This time, it’s the city of Cuenca, deep in a mountainous, barely-populated province. The city is pretty spectacular to look at: on three sides there are huge gorges through which the rivers Huécar and Júcar run and over which the balconies of the houses hang.

To get there, you’ll need to fly to Madrid and then take a bus or train or hire car for a short journey. Whilst you’re there, be sure to take a look at the local scenery and attractions, including the limestone formations (that are totally natural yet look like they’ve been sculpted) at Ciudad Encantada.

Within the city itself, be sure to visit the Ciudad Antigua, the old town, which has fabulous views, a Plaza Mayor (worth a wander around, or a nice place to sit in a café with some tapas and people-watch) and the Catedral.

The Catedral is open every day and a small charge is made for entry, but the interior is far better than the exterior would suggest. Next door is the Tesoro Catedralicio which has a similarly beautiful interior with great detail in the ceiling and woodwork. Continuing the theme of religious tourism is the Museo Diocesano. If you’re more interested in the history of the city than of its religion then head across the road to the Museo de Cuenca, where the exhibits date back to prehistoric times. For art, the Museo de Arte Abstracto is the place to go – it was opened in the 1960s and contains works by Antonio Saura, Antonio Tàpies, José Guerrero, and Eduardo Chillida to name but a few. This museum is housed in one of those old houses whose balconies overhang the gorges and is worth a visit to see inside one of these ‘hanging houses’ even if abstract art isn’t really your thing.

Another point of interest worth mentioning is the Segóbriga, Roman ruins including a well-preserved amphitheatre.

It’s a beautiful city in a beautiful province and is another way to see true Spain.

One way to do it is to check out some cheap airlines, look at their destinations – and then avoid them. Or take the cheap flights to the known destinations but be prepared to travel a little further, perhaps by bus, train or hire car, to those places a little further afield for a true taste of what that country has to offer.

We’re going to explore some of the more obscure cities of Europe over the next few weeks. See if any of them take your fancy, and then look for the best ways to get there from your home. They’ll be worth the journey!
First stop, Spain.

Córdoba, in Andalucia, to be exact. At one point, this was the the largest city in Spain under the Romans, and was the capital of the most important country in Europe when Islam ruled Spain. Elements of that part of its history can still be found – including the Mezquita, which was once a huge mosque that was subsequently turned into a cathedral. It is a truly spectacular structure, highly decorated and intricate in its design. Its construction was completed in 796AD.

You can get to Córdoba by flying into Seville and then taking the bus north.
The Mezquita is in the centre, and it is surrounded by Jewish and Moorish quarters. Away from the Mezquita, there are many famed and acclaimed patios. Or take a trip a little further out of town to the Moorish Medina Azahara ruins. This was once a palace complex completed in 961AD. Its construction was a hugely expensive and time-consuming effort but eventually it contained the palace, a zoo, baths, houses and weapons factories(!).

Check out the Museo Arquelógico, which is housed in a minor Renaissance mansion and contains a Roman patio. Nearby is the Plaza del Potro, a beautiful square mentioned in Don Quixote.

This is an area of Spain where you can actually sit down in a restaurant and eat Spanish food, or pop into a bar for some really good-quality tapas.

This is Spain at its best and is not to be missed.

It looks like a picture postcard, and there are plenty of things to do for all the family who want to do something outdoorsy, from nature trails, horse riding, hiking trails and rock climbing.  These are the best ways to see the mountains, castles, forts and quaint wooden villages that dot the region.

During winter months, there are plenty of winter sports to enjoy, with brilliant ski runs or sledding in Malbun, and when you’re done with that why not visit any of the country’s museums to get a sense of the history of the country.   

The obvious places to visit include the capital, Vaduz (which has plenty of museums to keep you occupied, and is a good starting point for several walks into the mountains), and Malbun, but look wider than that and you’ll find some gems that will make your holiday really special.  There’s the Biedermann House in Shellenberg in the north, which is reputed to be the oldest house in the principality and is now a museum designed to show what it was like to live in Liechtenstein in past centuries.  In the same town are the fortress ruins which are still recognisable enough to give a good idea of what the fort looked like in its heyday when the Knights of Shellenberg ruled that country.

