Showing posts with label Top 10 Eastern European Destinations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Top 10 Eastern European Destinations. Show all posts

Places to visit in Andorra

Places to visit in Andorra
Spain’s Top Tourist Sites
Looking for places to visit in Andorra and things to do?


The Principality of Andorra is a great little country located in the heart of the Pyrenees and it’s most famously known for its outdoor opportunities and tax-free shops.

Andorra is the smallest nation in Europe and also one of my top ten vacation spots in Europe this year.

Andorra is certainly a popular destination for a skiing vacation in winter but skiing isn’t the only thing to do in Andorra.

For instance, in the autumn you can visit museums and art galleries, while in summer and spring you can enjoy Andorra’s beautiful outdoors hiking the slopes and getting close to nature.

Andorra is a gem of a country and it’s truly a place to come to any time. To give you an idea, I’ve included below some of my favorite places to visit, popular skiing spots and things to do in Andorra in summer:

Andorra la Vella

Andorra la Vella is the capital city of Andorra and a popular place to visit in Andorra because of the cultural attractions.

Andorra la Vella is roughly the halfway point between the major cities of Toulouse France and Barcelona Spain.

Andorra la Vella is the highest capital city in Europe and also one of the oldest cities. One of the popular things to do in Andorra la Vella is enjoying a sightseeing tour of the city's quarters such as Andorra la Vella’s old town which boasts beautiful old cobblestone streets, old churches and old stone houses.

The Andorra la Vella’s main square is also a popular place to enjoy some sighseeing because of the beautifully decorated building facades.

Cool Attractions that you can visit in the city include: Casa de la Vall (pictured), which is the only courtroom in Andorra and it’s a popular thing to do in Andorra la Vella, as it’s open for free to everyone.

If you’re into art, the Government Exhibition Hall has interesting and changing art exhibitions showcasing local artists.

Another sightseeing opportunity it’s Caldea health spa which is a complex made out of glass and it’s visually a stunning building to look at.

Sordeny Nature Park

If you’re visiting Andorra during the summer or spring months, Sordeny Nature Park is one of the most popular places to visit in Andorra during the warm months because of its excellent hiking opportunities.

Sordeny Nature Park is also a nature preserve so if you enjoy wildlife spotting, you’ll enjoy scanning the area for the famed chamois, which is a goat-antelope species.

Sordeny Nature Park is located near the town of Ordino and it is an excellent day trip opportunity from the capital as it is only 15 minutes drive north of Andorra la Vella.

La Cortinada

La Cortinada village is another of my favorite places to visit in Andorra for a quiet and rustic vacation and enjoying the true Andorran way of life.

La Cortinada is another great day trip opportunity from Andorra la Vella, being just 20 minutes drive from the capital.

If you’re spending a few nights at La Cortinada village, you definitely want to check out the main attraction at the village – San Marti Church – which boasts beautiful frescoes.

Soldeu

Soldeu is a busy and family-oriented skiing town during the winter months (Dec-April) and one of the most popular places to visit in Andorra for a cheap skiing vacation.

During the warm months, the steep hills surrounding Soldeu make it an ideal place to enjoy some serious hiking and biking up and down the slopes.

Encamp and Pas de la Casa

Encamp and Pas de la Casa is one of the most popular destinations for winter sports in Andorra and the Pyrenees, hands down!

Pas de la Casa is part of Encamp, though it’s actually located 40 minutes drive east of Encamp’s town center.

Pas de la Casa ski resort is one of the most popular ski areas in Andorra, mainly because of its easy accessibility, but also because of the vibrant and lively nightlife that draws many young snowboarders and skiers alike.

Encamp is also popular because of its duty free shops so it’s one of the most popular places to visit in Andorra to enjoy a bit of tax-free shopping.

If you’re a car enthusiast or interested in vintage cars, don’t miss visiting the National Automobile Museum in Encamp.

