Summer is officially upon us which means an influx of travelers are flocking to beautiful destinations. Europe is the home to hundreds, if not thousands, of amazing popular gems. The best I’ve found are in those warm and sunny destinations like Malta, Greece, Croatia and Portugal. If you’re looking to escape off for a holiday in Europe, contact Holiday Gems, a UK-based travel specialist. You can check out their summer holiday deals here or visit their website.
Here are the Popular Gems for a Holiday in Europe:
Malta
The little island nation of Malta is a place you can’t go wrong with for a holiday. It was one of the first sunny holidays I took after moving to Europe and I’ve thought about it ever since. Malta consists of 3 islands, two of which are inhabited and one that’s frequented daily by tourists all over the world.
Here are the popular gems of Malta:
Popeye’s Village
Popeye’s Village is one of the most unique places in Malta. It’s located on the northwest side of the main island, built specifically for the 1980 Robin Williams film Popeye. Today, the village acts as a theme park and can also be rented out for special events. When leaving Popeye’s Village, take a right on the road to get a stunning aerial view of this amazing place!
Comino Island
Existing as the only uninhabited island of Malta aside from one hotel, Comino Island is a paradise lover’s dream. Famed for its crystal-clear waters and the epic Blue Lagoon, boat tours to Comino embark on a daily basis from both Gozo and the main island. Be sure to take the sea cave tour on Comino Island!
Dwerja, Gozo Island
Another can’t miss in Malta is the other inhabited island that sits just north of Comino. Gozo Island is incredibly rich in architecture and history. Historic features include the Ġgantija temples which are among the oldest free-standing structures in the world. If you’re staying on the main island of Malta, definitely plan on a day-trip to this gorgeous island. You can hire a car or tour the island privately with a company. Another great option is to utilize the ‘Hop-On-Hop-Off’ bus tour around the island.
The Azure Window
The Azure Window, a limestone natural archway expanding out into the sea, was my absolute favorite part of Gozo Island. It was also one of Malta’s most famed structures. Featured in many films and televisions shows, including HBO’s Game of Thrones, it sadly crumbled in a storm. Tourists can still visit the area to see the stunning cascading cliffs jutting out into the Mediterranean.
Xemxija Heritage Trail
We accidentally stumbled upon this historic place while taking a walk in St. Paul’s Bay. The Xemxija Heritage Trail includes various shrines and burial sites, displaying the history of Malta. The ancient cave dwellings alone date back to 4000 BC.
Read More: 3 Days in Malta – A Complete Itinerary
Crete, Greece
One of the best holidays in Europe that I’ve had to date was my trip to Crete. This massive island stands as Greece’s southernmost point and offers everything you could ever want out of a sunny destination. The food is amazing, locals are incredibly friendly and the beaches are something out of this world.
Here are the popular gems in Crete:
Elafonisi Beach
Widely renowned as one of the most unique beaches in the world, Elafonisi Beach is a must see in Crete. Elafonisi’s shoreline is decorated with the prettiest hues of pink under the teal water, dubbing it the ‘Pink Beach.’
Read More: The Pink Sands of Elafonisi Beach
The Balos Lagoon
Situated in the Gramvousa Peninsula sits an exquisite piece of paradise. The Balos Lagoon is by far the most stunning beach I’ve had the privilege of visiting. Boats offer day-trips to Balos from the Kissamos area but I highly recommend making the drive and hiking down. Arriving around 7 AM, we had the entire lagoon to ourselves for a couple of hours. If you can’t see any other gem on your holiday to Crete, make the Balos Lagoon your number one stop!
Read More: The Breaktaking Balos Lagoon
The Samaria Gorge
Another magnificent characteristic of Crete is the mountainous terrain that dominates the entire island. One of the most popular gems of Crete is the Samaria Gorge, nestled in the White Mountains. Small villages used to exist throughout the Gorge but it’s now a National Park and a World Biosphere Reserve. Visitors can hike through the Samaria Gorge between the months of May and October. A full trek through the park takes about 5-7 hours, ending at a village on the Libyan Sea. While I didn’t have the opportunity to visit, I hear it’s absolutely breathtaking and a must-see in Crete.
Read More: A Week in Western Crete – A Travel Diary
Croatia
Personally, I believe that one of the most underrated destinations for a holiday in Europe is Croatia. Knowing nothing about the country before our trip to Zadar, Croatia quickly became one of my favorite holidays. I look forward to returning someday but, until then, I’ll live vicariously through the experiences I had there.
Here are the most popular gems in Croatia:
Plitvice Lakes National Park
One of the most ethereal environments in the world, Plitvice is possibly the most famous attraction in Croatia. The UNESCO World Heritage Sight essentially consists of three different ‘islands.’ Each require a boat ride to get to the next, adding to the experience. While you can’t swim here, you can walk around the 73,000 acres of park. The 16 lakes range in colors and multiple monstrous waterfalls make you feel like you’re in the Garden of Eden.
Read More: The Best Route to Take Through Plitvice Lakes National Park
Krka National Park
Usually acting as a substitute option to Plitvice, Krka National Park is a tad smaller but doesn’t lack in beauty. Krka is known for its hiking trails and waterfalls that flow from the Krka River. Designated as a National Park in 1985, Krka offers a bit more than Plitvice. Visitors can swim in the water underneath the waterfalls while also discovering archeological remains of fortresses dating back to Roman times.
The Greeting to the Sun & Sea Organ
Located on the boardwalk in Zadar, the Greeting to the Sun is a massive solar-powered dance floor that changes colors. Scores of tourists flock to this area around dusk to snag a spot for a beautiful Croatian sunset. Then to watch the colors of the dance floor transform after the sun disappears behind the horizon, it’s an awesome experience.
Read More: 8 Things to Do in Zadar, Croatia
One of the most popular attractions of Zadar is the Sea Organ. Nestled on the edge of the boardwalk nearby is the Sea Organ. Concrete steps span along the edge of the sea. If you listen closely, the harmonic sounds of the water feeding into the pipes under the steps can be heard.
Portugal
Portugal is the optimal sunny destination for a holiday in Europe. All too often I hear of travelers heading to southern Portugal but the underrated scenery is up north, in and around Porto.
Here are the popular gems of Portugal:
Dom Luis Bridge
Dominating the best views of Porto, Dom Luís I Bridge is the most photographed structure in the city. The bridge crosses over the river, connecting Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia. At the time of its completion in 1886, it was the longest archway bridge in the world. The top level is used for pedestrians and the rail line with local traffic on the bottom.
Read More: A Complete Guide to Porto
Gardens of Palácio de Cristal
Another popular gem of Porto are the Gardens of Palácio de Cristal. These exquisitely landscaped gardens were designed in the 19th century by a German architect to complement the newly-constructed Crystal Palace. The romantic gardens span a total of 20 acres, featuring a romantic landscape and outstanding views of the Douro River.
Senhor da Pedra, or Lord of the Rock
Sitting on the edge of the Atlantic on Miramar Beach is Senhor da Pedra, or Lord of the Rock. Built in 1686 and recently restored, the chapel is open for visitors year-round. It’s also the feature of an annual festival that draws thousands of tourists from around the world.
Read More: Northwest Portugal in 3 Days
Before summer runs out, head over to the Holiday Gems website to take advantage of their 2019 holiday deals! Visit their website here.
*This post is sponsored by Holiday Gems but, as always, all photos, opinions & experiences are all my own!
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