Hello there, fellow travel enthusiasts! I am thrilled to share some of my recent travel experiences with you. I’ve been crisscrossing Europe on a mission to discover its most captivating, lesser-known locations and I’ve made some exciting discoveries. Buckle up and join me as I recount my journey and share several hidden gems of Europe you won’t find in typical travel guides.
A Takeaway From Lisbon, Portugal
We begin our journey in the charming city of Lisbon. Most people head straight to the Belem Tower or the Lisbon Oceanarium, but a trip to the LX Factory is an experience you wouldn’t want to miss. Tucked beneath the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge, LX Factory is an artsy spot teeming with creativity. Old factories and warehouses have been transformed into inspiring spaces filled with bookshops, restaurants, and local businesses. I remember strolling down the street, soaking in the vibrant street art and being amazed by the creative re-imagining of an old industrial space.
Discovering Colmar, France
From Lisbon, our journey took us to the quaint cityscape of Colmar in France. The heart of the Alsace Wine Route, Colmar is a place that will leave you enchanted by its charm. It’s like something straight out of a Disney movie with its half-timbered houses, canals, and floral displays. I spent a whole day exploring, and the memory of sipping Alsace Riesling at a local ‘winstub’, a traditional Alsatian wine pub, makes me want to revisit.
Matera: Italy’s Best-Kept Secret
The next gem in our trip is Matera, a city in southern Italy located on the border of Basilicata and Apulia. With its cityscape dominated by ‘Sassi’ – ancient cave dwellings, Matera is surely a step back in time. I was fortunate to experience a night in one such abode, which was a uniquely invigorating experience. Although Matera has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site and was the European Capital of Culture in 2019, it remains delightfully overlooked by many travelers.
These are just a few of the hidden gems I’ve discovered in my travels across Europe. Each city, each corner has a unique story to tell. So, the next time you plan your trip, consider veering off the well-trodden path. Happy exploring!
