"The best alternative destinations for your European summer bucket list". Condé Nast Traveller editors share their favourite location swaps

https://www.cntravellerme.com/story/best-alternative-european-summer-destinations (original article)

Conde Naste's "Alternative Europe"

Discover your inner adventurer with this daring dive into some of the world’s most exciting and beautiful national parks.

Thrills guaranteed!

National Parks 

The Italian Riviera, synonymous with Italy's Liguria region, is a crescent-shaped strip of Mediterranean coastline. The Riviera di Levante, is defined by its rugged cliffs, turquoise coves and pastel seaside towns & fishing villages. Bellissima. 

Italian Riviera

Dubai both in the summer and the winter with a focus on exploration and dining 

Dubai 

I have lived for more than 10 years in Paris, here are my favourite spots!

Best Of Paris From A Local 

Costa Rica is a beautiful country located in Central America. The country has everything from volcanos, rain forests, and breath taking beaches on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Great for a vacation with friends, family, or even solo! 

Costa Rica 

most beautiful country in the world! 🤩 see & experience anything your heart desires - city lights 🏙 mountains 🌄 beaches 🏖 desert 🏜 wildlife 🦁🦒🦓🐘🐆🐒  wine 🍷 forests 🌳 rich and vibrant cultures ❤️💙💚💛🖤
experience of a lifetime ✨

Garden Route, South Africa 🇿🇦

Escape the city: Boats, colors, breakfast, views, dolls, snacks. It don’t get better than this. 

Day Trip: Mexico City 👉  Xochimilco 

Greeking Out 

Beautiful Sayulita. The perfect spot to take a break from travelling and stay a while. Great for surfing, yoga and meeting new people. See full itinerary on Atlas Guru

Sayulita Mexico 

New York City ✌🏻

Japan, ancient land of cherry blossom, tea, snow monkeys and karaoke...and much much more!

🇯🇵🍜⛩️🍣🌸🍵 

Japanese Jaunts. 日本の旅行

Croatia Guide

The island of Britain, consisting of England, Scotland and Wales. Three different identities and cultures rolled into one melting pot of a place to visit. Easy to traverse, with experiences from idyllic Cornish beaches to remote Highland forests

The Best Of British

Embrace the chill with our Winter Sports. From snowboard runs to sled rides, hikes to ice dips - experience the adrenaline and elegance of cold-weather athleticism. Dive into a world where frosty landscapes become playgrounds

Winter Sports 

Founded in the 13th century, Berlin is the EU's most populated city. Following an East/West split post WW2, now reunited Berlin is a powerhouse of creativity - considered by some as the coolest city in Europe. 

Berlin 

Iceland & The Northern Lights

Maybe the trendiest district in Paris with many shops, cafés and historic buildings

Le Marais

The museum of the city of Paris is a superb "hotel particulier" and is free to visit!

Carnavalet Museum

Casual tea room famous for its giant meringue lemon tart

Le Loir dans La Théière (tea room)

A gorgeous square garden surrounded by elegant red building, a great picnic spot

Place des Vosges

The Jewish neighbourhood of Le Marais is the best place to eat fallafel in Paris

L'As du Fallafel

Fountain depicting the Roman god of water, Neptune, & 4 women representing Prussia's main rivers.

Neptunbrunnen

The Monet museum is in a superb hotel particulier of the 16th arrondissement

Marmottan Monet museum

Marmottan Monet museun

French-Japanese pastry shop, as someone who once lived in Tokyo, the taste is exactly the same

Yamazaki Pâtisserie & Café

Wonderful for a stroll at any given weather conditions 

Charlottenburg Palace

The Berlin Cathedral, a beautiful church with unique architecture!

Berliner Dom

Easy slopes and harder ones too, beautiful forest and views in la Molina :)

Estació d'Esquí de La Molina - Sector Roc Blanc

From travel connections to shopping to eating to just wandering around, this is the most touristic place in Berlin.

Alexanderplatz

In need of exercise? Here are the longest & steepest stairs of Montmartre!

