A chariot with four horses driven by the Roman goddess of victory sits atop the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. | BACKGROUND VIDEO: TUNIKPRO/ENVATO
TRAVEL
A European Double-Take
Whether you crave the big city lights or remote respites, Europe can be the ideal vacation destination.
By Allison Cross
EUROPE IS A SPECTACULAR DESTINATION that appeals to all types of travellers. With so many countries, cities, towns and villages to choose from, the hardest part can be deciding where to start.
Begin with your personal preferences. Are you craving the people-watching of Montparnasse, the markets of Madrid, the fashion of Milan? Or is your heart set on serenity, wandering fields of sunflowers in Tuscany, or perhaps bathing in hot springs and exploring the remote mountain villages of the Pyrenees? Whether you crave the edgy urban experience or a relaxing commune with nature, every country on the continent offers a little bit of both.
Croatia
Urban experience: Dubrovnik
Population: 41,646
Check out Dubrovnik, a city that’s pulsing with energy. Wander the Old Town, admire the Baroque architecture, take a cable car up Mount Srđ and marvel at the stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. After a day of sightseeing, there’s the hopping nightlife, including cliff-side bars and an eclectic food scene to experience. Don’t be surprised to find yourself inside a 16th-century fortress, dancing the night away! If you’re visiting from November to March, the party may be a bit quieter, but the foodie scene still thrives, and any Game of Thrones fan can explore Fort Lovrijenac — or as fans know it, the Red Keep.
(Above) Aerial view of the iconic red roofs of Dubrovnik’s Old Town; (left) Fort Lovrijenac, a.k.a. King's Landing’s The Red Keep. | PHOTOS: DUBROVNIK-NERETVA COUNTY TOURIST BOARD; VLADIMIR FRANOLIĆ/DUBROVNIK-NERETVA COUNTY TOURIST BOARD
Remote respite: Lastovo
Population: 723
An archipelago of 46 islands, this is the place for nature lovers who want to avoid the crowds of bigger Croatian cities. A protected nature park, Lastovo offers secluded coves and beaches to explore, clear waters to swim in during the summer, pine trees for shade, birds to watch, delicious seafood to try, and a quaint village to wander through — without throngs of tourists and the associated inflated pricing. With a small population, the islands are lovely and offer a few options for lodgings. There are a couple of hotels, but you’ll find more in the way of private accommodations — villas, apartments and guestrooms that will impress you with their stunning architecture and sea views.
Struga Lighthouse in Lastovo. | PHOTO: DUBROVNIK-NERETVA COUNTY TOURIST BOARD
Denmark
Urban experience: Copenhagen
Population: 667,124
Cycle the streets on a rented bike to experience this city that’s a hybrid of historical landmarks and new-age design. Check out the National Museum, then bring your appetite to Reffen, the largest street food market within the Nordic countries. For something truly unique, visit Arken Museum of Contemporary Art. The collections are spectacular, and the building itself, set near the water, was designed by Søren Robert Lund to look like a stranded ship. Don’t skip Nyhavn, the waterfront and canal district lined with iconic colourful townhouses from the 17th and 18th centuries. It’s also one of the main entertainment districts of Copenhagen.
(Above) The boats and colourful buildings in Nyhavn; (left) Arken Museum of Contemporary Art houses more than 400 works — Danish, Nordic and international contemporary art primarily, from the period after 1990. | PHOTOS: SINA ETTMER/ADOBE STOCK; MARK TANGGAARD/VISIT COPENHAGEN
Remote respite: Borre
Population: 235
Under two hours by car from Copenhagen, the village of Borre on Møn Island is the place for visitors passionate about the outdoors. The island, known for the dramatic white chalk cliffs of Møns Klint, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Take a hike along the cliffs, go horseback riding or book a sailing tour to experience the dramatic views of the Baltic Sea. You might spot rare animals like a peregrine falcon. The island is also a dark sky preserve — an ideal place to experience the night sky and watch for shooting stars.
The white chalk cliffs of Møns Klint, looking out over the Baltic Sea. | PHOTO: © DANIEL VILLADSEN/VISIT DENMARK
Germany
Urban experience: Berlin
Population: 3,685,265
Germany’s largest city, and its capital, Berlin, is known for its history and culture. It has a vibrant music scene, arts culture, great fashion and dining, plus its famous theatre and opera houses. During the day, hop on the S-Bahn or the U-Bahn, Berlin’s rail systems, to get to attractions that truly bring history to life. Checkpoint Charlie, the famed border crossing point from East to West Berlin, still stands as a symbol of the city’s divided past. Another piece of history lives on, even though it is more famous for what isn’t there any longer — the Berlin Wall. The open-air memorial allows visitors to roam through remaining pieces while learning the significance and impact this wall had while it divided the city from 1961 until 1989. After dark, Berlin’s nightlife is legendary. When the Berlin Wall fell, residents experienced freedom from curfews and seized the opportunity to celebrate and enjoy life. This created an arts and music scene that exploded with the energy of techno music in the ‘90s and continues to this day. In fact, though not officially a world heritage site, Berlin’s techno scene has such cultural significance that Germany’s UNESCO Commission included it in its Intangible Cultural Heritage listings in 2024. Embrace dancing to techno beats into the morning hours and experience Berlin’s epic music scene.