Or visit the historic towns of Bendern, Mauren and Eschen, before progressing further south to Shaan or Dux, both of which are good centres for a variety of winter and summer sports and good starting points for many trails and mountain hikes.

Liechtenstein offers some glorious views offered by the mountainous terrain and Rhine valley, but these are best seen away from the main towns.  Perhaps if you start in Vaduz, you should take a long walk to Wildshloss (which is a castle on the mountain between Vaduz and Shaan, about two hours’ walk from the former).  You’ll get to see a good part of the landscape, some spectacular scenery and really get to appreciate this principality’s natural beauty.

Unlike much of the rest of Italy, Sicily has kept its somewhat untamed, wild nature, and has preserved traditions for hundreds of years.  You only have to set foot on the lunar-like landscape surrounding Mount Etna, some 2,000ft above sea-level, and look around at all the wild countryside around you to appreciate just how ancient the land beneath your feet is. 

Sicily has something for everyone.  If you want to relax by the sea, there are plenty of beaches for you to sit on with a good book in the Mediterranean climate (pack your sun cream).  You could even take an excursion on a local ferry to one of the nearby Aeolian Islands for even more sandy beaches (though beware that these can be crowded in August).

 If you want something a little more stimulating, there are excursions offered through most hotels (or tour operators if you are not travelling independently) to see archaeological sites and museums (and the mountains and volcanoes of course) or out to some of the many rocky archipelagos nearby.  Take a trip to Agrigento (the ‘Valley of the Temples’) to visit Greek temples or take a look round nearby olive groves or almond orchards.  Or take a jeep (either hire one or take a guided excursion) to near the top of Mount Etna, where you’ll need your winter woollies since it’s rather cool up there (it’s covered in snow during the winter months at the top because at 3,350m it is Sicily’s highest mountain). 

If nightlife is your scene, the cities in Sicily offer great bars, clubs and restaurants to keep you entertained until the early hours – the best places to go for this would probably be Catania or Taormina.  The latter is the most popular resort for many tourists and is well resourced as a result with everything that you could want for your holiday.  Catania also offers a fabulous beach.

There’s plenty to do in Sicily, so why not consider it for your next holiday?

Salzburg’s most famous export is, of course, Mozart, and you might be interested to know that at the time of Mozart’s birth Salzburg was actually an independent state and so technically Mozart is not Austrian, he is Salzburgan.  That must be worth a few points in a pub quiz.

So, as well as seeing the places where the children were shot (sorry, filmed), and the house where Mozart lived (which is now a museum and worth a short visit), what else does Salzburg have to offer?

Here is a list of my favourites. 

1. Mirabell Garden & Castle

If the weather’s nice (and beware, Salzburg is prone to showers, and the narrow streets are usually packed and not umbrella-friendly), take a walk through the Mirabell Garden.  The garden and castle were designed by the Prince Archbishop of Saltzburg for his mistress.  His wife wasn’t pleased, but at least the people of, and visitors to, Salzburg can have somewhere nice for a picnic.  The castle isn’t open to the public as it’s used by the Mayor, but the gardens (in 1960s geometrical patterns) are pleasant.

 2. Mozartplatz and Statue (Mozart Square)

A statue of Mozart dominates this square.  The square is usually a hive of activity from people performing songs or traditional theatre for the tourists.  The square is very close to the Cathedral (see below).

3.  Salzburg Cathedral

The Dom zu Salzburg  is a cathedral constructed in the 17^th Century.  It’s baroque and spectacular for it.  It was damaged in the Second World War when a bomb hit the central dome, but it was fully restored by the late 1950s.

4.  Salt Mines

This is one of those tourist attractions that doesn’t get nearly as much hype as it deserves.  It’s a wonderful little surprise of a gem waiting for those who venture a little way out of the main city to a town called Hallein.