See. Top 10 Summer Destinations in Spain
Things You Must Do in the South of France
Best Places to Ski in Slovenia
Things to See in Southern Spain as a tourist 
Tourist things to do in Switzerland
Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Europe
Top 10 places to Visit in France
Interesting places to visit in Slovenia
Places to visit in Liechtenstein
Interesting places to visit in Belgium
Places to visit on the French Riviera
Cheap summer destinations in Europe

Places to visit in Macedonia

Macedonia boasts a rich and diverse historical past that includes influences from the Roman Empire, Bulgarian Empire and the Ottoman Turks, which translates today in a unique architecture, diverse culture and delicious cuisine.

Places to visit in Macedonia

Macedonia is home magnificent national parks such as Mavrovo National Park and Galicica National Park where you can enjoy outdoor activities. There are also many ancient ruins that you can explore such as the ruins at Heraclea (pictured) which feature beautiful and colourful mosaics.

Macedonia is definitely on my list of top 10 eastern European destinations to visit as the country offers plenty of things to do outdoors and interesting places to see in abundance.

If you’re planning a getaway this year, here it is some of my favorite places to visit in Macedonia that you can add to your itinerary:

Ohrid

Ohrid is certainly one of the top eastern European cities to visit and one of the most popular places to visit in Macedonia because of its location overlooking the beautiful Lake Ohrid.

Ohrid has lovely beaches where you can enjoy a ton of water activities, as well as a charming old town filled with landmarks and monuments such as the statue of Kiril and Metodi and a Roman Amphitheater where the Ohrid summer festival is held.

Another of the top attractions in Ohrid old town it’s Samuil's Fortress, which offers stunning views of Ohrid lake. The city of Ohrid is also a great place to base your vacation in Macedonia if you want to explore nearby Albania. By the way, the bus ride from Ohrid to Tirana is inexpensive so if you decide to explore Tirana, it takes around 5 hour’s to get there.

Skopje

Being the capital city, Skopje is one of the largest cities in Macedonia and one of the best places in the country to appreciate Macedonia’s diverse architectural influences.

There are an impressive amount of churches and mosques located in Skopje Old Bazaar which is a fantastic place to explore on foot on a warm day. Skopje is definitely home to some of the most interesting places to visit in Macedonia and exploring Skopje’s Old Bazaar and Main Square are two of the most rewarding thing to do in the city.

If you’re visiting Skopje on a day trip, I’d spend a couple of days in Skopje to soak in all the sights that the city has to offer. Some of the sights you don’t want to miss while in Skopje include:

- Kale Fortress, from where you can get lovely views of the city.
- Museum of Skopje, located at the Old railway station
- Millenium Cross on top of Vodno Mountain
- National Museum of Macedonia at Kursumli An
- Stone Bridge, built in the 6th century
- Mustafa Pasha's Mosque which is a beautiful example of Islamic influence in the city

Bitola

Bitola is located in southern Macedonia and it is one of the most beautiful and most popular places to visit in Macedonia because of Pelister National Park.

Pelister National Park is just a stone-throw away from the city, and one of the main attractions at the park are the stunning glacial lakes. Bitola is also characterized by many historical buildings so you’ll love strolling through the streets marveling at the beautiful buildings.

Bitola is located 30 miles east of Ohrid so the city is not far at all to get to on a day trip so it’s worth adding to your itinerary. There are many things to do in Bitola such as visiting the churches and mosques; the Old Bazaar for a bit of shopping and Bitola’s National Theater for an evening out in the city.

Gradsko

Gradsko is another of the top places to visit in Macedonia because of the nearby Stobi archeological Site.

Stobi archeological Site is, undoubtedly, the best in the country and if you are looking for interesting attractions to add to your Macedonia itinerary, visiting the Stobi ruins are a definitely must-add attraction.

Krusevo

Macedonia boasts many villages and small towns worthy of visiting. For instance, the town of Krusevo is a great place to soak in traditional Macedonian way of life, and purchase genuine Macedonian hand made goods.

