The Hippest Craft Beer Pubs in Europe: Been There Yet?

BY  Abdul Aziz Apr 24, 2019

Visiting Europe is the dream of everybody around the world. There are dissimilar places around Europe that will delight you while visiting. Below are some of the best places to visit in Europe. The architecture of Europe makes it the best destination for anybody thinking about traveling there. The best places to visit in Europe have so much to offer for families, newlyweds, children, and adults. You will enjoy every minute you spend while visiting Europe. Below are some of the best places to visit in Europe. 1. Matera, Italy The unique architecture, with walls made of pale stones and ancient dwellings carved in the hills, are reasons enough to make you visit Matera. The Basilicata jewel is getting its moment the spotlight as the capital of culture in Europe and Bulgaria. It not only means endless festivities and events taking over in the year, but also derelict grottoes of limestone that turn to restaurants, galleries, and smart hotels with vaulted rooms. 2. Riga, Latvia Riga is the capital of Latvia with close to thirty thousand votes. It is among the best places to visit in Europe. You will be dazzled by the beauty of Riga. The city has been the meeting point for diverse cultures. It has a connection to forests, water, and nature. You might not know that it has beautiful hills, beaches, and highlands. Come to Riga to discover romantic and Romanesque buildings, art deco, renaissance, and baroque. 3. Outer Hebrides, Scotland If you want authentic, natural beauty and local experiences, these islands in Scotland are the best to watch this year. Also called the Western Isles, they offer a mix of the Caribbean looking beaches, thoughtfully preserved the culture and northern lights. Spend hours here in the countryside in the midst of thick, wildflowers, and coastal paths that tower above whirling, wild seas. Air is fresh, views are endless, and nature stillness is close to the soul. Hurrying and technology make no sense in this place. Enjoy the leisure space of life, drink at local pubs, and eat the best farm to table and seafood in Britain. 4. Colmar, France Colmar is among the best places to visit in Europe because of its romantic, charming, and magical destinations. Colmar makes travelers from all over to dream. When you visit, you will enjoy its charming hotels, gastronomy, architecture, and neighborhood of tanners. It is perfect for both the old and the young since it is among the best places to visit in Europe. You need to come to Colmar to discover the Unterlinden museum, toy museum, or the Bartholdi museum. 5. Berlin, Germany It is time to go to Berlin if it has been one of your dream visit destinations. This cool capital has a lot of festivities because it is celebrating the Bauhaus Centennial, and thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall. It means that added to the vibrant art, brilliant food scene, and glorious nightlife, travelers will get a log of special events to honor these anniversaries. Cultural centers and museums in the city will host thematic exhibitions with a lot of lectures, concerts, and theatrical performance that will keep you busy. You will also witness the largest festival of Europe, opening of the Humboldt forum, and the new museum housed in the Berlin Palace. 6. Tbilisi, Georgia With delicious food, cobblestoned old town, and stylish hotels coming up, it not surprising for Tbilisi to be among the best places to visit in Europe. Nestled in River Mtkyari valley against the picturesque backdrop of the mountain, this capital is weird, unique, and wonderful. It has a mélange of eras and styles with great bathhouses on the Armenian crumbling Soviet factories and churches that became hipster hangouts. The medieval old town here consists of narrow cobblestone alleyways, pastel-colored houses, and mysterious courtyards with carved wooden balconies that beg to be explored. There are old churches, vintage shops, and funky ventures all over. The culture of coffee is booming, the nightlife is vibrant, renaissance landscape, and tolerant pumping electronic music. 7. Zadar, Croatia While the majority of visitors focus on fashionable or Dubrovnik islands like Korcula and Hvar, Zadar has its mark with exceptional cultural heritage, public art installation, and magical sunsets. This city boasts of gleaming marble streets, vibrant coffee scenes, and notch seafood restaurants. The walled old town is a treasure of atmospheric lanes, fascinating medieval churches, and Roman remains. The main draw of Zadar is the beautiful waterfront where there is an award-winning installation known as the Sea Organ that utilizes the waves of the ocean to come up with a hypnotic, soothing sound. 8. Copenhagen, Denmark Copenhagen has been rarely from the spotlight. Considering that it is named among the best places to visit in Europe, it is the most likable, design-forward, bike-friendly city that is not a surprise. It has chic new hotels, dining places, and excellent taste in design have changed Copenhagen into a great attraction. It has a wealth of cultural treasures and stunning architecture that lend this Danish capital charm, but the creative vibes of the city, ambitious green agenda, and clean Scandinavian design make it the best place to visit in Europe. 