 A tour of the mine begins with a short film about the history of salt mining (stay with me…) but then everyone has to get dressed into some overalls.  Then you all sit astride a miniature train that chugs through a very tiny tunnel, barely big enough to squeeze through without banging your head (I don’t imagine the Health and Safety Executive would allow that here, somehow).   Then you get to sail on a low barge on an eerie underground lake through the caverns of the salt mine before finally shooting down a giant slide that’s more like a bannister.  You sit astride the ‘bannister’ with two or three others behind you, all clinging to each other for dear life, and whizz down into a lower cavern.  You then have to watch a slide show, but you’re so hyped after the fun of the journey that it barely registers (good job, as it’s in German and whilst I know enough conversational German to get me through an Austrian holiday, I am unfamiliar with the terms used in mining contexts).  This tour is covered by the Salzburg Card (see below). 

There are plenty of other places to visit and things to see on a trip to Salzburg.  Like the Altstadt (the most beautiful square in Salzburg), the gothic cemetery (surprisingly beautiful)  and plenty of market stalls to wander around.  Buy a Salzburg card on arrival and it can work out cheaper than paying for individual tourist attractions as it pays for entry to several museums and attractions and also lets you use the local public transport system on an unlimited basis.  Go any time of year – but take an umbrella as it’s sure to rain.

Austria is becoming more popular as a ski resort than in recent years, though once of course it was regarded as the place to ski before we Brits became more enamoured with France back in the ‘seventies. Now, though, Austria is reaping the benefits of the tough economic climate we’re living in, because it certainly provides better value for money than do the resorts in the French Alps. Yet although everything’s much cheaper (from food to lift passes) it doesn’t skimp on quality or service, and you’ll find a very warm welcome awaits you at the resorts.

Here are some of the best slopes and resorts for everyone.
1. Alpbach: this is brilliant for beginners. It has two schools to teach the basics, and the slopes are challenging enough to keep intermediate skiers happy too, whilst the nursery slope is good for building confidence.
2. Saalbach: an hour-and-a-half from Salzburg with a highly sophisticated lift system, this resort is perfect for intermediate skiers who can enjoy the circuit routes and 200km of piste.
3. St Anton: this is perfect if you want a bit of a challenge and are an accomplished skier.
4. Sölden is perhaps the most reliable for snow cover, and is great for intermediate skiers.
5. Obergurgl: if you’re thinking of taking a family ski trip, this is the resort for you. It offers reliable snow cover for most of the season right down to the village. It takes about an hour to get there from Innsbruck, and it’s a very family-friendly, quiet village.

Wherever you travel, if you’re new to skiing then beware that if you invest in your own skis you will usually have to pay the airline to take them with you (though some companies offer free allowances for skis at this time of year). Check that you have travel insurance and that it covers ski-related accidents as many standard policies have clauses excluding liability for anything involving dangerous sports. Enjoy the piste and après-ski!

1. London, England

   Visiting a capital city doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Some of the best, free attractions are available here, and there are inexpensive hotels right in the heart of the city. Try the Science Museum; Lady Diana’s park; the Natural History Museum and the British History Museum. Or just have a gander at Buckingham Palace and then enjoy a picnic across the road in the park. It’s rather hard to want to stay in London for more than a few days at a time, because it’s so busy and stressful, but the transport links are good and you can get to see most of what you’d want to in a short time if you plan it right.

2. Paris, France

   Again, a capital city so potentially expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. A walk along the River Seine, and a look around Notre Dame is free, as are the many gardens that surround the Eiffel Tower. It would be a shame to miss out on the Louvre, though in Summer you may have to queue for quite some time. If you want something a bit different then head off for a tour of the catacombs under the city streets.

3. oOFlorence, Italy

   This is perhaps the most touristy city in Italy, so avoid the prime months of July and August if you want to see actual Italians rather than streets filled with people like you, holding cameras. The sculptures in Florence are amazing and worth a visit. In the square that holds the famous statue of David are many other inspirational sculptures that are equally worthy of your attention. Or have a wander along the Ponte Vecchio to shop for gold over the famous bridge.

4. Madrid, Spain

   Head here if you like art (the Prado is magnificent) but whilst you’re there you can enjoy the night-life or the daytime café culture too. Dig into tapas or enjoy a fuller meal at any one of several fine restaurants along the Hemingway Trail. Remember that here they have a siesta, so very little is open in the early afternoon when you might be ready for your lunch, and the night-time scene gets going rather later than you’d expect at home.

