After an 11-hour transatlantic flight and a two-hour rush-hour cab ride, I finally arrived at my resort just before dusk. A Greek friend had tipped me off to Voliagmeni – the coastline of Athens – promising that the sunset alone would be worth the trek. And it was. The bright orange and dark blue hues were unlike anything I had ever seen and I spent the next two weeks mesmerized by the subtle changes in each sunset, playing out over the Adriatic sea.
The Greek island of Santorini is well-known for its sunset views and Athens is famous for the ruins, but Voliagmeni has largely remained a locally-kept secret. Relishing in this experience made me want to seek out more one-of-a-kind adventures. Rarely do we travel for a particular experience rather than a destination, but years of travelling (and being part of a travel industry family!) has taught me to do just that.
With that in mind, here are five incredible European wonders you have to experience to believe:
Sink Your Feet in the Black Beaches – Vik, Iceland
Visit the southern, Vik, region of Iceland in the short summer months and sink your feet in the completely unique black basalt beach. Stay at one of the secluded town hotels, where a short drive to this untamed beach will forever change your concept of what a beach can be.
You won’t be sunbathing on this beach since the average summer temperature never rises above 55 °F – bring a pair of boots to wear before and after sinking your feet in the sand! Find seabirds like puffins on the shoreline, a volcano in the backdrop and strong Atlantic waves.
Most distinctive in the landscape are the small jagged rock formations in the cliffs at the base of the beach. Legend has it that the rock formations are the remains of two trolls who tried and failed to take their three-masted ship out of the sea. That’s the kind of mystical wonder you’ll discover by sinking your feet in the black beaches, even just for a second!
Soak in an Ancient Spa – Pamukkale, Turkey
Spa like the Romans and soak in the cascading white pools in Pamukkale, Turkey. The area was used thousands of years ago for its mineral rich hot springs and now you can indulge in the pools below the springs for roughly 30 Lira (about $10).
Depending on what time of year you travel, there might only be small amounts of water in each pool, but even just soaking your heels in the water will relax and soothe (not to mention, supposedly heal everything from varicose veins to arthritis!)
While soaking, take in the view of the cascading white terraces, each level uniquely etched by the water and perfectly preserved through time.
Once you’ve revelled in the history of your experience, retreat to one of the area’s luxury hotels to bring you back to modern life, but never quite getting over your ancient spa encounter.
Picnic at the Park Güell – Barcelona, Spain
Bring some local tapas and a strong Spanish coffee for a picnic at an outdoor park-meets-museum. Barcelona’s Park Güell is a masterpiece by famed architect Antoni Gaudi. Colorful tiles cover nearly every surface. The structures, sculptures and pillars are accented with lush vegetation. Finding the fun (think giant rainbow-hued lizard!) motifs displayed throughout the park makes it hard to believe that it was constructed over 100 years ago as a site for upscale homes.
Walking through the park you’ll notice a “pink tower,” which is the Gaudí House Museum, a classic show-home preserved from when the area was a builder’s showcase. The joy of visiting this World Heritage Site lies in discovering a hidden artistic element at every turn – like the undulating bench overlooking the city of Barcelona. Snag a seat on the bench for a Spanish tapas picnic and marvel at all its creative splendor.
Pick Your Own Fragrance – Grasse, Provence, France
If you have a hard time finding your favorite fragrance, like I do, why not pick your own fresh lavender and create a personal blend while enjoying Provence? It’s not just A-listers who can pull this off – it’s as easy as planning a summer trip to Grasse.
The summer blooms will excite your senses, with never-ending sights and scents of lavender.
Stay in a charming B&B, and book an appointment at Le Studio des Fragrances at Galimard, where you can make your personal fragrance using fresh, local scents for 45€. An expert “nose” will help you blend a Top Note (peak note), Middle Note (heart note), and Base Note (fond note), all put together in a personalized bottle. Voilà – your custom Provence experience in a bottle.
Hike the Olive Trail – Lugano, Switzerland
The first time I visited Lugano, Switzerland, I was just a child but I still remember the winding hill-top landscape overlooking the pristine lake. That’s exactly the view you’ll experience on the Sentiero dell’olivo (Olive Grove Trail). While most Swiss tourists will be in the bustling city center, you can enjoy a countryside trail lined with ancient olive trees.
The pathway stretches 3.5 km long, connecting the hidden villages of Castagnola and Gandria. You can start the hike from either town, but the traditional starting point is from Gandria – a town of roughly 200 people that can only be reached on foot or by boat!
The entrance is marked by a small olive logo but it’s very easy to miss it and asking for directions can be tricky in the Italian-speaking town, but with a few handy phrases and points in the right direction, you’ll be on your way to one of the rarest European trails.
Imagine unique hillside houses along narrow streets, sprawling olive trees and views of the famous Lake Lugano from every angle and you’ll get a sense of what the Olive Trail is all about.
Want more? Read about Hilary’s trip to Lugano!
Doing a tour backpack tour in Europe this summer. Really excited to see all the sights and experience the culture and food.