorgeous sunny terrace and weather. flower laden balconies. Photo by Mario Fajt / CC BY 2.0

a peaceful and beautiful cluster of islands VIS ISLANDS, CROATIA untouched by time

The small Croatian Islands of Vis were once mainland for work. Although the tourist industry is strictly out-of-bounds to tourists (due to their now fairly robust, the years of under population have importance as a naval base) and the island retains left the islands a calm oasis of unspoiled beauty a sleepy and slightly undiscovered air. These and they are still relatively quiet especially if you mysterious islands are now a draw for travellers avoid the five or six weeks of the summer holidays who are seeking a more peaceful seaside retreat when Italian tourists flock over for vacation! far away from the crowds. Steeped in history, the islands have been on the map since the 4th century At Vis Town, the oldest settlement on the island BC, playing host to both the Ancient Greeks and you can see the remnants of the walls that once the Romans before falling under the jurisdiction of surrounded the Greek colony of Issa and the Venice until the late 1700s. The strong links to the ruins of the Roman amphitheatre and necropolis. Italian city are reflected in the architecture of the Many of the town’s buildings date back to the Island’s two small towns, both of which nestle at 16th century with beautiful Italianate villas the foot of two large bays. A gentle rivalry thrives and churches flanking the narrow streets and between the historically gentrifiedVis Town and sunny squares. For an excellent insight into the the working class fishing village ofKomiza , with its complex history of the islands it’s worth visiting the terrifying tales of pirates and shipwrecks. Archaeological Museum in the centre of town. Vis Town is also an excellent place to sample some of Having been passed around a bit the Islands the gastronomical delights of the island. became part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1920 and formed an important part of the Yugoslav The food is characteristically simple, with natural partisan resistance during WW2. For years the ingredients and fresh fish delicately flavoured with Islands were cut off to foreign visitors and the citrus, bay leaves and other such Mediterranean ailing economy forced locals to move over to the seasonings. Photo by Miroslav Vajdic / CC BY 2.0 Vis Islands continued...

Local specialities include fish stews and risottos Aside from the two towns travellers can explore and the delicious ‘komiška pogača’, a kind of expansive stretches of untouched beaches covered pizza stuffed with salted white fish and on the southern coast, the most popular are onions. To wash it down, indulge in some of the Stončica, Srebrna, Stinvia (pictured above) and famous ‘Vugava’ - a sweet and fruity white wine the protected nature reserve of Stinica. Try made from the local grapes. Try eating at Pojoda, scuba diving or snorkelling for a chance to view an award winning restaurant serving traditional the vibrant marine life under the surface of the dishes or the slightly pricier Villa Kaliopa which sea. There are also two more uninhabited islands is set in the romantic gardens of a 16th century reachable by boat - Host, where real peace mansion. seekers can rent out the four bed 19th century lighthouse as accommodation, and Kavnik with Kamiza is a picturesque fishing village from its magical Green Grotto. where you can take a boat trip to the uninhabited Bisevo and the wonderfully eerie Blue Grotto. If Wine connoisseurs can also book tastings at you visit between 11 and noon on a clear sunny one of the local vineyards through the tourist day you will witness the sunlight passing through information office in Vis Town. There are plenty an underwater opening and bathing the cave of hotels or holiday rentals available on the in a luminescent blue light. Further things to island and if its your sort of thing, you’ll find ayoga explore on Bisevo are the nine other caves dotted retreat at the peaceful Villa Vis. The unique around the coast - the peaceful coves perfect for accommodation boasts tranquil colour themed swimming and visiting the 11th century Church of rooms which look out across the bay. Sylvester. Photo by Jiuguang Wang / CC BY 2.0

a medieval canal side city and one of Europe’s GHENT, BELGIUM loveliest hidden gems

