8 destinations in Europe that feel like a distant journey

🌍 You don't have to travel far to see beautiful places! Europe is full of locations that share similarities with distant destinations in terms of landscape, culture, or atmosphere. Sometimes the difference is smaller than you think. Here you'll find eight alternatives to famous world destinations, right within Europe.

Lofoten, Norway, alternative to Patagonia

🏔️ Those wanting to visit Patagonia for rugged mountains, endless views, and silence don't need to go to the southernmost tip of South America. The Lofoten in Norway offer a similar experience, but just a few hours' flight away. Think peaks rising from the sea, fishing villages with red houses on stilts, and empty roads with endlessly wild nature. Here you're far from everything, yet still close by.

Alentejo, Portugal, alternative to South Africa's wine regions

🍇 The rolling hills, vineyards, and rural tranquility of Alentejo are reminiscent of the Cape Winelands around Stellenbosch. Instead of going on safari, here you go from winery to winery, taste locally produced olive oil, and see storks building nests on church towers. A road trip past white villages and deserted beaches feels like a journey through a timeless landscape.

Georgia, alternative to Iran or Central Asia

🏺 Georgia lies geographically on the edge of Europe, but culturally it feels like a bridge between continents. Those fascinated by countries like Iran or Uzbekistan, with their history, mountains, and hospitable culture, will find an accessible variant in Georgia. Tbilisi is very lively, with sulfur baths and tea houses. The Caucasus is as impressive as the Himalayas, but without the crowds.

The Azores, Portugal, alternative to Hawaii

🌋 Looking for steaming crater lakes, black beaches, and hot springs? Then you might think of Hawaii. But the Azores, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, offer a comparable landscape. On São Miguel you walk among hydrangeas, past craters and cliffs. On Pico you can spot whales or climb to the top of Portugal's highest mountain.

Albanian Riviera, alternative to Thailand

🌴 The laid-back atmosphere, crystal-clear sea and food are reminiscent of Southern Thailand. Along the Albanian coast, you're rarely surrounded by large crowds of tourists. Places like Himarë and Ksamil have that relaxed backpacker feel, but with a European undertone.

Carpathians, Romania, alternative to Nepal

⛰️ If you dream of hiking through forests full of high peaks and remote villages, you don't need to go to the Himalayas. The Carpathians in Romania offer a similar feeling of isolation and adventure. In Transylvania, you walk along mountain ridges with views over valleys, see shepherds with their flocks and spend the night in wooden cabins.

Canary Islands, alternative to the Galápagos

🌌 For a combination of volcanic nature and biodiversity, the Galápagos are unbeatable. Yet the Canary Islands, especially La Palma and El Hierro, can come close. Think lava fields, deep ravines, stargazing and villages where local traditions are still alive. You can hike from moonscape to pine forest in one afternoon here.

Peloponnese, Greece, alternative to New Zealand

🌊 New Zealand is known for its mix of pristine nature and mythical stories. Peloponnese offers something similar. Mountain passes, rugged coasts and crystal-clear water. You drive from deserted beaches to excavations and discover various small villages along the way.

🗺️ Sometimes the 'distant' feeling is closer than you think. It's not necessarily about the distance, but about how a place takes you out of your daily routine. Europe has plenty of places where you can relax and see beautiful sights, without layovers or time differences.