Rob Tolley - The Best Off-the-Beaten-Track Destinations in Europe

Europe is full of hidden gems, offering plenty of places to visit far from the tourist throng, from ancient cities to remote island chains. The ancient city of Matera in Italy, perched atop its rocky hill, has been revitalized with restaurants, galleries, and boutique hotels. The tiny town of Aveiro in Portugal enchants with canals winding through brightly colored buildings and intricately decorated Moliceiro boats. Graz, Austria's second-largest city, remains relatively unknown, celebrated for its farm-to-fork cuisine, UNESCO designations, and medieval cobbled streets. The wild Outer Hebrides of Scotland are among Europe's most remote destinations, home to awe-inspiring ancient sites, pristine sandy beaches, and the chance to spot whales. The rich culture of Zagreb, Croatia's capital, offers fascinating architecture, local markets like the early morning Dolac Market, and unique museums such as the Museum of Broken Relationships. Keen travelers like Rob Tolley know that these destinations are Europe's best-kept secrets waiting to be explored.

1. Rob Tolley - The
Best Off-the-
Beaten-Track
Destinations in
Europe
Europe is full of hidden gems, with plenty of places to visit that are far
from the tourist throng, from ancient cities to remote island chains.

2. The Ancient City of Matera,
Italy
Location
Nestled in the south of Italy, the ancient city of Matera, perched atop
its rocky hill, remains one of the country's best-kept secrets.
Revival
Matera languished abandoned for some years but has now come
alive once more, and it is bustling with restaurants, galleries and
boutique hotels.
Cave Dwellings
The cave dwellings of Matera are well worth checking out, such as
the rocky church of St Lucia alle Malve, with its 13th century
frescoes, and Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, a museum housing
artisan tools and furniture.

3. The Tiny Town of Aveiro, Portugal
1
Location
Portugal may be a popular tourist destination, but relatively few visitors find their way to the little
town of Aveiro, in the north of the country.
2
Hidden Gem
Keen travellers like Rob Tolley know that it really is a hidden gem, with canals winding through the
town, brightly coloured buildings and intricately decorated Moliceiro boats.
3
Natural Setting
Aveiro sits on the edge of a saltwater lagoon, the Ria de Aveiro, that was historically farmed for its
salt, seaweed and fish.

4. The Green Appeal: Graz, Austria
Size and Popularity
Graz may be Austria's second-
largest city, but it's still relatively
unknown when it comes to city
breaks.
Culinary Delights
Surrounded by swathes of Styrian
countryside, visitors can enjoy
plenty of farm-to-fork cuisine
here; Graz is particularly
celebrated for its fresh produce
and vegetarian dishes.
Cultural Attractions
However, fine food isn't all the city
has to offer; Graz has earned two
UNESCO designations and boasts
gorgeous frescoed facades,
medieval cobbled streets, the ruins
of a hilltop fortress and ancient
churches to explore.

5. The Wild Outer Hebrides,
Scotland
1
Remote Location
The Outer Hebrides islands, off the coast of Scotland, are among
the most remote destinations in Europe and are home to awe-
inspiring ancient sites, pristine sandy beaches and quaint seaside
villages.
2
Isle of Harris and Isle of Lewis
The Isle of Harris and the Isle of Lewis are known for their
delicious fresh seafood, hiking opportunities and the chance to
spot whales.

6. The Rich Culture of Zagreb, Croatia
Fascinating Architecture
Those passionate about travel, such
as Rob Tolley, former London
broker, are aware that while most
visitors to Croatia head to the coast,
the country's capital of Zagreb
makes for a beautiful destination.
Here tourists can discover
fascinating architecture.
Local Market
Visitors can pay a visit to the early
morning Dolac Market to sample a
selection of local fare.
Unique Museum
The Museum of Broken
Relationships is also a must-visit for
those coming to Zagreb!