9. Ljubljana, Slovenia If you have experienced the delights of Croatia or the coast of Montenegro, go to Ljubljana for a mixture of leafy parks, cobbled streets, and cool cafes along the riverside. The young and vibrant capital of Slovenia is getting into the limelight with new hotels, burgeoning cultural life, and forward-thinking restaurants. The city architecture celebrates the rich past and the bright future, with all things from Viennese secessionist and graceful Baroque buildings to modern marvels of Joze Plecnik. 10. Almeria province, Spain Almeria is the most unique, diverse, and very beautiful. It is a strange location where beaches coexist with barren landscapes in Europe. The rocky coastline is long and has many flamingoes for you to discover while visiting. It also has dry riverbeds, worldly ochre-colored formations, and theme parks used for filming. It is overlooked by many travelers of south Spain. It has the best scenes in the country and tranquil squares, spectacular Moorish fortress, and splendid churches. Conclusion Visiting Europe has never been as interesting as now because of the experiences you will get. There is no specific time of the year when you should visit because you can always find something during your time in Europe. There are many hubs of entertainment and enjoyment while at this destination. Plan your timetable well and you will get it all in the best places to visit in Europe. Read Also: Top 3-Week Itineraries for a Perfect Tour of Europe 5 EUROPEAN DESTINATIONS NEGATIVELY IMPACTED BY ‘OVER-TOURISM Top Places to Visit in Italy on your next Travel Escapade

BY  Sibashree Apr 21, 2025

Europe is a significant player in the global beach tourism industry, holding a 38.3% share. Further, the thriving beach tourism scenario in Europe has the solid backing of the European Commission.  The Commission is supporting all European countries with beautiful beaches through action plans, smart strategies, and sustainable growth initiatives.  Therefore, it is no surprise that by 2032, the European beach tourism industry is expected to reach $357 billion. Now, as a traveler, if these stats look mundane to you (I love them as I think traveling is all about touching and improving lives, and you cannot do that without an economic boost!), the glorious stretches of sand and the dramatic landscape give you enough reasons to plan a trip.  In this Tour and Travel Blog, I have curated the most popular summer destinations in Europe, along with the hidden gems.  So, couples, you know where you need to sail for some serious coastal fun! The Best Summer Destinations In Europe Beach: Forget The Count!  Think of the dramatic landscape of the Mediterranean Coastline. Some are sandy and fun, while others are gothic and involve a lot of drama.  On the other hand, the Atlantic beaches are full of marshlands, inlets, and barrier islands.  Now, despite the difference in the landscape and coastal geology, beaches are the best summer destinations in Europe, thanks to long hours of Sun and pleasant weather conditions.  Also, summer months are ideal for various outdoor activities on the beach, including sunbathing, swimming, and scuba diving. Furthermore, intimate activities such as sunbathing against the serene water backdrops make the beaches in Europe ideal for summer romance.  Moreover, I cannot think of a more romantic venue for a candlelight dinner than the Mediterranean beaches in Europe. Here, I present the beaches I have been to in Europe, and while there are some regular staples on our list, mostly I have talked about the beaches that have impressed me the most.  1. French Riviera: Plage Notre-Dame Porquerolles Was Our Sweet Spot ‣ Closest Airport: Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) With approximately 180 km of coastline, the French Riviera, the setting of popular movies such as GoldenEye and Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief, is dotted with stunning beaches.  The over 90 beaches in the French Riviera offer an unmatched diversity. So, you have beaches like Pampelonne, where the vast sandy stretches will grab your attention.  On the other hand, the French Riviera boasts Paloma, an adorable spot with its dramatic pebble beach.  However, we found our sweet spot at Plage Notre-Dame Porquerolles, a beach that is just 15 km away by a water taxi ride from the French Riviera.  Porquerolles, one of the best summer destinations in Europe, is a not-so-developed island with a length of 9 km and a width of 2 km.  So, we started our day by bicycling through red trails. The eucalyptus trees on both sides of the trail blessed us.  After the ride, we visited the contemporary art museum at Villa Carmignac and enjoyed the best rosé champagne and local delicacies at their outdoor dining setup.   We came back to the beaches by noon, and the cafes with the musicians playing the old-day tunes created the perfect backdrop for the change of shades and lightplay we were witnessing on the sandy stretches.  