(Above) Berlin Cathedral and Museum Island in Berlin; (left) Checkpoint Charlie in 2022. | PHOTOS: ELXENEIZE/ENVATO; MAKSYM KAHARLYTSKIY/iSTOCK
Remote respite: Berchtesgaden (Bavarian Alps)
Population: 7,697
This mountain area is near the Austrian border. With emerald green alpine lakes and sheer rock faces, the region will leave your mouth agape. Enjoy some peace and quiet at serene Lake Königssee, or take the Obersalzberg cable car up 1,000 metres to access a variety of hiking trails that’ll lead you to untouched meadows.
Experience deep serenity at Lake Königssee. | PHOTO: DENISE SCHULD/UNSPLASH
Croatia
Urban experience: Dubrovnik
Population: 41,646
Check out Dubrovnik, a city that’s pulsing with energy. Wander the Old Town, admire the Baroque architecture, take a cable car up Mount Srđ and marvel at the stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. After a day of sightseeing, there’s the hopping nightlife, including cliff-side bars and an eclectic food scene to experience. Don’t be surprised to find yourself inside a 16th-century fortress, dancing the night away! If you’re visiting from November to March, the party may be a bit quieter, but the foodie scene still thrives, and any Game of Thrones fan can explore Fort Lovrijenac — or as fans know it, the Red Keep.
(Above, from top) Aerial view of the iconic red roofs of Dubrovnik’s Old Town; Fort Lovrijenac, a.k.a. King's Landing’s The Red Keep. | PHOTOS: DUBROVNIK-NERETVA COUNTY TOURIST BOARD; VLADIMIR FRANOLIĆ/DUBROVNIK-NERETVA COUNTY TOURIST BOARD
Denmark
Urban experience: Copenhagen
Population: 667,124
Cycle the streets on a rented bike to experience this city that’s a hybrid of historical landmarks and new-age design. Check out the National Museum, then bring your appetite to Reffen, the largest street food market within the Nordic countries. For something truly unique, visit Arken Museum of Contemporary Art. The collections are spectacular, and the building itself, set near the water, was designed by Søren Robert Lund to look like a stranded ship. Don’t skip Nyhavn, the waterfront and canal district lined with iconic colourful townhouses from the 17th and 18th centuries. It’s also one of the main entertainment districts of Copenhagen.
(Above, from top) The boats and colourful buildings in Nyhavn; Arken Museum of Contemporary Art houses more than 400 works — Danish, Nordic and international contemporary art primarily, from the period after 1990. | PHOTOS: SINA ETTMER/ADOBE STOCK; MARK TANGGAARD/VISIT COPENHAGEN
Germany
Urban experience: Berlin
Population: 3,685,265
Germany’s largest city, and its capital, Berlin, is known for its history and culture. It has a vibrant music scene, arts culture, great fashion and dining, plus its famous theatre and opera houses. During the day, hop on the S-Bahn or the U-Bahn, Berlin’s rail systems, to get to attractions that truly bring history to life. Checkpoint Charlie, the famed border crossing point from East to West Berlin, still stands as a symbol of the city’s divided past. Another piece of history lives on, even though it is more famous for what isn’t there any longer — the Berlin Wall. The open-air memorial allows visitors to roam through remaining pieces while learning the significance and impact this wall had while it divided the city from 1961 until 1989. After dark, Berlin’s nightlife is legendary. When the Berlin Wall fell, residents experienced freedom from curfews and seized the opportunity to celebrate and enjoy life. This created an arts and music scene that exploded with the energy of techno music in the ‘90s and continues to this day. In fact, though not officially a world heritage site, Berlin’s techno scene has such cultural significance that Germany’s UNESCO Commission included it in its Intangible Cultural Heritage listings in 2024. Embrace dancing to techno beats into the morning hours and experience Berlin’s epic music scene.
(Above, from top) Berlin Cathedral and Museum Island in Berlin; Checkpoint Charlie in 2022. | PHOTOS: ELXENEIZE/ENVATO; MAKSYM KAHARLYTSKIY/iSTOCK