If you’re basing your vacation in one of the major Macedonian cities, Krusevo can be a refreshing day trip to escape the tourist trail and experience a different type of vacation. Once you get to Krusevo, you’ll immediately notice the old stone houses and workhorses transporting heavy woods.

Krusevo has a beautiful church that you can visit, as well as a market and a Cooper’s shop where you can purchase a traditional Rakija barrel.

See. Must see places in Eastern Europe

Interesting places to visit in Sweden

Interesting places to visit in Sweden
Tourist Attractions in Scandinavia
Sweden is perhaps most famously known for its green park areas, beautiful coastline, pristine forests, and glass factories, so it’s not surprising that Sweden is one of the top ten vacation spots in Europe.


If you’ve never been to Sweden before and are planning a trip this year, you’ll be glad to know that most people in Sweden speak English fluently and temperatures aren’t as cold as you may imagine, although northern Sweden can get rather chilly indeed!

In a nutshell, Sweden is home to friendly natives, beautiful buildings and streets as well as home to many natural and urban attractions.

There many interesting places to visit in Sweden, though, summer (July-August) time is perhaps the best time to experience it all because of the pleasant weather. However, no matter when you visit, you’re bound to have an amazing time and a memorable experience.

Here it is a list of things to see and do in Sweden:

Stockholm

Stockholm is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and the ideal starting point for a first time vacation in Stockholm Sweden.

As soon as you land in Stockholm, you’ll fall in love with the city and beautiful paved streets, and many things to do on offer. Stockholm boasts some of the most interesting places to visit in Sweden, and if you’re interested in museums and beautiful architectural buildings there are many you can visit.

Stockholm is actually rather interesting in itself, as the city is built on islands which gives the city such a unique character.

As I mentioned earlier, Stockholm boasts many museums so knowing which ones to visit is key, especially if you’re on a budget and are planning on exploring other places in Sweden. Two of the best museums in the city that you can’t afford to miss are the Vasa Museum and the National Museum.

The Vasa Museum boasts an original 17th century ship that you can spend a good few hours marveling at because of the stunning woodcarvings and ornaments decorating the ship, and the National Museum which is a great place to learn about Swedish people and traditions.

The Stockholm Royal Palace is another of my favorite places to visit in Sweden because of the changing of the guards’ ceremony.

If you’ve been to the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace London in England, you’ll enjoy seeing the interesting display by the Swedish Armed Forces.

Uppsala

Uppsala is next on my list of interesting places to visit in Sweden because of the ancient royal burial remains found in Old Uppsala.

Next to the burial grounds, you’ll find a museum that houses interesting exhibits depicting Uppsala during the 11th century.

Uppsala also boasts many museums, beautiful architecture and stunning gardens that you can visit which include the Old Uppsala Cathedral, the Uppsala Art Museum and the Linnaean Botanical Gardens which are the oldest gardens in the Sweden.

If you’re on a budget, the town of Uppsala is a more affordable alternative to base yourself in Sweden, and the best part is that Uppsala is just an hour’s drive north of Stockholm.

Gothenburg

Gothenburg is located on the west coast of Sweden, around 300 miles west of Stockholm, and it's the second largest city in Sweden.

Gothenburg is second close on my list of interesting places to visit in Sweden for a couple of reasons.

First, Gothenburg is located within close proximity to the archipelago where you can explore absolute pristine natural scenery, get amazing views from the cliffs and spot wildlife such as seals.

Second, Gothenburg boasts some of the most interesting period architecture in the whole of Sweden as many of the buildings where built along canals.

Gothenburg is a beautiful family-friendly city boasting many parks and green areas such as Slottsskogen Park where you can enjoy picnics and fun activities.

There are also interesting cultural attractions in Gothenburg but one of the most popular places to visit has to be Liseberg Amusement Park which is one of the biggest amusement parks in Europe.

Universeum is another place to visit in Gothenburg if you're traveling with kids, and it is both an animalarium and planetarium so you get to see fantastic wild and marine life.