The picturesque port city of Ghent in North what remained of the original building. In 1274 it West Belgium is a historical gem with a vibrant was handed over to the council of Flanders and arts scene and plenty of authentic medieval became the highest court in the country. During landmarks. This pretty pearl located between trials the prisoners were kept in the most atrocious Brussels and Bruges is a cultural hub of cutting conditions and often subjected to gruesome edge creativity and pioneering eco-friendly torture. In this phase courts, courtrooms and projects. For a city of its compact size, Ghent is dungeons were added to the already imposing absolutely bursting at the seams with cool bars, building. When the high court was moved quirky eateries, an amazing underground music elsewhere the castle slowly succumbed to decay scene and some truly breathtaking architectural until restoration work commenced in 1893. If masterpieces. In lovely Ghent, history blends you visit the castle today you will find fascinating perfectly with gritty industrialism for a truly unique exhibitions as well as visible traces of all its many atmosphere and experience. incarnations. St Bavos is also worth a visit with imposing and a The most fascinating historical landmark has famous altarpiece by Van Dyke. to be Gravenstein Castle, a building that has seen more action since its foundation in 918 Ghent is a bone fide Unesco Creative City of than a Die Hard box set on repeat! It started life Music when you visit you’ll see why. The city is as the residence of the Count of Flanders and full of hip musical hangouts to suit all tastes. For continued to house numerous Counts until 1176 live Jazz and exceedingly reasonable beer head when the whole building was ravaged by fire to Damberd at Korenmarkt 19 and soak up the and rebuilt by Count Philip in 1180. Wanting to rebellious anarchistic-libertarian atmosphere make a lasting impression Philip set about adding with the chess playing, creative, bohemian types some impressive towers and outer gates to that like to pass time there. Photo by Mislav Marohnić / CC BY 2.0 Ghent continued... carilion? For something more experimental, try Het Of course you shouldn’t leave without sampling Geuzenhuis, a liberal little bar with a retro living some chocolate, we’d recommend trying a room kind of atmosphere and weekly organised double hit of both hot chocolate and chocolates jam sessions. You don’t even need to duck inside at the fabulous Leonidas Chocolate Cafe! They for a musical treat as the Ghent Belfort (Belfy) also cater for dairy free diets. carillion plays a range of popular tunes on the quarter hour throughout the day and every first There are plenty of places to stay too. For an Friday at 8pm the carrillioneur puts on free elegant mix of traditional and contemporary themed concerts drawing inspiration from all try Hotel Harmony or for a chic budget stay in manner of places. an awesome location opt for the Design B&B Logidenri. Foodies won’t be disappointed either and - Ghent is brimming with unique restaurants. Try delicious European dishes at the intimate Carte Blanche restaurant or a deluxe burger at Paul’s Boutique washed down by some excellent Belgium Beer. Photo by Colin Moss / CC BY 2.0

a charming Unesco city spectacularly perched on CUENCA, a limestone spur

Offering an abundance of natural eye candy, surprising juxtaposition to the medieval theme is Cuenca is a wonderful UNESCO World Heritage carried through many of the town’s restaurants, town dramatically located across a steep ridge bars and museums. which slopes down into the river gorges of Huécar and Jucar in east central Spain. The original town The Cuenca Cathedral is a must see during was founded by the who, realising the your visit, originally built between 1182 and 1202 strategic significance of the land, built a fortress the cathedral was the very first of the Gothic between the two gorges and surrounded it with a style in Spain. Over the years the cathedral has 1km long wall. Thus protected the town began to been added to and today the imposing building flourish becoming amajor centre for textiles and is a wonderful fusion of architecture from many manufacturing right up to its decline in the 18th important movements. One curiosity unique to century. the cathedral are the ‘Unum ex Septum’ signs in a few of the chapels. Apparently if you say a prayer The town is split into two settlements, old and whilst looking at one of these signs you will obtain new... but in this case the new means the 16th five years of forgiveness for your sins, seven if century, so no concrete monstrosities here! For you pray on a saint’s day! Throughout the old town students of theology and lovers of religious you will find many wonderful churches from art and symbolism this place is a dream - the the Romanesque Church of St Peter to the Neo old town is stuffed withimpressive churches Gothic Church of Our Saviour. The latter provides and beautiful Baroque/Rococco architecture the start point for the town’s famous ‘Las Turbas’, scattered among its meandering streets and tall a religious procession which takes place each houses. Strangely the town also has a thriving arts year on Good Friday. scene - particularly Spanish abstract art and this Photo by Boris Kasimov / CC BY 2.0 Cuenca continued...

The spectacular Plaza Mayor houses the town Enchanted City, a weird and wonderful landscape hall and many other beautiful colourful buildings. of eerily human and animal forms nestled at the Close by the exterior of the Seminary in Plaza foot of the Cuenca Mountains. Merced is a fine example of Baroque architecture whilst inside you will find a surprisingRoccoco There are many wonderful places to choose to meeting room and a library full of ancient books eat in this charming city, but one of the highlights dating back more than 600 years. Make sure you immersing yourself in some abstract art while also take a stroll across The Bridge of St Paul, enjoying delicious Tapas and Spanish Fusion poised 40 metres high, it connects the old town food at Restaurant ‘El Secreto’ located in the with St Paul’s Convent. heart of the old town. Alternatively treat yourself to some up-market Michelin Starred delicacies Despite all of the above the most Iconic in restaurant ‘Trivio.’ buildings in Cuenca are probably the amazing Hanging Houses. Built into the rock face their Places to stay in Cuenca are extensive and varied wooden balconies hang high above the Gorge but if you like a quirky boutique setting, try Hotel and provide the only remaining example of the Boutique Pinar or for a romantic splash out, opt impressive architecture that was common to for the lap of luxury in the stunning and historic Cuenca in the 1500s. Since 1963, The Hanging Hotel Parador Cuenca. Houses have been home to the award winning Museum of Spanish Abstract Art, an absolute must for art loving travellers. Fancy a day trip? 30km out of the centre of Cuenca is the amazing Photo by James Austin / CC BY 2.0

