Lonely PlanetAug 25
13 of the Best Places in Europe to Escape the Crowds
Get away from the crowds in Europe at these wonderful escapes – recommended by our team of expert travel writers.
observatory for sweeping lake views
22 things in this story
- AgrafaNeighborhoodrugged, out-of-the-way region with unreliable internet
- MontanemaHotelself-sustaining retreat of stone-built lodgings
- Anthohori waterfallsSightwaterfalls to hike to from Montanema
- Lake PlastiraSightlake where you can ride a waterbike or paddle a canoe
- Panagia Pelekiti MonasterySight16th-century monastery carved into a cliff
- Lake Plastira ObservatorySightobservatory for sweeping lake views
- Elsewhere
- Praia da ArrifanaSightAljezur, Portugalappealing base on the coast for outdoor activities
- Gran SassoSightL'Aquila, ItalyItaly’s second-highest mountain outside the Alps
- Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga national parkSightL'Aquila, Italymountain park with beautiful stretches around Campo Imperatore
- Campo ImperatoreSightL'Aquila, Italyhighlands above L'Aquila, accessible by train from Rome
- Santo Stefano di SessanioNeighborhoodL'Aquila, Italyhistorical village of shepherds, now thriving
- SextantioHotelL'Aquila, Italyan albergo diffuso and anthropological project
- Rocca CalascioSightL'Aquila, Italyruined medieval castle on a high bluff
- Costa dei TrabocchiSightRocca San Giovanni, Italy50km stretch of Adriatic coast with ancient fishing platforms
- Sasso della CajanaRestaurantRocca San Giovanni, Italyrestaurant on the coast north of Rocca San Giovanni
- ExtremaduraNeighborhoodMérida, Spainregion with low population density and abundant wildlife
- Parque Nacional MonfragüeSightMérida, Spainbest place in Western Europe to observe raptors
- Ruta de Carlos VTrailMérida, Spainhiking and biking route tracing part of Holy Roman Emperor's journey
- Monasterio de San Jerónimo de YusteSightMérida, Spainmonastery where the king devoted his life to contemplation
- RogilNeighborhoodAljezur, PortugalIt lies within the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park.
- OdeceixeNeighborhoodAljezur, PortugalThe village lies on the south bank of the Ribeira de Seixe, which here forms the border between the…
- CarrapateiraNeighborhoodAljezur, Portugal