And it was sunset time! We knew we had to take a dip. We could listen to the grinding of cicadas and see how the last rays of the Sun for the day weave magic on the sand and water.  After our moments in the water, it was our time to get back to the French Riviera. We had a great time at the beach with memories of broken wooden chairs and weary bicycle stands as beautiful frames from a movie.  Au revoir, Porquerolles! ⁕⁕⁕ Tour And Travel Note ⁕⁕⁕ Don’t miss a visit to the resort town of Nice if you are in the French Riviera. It is one of the best European cities with beach and nightlife.  2. Amalfi Coast: A UNESCO World Heritage Site And The Prettiest Coast Of Italy ‣ Nearest Airport: Naples International Airport (NAP) The Amalfi Coast requires no introduction. From beaches with dramatic rocky coves to those with sandy stretches, every beach stands out with its unique appeal, and Mediterranean delicacies here are out of this world.  Nevertheless, among all the beaches, Fornillo Beach in Positano won our hearts. With pebbled beaches and fewer crowds, everything about the beach defined the word “intimate.”  It was our Punto Dolce, where we enjoyed all the beach chores to the fullest. However, the highlight of the visit to this beach was exploring the nearby Grotta di Fornillo, as the scenic views were amazing.  3. The Egadi Islands: The Best Fusion Of Natural Beauty And Ecological Attractions View this post on Instagram A post shared by Giovanni Vasta (@gvasta2) ‣ Nearest Airports: Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO) and Trapani-Birgi Airport (TPS) Also known as the Egadi Islands, these islands in Italy are some of the best European summer beach destinations.  Our destination was Favignana, which has beautiful beaches, such as Cala Azzurra and Cala Rotonda.  However, our favorite among all was Bue Marino. The rocky coastline here is unique, and we fell in love with the sunrise views.  Furthermore, we decided to explore Favignana, and we took a ferry to the nature reserve of the Saline Trapani. It is around 40 minutes to reach the nature reserve.  This Ramsar Site, and a protected area entrusted to the World Wildlife Fund is home to the rare Aphanius fasciatus fish.  Further, we saw birds like the Saker Falcon and the Common Shelduck there.  4. Platja de Formentor, Majorca: A Calm Beach With Green Water ‣ Nearest Airport: Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) A calm “Blue Flag” beach located along the Formentor Peninsula, Platja de Formentor is surely one of the best that Majorca Island has to offer.   The landscape here defines the word drama, and the sight of the Tramuntana mountains amidst dense pine forests will stay in my memory forever. Furthermore, the blue and green colors of the water complement the backdrop.  The beach is not very long, and we took a walk of around 1 km to reach Cap de Formentor, the farthest point of the beach. Also, we took a ride in a rented sailboat. Catamarans are also available for rent. You can even try snorkeling for more adventure.  5. Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia: A Romance With White Sand And Turquoise Sea ‣ Nearest Airport: Kefallinia (EFL) Airport One of the best summer destinations in the world, Myrtos Beach in Kefalonia, Greece, has our hearts for its stunning natural beauty.  The beach, awarded a “Blue Flag,” features stretches of white sand with the most dramatic cliffs in the backdrop.  Furthermore, the turquoise water provides a serene experience for the eyes.  6. Hietaniemi Beach, Helsinki: Best For Summer Swimming And Beach Volleyball ‣ Nearest Airport: Helsinki Airport Hot summer days call for some serious beach fun at Hietaniemi Beach, Central Helsinki, Finland.  With its shallow water and picturesque setting, Hietaniemi Beach is perfect for playing basketball and beach volleyball.  Also, don’t forget to try the coffee and snacks at Badenbaden, the summer terrace. Want to try your luck at golf?  Pay a visit to the miniature golf course nearby.  7. Beach of Durres: The Most-Visited Beach In Albania ‣ Nearest Airport: Tirana Airport The beach of Durres, the most-visited beach in Albania, is also one of the best beaches in Europe.  Durrës, as a city, has a rich historical background, with the stories going back to 627 BC. Additionally, the Roman amphitheater was our biggest draw.  Additionally, the beach stands out due to its proximity to the Adriatic Sea, a prominent feature in the cultural, historical, and economic landscapes of Europe.  Recently, the Adriatic Sea was in the news after a Riesenhai, or basking shark, was seen off the Croatian Peninsula. 8. Fteri Beach, Kefalonia: Romance In A Secluded Beach With Turquoise Waters ‣ Nearest Airport: Kefalonia International Airport Anna Pollatou With rugged hinterlands and candy-colored houses, Fteri Beach in Kefalonia, Greece, is the prettiest beach I have been to in Europe.  One of the best summer destinations in Europe, this beach on a secluded cove has beautiful white cliffs and the bluest water.  Don’t miss snorkeling in the water for the ultimate adventure.  