Explore Europe In Peace With These Fantastic Lesser Known Active Destinations

Throughout the summer months, you can pretty much guarantee that certain parts of Europe will be heaving with tourists. But from the historic Zagoria Villages in Greece to Majorca’s lesser known Sierra de Tramontana, there are some truly amazing active destinations where you can can avoid the crowds and experience Southern Europe in peace this summer.

European activity holiday specialists UTracks and Sherpa Expeditions have chosen seven of their favourite lesser known – yet just as beautiful – parts of the continent:

Zagoria Villages, Greece

There is more to Greece than its world famous islands: little known by international visitors, the traditional complex of the Zagoria Villages, in the northwestern corner of the country, covers an unspoilt, remote region of the Pindos mountains. Treasures of vernacular architecture, many of these historic, late 18th century stone-built villages are within what is today a designated conservation area. Immerse yourself in nature in a landscape that brims with dramatic wilderness of striking peaks, deep chasms and extensive natural forests. Sherpa Expeditions’ self-guided walking trip includes a traverse of the virtually virgin Vikos Gorge, which has been listed by the Guinness Book of Records as the deepest canyon in the world (in proportion to its width).

Zagoria: The Secret Villages with Sherpa Expeditions (8 days) departs May-October, from £870 per person

Cilento, Italy

Cilento, Italy’s largest National Park, is the ideal destination for anyone who wants to experience ‘the other side of Amalfi’:  the less known Cilentan Coast is the natural extension of the Amalfi Coast, on the Gulf of Salerno’s southern shore. A place which in many ways exists in its own time warp, little visited Cilento remains largely ‘undisturbed’ by the 21st century, with rocky ridges, richly scented pinewoods and centuries-old olive trees interspersed with quaint fishing villages, mediaeval farm houses and traditional water mills. Staying in an ancient convent, you can enjoy quiet and remote walking in a stunning, yet less known, pocket of Italy, which in Roman Times was known as Campania Felix – or ‘happy land’!

Cilento Coast and Mountain with Sherpa Expeditions (5 days) departs daily April-October, from £590 per person

Ticino, Switzerland

Experience the Italian side of Switzerland – Ticino, the country’s southernmost canton, is the only canton where Italian is the sole official language and represents the bulk of the Italian-speaking area of Switzerland. The beautiful palm tree lined lakes lakes of Maggiore and Lugano are within easy reach from the comfort of your spa hotel, while the mix of daily excursions will see you being surrounded by snowy peaks and glaciers, admiring the spectacular Swiss mountainscapes. The medieval city of Bellinzona, the region’s capital, is known for its three UNESCO-protected castles, while the peaceful Botanical Gardens on the easily accessible island of Brissago are home to over 1,600 plant species. With many cycling paths for all abilities, active holidaymakers are sure to enjoy making the most of this beautiful region.

Ticino Lakes Cycle with UTracks (6 days) departs April-October, except July, from £695 per person

Sierra de Tramontana, Spain

Spain welcomed 82 million visitors, a record figure which made it the second most-visited country in the world – but there are still places where you can beat the crowds: away from Majorca’s burgeoning coastal resorts, the majestic Sierra de Tramontana is a massif of limestone peaks tumbling to the turquoise waters. Following parts of the restored Pilgrims’ Way, venture forth on a series of hikes through shady forests, olive groves and ancient farmsteads, visiting tiny sun-drenched beaches along the way. The first three nights are spent at Santuari de Lluc monastery, the island’s most important pilgrimage site. You can attend the choral singing in its church, which takes place on most evenings, while from your bedroom window you will listen to the sound of nightingales.

Majorca: Sierras and Monasteries with Sherpa Expeditions (8 days) departs March-October, from £860 per person

Rila Mountains, Bulgaria

Calling all keen walkers seeking an alternative mountain experience, in a country that simply teems with history and beautiful natural landscapes. The Balkans may be often overlooked as a holiday destination but, if you are looking for an active holiday off the tourist radar, Bulgaria is a welcoming place that combines natural beauty and rich culture with warm hospitality and friendly locals. Head to the southwestern part of the country and you will find yourself surrounded by rugged peaks and deep valleys. The chain of Seven Rila glacial lakes (each is named according to its shape!) is the jewel of the Rila Mountains. Starting at 2,100m, the lakes are found at differing altitudes and appear like large footprints leading up the mountain.

Bulgaria on foot with UTracks (8 days) departs July-September, from £540 per person

Transylvania, Romania

Take the roads less travelled this summer and pedal back in time in one of Europe’s most underrated countries: Romania. Following quiet country roads to remote areas, get off the beaten track to meet shepherds watching over their sheep herds, visit the country’s oldest flour mill powered by water (and with a fascinating history from the communism era!) and explore the ruins of the Cistercian monastery, where visitors often have the chance to meet the pastor and listen to his beautiful stories. The Saxons arrived here in the 11th century to guard the strategic passes and littered through the region are relics of a rich history, with medieval citadels, fortresses and fortified churches.

Romania Cycle Explorer with UTracks (9 days) departs April-October, from £850 per person

Istria, Croatia

Despite Croatia’s rising popularity, the lesser known Istria peninsula remains one of Europe’s best kept secrets. Discover beautiful hilltop medieval towns and lush green valleys as you immerse yourself in the history and culture of a region that has been inhabited since the 11th century BC. Follow parts of the Parenzana Trail, walking through pristine forests and meadows, rolling vineyards and fragrant olive groves. Stops include Groznjan (the so-called ‘town of artists’), Hum (officially the smallest town in the world), as well as the cobblestone town of Motovun. This trip culminates with a hike to the summit of Mount Vojak, Istria’s highest peak, for sweeping views over the Bay of Trieste, the Julian Alps and the Adriatic islands.

Villages of Istria Walk with UTracks (7 days) departs March-November, from £640 per person
For more information and bookings please contact UTracks (www.UTracks.com, 0845 241 7599) or Sherpa Expeditions (www.sherpaexpeditions.com, 0208 875 5070).

Quoted prices are inclusive of accommodation, most meals, experienced guides, luggage transfers between hotels (where applicable) and clear maps with images. Flights from the UK are not included but can be booked on request.