]]> http://www.travelineuropeguide.com//top-destinations-in-europe-part-2/feed 0 http://www.travelineuropeguide.com//top-destinations-in-europe-part-1 http://www.travelineuropeguide.com//top-destinations-in-europe-part-1#comments Thu, 22 Dec 2011 21:45:03 +0000 blogger http://www.travelineuropeguide.com//top-destinations-in-europe-part-1 There are loads of people for whom travelling abroad means going to Europe and no further. Why go further afield when there is so much cultural, historical and geographical diversity right here on our doorstep, not to mention the vast array of climates.

But where should you choose when you’re spoilt for choice?

It rather depends on what you want out of the holiday, of course – a beach holiday (head for Spain or Portugal, or Greece); a city break (Paris, Rome, Athens, etc etc etc), a romantic getaway (Venice for starters) or a tour of historical sites (anywhere in Eastern Europe, or of course Italy or Greece). It also depends on what sort of climate you’re after, which can vary dramatically from country to country and even from the North of one country to the South of the same country.

Here are our favourite destinations, in no particular order (part 1 – more next week).

1.Amsterdam, Holland
Excellent choice for art-lovers, and for people who don’t do hills. Biking around the city along the canals is arguably one of the most relaxing experiences possible. It’s climate is a bit like the UK’s, so take an umbrella and wear lots of layers that can be peeled on and off easily.

2.Venice, Italy
If there is a more romantic city in Europe we haven’t heard of it. Paris is a close second, but nowhere tops the canals of Venice, or wandering round San Marco’s square (or wading through it, depending on the time of year). No cars, no background noise other than other people enjoying the views and beautiful architecture. Take a boat trip to nearby Murano (and buy some glasses) or Burano (and take some pictures of the pastel houses), and if you visit in February you can see the Carnevale.

3.Rome, Italy
This is history come to life. Walk around any corner and see a pretty spectacular relic from when the Romans ruled the world. Unlike Greece, which is obviously more ancient and has seen its share of earthquakes etc, the relics and monuments in Rome are still sufficiently intact that not much of a stretch of the imagination is required to see how glorious they once must have been. It’s a noisy city, and very, very hot in the height of summer, plus if you want to go into St Peter’s, or into the Vatican you’ll need your knees and shoulders to be covered, which can be rather sweaty.

More next week!

The people are friendly, the wine is good (if a bit strong) and the country is filled with remnants of its considerable history. It borders Greece, Turkey, Romania, Yugoslavia and Macedonia, and is itself part of the Balkan Peninsula, meaning that it possesses beautiful mountainous vistas and plenty of hiking opportunities. If you prefer a lazy holiday on a beach, then look no further than Bulgaria’s soft sandy beaches on the Black Sea coast with warm water and warm climate. The bigger coastal resorts can get a bit busy in high season, because so many Europeans visit to take advantage of the lower prices, but it’s still possible to find areas that are less touristy and more authentically Bulgarian.

Another reason that people visit Bulgaria is the natural spas, fed by natural springs that range from 20C to 60C. These aren’t over-developed, although there is plenty of room for commercialisation.

If you want to see some of Bulgaria’s natural beauty, you’ll be spoilt for choice when you consider the three national parks, ten nature parks and dozens of nature reserves. There is an amazing abundance of flora natural to this diverse country, with an estimated 3,800 species of plants, 170 of which are endemic to the country.
You may want to have a look at the local wildlife, and you won’t have to look too far since so much of Bulgaria is still so rich and diverse in its native species. Deer, otter, red foxes, badgers, jackals and wildcats are just some of the native animals. If you’re really lucky, you might even catch sight of a wolf from the Eastern Rhodopes Mountains – there are excursions and courses available locally to show you how to track and spot (or at least listen out for) these elusive creatures. If you’re a birdwatcher, you may catch sight of vultures, eagle owls, eagles (white-tailed, golden or Eastern Imperial), buzzards, and woodpeckers.

Or take a trip to the Sakar Mountains to see the ancient dolmens, the Holy Trinity monastery and the natural springs there.

Bulgaria has a temperate climate – hot and sunny in summer, cold, wet and snowy in winter. Now is the time to visit if you want to ski, otherwise September is perhaps the most beautiful time of year to visit, whilst spring is probably best for an all-round holiday that isn’t too busy.