If Kotor isn’t on your radar yet, it should be—this little corner of Montenegro completely stole my heart.
Tucked along the dreamy shores of Kotor Bay, Kotor feels almost unreal—think dramatic mountains plunging straight into glassy blue water, medieval stone buildings, and that slow, sun-soaked Mediterranean pace. The seafood? Incredibly fresh. The white wine? Shockingly affordable and so good.
We spent 5 days here, and honestly, it still didn’t feel like enough—but it was the perfect introduction. We stayed just across the bay from Kotor’s Old Town, which meant waking up to postcard views of the town, fortress, and mountains every morning.
One of my favorite things about this area is how much you can explore with a car. We took easy day trips to:
Perast – a tiny, storybook town just across the bay (don’t skip this one)
Budva – for beaches and a livelier vibe
Lake Skadar – wild, scenic, and completely different from the coast
In Kotor itself, we did a boat tour around the bay, stopping at Our Lady of the Rocks, a submarine cave, and the famous Blue Cave—each one somehow more beautiful than the last.
But my top tip? Wake up early and hike up to Kotor Fortress (San Giovanni Fortress). Not only do you beat the cruise ship crowds (they roll in around mid-morning), but you also get those iconic panoramic views of the bay in total peace. It’s 100% worth the early alarm.
And for something completely unique—don’t miss Kraken Underwater Wine Cellar. We sipped wine aged on the ocean floor and ate fresh mussels while floating on a raft in the middle of the bay… easily one of the most memorable experiences of the trip.
If you’re looking for a European destination that still feels a little under-the-radar but delivers big on scenery, food, and charm—Kotor is it.
If you’re looking for a Greek destination that feels straight out of a storybook, Monemvasia is one of those places you almost don’t believe is real.
Tucked off the coast of the Peloponnese, this tiny cliffside island is connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway—but once you step inside, it feels like you’ve traveled back in time. Think stone houses, winding alleyways, bougainvillea-covered walls, and not a single car in sight.
We visited as part of a 3-week honeymoon through Greece, driving about 4 hours from Athens through dramatic mountain landscapes. Along the way, we made quick but worthwhile stops in:
Corinth
Sparta
Mycenae
—perfect for anyone who loves a mix of scenery and ancient history.
For our stay, we chose the mainland just across from the island, which was much more budget-friendly. But if you’re celebrating something special, staying inside the walled town in one of the traditional stone houses would be such a unique experience.
The real magic of Monemvasia is simply wandering. The entire island is pedestrian-only, and getting lost in the narrow, cobblestone streets is part of the charm. Around every corner, there’s a hidden courtyard, a tiny café, or a view that stops you in your tracks.
Definitely make the climb up to the upper fortress—yes, it’s a bit of a hike, but the panoramic views over the sea and the terracotta rooftops below are absolutely worth it.
We visited in May and had perfect weather with barely any crowds, which made it feel even more special—especially after the buzz of Athens. It was peaceful, romantic, and easily one of the most unique stops on our entire trip.
If you want a side of Greece that most travelers miss, Monemvasia is such a rewarding detour—and the perfect way to experience the quieter, more timeless beauty of the Peloponnese.
If you’re looking for a UK escape that’s packed with scenery, charm, and a little adventure, North Wales is such an underrated gem.
We spent a long weekend here, driving from Northamptonshire, but if you’re visiting from abroad, flying into Liverpool or Manchester and renting a car is your best bet—it’s only about 1–1.5 hours to reach the coast.
We based ourselves on the island of Anglesey in a cozy, dog-friendly cabin (our pup Sherlock had the best time), and used it as a base to explore the region.
One of our favorite stops was Conwy, where we climbed the walls of Conwy Castle and visited The Smallest House in Great Britain—tiny, quirky, and surprisingly fascinating.
We also spent time in Llandudno, strolling along the pier and waterfront, which felt like a classic British seaside day out.
For something a bit more peaceful, we headed inland to Llanberis, sitting at the foot of Snowdon (the highest peak in Wales). We took a relaxed walk around the lake and explored the ruins of Dolbadarn Castle—such a scenic and calming spot.
And if you’re traveling with a dog (or just love a good beach), Aberffraw Beach was a highlight—wide, sandy, and dog-friendly. Sherlock had the time of his life running around and making new friends.
To top it all off, our favorite meal of the trip was a simple but perfect fish and chips at a local pub in Llandudno—sometimes the classics really do hit the best.
North Wales is one of those places that feels a bit off the typical tourist path, but offers so much—castles, coastline, mountains, and cozy towns all in one trip.
This island completely blew me away. We spent a full week here, staying in a cozy apartment on the hills above Funchal, and rented a car to explore—and I highly recommend doing the same. The smaller back roads can be a bit intense, but the main highways are super well maintained and make getting around the island really easy.
Madeira is truly a nature lover’s dream. One of our favorite spots was Seixal Beach—a stunning black sand beach where we even found a waterfall to rinse off in. Just nearby, the Seixal Natural Pools were an absolute highlight… we had them completely to ourselves, which felt unreal. We actually skipped the more famous Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools because they were so crowded, and honestly didn’t feel like we missed out at all.
For views that don’t even look real, head up to Pico do Arieiro. We woke up before sunrise and drove above the clouds—it was one of those moments you just don’t forget. Even if you don’t do the full hike, just walking a short stretch along the ridge is enough to take your breath away.
If you love hiking, Madeira is paradise. We trekked to 25 Fontes, a lush trail leading to a series of waterfalls tucked deep in the forest. Along the way: winding streams, little bridges, and birdsong everywhere—it felt like something out of a movie. And honestly, waterfalls are everywhere on this island—we even drove under one on the coastal road.
We also loved slowing down in smaller, quieter towns like Porto da Cruz, which gave us a glimpse of local life beyond the main tourist areas.
Back in Funchal, there’s so much personality—don’t miss the famous wicker basket toboggan rides down from Monte (yes, it’s as fun as it sounds), and take some time to wander and check out the incredible street art.
And the food? So good. You have to try the local specialty of fried fish with banana—it sounds questionable, but somehow works perfectly. Also… the garlic bread here? Next level.
If you’re looking for dramatic landscapes, adventure, and something a little different from your typical European getaway, Madeira is such a special pick.
If you’re craving a European city that feels like stepping into a medieval fairytale without the overwhelming crowds, Tallinn is such a hidden gem.
We spent a long weekend here, and it was the perfect amount of time to soak it all in. Staying just outside the Old Town gave us easy access to wander in and out whenever we wanted—and trust me, you’ll want to spend a lot of time there. The cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and historic towers make Tallinn Old Town feel like a living museum.
One of my favorite experiences was walking along the old city walls—you get such a unique perspective of the city and its history from up there. And for the best views, make your way up to Toompea Hill, where you’ll find incredible viewpoints overlooking the red rooftops and out toward the sea.
We also spent some time exploring the more modern side of the city along the waterfront, including a visit to the Seaplane Harbour, which was surprisingly one of the coolest museums we’ve been to—super interactive and really well done.
And I have to mention Olde Hansa—a medieval-style restaurant known for its wild game dishes. It’s touristy in the best way and such a fun, immersive dining experience you won’t find just anywhere.
We visited in early March, and while it was definitely a bit chilly, the lack of crowds made it so worth it. It felt peaceful, uncrowded, and way more authentic compared to peak-season travel.
If you’re looking to mix history, charm, and something a little different from the usual Western Europe circuit, Tallinn is an unforgettable stop.