Europe is even more beautiful than you think. Alpine pastures – sure it’s got those. Postcard-perfect villages – there are plenty. But beyond the obvious, there are some locations where you can feel transported to the Amazon, Africa or even further – into outer space.
Here are seven of the continent’s most amazing locations – European gems that you can visit immediately and are just a short flight away.
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1. The Cave of Zeus
Crete's Cave of Zeus / Image: Adobe Stock
WHERE Crete, Greece
WHAT Rumoured to be the birthplace of ancient Greece’s king god, this vast cave on the eastern side of the island is every bit as mighty and awesome as its namesake. Descend the steep staircase to the massive main chamber – once the site of cult worship rites – and gawp at the spiky stalactites and stalagmites that drip down from its ancient walls and rise from the floors. The nearest airport, an hour away, is Heraklion, but Crete also has a second airport at Chania.
Read more: Track the minotaur of Crete
2. San Teodoro Lagoon
Flamingos in the lagoon at San Teodoro / Image: Getty Images
WHERE Sardinia, Italy
WHAT San Teodoro isn’t your typical Italian beach town. It’s got pristine strips of sand, sure. It’s also got great restaurants. But what nobody expects is the giant flock of pink flamingos hidden behind the sand dunes. One minute you can be lying on the beach, dipping a toe into clear turquoise waters, and the next you’re in the marshy hinterland, spotting rare birdlife from a boat. The lagoon is considered one of Sardinia’s most important natural habitats, and the flamingos drop by every summer.
Read more: Claim a space on Sardinia’s alternative beaches
