Lonely Planet revealed their Best in Europe list this week, looking at the “essential European destinations to visit this year.” The top 10 for 2019 includes cities that you’d expect to be on the list, such as Madrid in Spain. But it also features areas that many people may not consider travelling to, including spots in Iceland and Bosnia and Hercegovina. The UK also made it into the list, with the Shetland Islands in Scotland coming in sixth place.
1. High Tatras, Slovakia
The High Tatras are a mountain range along the border of northern Slovakia. Shared with Poland, they are often called “the smallest alpine mountains in Europe.”
Visitors to the High Tatras can expect glistening lakes, majestic peaks, waterfalls, rare flora and fauna as well as exceptionally clean air.
Brown bears live in the region – despite disappearing from most other parts of Europe. Travellers can enjoy hiking, boating and wildlife spotting in this beautiful region.
2. Madrid, Spain
The capital of Spain’s featuring in Lonely Planet’s top 10 is perhaps the least surprising destination on the list.
Top places to visit in the stunning city include El Retiro Park, Prado Museum and the Royal Palace (the largest of its kind in Western Europe).
Lonely Planet praised its nightlife as well as its emphasis on sustainable living.
3. The Arctic Coast Way, Iceland
The Arctic Coast Way runs 900km from Hvammstangi in the west of Iceland to Bakkafjörður in the east.
It takes in six peninsulas, 21 villages and five islands along the country’s north coast. Expect waterfalls, glaciers, snow sports, wildlife watching, coastal hikes and more.
The Way will be launched on 8 June 2019 and is the first official touring route in Iceland.
4. Hercegovina, Bosnia and Hercegovina
Herzegovina is the southern region of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Here, Lonely Planet recommends trying out the CIRO cycling trail, a former Austro-Hungarian railway line that threads through the countryside from Mostar to Dubrovnik.
Travellers can stay in old train stations from which they can explore the area on foot.
It’s also worth exploring Počitelj or hiking to the traditional mountain village of Lukomir.
5. Bari, Italy
The coastal town of Bari, located in the heel of Italy, boasts a traditional old town, complete with winding streets and Italian grandmothers hand-making ear-shaped orecchiette outside their front doors.
Now much more than just a port town from which to catch a ferry or explore the rest of Puglia, Bari is praised by Lonely Planet for its cultural spaces.
These include the Teatro Piccinni theatre, “once-condemned heritage hotels like the Oriente” and the art nouveau Teatro Margherita.
6. Shetland, Scotland
The UK made it into Lonely Planet’s Best of Europe thanks to the Shetland Islands – roughly 170 kilometres off the coast of mainland Scotland.
Visitors get to Shetland via the overnight ferry from Aberdeen but it’s well worth the effort.
Lonely Planet recommends spotting otters and orcas from the headlands, exploring the coastal trails, sampling its famous fish and chips as well as the whisky and relaxing in Lerwick’s local pubs.
7. Lyon, France
Lyon boasts dual riverfronts thanks to the Rhône and the Saône, excellent cuisine and plenty of culture to keep tourists entertained.
It’s in the spotlight this year as it hosts the finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in July.
8. Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is a German-speaking, 25km-long principality between Austria and Switzerland.
The tiny country is well-known for its medieval castles, alpine landscapes and villages linked by a network of trails.
This year the Liechtenstein Trail is opening as part of celebrations marking 300 years since it became a sovereign nation. The trail is a scenic 75km hiking path which takes in all 11 municipalities.
9. Vevey, Switzerland
Wine aficionados have a great reason to visit Vevey in 2019 as it holds the Fête des Vignerons in July. The three-week wine festival has been led once every 20 years since the 18th century.
Lonely Planet also advises making the most the eateries in the town, swimming in the lake and walking through the vineyards.
10. Istria, Croatia
Completing the top 10 is Istria – the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea. It is shared by three countries: Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy.
Lovely Planet recommends visiting Pula’s Roman Amphitheatre and Poreč’s Unesco-listed mosaics.
There are also beaches, gourmet cycling tours, music festivals and truffle-hunting excursions to keep visitors happy.
