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Lucy’s European Escapades: Unveiling Her Favourite Must-Visit Destinations

Get ready to immerse yourself in the captivating charm of Europe as I share my personal travel highlight! From the sun-kissed beauty of Andalusia and the haunting allure of Transylvania to the fairytale town of Tallinn and the enchanting landscapes of Finland, these destinations have truly stolen my heart! Read ahead to hopefully inspire your next trip!

Andalusia, Spain

Having spent the past 12 years flying back and forth into Malaga to visit my dad I’ve definitely had the opportunity to spend a great deal of time exploring everything Andalusia has to offer. This sun-kissed region of Spain is such a special place to me, filled with vibrant bustling cities, quaint white-washed villages all melded together in history and culture. My dad lives in the very beautiful coastal town of Nerja, just over an hour from Granada, and is the perfect place to soak up the sun! I absolutely love visiting in the cooler months when crowds are few and the unbearable heat has subsided, as we have a tradition where each time I visit we explore a new part of Andalusia. Whether that be the unique Setenil de las Bodegas, a town built into a rock overhang that seems to define the laws of physics, or marvelling at the craftsmanship of the Puente Nuevo otherwise known as the ‘new bridge’ in the mountaintop town of Ronda, or even conquering my fear of heights when walking along the Caminito del Rey, the sights are endless! I’ve also been lucky enough to visit both Granada and Seville a few times too and highly recommend experiencing both cities. The Alhambra in Granada is a true Andalusian jewel and a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. Definitely make time to explore its stunning palaces, intricate courtyards, and lush gardens, all while enjoying panoramic views of the city and the Sierra Nevada mountains. For Seville, you’ve got the jaw-dropping Plaza de España, an architectural masterpiece that combines Renaissance and Moorish styles. Take a boat ride along the canal that surrounds the square, admire the colourful ceramic tiles, and soak up the majestic ambiance. Sadly I couldn’t convince my dad to get in a little boat with me but it did look fun… Maybe next time! We have a tasty trip to Andalusia that visits the very best this sunny region has to offer, check it out here!

Tallinn, Estonia

Estonia had never really been on my radar, and to be honest I hadn’t even heard of the country until I met my Estonian friend Elenor back in 2017! So when we were invited to her wedding in August of 2022 I jumped at the chance to check out this little corner of the world and I was honestly so pleasantly surprised! Nestled on the shores of the Baltic Sea, this vibrant city seamlessly blends medieval charm with modern allure. The perfectly preserved 13th-century buildings and narrow cobblestone streets instantly transport you back in time, and with the medieval walls and towers proving a picturesque backdrop, it’s the perfect place to explore on foot. Head to the vibrant Kalamaja district, known for its cool bars and music venues to hang out with the locals and fellow travellers. It’s also home to the Telliskivi Creative City, a complex of disused factories that now house more than 200 independent businesses! If you’re looking for something a little quieter, the city is lucky enough to be surrounded by calm sandy beaches and woodland trails that are easily accessible by bike or foot. We spent half a day at the beach and it was the perfect place to recharge my social batteries. Tallinn is also becoming a top destination for foodies! The thriving food scene has been steadily evolving and gaining recognition in recent years thanks to a growing number of trendy and upscale eateries, street food and food markets, microbreweries, and cocktail bars! I could honestly go on and on about my time visiting but to sum it up, If you want a true fairytale experience, with history, natural beauty, and tasty food, Tallinn is the one for you.

Transylvania, Romania

I was lucky enough to visit Transylvania with Untravelled Paths back in 2017, and who’d of thought it but five years later, I ended up landing a job working for them! – But that’s a story for another time… Let me start by saying that Transylvania’s allure goes far beyond the tales of Dracula! Exploring the region’s captivating towns and cities, each with its own unique charm was such a special experience. Brasov stole my heart with its picturesque streets, lined with colourful houses and adorned with ornate architecture. Sibiu on the other hand amazed me with its beautifully preserved medieval walls, stunning fortified churches, and those windows that look like peeping eyes! Then there’s Sighisoara, a name I still can’t pronounce but a town I’ll never forget… I could go on about medieval towns and rural villages but let me tell you what really took me by surprise, Transylvania’s natural landscapes! I’m not sure what I was expecting but it definitely wasn’t miles upon miles of pristine wilderness, an abundance of wildlife, giant looming Mountains, and glacial lakes which left me breathless! If you want to experience all of the above and more check out experiences in Romania here!

Lisbon, Portugal

Now Lisbon is a city that knows how to have a good time! With 290 days of sunshine per year and the temperature rarely dipping below 15.C, it’s the perfect city to experience year-round. It’s one of the few European cities I’ve visited where I genuinely feel safe walking around day or night and for that, I couldn’t recommend it enough for solo travellers and females alike. Picture yourself strolling through narrow, winding streets that lead to stunning squares bursting with life, the colourful titled facades and quaint tramcars add a touch of vintage charm to every corner. If you want to know how to spend 48 hours in Lisbon then check out my previous blog post here to help you make the most of this fun and vibrant city!

Lapland, Finland

Landing in Lapland was definitely a pinch-me moment that I never thought I would get to experience. From the moment I arrived, I had a bubble of excitement in me that stayed throughout my time here. My first stop was in Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus. The city is very much aimed at children and families which is great for them however, I am neither child nor family but a lone 30-year-old who isn’t Santa’s biggest fan so I was worried I wouldn’t find much to do here… So I was pleasantly surprised when I came across the Arktikum Museum and science centre! The building alone is stunning and from the beach below you can even witness the Northern Lights dancing across the river on a clear night. The drive up to Levi was truly magical with the pristine white landscapes stretching as far as the eye could see! We even managed to spot wild reindeer grazing by the side of the road. If you’re looking for something thrilling Husky sledding is for you. It was definitely a highlight for me on this trip, zooming through the snow-covered forests, and feeling the icy wind on my face as the dogs enthusiastically pulled us along. Many people visit Lapland with the goal of witnessing the Northern Lights, however, they are never guaranteed so it’s best to go with the mindset that you’re still going to have a great time whether you see them or not. While I didn’t get to see the Northern Lights this time around it certainly didn’t take the magic away from this place! If you’re interested in a once-in-a-lifetime winter escape I can’t recommend our 4-night Lapland Experience enough and right now we have an amazing group discount on offer!

If any of these destinations have piqued your interest then don’t hesitate to get in touch at info@untravelledpath.com to find out more!

Written by Lucy Kaufmann