a beautiful timeless island framed against an amphitheatre SYMI ISLAND, GREECE and wine-coloured houses

The Greek Islands are a destination appearing on the Roman and Byzantine Empires. It was in 1373 many a traveller’s bucket list. Although sadly some after the conquest by the military order of The are blighted with overdevelopment and high rise Knights of St John that Symi began to prosper resorts, especially the more popular islands. Symi based on the export of sponges and a thriving Island, though, is a truly astonishing hidden gem shipbuilding industry. Its prosperity peaked in the that has managed to escape the crowds to remain mid 19th century and it is from this era that most a picture perfect representation of most peoples of the wonderful neoclassical mansions that preconceptions about Greece. Think idyllic clear wind around the coastline are dated. In Symi town blue waters, boats bobbing on the harbour and the architecture is so unique that every building tall brightly coloured houses climbing up the hill is listed and any renovations are controlled by towards a quaint whitewashed church. stringent rules and regulations.

Symi is a small island and forms part of the Symi is a place to visit if you want to slow Dodecanese Islands between Rhodes on the everything down, you won’t find any nightclubs or Greek mainland and Turkey. The island’s most noisy Irish bars here. Instead you can explore the visited site is the Monastery of Archangel numerous secluded coves and beaches around Michael in the village of Panormaitis which is a the island by foot or by boat. Try the small rocky key destination of Greek Orthodox pilgrimage beach near Nimborio or the stretch of unspoilt and has a spectacularly intricate 19th century bell white sand at Panormitis. The clear clean and tower. The history of the Island goes back way calm blue sea is perfect for snorkelling, swimming beyond the 19th century though, and there are and diving with a rich and vibrant marine life to clear indications that it was inhabited during both discover. Photo by James Austin / CC BY 2.0 Symi Island continued...

If you want to see the livelier side of Symi then There are many accommodation options on visit between July and September when the Island Symi - a popular option for a reasonably priced hosts a Greek Music Festival and buildings, parks stay is the three star family run Hotel Nireus which and beaches become transformed into venues offers superb harbour views and a boutique for free open air concerts. Theatre events and feel. Alternatively, try the well regarded four star street performances bring a new and vibrant Iapetos Village Hotel which offers very pleasant atmosphere to the usual pervading peace. village-style buildings clustered around a tranquil garden. Be sure to try some local delicacies at one of the many quaint harbour side Tavernas. Chickpeas with Dill, Stuffed Cabbage Leaves with Fava and an abundance of scrumptiously fresh sea food are just some of the treats in store for food lovers. Photo by Kevin Poh / CC BY 2.0

a village of pastel-coloured houses flanked by a liquid glass HALLSTATT, AUSTRIA lake and towering mountains

Hallstatt is a truly breathtaking place to visit swing. The church’s gothic spire rises protectively in Europe - both traditional and wonderfully above the old village and draws visitors from all picturesque. The ancient village in the around the globe to view the unusual inhabitants Saltzkammergut region of Austria is so historical of St Michaels Chapel or Hallstatt’s Charnal that it even gave its name to an entire period House. Resting eerily within these walls are 600 of history, between 800-400 BC. The unique artistically embellished skulls dating all the landscape has been carved over the millennia way back to the 1700s. These revered bones are in salt and many significant archeological testament to an old East Alpine tradition in which discoveries have been made there. Now a when an existing grave was re-used the skull of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site the salt the original occupant would be transferred to the mountains around Hallstatt still hide treasures Charnel House for a second funeral. The identity aplenty! From romance to adventure (and all the of the deceased was preserved by decorative stops in between) this astonishingly beautiful paintings and inscriptions on the bones. St place really does have something for everyone. Michaels now holds the largest remaining skull collection in the world and is a huge draw The of Hallstatt is an excellent for visitors who enjoy a more macabre type of place to start your visit. Precariously perched high sightseeing! on a rocky crag at the edge of the village - with steep drops falling away around it - the church was The fairytale wonderland of Dachstein Ice founded in 1181. It underwent many incarnations Caves is a completely essential day out. You can before finally arriving at its present form in the take a tour through this silent, ethereal world and early 1500s, when the salt mining industry that see the spectacular shapes and caverns that supported the area for many years was in full have been carved out by nature over the years. Photo by Sergey / CC BY 2.0 Hallstatt continued...

