Discover The Secret Side Of Popular European Destinations

Certain European destinations are popular for a reason. They often have great infrastructure, good food, and a lot of interesting sights that you just wouldn’t get at home. But popular places often get a certain reputation which can mean a lot of people don’t get to see the hidden beauty lurking under the surface. Come with us on holiday this year, and discover the secret side of popular European destinations such as Ibiza, Tenerife and Oxford…

Ibiza

With a reputation for being a party island, you might have avoided this popular European destination for that very reason. However, visit Ibiza and you’ll soon discover an island that’s quiet, naturally beautiful, and has a unique bohemian edge that will make you forget the hedonistic status this island has.

With over 80 beaches and coves dotted around the island, Ibiza is the ideal place to soak up the sun. Not only are these patches of sand the perfect place to rest and relax, they’re also home to an incredible amount of wildlife that call this island home such as migrating seabirds, turtles, and fish. If you stand in the sea long enough, you’ll no doubt feel small fish past your legs!

The food in Ibiza is also second to none – that’s right, it’s not just post-party food on this island. From fish shacks on the coast to classy restaurants serving the freshest food, you’ll find some great places to enjoy food while you enjoy a relaxing holiday in Ibiza.

Sunset in Beniras beach, Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain

Read more about Traveleyes’ holiday to Ibiza – Ibiza: A Chilled Week On The White Isle

Oxford

A haven for university students, it’s impossible to visit this city and not come across the old Oxford University buildings. However, there’s more to Oxford than its grand study rooms.

You’ll find film locations dotted all over the city – from Harry Potter to Alice in Wonderland, they’ve all drawn inspiration from the quaint streets of this city. J.R.R.Tolkien’s grave is also in Oxford too and is worth a visit if you’re a fan of the epic Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.

Step out of the city centre, and you’ll discover Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill in 1874. This palace is home to the Duke of Marlborough and comes alive at Christmas with the Blenheim Palace Light Trail. This is a dazzling display of colourful light and music through the grounds of the building.

A grand round building, with an ornate balcony and a round roof

Read more about Traveleyes’ holiday to Oxford – Oxford: It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Finland

Finland is well known as a place for a quick city break to Helsinki, and for visiting Santa too. And yes, it’s perfect for that but it’s also the perfect place for a winter wonderland adventure. It might be a little bit cold but get wrapped up in a few layers and you can have a great time husky sledding, visiting cute reindeer, scooting across the snow in a snow mobile, floating down a relaxing lazy river, getting toasty by a cosy fire and much more.

huskies in the snow with red and blue collars on.

Read more about Traveleyes holiday to Finland – Finland: A Winter Wonderland Adventure

Tenerife

Known as a paradise for all-inclusive winter sun holidays, Tenerife is the ideal place to banish the winter blues. But, did you know that there’s a huge connection of walking trails across the whole island?

Away from the beautiful coastline is a national park, a laurelsilva forest, black sand beaches, monuments and a volcano. Walks range from a few kilometres to miles upon miles of trails. Each walk will take you away from the hotels and into the true nature of this Canary Island.

Person in blue jacket stood in tufts of green flora at the bottom of a valley in Tenerife. Sun is setting behind the brown valley rocks.

Read more about Traveleyes’ holiday to Tenerife – Tenerife: Canarian Trails And Volcanoes

Which popular European destinations would you like to visit?