Europe is a magnet for Australian travellers, with tens of thousands frequenting cities such as London, Barcelona and Paris every year. However, data shows adventurous Aussies are starting to travel further afield, searching for more outlandish, unconventional destinations. We’ve gathered a list of some of the more unusual destinations Aussies are searching for. These are European cities you’ve never heard of but trust us, they are definitely worth a visit.
Here Are 7 European Cities You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
Ankara, Turkey
Move over Istanbul, and make way for the capital, Ankara. Situated in the north east, Ankara is Turkey’s second largest city and an absolute heaven for those chasing culture. With relics from the Ottoman, Roman and Byzantine Empires, the city is steeped in stunning museums to visit. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is incredible, and the Roman Ruins at Ulus are not to be missed – they can be done in half a day.
Poznan, Poland
It’s definitely not all about Warsaw, or even Krakow. Poznan, home to the annual Malta International Theatre Festival, is situated in west central Poland. Malta Lake is a must see for anyone athletically minded. While the lake was created for sporting events, the surrounding area also includes shopping, cafes, walks and beautiful picnic spots.
Trieste, Italy
Physically isolated from the rest of the Italian Peninsula and almost completely surrounded by Slovenia, Trieste is a city on the Adriatic Coast with a unique history of intermingled nationalities and cultures. Visit the Castello di Miramare, a neo Gothic home of Archduke Maximilian of Austria. Furnished as he left it before being executed in 1867, the home contains treasures and architecture from the imperial age. For the foodies, Circus is a quirky café decked out in bright colours and movie memorabilia.
Jersey, United Kingdom
The Channel Islands are often overlooked, but are accessible from London in under an hour. Situated just off the coast of Normandy, France, and originally part of the Duchy of Normandy, the French influence on Jersey is apparent. Visit Mont Orgueil, one of the oldest castles in Britain, to taste the ancient history. The Jersey War tunnels, a relic of Jersey’s German occupation during WWII, are also a fascinating stop on any itinerary.
Carcassonne, France
Paris is a city with a compelling history and notable architecture, but it’s not the only city in France with this on offer. The fortified city of Carcassonne in the south of France is a wonderful historical monument, with some of the inner walls dating back to Roman times. The citadel is home to the twelfth century Château Comtal, along with 31 towers. The canal port at Carcassonne can also be a great place to hire a boat for a weekend, or even longer.
Cádiz, Spain
If heading to Spain, many Aussies only make time for Madrid and Barcelona, with Pamplona thrown in for good measure. However, Cádiz should almost certainly be added to the list. Situated on the southwest coast, the city is part of the Andalucía Province. The beautiful Catedral de Cadiz is one of the best known monuments in the area, but the eighteenth century watchtower, Torre Tavira, is perhaps an even better choice for fans of breathtaking architecture.
Leipzig, Germany
Bored of all the talk of Berlin? Think there must be more than Munich? You’re right; Leipzig is the place to visit. Known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, Leipzig plays host to the annual Bach Festival, as well as an international balloon festival and Germany’s oldest botanical garden.
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