Whilst there - if you enjoy a thrill - you should one of the numerous mountain huts that offer take the journey up to the amusingly named Five refreshing drinks and home cooking for many a Finger Viewing Platform. Here five jetties, each of weary wanderer. a different design, reach out like a hand over the Another fabulous thing to do in Hallstatt is 400m drop below to offerunbeatable views of taking a romantic full moon boat trip around the the surrounding region. If you visit during August beautiful lake and take in the peace and majesty then try to get tickets for one of the amazing of the night sky reflecting back at you from annual concerts that happen in the midst of the the cool crystal waters. If you prefer to explore caves - a unique and very memorable experience! independently there are many options to hire boats during the day on both Lake Hallstat and Families will probably enjoy the interesting Lake Gosau. The imposing glacier, snowcapped Salzwelten a museum situated in the oldest peaks and crisp cloudless skies can be just as salt mine in the world. You can ride up on the romantic as the moon! salt mine funicular railway and learn all about Salt Man, a corpse that was discovered in 1734 The locals in the area have a saying that ‘food perfectly preserved down to the clothes on his nourishes the body and the soul’, which means back. Also try out the longest wooden slide in there are plenty of delicious options for dining Europe and take in the amazing views from the out. Sample gourmet fish dishes on the lakeside Skywalk. Adventurers will find no shortage of terrace of Hotel Gruner Baum, try Austrian activities to keep the adrenalin pumping with classics and regional specialities at the elegant numerous opportunities for skiing, climbing, Im Kainz or head to the family-run Braugasthof caving and hiking available. To catch your breath Inn for traditional saltminer’s food and beer. in between all the excitement, take time to visit Photo by chensiyuan available under CC BY-SA 4.0 Hallstatt continued...

There are also many accommodation options available to suit all needs. For a romantic getaway opt to rent a little studio on the lake - Fallnhauser on Hallstatt has picture perfect views and bright interiors. The lakeside located Seehotel Gruner Baum offers spacious historic rooms, an olde worlde charm and a fantastic restaurant. For a luxury boutique you can’t beat Cortisen Am See with its rich contemporary design, gourmet food and spa treatments. For families or budget travellers, there are excellent camping facilities at Klaussner Holl, open April-October it has its own lodge and restaurant, well equipped communal areas and is situated on a fabulous setting at the heart of the Hallstatt lake resort - wonderful! Photo by magnetismus / CC BY 2.0

a Bavarian beauty which is regarded as one of Germany’s BAMBERG, GERMANY most attractive settlements

The whole town of Bamberg in Northern the old masters are displayed, the most famous Bavaria is a designated UNESCO World Heritage of which is the life size equestrian statue of the Site and is most deserving of the title. Straddling mysterious Bamberg Rider. The Altes Rathaus,or seven hills where two rivers meet you can ‘The Old Town Hall’ sits on a island in the middle of feel the magic of past ages in every corner of the river Regnitz and is reachable only by crossing this beautifully preserved medieval treasure. one of the arched stone bridges. The hall has two Exploring its narrow alleyways, half-timbered distinct sections, one medieval and one baroque houses and secluded alcoves will bring no end and is adorned with wonderful three dimensional of joy to anyone who has a bit of romance in murals from the 18th century. their soul! The old town is a flawless example of architecture spanning from the 11th to the The lavish Neue Residenz were the home of 19th century with a strong Hungarian influence Bamberg’s Prince Bishops between 1703 and seeping in. Taking in the stunning views and all the 1802. You can now take a tour through the richly beauty of the ancient buildings it is not difficult decorated rooms or spend time perusing the to see why in the 18th century the town became numerous works of art in the Bavarian State the centre of enlightenment and home to many Gallery. Don’t miss the extensive Rose Gardens significant writers and philosophers of the day. with their 4500 roses and historic statues, not to mention awe inspiring views across the rooftops The majestic spires of The Bamberg Cathedral of the town and beyond. Just outside the town the are a rare example of of European architecture at cascading waters and landscape gardens of the the cusp of the Romanesque and Gothic period. baroque masterpiece Seehof Palace are also Within its walls many important works of art by well worth a visit! Photo by Matthias Ripp / CC BY 2.0 Bamberg continued...