While in the city, you can also check out the Älvsborg Fortress, which is another interesting place to see in Gothenburg as it's a beautiful reconstruction of a period fortress. Also, from the barracks of the fortress you can get lovely views of Gothenburg Harbor.

If you’re a history buff, you may want to also visit the East India House which houses the Gothenburg City Museum.

If you’re interested in cars and automobiles, you can add a visit to the Volvo Museum and see all kind of cars from the past and present as well as Volvo race cars.

Lastly, I’d like to add that if you’re basing your holiday in Gothenburg, there are daily ferry services to Frederikshavn in Denmark and Kiel in Germany.

Mariefred

A visit to Sweden wouldn’t be complete without visiting a traditional Swedish village town such as Mariefred.

The village of Marifred is actually located around 40 miles west of Stockholm so the village is another great possibility for a day trip from Stockholm.

Mariefred is a great place to escape the crowds wondering along the streets while marvelling at the wooden and colorful houses.

Marifred also boast a fantastic attraction that you can miss - Gripsholm Castle - The castle is open to the public and boasts interesting period décor interior as well as an extensive collection of portraits.

See. Top tourist attractions in Germany
Stuff tourists do in Denmark for fun
Things to do in Northern Europe

Top 10 Eastern European Destinations


For those of you getting away this year to Eastern Europe, I have made a quick top 10 list to give you an idea on Eastern European destinations worth considering. Without further ado, I present to you my top 10 Eastern European destinations for this year:

1. Pula Croatia

Pula Croatia is for me one of my top 10 Eastern European destinations this year, and one of the pearls in the Adriatic Sea simply because of Pula's stunning Roman remains such as the Roman Amphitheater overlooking Pula’s lovely harbor. Apart from Roman remains, Pula offers a wealth of things to do outdoors such as taking diving trips off the coast of the Brijuni Islands to explore old ship wrecks, and exotic wildlife.

2. Trabzon Turkey

If you’ve been to touristy destinations in Turkey such as Istanbul, Izmir or Kusadasi and are looking for a destination in Turkey with a difference, you’d love Trabzon’s distinctive flavor and cultural diversity. Trabzon is one of the most diverse cities in Turkey and a melting pot of Turkish, Russian and Georgian influences. The main attractions in Trabzon are the shopping district (Bazaar district) and the Aya Sofia Museum which is a smaller version of the one found in Istanbul Turkey.

3. Constanta Romania

Constanta Romania is one of the top Eastern European cities to visit and a popular beach destination along the black Sea coast. Constanta Romania is not only a great destination because of its stunning beaches, but also because of its cultural attractions such as the Natural Science Museum Complex where you’ll find a planetarium, a wildlife reserve and an aquarium.

4. Tirana Albania

Albania is one of the most underrated destinations in Europe by many travelers but if you’re looking for an affordable destination to Europe, Tirana Albania is one of the cheapest summer destinations in Europe. The city of Tirana boasts interesting places such as a national museum where you can see ancient artifacts, as well as a national park where you can enjoy hiking and wildlife spotting. If you want to enjoy the beach, Tirana is just 30 minutes drive from the beach town of Durres.

5. Sochi Russia

Sochi Russia is known as the French Rivera of the east because of its pleasant weather, palm trees lined along the promenade, upscale restaurants and expensive designer boutiques. However, Sochi Russia is in my top 10 Eastern European destinations because of Sochi’s outdoor opportunities. Sochi is located within the stunning Caucasus Bio reserve and not far from the Caucasus Mountains where you can enjoy hiking and climbing.

6. Bratislava Slovakia

If you’re looking for an affordable city vacation in Europe, they don’t come more affordable than the capital city of Slovakia. The city of Bratislava is known for its palaces, many of them turned into museums housing interesting exhibitions, as well as castles such as the Hrad which offer amazing views of the majestic Danube River. Apart from marveling at Bratislava’s landmarks, other great things to do in the capital include visiting a theater and taking a cruise along the River Danube and visit other cities such as Budapest and Vienna.

