Enjoy Europe’s ‘Joie de Vivre’ in New Destinations
I love exploring Europe (who doesn’t?), but some of the destinations I’ve returned to for years are feeling busier than ever. Italy’s Amalfi Coast and Lake Como will always hold a special place in my heart, though rising hotel rates and limited availability during peak travel periods are encouraging more travelers to look beyond the usual hotspots.
Lately, I’ve been helping clients discover destinations that feel fresh, exciting, and a little less crowded, without sacrificing the atmosphere, beauty, and culture that make Europe so memorable.
São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal
If you love Portugal, head for two of its island regions instead. The Azores is an archipelago of volcanic islands in the mid-Atlantic (bonus: the flight to reach the region is shorter). Summertime temperatures are comfortable and ideal for hiking, while rugged coastlines, lush green landscapes, and rolling hills create beautiful scenery at every turn.
Madeira, a group of four islands farther south in the Atlantic and closer to Morocco than mainland Portugal, is a clifftop hiker’s paradise known for its wine, botanical gardens, and dramatic landscapes shaped by volcanic terrain.
Piran, Slovenia
Love Croatia? Head north toward Istria and the Adriatic towns that feel a little more relaxed than the popular cruise ports of Dubrovnik and the busy streets of Split. Zadar is known for its sunsets, Roman ruins, and waterfront promenades, while Rovinj stands out for its colorful harbor and winding old town streets.
Cross into Slovenia and spend time in the coastal town of Piran, where Venetian architecture, seaside cafés, and narrow alleyways create a more laid-back atmosphere along the Adriatic. Inland, Ljubljana’s riverside atmosphere and beautiful architecture continue to win over travelers looking for a different side of Europe.
Nusfjord Village & Resort, Norway
Love mountain scenery and scenic rail journeys? Try Norway or Austria. In Norway, smaller towns along the water offer a peaceful contrast to Europe’s busier capitals, and if you’re lucky, you may even catch the northern lights. Austria delivers its own kind of alpine magic, where cities, lakeside villages, and mountain towns are connected by scenic, efficient rail routes.