Europe

Five EU Destinations You Must See in 2023, According to National Geographic

Regardless of the season, there are several destinations across the 27-nation-bloc that those seeking thrills have to see in the upcoming year.

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According to National Geographic, there are top five destinations distributed across different regions of Europe that one must see in 2023, with some of these spots offering beautiful sights, local culture and friendly communities, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.

The popular magazine for unforgettable experiences advises visiting the following destinations.

Karpathos, Greece

This is an island on the southeastern Aegean, which due to isolation, kept the dialect, traditional dress and customs, showing another side of loud and very touristy Greece. Some of the best spots to check in on this island are Menetes and Olympos, with the first one being the sight of 300 metres of cliffs and white and pastel houses you cannot find randomly.

On the other hand, Olympos is another hard-to-reach spot, as there is only one alternative to reach the destination. The reason for this setting was to create a safe haven in 600 AD, with Karpathos being frequented by pirates.

Amoopi Bay, as well as Achata and Apella Beach, are the calming spots of the islands, with sweeping views and clear blue waters.

Slovenia

The first thing anyone has to do once coming to Slovenia is visit the picturesque Lake Bled, which has a castle on the hill, a great view, swimming spots and hiking trails. Lake Bohinj comes close to Lake Bled in terms of popularity and natural beauty. Here tourists can go paddle boarding and hiking and enjoy the best views over the Triglav National Park.

However, for those unable to enjoy Slovenia and what it has to offer to the fullest, visiting Ljubljana, the capital city, is equally exciting. The city is lively and colourful, and the best way to spend the day here is without a particular list. One of the best things to do in the capital is enjoying traditional food.

As National Geographic points out, Slovenia is shifting towards sustainable tourism, with new gastro-tourism biking routes that visit vineyards, farms and other food producers.

Azores, Portugal

It cannot be counted as a visit to the Azores if one doesn’t go whale watching. The exceptionally beautiful region of Portugal is one of the world’s largest whale sanctuaries, and it has over 20 species to see, including bottlenose dolphins. Going whale-seeing is always advised as different seasons bring different species, making this activity exciting.

Among the main views not to miss are the Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo and Furnas Valley, which are all free to visit.

The breathtaking Azores Beaches are famous for a reason. The beaches are unique and rather rocky than sandy, and there aren’t expansive beaches here but smaller spots.

Portuguese riviera is also known for having some of the cleanest beaches in the world, as 431 beaches and marinas obtained blue flags for ecotourism this year, indicating that those spots have high environmental and quality standards.

Italy

Those who love culture and history should visit Rome at all costs. The capital of Italy has some of the oldest inhabited attractions, which makes the destination unique compared to other places in Europe.

Rome’s must-sees include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and Trevi Fountain. Piazza Navona and Campo de Fiori that are exceptional for taking a walk and stopping for delicious authentic Italian food.

Enjoy the pilgrimage through history along Appian Way in Italy, considered Europe’s ancient highway.

Austria

Visitors must hike the cross-country Bergsteigerdörfer network of mountaineering villages to cherish the local culture. Austria has several lakes, including Worthersee, Wachau, and Zell am See, one of the most stunning settings.

As per cities, Vienna has everything – history, culture, people and food, but Salzburg and Graz are some sights one shouldn’t miss. Coffee houses in Vienna are worth visiting as many of those have been operating for more than one hundred years.

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