8 European hotspots for 2018

9 February, 2018

You’ve seen the Eiffel Tower, you know the Ramblas like the back of your hand and you’ve seen every inch of the Colosseum. What you want for 2018 is the wow-factor from new destinations and undiscovered locations. Let us inspire you with eight European locations that might not yet have made it to your list.

1. Leeuwarden Capital of Culture (the Netherlands)

This year’s European Capital of Culture is not to be missed. In and around Leeuwarden, throughout the year you can enjoy countless events and exhibitions at the Fries Museum, among others. One of the highlights promises to be the performance by the Royal de Luxe, with giants several meters high stalking the streets of Leeuwarden (17 to 19 August). You will find plenty of camping options in the vicinity of Leeuwarden, meaning you needn’t to miss a thing of this event.

2. Prehistoric Orkney (Scotland)

From modern Leeuwarden to prehistoric Scotland. You won’t find any cool café chains or any large-scale events here. The Neolithic monuments, such as the prehistoric village of Skara Brae and the Stones of Stenness, take you back to the stone age. Here you gain a unique insight of the lives of inhabitants from around 3100 to 2500 BC. If you are camping in the north of Scotland, then make sure not to miss this destination.

3. Bella Campania (Italy)

Not a specific place, but an entire region. In the South-West of Italy lies the magnificent region of Campania. While the most noticeable city is breath-taking Naples, the region itself also has a great deal more to offer. The fishing villages on the Amalfi coast, the exquisite Sorrento, Pompeii, the volcano Vesuvius, the island of Capri and the rustic Italian countryside. Hop into your car and explore every inch of this magnificent area.

4. Medieval Potsdam (Germany)

Located not far from Berlin, Potsdam is at times overlooked. Nevertheless, this city also has a great deal to offer. Those partial to culture, history, palaces and gardens will be in their element here. Sanssouci Palace, Charlottenhof Palace and the Brandenburg Gate (yes, Potsdam has one too) are bound not to disappoint. Anyone with an interest in the Netherlands can also visit the Dutch Quarter (Holländisches Viertel), a neighbourhood with typical Dutch houses designed by architect Jan Bouwman.

5. Hip Grünerløkka (Oslo, Norway)

Cool, modern, cosy and a just a touch idiosyncratic. The fashionable shops, colourful streets and easy-going atmosphere ensure Grünerløkka in Oslo might just be the European hotspot of 2018. Get to know the local dishes and ingredients in its restaurants, where reindeer tartar and cocktails with Scandinavian flavours are more of a rule than an exception. Camping in Norway is always a pleasure, and this tip gives you all the more reason.

6. Colourful Saint-Paul-de-Vence (France)

On the south coast of France, tucked into the hills of Cagnes-sur-mer, is artists’ town Saint-Paul-de-Vence. This picturesque location is entirely surrounded by city walls, and renowned for its museums (including Fondation Maeght), delicious restaurants and the famous La Combe d’Or hotel, where great names such as Picasso and Satre once stayed. This is a day trip we most certainly recommend from the many campsites on the south coast of France.

7. Roman Monti (Rome, Italy)

In the very heart of Rome, yet still reasonably untouched by mass tourism. The Monti district is a mere ten minutes’ walk from the Colosseum. While the average tourist will have done the Spanish Steps, the rest of the area has a great deal to offer. Vintage shops, markets such as the Mercatomonti and wine bars provide a real Roman atmosphere in the summer, and also draw the locals.

8. Multifaceted London Road (Brighton, England)

Although certain parts of this district are still under scaffolding, the area surrounding London Road is a great alternative for those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of Brighton. To the north of Brighton’s city centre you’ll find a district brimming with speciality shops, cafés and bars, art and theatre. Pay a visit to the Open Market, the city’s only covered market, with more than 50 local growers and producers. London Road also boasts The Duke of York, the country’s oldest, still operational cinema.