Travel: Change of Scenery

Tired of the crowds of Paris, Rome and Barcelona? Some of Europe’s most memorable destinations lie far beyond the familiar tourist trail, tucked among mountains, vineyards, lakes and medieval valleys.

In these quieter corners of the continent, ancient traditions endure, dramatic landscapes remain unspoiled and beautifully preserved towns have largely escaped the pressures of mass tourism.

From the truffle-rich hilltop village of Motovun in Croatia and the gravity-defying monasteries of Meteora in Greece to Italy’s peaceful lake islands and storybook trulli villages, these under-the-radar escapes prove that Europe still has plenty of secrets waiting to be discovered.

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