Travel
Bucket List: 10 Distinctive European Countryside Escapes
Slide Nr 1Whether you fancy a weekend getaway from the big city or yearn for a longer trip to restore your sense of wellbeing, an escape to the country is never a bad thing.
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Bucket List: 10 Distinctive European Countryside Escapes.
Slide Nr 2COTSWOLDS, ENGLAND – When people think of the English countryside, it is often the Cotswolds they picture, with its chocolate box villages, quaint tea rooms and pubs, and scenes straight out of an English ‘cosy crime’ novel. What makes it special: The charm of the Cotswolds is that it really is as picturesque as visitors imagine. Running through five counties, the gentle hills resemble a green and gold picnic rug lazily unfurled over the landscape, bedecked with thatched stone cottages and babbling streams. What not to miss: This isn’t the place for adventure or fresh inspiration, it’s a retreat to cultivate inner calm. We suggest brisk walks followed by afternoon tea or an evening in front of the fire in a friendly pub.
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Bucket List: 10 Distinctive European Countryside Escapes.
Slide Nr 3SEVEN SISTERS CLIFFS, ENGLAND – While the crowds head south from London towards nearby Brighton, non-locals are often unaware that the county of Sussex is home to some of Britain’s most beautiful coastal landscapes. What makes it special: The pristine Seven Sisters Cliffs are the jewel in the crown of that coastline, with their almost shining white glow topped by a carpet of impossibly lush green grass. What not to miss: The area is a perfect location for longer coastal walks. You could base yourself in the once rather dusty and fusty town of Eastbourne, Brighton’s quieter cousin, which is nevertheless becoming increasingly popular, or – our tip – sojourn in one of the many attractive local villages such as Alfriston.
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Bucket List: 10 Distinctive European Countryside Escapes.
Slide Nr 4ISLE OF SKYE, SCOTLAND – If you’ve been yearning to discover the Scottish islands and the west of the country, then there could be few better places to start than the Isle of Skye. What makes it special: The Misty Isle, as it is fondly known, is the largest island in the Inner Hebrides, and feels almost like a microcosm of Scotland at its best – from rugged hills and historic castles to charming fishing villages, combined with a strong local tradition of crafts and innovation. The island also has a direct connection to the mainland, thanks to the Skye Bridge, making it easier to reach for travellers. What not to miss: Aside from soaking up the local landscape and history, make sure to seek out the island’s fantastic produce, from the best seafood to the delights of the local Talisker Distillery.
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Bucket List: 10 Distinctive European Countryside Escapes.
Slide Nr 5COUNTY DONEGAL, IRELAND – If the Isle of Skye whetted your appetite for country escapes with wild, windswept landscapes that are rich in myth and legend, then you will be equally intrigued by a journey to County Donegal at the northernmost tip of the Republic of Ireland. What makes it special: The combination of spectacular landscapes and rich cultural history makes County Donegal stand out. The latter is embodied by the county’s status as one of Ireland’s Gaeltacht areas, where Irish is the predominant language spoken at home. What not to miss: You could start a trip along the Wild Atlantic Way, but for those staying local, why not combine a bog safari (yes, really!) with a trip to a historical site like the imposing Grianan of Aileach, a circular hillfort in Burt, Inishowen, that dates back to the sixth or seventh century CE.
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Bucket List: 10 Distinctive European Countryside Escapes.
Slide Nr 6STOCKHOLM ARCHIPELAGO, SWEDEN – The secret of an ideal country escape for many people is not actually having to travel too far from their preferred urban hotspot. The Swedish Archipelago perfectly fits this profile. What makes it special: If you don’t wish to venture too far from the Swedish capital, then what could be better than exploring 30,000 islands over an area close to 1,700 square kilometres? More than that, visitors will discover charming villages, hiking trails, outstanding food and produce, as well as many more outdoor lifestyle highlights Scandi-style. What not to miss: Make sure to visit a few different islands to get a sense of the range of experiences within the Archipelago. You could do your own research ahead of travelling to better understand the varied history, features and unique aspects of the different islands, or look for an expert guide or tour operator.
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Bucket List: 10 Distinctive European Countryside Escapes.