7. Varna Bulgaria

If you’re looking for other affordable beach destinations in the Black Sea, you shouldn’t overlook the city of Varna Bulgaria. Varna Bulgaria is not only affordable but easily accessible since Varna international airport is only minutes away from the city. Apart from beach activities, Varna is also home to a great shopping scene, many museums as well as ancient remains such as a Roman Bath.

8. Brno Czech Republic

If you are planning a trip to Czech Republic this year and want to avoid the large crowds the city of Prague brings, I would suggest heading to Brno instead. In Brno, you’ll truly get a true Czech experience since the city enjoys a slower pace than its counterpart Prague. The main attractions in Brno are the open air markets, the architecture and landmarks such as the famed Spilberk Castle, which is built on a hill and offers amazing views of the city of Brno.

9. Budapest Hungary

Budapest Hungary is one of the largest cities in Europe and offers a myriad of things to do and places to visit such as Heroes Square and Statue Park where you can see statues from the Communist era. Taking a cruise along the River Danube and visiting Budapest Citadel are other interesting attractions not to miss. The Citadel is home to the Liberation Monument and at night they're both lit up offering a beautiful sight. During the day, you can get panoramic views of the city from the Citadel.

10. Hvar Croatia

The Island of Hvar is located off the coast of mainland Croatia, a short ferry away from Split, and it is one of the top ten vacation spots in Europe. Hvar Croatia boasts lovely weather all year round and most people that travel to Hvar Croatia are looking to enjoy the cocktail bars, vibrant nightlife and Dalmatian cuisine. Having said this, Hvar Croatia is one my top Eastern European destinations because of the outdoor activities that you can do such as taking organized trek excursions through Hvar island exploring old villages and vineyard fields.


See. Must See Places in Russia
Best Vacation Spots in Croatia
Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Europe
Must see places in Eastern Europe
Travel Eastern Europe and Cities to Visit

Top Ten Vacation Spots in Europe

Looking to getaway to Europe this winter/summer?

Top Ten Vacation Spots in Europe
Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Europe
Whether you're planning a short or week-long vacation in Europe, if you're looking for suggestions on where to enjoy your next European vacation adventure, I've got just that!

I have compiled a list of some of the best vacation spots in Europe, including top eastern European destinations. The list of top ten vacation spots in Europe is arranged in no particular order. Enjoy!

Top Ten Vacation Spots in Europe

Great Yarmouth, England

Great Yarmouth UK is one of favorite holiday destinations in England for spending the summer and, in my opinion, Great Yarmouth UK is one of the best summer retreats for both families and solo travelers.
Best Beach Bars in Europe
If you've never been to a sea-side resort in England, you’d love the amount of attractions and activities this charming town has to offer.


Apart from the beach, one of the most pleasant things to do here it’s taking a boat tour along the waterways of Norfolk Broads.

Island of Cyprus

The island of Cyprus is in, my opinion, one of the most charming destinations in the Mediterranean basin but somewhat overlooked by many travelers.

Top 5 European Beaches
The festivals in Cyprus are a joy to enjoy and shopping for traditional hand-made Cypriot goods is one of the most fun things to do in Cyprus.

Another thing that appeals to me about the island is its geographical location. It is located south of Turkey, north of Egypt and east of Syria, which makes Cyprus a great place to base yourself if you intend to also explore places such as Cairo Egypt.

Kusadasi, Turkey

Turkey is certainly not ‘under the radar’ of most travelers anymore as it is fast becoming one of the most popular summer destinations in Europe because of its affordability.
Top Places to See on a Mediterranean Cruise
The town of Kusadasi Turkey deserves to be on the list of top ten vacation spots in Europe because of its Roman ancient ruins such as the Temple of Apollo and Ephesus (see. things to do on the Aegean coast of Turkey).

Dumfries, Scotland

The county of Scotland is another destination widely overlooked by most travelers, which is a pity as the county has a wealth of historical landmarks and educational attractions.

cheap summer destinations in Europe
The appeal of Dumfries Scotland has to be the old ancient landmarks, some of them, dating back to the 13th century.

