Paris is a Great City But These Destinations are Greater

Whether you’re planning a destination date with your partner or you are looking for a little-known city to spend some time solo, these unknown European towns should be at the top of your bucket list.

Number 1 on the list is Slovenia’s capital. It might not have the romantic reputation of its neighbours Venice and Vienna, but Ljubljana (pronounced lub-lee-arna) is fast becoming a strong rival. A day spent wandering the cobbled streets reveals its charm: Traditional buildings flank the winding river that splits the town in two, while a majestic medieval castle perched on a nearby hill peeps above the treetops. You should spend a night studying the city centre, stopping to watch musical performances in the main square and sampling chef-prepared dishes from the open-air market. The next day, venture to Lake Bled, a fairy-tale of a town less than an hour’s drive from the capital, and hire a rowboat to explore the tiny island at its centre.

Another city you should set your sights on is Kotor, a coastal town in Montenegro. The port town is surrounded by fortifications built by the Venetians, and it has glistening clear beaches sheltered by dramatic mountains. You can choose your own adventure by climbing to the top of Kotor’s fortification to watch the sunset over the brooding mountains on top of the ruins. If you consider yourself a foodie, you should sample the local seafood in one of the many candlelit restaurants in the maze of the marble streets.

Lisbon might earn attention for its grand tiled buildings, but there’s a nearby town that outdoes the Portuguese capital in the romance stakes and it is called Sintra. It is a half-hour drive from Lisbon, this stunning town is like a real-life fairy-tale, with colourful castles and gardens rich in history. Sintra might be small, but there is a ton to do, so be sure to plan your time wisely. The best option is to drive to the many heritage-listed castles. Make sure you see the Initiation Well in Quinta da Regaleira, a well that is 88-foot deep with winding underground passages that allow you to venture to the moss-covered base.

Often dubbed “Venice of the East,” Piran offers an uncommon hybrid of Italian and Slovenian culture. Located near the Italian border, this coastal town has one of the best-preserved historical towns in Europe. Piran’s uncanny resemblance to Venice isn’t a coincidence—the Cathedral of St. George is said to be modelled on the campanile of San Marco. Climb the bell tower for views of the Terra-cotta–tiled roofs, and then enjoy an Aperol spritz at sunset at one of the many oceanfront bars.

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