Slide Nr 7AUVERGNE, FRANCE – You may feel spoiled for choice when perusing the departments of France for your ideal country escape, but if you’re looking for a path less travelled, then the Auvergne region ticks many boxes. What makes it special: Auvergne could be described as the green heart of France, yet this vast, heavily forested mountainous region remains something of a secret. Invariably overlooked by French and foreign tourists, Auvergne offers rich treasures to the patient traveller with plentiful hiking trails and cycle paths, epic landscapes and charming auberges in secluded villages with the finest regional fare. What not to miss: This prehistoric landscape features numerous volcanoes – dormant, fortunately, although the area’s hot springs hint at Auvergne’s fiery past. Ascend one of the many lava domes for the ultimate views of the region; Puy de Dôme is the youngest volcanic peak, created by an eruption around 10,700 years ago.
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Bucket List: 10 Distinctive European Countryside Escapes.
Slide Nr 8CANTABRIA, SPAIN – If your priority is simply to get away from it all with a relaxing rural retreat, but you are less sure about exactly what type of experience you want to sample, then Cantabria may just be the ideal choice. The reason? Simply the sheer variety of landscapes that can be experienced within a short distance. What makes it special: Mother Nature certainly smiled on Spain’s second-smallest region, blessing it with a mild oceanic climate, 220 kilometres of unspoiled coastline, spectacular mountains and emerald-green valleys. Yes, we could go on, but you get the picture… What not to miss: Most of Cantabria feels pretty off the beaten path, but our tip is to base yourself in one of the region’s smaller historic towns such as Potes, allowing you to explore the surrounding national parks in the knowledge that you’re still less than an hour from the beach.
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Bucket List: 10 Distinctive European Countryside Escapes.
Slide Nr 9DOURO VALLEY, PORTUGAL – Consider Portugal’s Douro Valley if you have an ulterior motive behind your quest for a satisfying country break – a motive sparked by your admiration for fine wines. What makes it special: Hmm, where should we begin? We’re guessing that you won’t need too much persuading, but the region’s picturesque slopes terraced with seemingly endless grapevines might draw your attention, as too might the generous sprinkling of impossibly picturesque villages with wineries just calling out for your consideration of their most distinctive vintages. What not to miss: At the heart of the Douro Valley is the mighty Douro River, which winds its way across northern Portugal. Experience the river with a short cruise, driving along the impossibly scenic N222 road, or enjoying a trip on the historic Linha do Douro railway, which follows its banks.
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Bucket List: 10 Distinctive European Countryside Escapes.
Slide Nr 10BAVARIAN FOREST, GERMANY – Germany is blessed with numerous beautiful forests that draw flocks of tourists to all corners of the country. The Bavarian Forest is arguably one of the lesser-known examples, but one with a very particular charm. What makes it special: A trip to the Bavarian Forest is a relatively short drive or train ride from Munich, but offers an entirely different experience of Bavaria than its capital with the famous Oktoberfest or the Bavarian Alps or lakes. Instead, visitors find over 3,000 square kilometres of ancient mountain woodlands, high meadows and bog lakes. More than that, they afford absolute peace and tranquillity. What not to miss: While hiking and nature-spotting will provide a respite from the modern world, you could also discover the region’s traditional artisanal endeavours such as glass blowing, which dates back to Roman times.
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Bucket List: 10 Distinctive European Countryside Escapes.
Slide Nr 11PUGLIA, ITALY – Puglia’s star continues to rise as a destination for the more considered traveller – so much so that its Italian name is now used more widely than the traditional English form, Apulia. What makes it special: Known as the breadbasket of Italy, and the source of 40% of the country’s olive oil production, a trip to Puglia will tantalise your tastebuds with a host of regional delicacies to enjoy. At the same time, visitors enjoy the thrill of experiencing a lesser-known region of Italy with – at least to a degree – some respite from the tourist crowds that throng Italy’s more famous destinations. What not to miss: If you need to work off your culinary ‘research’ in Puglia, head to one of the region’s many Blue Flag beaches, or set off to discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberello – home of the famous trulli, the traditional whitewashed stone houses with distinctive conical roofs.
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