My two favorite landmarks include Sweetheart Abbey ruins and Kagyu Samyé Ling Monastery. The latter is a Buddhist monastery temple which I think gives so much character to the area.

Uppsala, Sweden

Uppsala Sweden is one of the most beautiful cities in Northern Europe and also one of the trendiest town with its charming student feel.
Tourist Attractions in Scandinavia
Summers are one of the best times to visit the town because of the many summer festivals such as the Uppsala Reggae Festival in August.


The town of Uppsala also has a more relaxed atmosphere when compared to a vacation in Stockholm Sweden, so if you're looking to get away from large crowds and you’ll enjoy a trip here.

Lagos, Portugal

If you are planning a trip to Portugal, Lagos is one of the best places in the Algarve to enjoy a beach vacation. Lagos Portugal is a pleasant destination, and not as crowded in the summers as other major tourist hubs in Portugal such as Albufeira, Lisbon and Porto.


Lagos Portugal is definitely on my top ten of vacation spots in Europe, and it is one of my favorite beach vacations in Europe due to its lovely beach with stunning rock outcroppings .

Antwerp, Belgium

If you are a romantic-type traveler, you’ll enjoy a trip to Antwerp Belgium without a doubt. This charming Belgium city is home to the famous Het Steen Fortress and the beautiful River Scheldt where you can enjoy a romantic dinner cruise.

The nightlife is especially lively, and during the summer months, restaurants and bars play live music outdoors.

There is also plenty of shopping opportunities and many bargains to be had at the weekend's flea-markets.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most picturesque stretches on the eastern side of the Italian coast.

Amalfi Coast actually stretches all the way from Positano to Vietri sul Mare. The latter is just miles from the city of Salerno.

Whether you base yourself in the city of Salerno or at one of the villages along the coast, one of the most enjoyable things to do here it’s to rent a car and take a scenic drive along Amalfi Coast to check out the Cathedral of Amalfi, the Old Arsenal, and Santa Maria Olearia Monastery.

Another great thing about a vacation in the Amalfi Coast is the many ferry connections to other wonderful spots in Southern Italy such as Rome, Sassari Sardinia and Palermo Sicily.

French Riviera

The French Rivera is no doubt, one of the most popular vacation spots in Europe, and it's easily to see why the French Rivera draws so many people here every year. (see places to visit in the French Rivera).
Best Party Beaches in Europe
The French Rivera or Côte d'Azur in French, is one stunning stretch of coast with some of the most gorgeous sandy beaches and crystal clear blue waters anywhere in the world!

Odense, Denmark

If you are looking for a nice vacation spot where your family and yourself can enjoy fun recreational activities and attractions, you won’t find a more ‘spot-on’ destination than Odense Denmark.

The city has a great bicycle system with paved cycling trails that makes cycling tours such a wonderful experience. There are also many green spaces where you can all enjoy a lovely picnic along the way.

The city also boasts many museums and many fun things to do such as visiting the Odense Zoo and taking a scenic trip on the train.

See. Things to do in Eastern Europe
places to go in Ireland for tourists
Top 10 Summer Destinations in Spain
Must see places in Eastern Europe
Best Places in Europe to go Camping
Famous Squares in Europe
Best Small Beach Towns in Spain
Top 10 countries to visit in Europe
Top 10 cities to visit in the world
Spain’s Top Tourist Sites
Top 5 places to visit in Venice
Places to visit in Lille
Must see places in Edinburgh
Places to visit in Liechtenstein
Places to visit in Andorra
Interesting places to visit in Slovakia
Places to visit in the French Riviera
Interesting places to visit in Luxembourg
Interesting places to visit in Finland
Interesting places to visit in Belgium
Places to visit in Moldova
Interesting places to visit in Poland
Places to visit in Lithuania
Interesting places to visit in Ireland
Interesting places to visit in Sweden
best destinations in Europe