For any keen traveller discovering everything the world has to offer is a must. Experiencing all four corners of the world; sampling every culture possible. You only have to take Europa Casino’s geography skill test to realise there are things to be uncovered in even the most unlikely places.
So if you’re planning on taking a trip away this summer and want to avoid the bustle of La Ramble, the snap-happy photographers in front of the Eiffel Tower, then these hidden gems could be just for you…
Trieste
Located in north east Italy, Trieste has the waters of Venice mixed with the architecture of Vienna. Isolated from the rest of Italy, the city is almost entirely surrounded by Slovenia, and it rubs off, creating a truly unique atmosphere and look.
The piazzas are a joy to walk around, looking up at the Austrian empire architecture, whilst when it comes to cuisine you can also find a mix which is certainly worth the trip alone, with dishes such as Gnocchi with an central European twist, and Brodetto – a fish soup from the region.
Santorini
Drop yourself smack bang in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea and you’ll find yourself in Santorini – the southernmost island of the Cyclades. It’s regularly voted one of the world’s top islands for tourists with perfect weather, and architecture that will most probably make you consider staying for life.
The island has a flourishing wine industry and a trip to a vineyard is a favourite way to spend an afternoon, whilst the option to spend the day on its famous Red Beach is almost impossible to turn down.
Lisse
If you happen to find yourself in Amsterdam over the course of the summer, forget the Red Light District, forget the cafes, just head half an hour south of the Dutch capital and you’ll find Lisse, the floral capital of the country.
A trip to the Keukenhof will certainly tug at your heart strings with the array of coloured tulips painting a picture Van Gogh would have been proud of, whilst the castle in the same park is one of the finest houses in the country.
Delphi
The myth has it that the site of Delphi was determined by Zeus who sent to eagles from each side of Greece and where the pair crossed, that should be where the sacred precinct would be located.
Fast forward to the present day and the remains still lie. The ruins are some of the most stunning and interesting in the whole country, with the museum at the bottom of the hill, tells the story perfectly.
No longer just an historical site, modern Delphi also has plenty to offer. Situated along the E4 European long distance path, which travels all the way to France, you can reach the popular Parnassus Ski Centre, and the coast quickly where the pretty town of Itea lies.
Sylt
You don’t normally associate great surf with Germany, but you’ll certainly find it at Sylt. A hotspot for riding the waves, it’s a far cry from the hustle and bustle you expect in the likes of Munich and Berlin. It has an abundance of wildlife unique to that part of the country, with birds as well as hares, deer, and the Natterjack Toad – an endangered species – all finding their homes here.
Only 3 hours from Hamburg, it’s a great excursion to experience both city and rural life in Germany.