Caulaincourt stairs to Montmartre

Rue de l'Abreuvoir

An exquisite café in the hidden garden of Montmartre museum

Café Renoir

Discover the tumultuous history of Montmartre and the art studio of Suzanne Valandon who lived there

Musée de Montmartre

The district of Paris which looks like a rural village

Montmartre

A magnificent white basilica which became the symbol of Montmartre despite an odd story

Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Rooftop with a view of the Eiffel Tower near the Sacré Coeur Basilica

Cœur Sacré rooftop bar & restaurant

Rue Chappe

The statue celebrates the writer of "Le Passe Muraille" (the man who goes through walls)

Place Marcel Aymé

The guinguette featured in the famous Renoir's painting, one of the last windmills of Montmartre

Le Moulin de la Galette restaurant

Boulangerie Alexine

The most instagrammable bistro of Rue des Abesses

Le Vrai Paris bistro

Right below you have the deepest metro station of Paris

Place des Abbesses

Check how to say "I love you" in 250 languages

Wall of Love

A remarkable blend of historical significance and modern architecture, offering a breathtaking experience for visitors. Steeped in history, the stadium retains elements of its original 1936 design, yet has been masterfully updated to meet contemporary standards.

Olympiastadion Berlin

Delightful coffee&cake break in the heart of Palais-Royal garden

Café Kitsune Palais Royal

Santorini Secret Suites exceeded every expectation — stunning location, beautiful rooms, and exceptional staff. A true 5-star experience.

Santorini Secret Suites & Spa

Literally above the clouds at Lake Louise ski resort! Just look at that cloud shelf!

Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola

Head to Uvita waterfall to go down this natural waterslide!

Uvita

One of the prettiest waterfalls in Costa Rica!

Río Celeste

Hike this lush cloudforest trail to a hidden waterfall

El Tigre Waterfalls Monteverde

Paname is the slang surname of Paris, enjoy this fabulous brewery by the canal for a drink or a meal

Paname Brewing Company

Cavo Tagoo defines luxury in Mykonos. From the moment you enter the lobby, you're immersed in a dreamlike setting where every detail impresses.

Cavo Tagoo Mykonos

Large, lively beach with town views, restaurants & nightlife, plus kayak rentals & boat trips.

Positano Beach

Plage Legzira

Fairytale village often regarded as the most beautiful in Wiltshire

Castle Combe

Get up early and you’ll be rewarded with hot air balloons flying right overhead.

Above It All Balloon Company, Inc

The Minack Theatre in Porthcurno, Cornwall is an open air auditorium with sea views

Minack Theatre

Cute café, hidden down the stairs on the right side of the Sacré-Coeur (facing it)

L'Eté en Pente Douce café

This merry-go-round is a perfect stop if you travel with kids or just want a nice picture

Carrousel de Saint-Pierre

paragliders taking flight on a beautiful sunny day in the swiss alps🏔

Paragliding Kandertal

Costa Rica

Incredible to watch these locals jump off the bridge. You can pay them to learn to do it yourself

Old Bridge

One of the best team rooms & pastry shops in Paris, famous for its chestnut "Mont-Blanc" cake

Angelina Tea Room

Brandenburger Tor

Hotel Villa Franca Positano

I recently spent a weekend at Villa Bordeaux in Santorini, and it surpassed every expectation. 

Villa Bordeaux Santorini

Little Kook

Berlin Cathedral

Section of the Berlin wall covered in street art.

East Side Gallery

I had the most amazing experience during my stay at Phōs. The staff were incredibly welcoming and attentive to all our needs.

Phōs the Boutique Luxury Hotel & Villas

I recently spent a weekend at Villa Bordeaux in Santorini, and it surpassed every expectation. Beautiful view, amazing food and the best rooms

Loch Ness

Stay for a couple of nights or just come for the day for a great surf lesson. Right on the beach!

Hotel Villa Amarilla 

Festive pub in London,  It’s not just a touristy pub, plenty of locals and history here. Pretty on the outside and very decorated on the inside.

The Churchill Arms

I recently spent a weekend at Villa Bordeaux in Santorini, and it surpassed every expectation.

Experience Bali’s safari and marine park, home to wildlife and family-friendly adventures.

Bali Safari and Marine Park

Charming spot surrounded by nature – a peaceful and beautiful place to relax.

Frasdorfer Hütte

Beautiful hiking trails through the arctic circle, east to navigate with great facilities.