Beer lovers will also find plenty to do here as For a place to stay try the wonderful Arkaden the town has a long history of brewing and there Hotel Im Kloster - a converted nunnery turned are nine breweries within its perimeters and more contemporary hotel or the very grand luxury hotel than fifty local beers available. The best place Welcome Hotel Residenzschloss. to sample the beverages on offer is in one of the many brew pubs in the old town or for a real treat walk a little way up past the cathedral to Spezial- Keller and enjoy a malty brew and stunning views from the beer garden. It’s a great place to watch the world go by and if you’re feeling a bit peckish, they serve up good hearty pub grub at very reasonable prices too. Photo by Paul Walter / CC BY 2.0 LANTIC BAY, CORNWALL, ENGLAND a dazzling hidden cove blessed with a beautiful sandy beach

The divine Lantic Bay really is one of Cornwall’s take a dip in the sea or opt for a beach picnic. As the best kept secrets. A sweeping crescent of fine sun sets light a little fire, crack open a bottle and yellow sand sheltered by towering cliffs this is let yourself absorb the romance that breathes a place that could easily be mistaken for more from every nook and cranny of this magical little exotic climes, especially when yachts are moored spot. If you visit at low tide you will find the beach is in the surrounding crystal clear waters. Located split into two - Little Lantic and Great Lantic, and in the quiet stretch of coast between Fowey and you can easily walk between them. However as Polperro, it’s worth considering a couple of nights the tide rises the beaches become two separate in Fowey itself. Visitors can park in the National coves that can’t be traversed on foot. At the Trust car park close to the village and follow western end of the beach are further secluded the clearly marked footpath to the beautiful little coves but care must be taken if you want to bay. As you cross over the road and enter into a explore these. The tide can rise very quickly and large field prepare yourself to be treated to one make them completely inaccessible. of nature’s hidden gems. When you reach the brow of the hill you will see the whole wonderful When you have had your fill of just lazing around picture stretched out below you. Carved between in the bay, head back to the bustling small port of majestic cliffs, rough with gorse andHawthorne , Fowey with its charming craft shops, galleries and Lantic Bay is truly the gem of the Cornish coast. historic 14th century blockhouses. Daphne Du Take the steep path down to the secluded sand Maurier’s family used to own a holiday residence and shingle beach and just drink it all in! here and her sister eventually lived in the village. The winding streets, boats bobbing on the During the day just lie on the soft white sand harbour and the wild and rugged coastline all and gaze out onto the sparkling turquoise waters, provided inspiration for Du Maurier’s atmospheric Photo by Robert Pittman / CC BY 2.0 Lantic Bay continued... novels. We also recommend exploring the coast Foodies are spoilt for choice in Fowey and will a little further and see those smugglers caves find everything from quirky cafes and laid back from the angle they are meant to be seen from. bistros to fine dining establishments. Try Tapas Hardened seafarers or wannabe water babies will and fine wine at Pintxo or a private picnic of fresh find boat hire and training are available at Fowey locally sourced ingredients on the Fowey Picnic Boat House. Boat.

The best way to enjoy the area is to take advantage of one of the many charming guest houses in the area - the River View Bed & Breakfast (in Fowey) is a good choice for cosy but elegant accommodation but for a more aristocratic experience, give Fowey Hall Hotel a whirl. This is a fabulous stylish country residence set in five acres of grounds overlooking theFowey Estuary. Although if you prefer something a little more rustic, try camping in a Yurt on the traditional Cornish farm of Tremeer. WANT TO KNOW ABOUT MORE BEAUTIFUL UNDER-THE-RADAR DESTINATIONS IN EUROPE?

If we’ve whetted your appetites for beautiful hidden gems in Europe with this taster eBook you can also buy our full volume Amazon Kindle eBook which includes our complete list of our favourite 20 most beautiful under-the-radar destinations in Europe. As well as the destinations listed in this book you’ll also:

- Find out which is the most beautifully located city in the Baltics.

- Discover Portugal’s beautiful and laid back alternative to the Algarve.

- Uncover France’s most underrated historic city.

- Know where to find Switzerland’s most picturesque hidden lake.

- Unearth Iceland’s most extraordinary isolated village.

- Find out about Europe’s most magical destination to spot the Northern Lights.

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“Secret Europe: 20 beautiful under-the-radar destinations to visit before you die“ is priced at £1.99 and you can download at Amazon here