9. Praia da Comporta: The Secret Sweet Spot In Portugal View this post on Instagram A post shared by Luis Mendes (@luismendeslm) ‣ Nearest Airport: Lisboa (LIS) Airport One of the best summer destinations in Europe, Praia da Comporta is a hidden gem in Portugal.  Summer months are busy at Praia da Comporta. However, the 19-km stretch of the shoreline ensures you get enough space for all the beach fun.  We had the most elaborate lunch at the Comporta Café, and we got into the water after hours of swimming.  However, the biggest attraction was the horseback ride during the Sunset. The surroundings looked magical.  10. Mala Beach: Cliffs, Sands, And Clear Water View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ekaterina Erokhin (@katiaerokhin) ‣ Nearest Airport: Nice Côte d'Azur Airport I was almost done penning this blog, and then suddenly it struck me. I have missed Mala Beach, another wonder in the French Riviera.  With pebbles and sand on the shores, this secluded beach is ideal for some intimate moments with your partner.  Further, the views of the majestic Mediterranean Sea and cliffs leave you awestruck.  11. Vitali Beach: Best For The Quiet Romance ‣ Nearest Airport: Athens International Airport Vitali Beach in Andros, Greece, is one of the best summer destinations in Europe if you are planning a coastal getaway.  It is one of the quiet ones, too!  The shores are full of pebbles. So, it is quite a walk before you reach the blue waters. However, the nearby caves and the best Pina Colada available make every effort worthwhile.  12. Cala de Deiá, Mallorca: Falling In Love With The Rugged Charm ‣ Nearest Airport: Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) Cala de Deià, the rugged and bewitching inlet near Deiá, Spain, has a small beach with crystal clear water. This is a place for couples who love everything quaint and a close-to-nature experience.  After a fun swim in the crystal clear water, you can have your meal at the Can Lluc cafe and enjoy fishing while sitting on the rocky platform above the water.  You can also visit the beautiful hamlet of Lluc Alcari, just 15 km away from Cala de Deiá. Related Posts.. Here is a List of Best River Cruises in Europe! 10 Things You Must Cover On Your Europe Trip These Best Places To Travel In Europe Are Amazing In Winter

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 2, 2021

Everyone should travel abroad and explore the mysterious corners of the world at least once in their lifetime. And what better place to start your journey than Europe, which literally has it all. From quaint little hamlets to breathtaking natural wonders, bustling spired cities to soul-soothing golden beaches, Gondola rides in the Venetian canal to romantic candle-lit dinners atop the Eiffel Tower. Not to mention, the friendly indigenous folk, the local cultural events, and the refreshingly unique food. Indeed, traveling across Europe is sure to turn your life around for the better, enriching it with precious memories of interesting adventures. But there are a lot of factors to take into consideration before you can begin this Euro trip. Let me help you with a few backpacking tips if you prefer to travel on foot and point you in the right direction. Here are 5 Backpacking Tips for an Unforgettable Euro-Trip: Everything depends on your budget. If you can afford to stay in one of those pricier hotels, then go for it. But if you’re a backpacker, then you might want to save on the accommodation costs, for which there are plenty of options. Here are a few helpful backpacking tips: 1. Seasonal Selection: If it is during wintertime that you decide to begin your Euro-tour, then head over to the places with the best skiing facilities and the most tasteful New Year parties, like Finland, Sweden or Austria, etc. In the case of the spring season, perfectly balanced between the dying winter and the emerging summer, select Netherlands, Greece, France, or Ireland as your European destinations, in full bloom. For an autumnal golden view mixed with browns and greens, travel to the Mediterranean. As the tourist traffic dies down, enjoy the pleasant quietness of the coastlines and explore the eerie cities of Spain and Italy, etc. Finally, if the hot summer season is your choice for the trip, then make your way to the Baltic regions, the eastern Slovenian mountains and the wonderful Balkan coastline. Just make sure to pick your season wisely and not begin your journey haphazardly. 2. Euro-Train Travel There are many ways you could go around Europe, but the best mode of transportation for backpackers is the railway. It is featured in many wanderlust movies, like Before Sunset (2004) which shows the characters getting the most out of their journey via train travel. You can order these movies by visiting here, for further inspiration. Why the train, you ask? Well, for starters, you can better enjoy the multi-colored view of the European landscape from your train window, rather than from an airplane. Other than that, if you sleep overnight in your cabin on one of those long rides, then you’ll save on accommodation costs. Plus, most countries require a single train pass, like a Eurail or an Interrail Global pass, in order to become accessible. Cool, right? 