Arctic Circle Hiking Area

The most magical reindeer ride through the forest path!

Santa Claus Reindeer

A really great company, we took a ride across a frozen lake! Such a once in a lifetime experience.

Arctic Circle Snowmobile park

Sotkuman Koulu

Lake Bled

Pyramid of Menkaure

Etosha Trading Post Campsite

Visit the estate shown in Pride and Prejudice

Chatsworth House

Enjoying the view on the top of Saas Fee mountain! One of the best ski 🎿 Spot

Pavillon de Glace

Bachalpsee

Laggan Wolftrax Mountain Biking Trail Centre

Glen Etive

Blackcomb Peak

Whistler Mountain

Amazing interactive digital art exhibitions in Tokyo.

teamLab Borderless

Nagoya Castle

Amazing ski resort with lots to do, see and eat aside from ski/snowboarding. Olympic training center

Copper Mountain Resort

A day out on the slopes of Courchevel with fresh snow

Skiing in Courchevel

a rare sight of beautiful red rocks and a magnificent ocean view with beautiful walking trails 🥾

fransmanshoek 🌊

beautiful proudly SA gifts and farmstyle meals. lovely to enjoy a relaxing  beer with friends!

stoepsit restaurant 

incredible seafood 🍣 views of mossel bay point 🌊 excellent service 👌 all with a glass of sa🇿🇦🍷

kingfisher seafood restaurant 🍤

kingfisher seafood restaurant 

A quintessential South African family favorite, serving up legendary burgers and ribs alongside scenic views and a dedicated kids' play area.

spur steak ranches 🍻

Berlins coolest rooftop, located by the East Side Gallery

260 Grad

Lots of different types of fruits and vegetables to pick from including chicken feet😅

Mercado de Xochimilco

Pretty center park to rest and enjoy the surroundings of trees and plants🥰

Xochimilco Centro

Enjoy your ride with ease on this river boat ride. Multiple channels to choose from. ☺️🥰

Xochimilco Embarcaderos

Creepy island full of dolls of over 3000 scary dolls but a great fun experience🥰😌

La Isla de la Munecas

The glass-roofed Levin Iglut offer their guests luxury next to the wilderness: a view of the rugged fell landscape and the northern sky, high-quality accommodation and personalised heartfelt service. The igloo hotel is located on the slope of a fell at a height of 340 metres, and the centre of Levi, one of the most popular holiday destinations in Lapland with diverse services complementing ours, is just 10 km away. The distance from the lights of the centre and the unobstructed view of the northern sky from the slope make us an ideal place for admiring the Northern Lights.

Levin Iglut

The Aurora Cabins at the Northern Lights Village are a magical way to experience the wintry star-filled sky and the Northern Lights, while lying comfortably in the warm bed. The laser-heated glass-roof opens up into the northern sky, directly above the bed.

The Aurora Cabins at the Northern Lights Village

innish Lapland is wonderful place with the cleanest air and the happiest people in the world. Here in Lapland there is just 0.8 people per square kilometre. That means you can really feel that connection with unspoilt nature. When out walking Gooseberry our Parsons Russell Terrier we will often bump in to wildlife such as Reindeer and Moose but as yet we have not seen an Elf... outside Santa's Office that is... It's just 160km away! 

Foxfires Levi

Canoeing on Lake Louise - rent a canoe from the Boathouse at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Boathouse

Another one of Wilderness’s hidden gems, just a stone’s throw from Wilderness Hotel. Live entertainment, super friendly staff and the perfect hangout to go and chill at after a day in the beautiful nature surrounding Wilderness.

The Girls on the Square

Start the hike right next to the Touwsriver and marvel at the green of the old trees, and if you’re lucky you’ll even spot a (very shy) Knysna Loerie bird. The reward at the end of the trail is a refreshing waterfall with pools for relaxing and catching some vitamin D 😊

Half Collared Kingfisher Trail Gate (permit required)

Alta Badia

Cute B&B with private rooms (breakfast included), beautiful view, and lovely staff - recommended!

Cabinas Vista Al Golfo

Good seafood restaurant with lovely staff and affordable prices. Tuna Ceviche is the best menu item!

Playlist: Dubai Susy · Jul 24, 2021 · 29 clips