3. Accommodation Options Visiting Europe is a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity. From searching hotels in west London to packing your bags for the southernmost tip of Prague, there is so much to do. If you truely want things to be just right, here are a few useful tips: Guesthouse: This is a private mode of lodging, where the hosts allot one separate section of their house to a paying guest for staying in. It also goes by the name of the bed and breakfast. You can book your spot in such guesthouses online by going for digital accommodation apps like Airbnb etc. They give a much homelier welcome than the super-formal hotels, so you won’t feel home-sick. Hostel: Also known by the name of an ‘inn’, this accommodation system goes way back to medieval times. It is an establishment that gives inexpensive lodging and food to students, workers, and travelers mostly. Book your rooms beforehand to avoid any sort of inconvenience. Camp: If you want to truly test yourself and connect with the nature on the rawest level, then book your spot on a well-equipped camping site. It is not only quite affordable, and but comes with a special bonfire bonding. University Stays: Most of the universities in certain countries offer cheap lodgings to students. You can avail of this option as well. There are other accommodation options too, but these are the ones which I’d recommend. 4. Cultural Delve Once you reach a place, be sure to collect as many experiences as you can, and such experiences begin once you indulge in the local cultures. Festivals are a major part of any culture, so plan your trip around such events in advance. There’s the orange battle festival in Italy, the bullfight in Spain, the shamrock-jeweled St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Ireland, and the interesting naked run Roskilde festival in Denmark, etc. In addition to such events, be sure to savor the curious, indigenous cuisines. Instead of going to the expensive restaurants, save on your backpacker’s budget by eating like the locals. Refresh your taste buds with the multi-colored street food. Popular dishes include French crêpes, Denmark’s smørrebrød, the Italian trattoria, currywurst of Berlin and the Belgian fries, etc. Apart from this, the best option would be to cook your own food. Handpick ingredients from the local markets, which come with their own titillating flavors. Markets are a hubbub of interesting activity. Don’t forget to add them to your tour. Do buy small souvenirs, like key chains, to hang from your backpacks. 5. Nightly Forays One word: pubs. Even though the days are full of invigorating explorations, nights are equally alive with inebriation in the European countries. So, there are plenty of reasons to stay up late and go on nightly forays. There are hipster dives in London and Berlin, ruin bars in Budapest, and wine tastings in France and Italy. Moreover, the flamenco music scene in Seville, historic pubs of Oxford, and cafes in Brussels are a must-visit too. Do not miss out on these dark, happy hours by wasting them away on sleep. One important tip that you should definitely keep in mind is that your safety is your own responsibility once you go backpacking tips across Europe. So, do not take any chances with expensive cameras or jewelry, and always be on your guard. Especially, when you go on the roads less taken and explore under-the-radar areas, like Berat or Olomouc. Be sure to take the basic precautions to stay safe. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: How long is the backpacking trip to Europe? A:  For larger Europen sites you will need 2 to 4 full days and 3 to 5 nights. For smaller sites, you will need 1 to 2 days maximum. So it all depends on how much time you can spend on your trip to Europe.  Q2: Is backpacking to Europe is cheap? A: If you choose the peak time which is the Summer season, then it is going to be expensive for you as well as the place will be crowded. To have a smooth trip to Europe with any crowd and also where accommodations are 50% cheaper, travel during the shoulder or offseason. Q3: Are hostels in Europe safe? A: Not that much, the common security issue you will face is theft, especially in larger cities like Paris and Rome. therefore the hostels have lockers that save your belongings from getting robbed. But always carry your purse along with your passport, credit cards, IDs with you.  Q4: Is there any age limit to take a trip to Europe? A: Hostels and Hotels will only allow you if you are 18 or above, otherwise a guardian accompanying you will be nice. Exception when counted, Germany’s Bavarian Region does not consider this age thing in most hostels.  Wrapping Up: So, whenever you plan your backpacking tips journey, be sure to pay attention to the aforementioned tips. These will surely benefit you in the long run and make your Euro-trip bump-free. Read More: How to Choose A Backpack 10 Best Places To Visit In Europe Top 3-Week Itineraries For A Perfect Tour Of Europe