No matter how hard you try, the most captivating sights in Europe just can’t be ticked off in one trip. If you've already hit the major cities, like Rome and Paris, on your first European tour, your next trip should include some lesser-known but still incredible destinations. Delve a little deeper into this varied and fascinating continent with these suggestions for your second trip to Europe.
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ undisputed tourist destination, but the country’s second-largest city, Rotterdam, is making a name for itself with in-the-know travelers. After being rebuilt from damage sustained during World War II, the city now boasts an eclectic – some might even say outlandish – mix of architectural styles. One of the most experimental is the Cube Houses complex. Designed by Piet Blom, these bright yellow tilted cubes are a striking sight – you can even stay the night, if you want to see how these crazy angles feel from the inside.
A stone’s throw away is the stunning arched Markthal, a decorative office building and food court. If you think it’s impressive from the outside, wait until you see the colorful murals that decorate its cavernous interior. Above all, Rotterdam’s a port city, which means it has a rich maritime heritage to explore. Check out Delfshaven, the old harbor where the Mayflower Pilgrims set sail to America in 1620, and remember to take a moment to drink in the sights from the top of the Euromast Tower, which offers a 360° panorama of the city.
Menorca, Spain
Many international travelers venture only as far as mainland Spain, but it takes very little effort to reach the Balearic Islands. If you only have time for one, make it laidback Menorca. Begin in its capital, Mahon – committed foodies will know it as the birthplace of mayonnaise, but it’s also home to Xoriguer gin, first developed for British sailors stationed here centuries ago. Across the island, you’ll find Ciutadella, a historic port whose medieval alleyways lead to ornate mansions and breathtaking churches.
Between the two cities, you’ll discover a wealth of unspoiled countryside littered with megalithic structures called talaiots, taulas, and navetas. Be sure to also trace the coast, where vivid turquoise water laps secluded calas – this is one of the most dazzling spots anywhere in the Mediterranean. Don’t leave without watching the sun go down from a perch at Cova d'en Xoroi, a trendy bar clinging to the cliff face.
The Yorkshire Dales, England
If all you saw of England last time was London – and, if you were lucky, a side trip to Stonehenge – then it’s time to head north. Hop on a high-speed train and, in a little more than a couple of hours, you can be in Leeds, the gateway to Yorkshire Dales National Park. One of the U.K.’s most beautiful national parks, it offers some of the best rural hikes in the country. A network of trails traces a landscape of verdant rolling hills grazed by flocks of sheep and intersected by photogenic dry stone walls.
Here and there, the bedrock pushes to the surface, which is the case with Malham Cove, a towering cliff topped by a weathered limestone pavement. Be sure to make it all the way to the top — you’ll be treated to a breathtaking panoramic view across the valley. There are also tarns and waterfalls aplenty, which are easily reached from postcard-perfect villages boasting charming pubs and quaint tearooms.
Matera, Italy
The first time you visited Italy, you probably explored its most famous cities: Rome, Venice, Naples, or Milan. This time, make your way farther south to characterful Matera in the region of Basilicata. The historic heart of Matera overlooks a dramatic gorge, where residents once made their homes in caves they carved out of the rock. These once derelict spaces, known locally as sassi, have now been turned into boutique stores, cafés, and hotels. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, it’s time for this hidden gem to take center stage, especially since its prominent feature in the Bond movie No Time to Die put the metaphorical spotlight on this charming city. Throw in the warm hospitality and delicious food that you expect from Italy, and it’s hard to go wrong with this destination.
Transylvania, Romania
Eastern European countries such as Romania aren’t common tourist destinations, but once you set foot in Transylvania, you’ll wonder why. This region has it all for the slightly seasoned European traveler. Start with delightful Brașov, home to elegant squares lined with townhouses and fabulous churches. This 13th-century city lies at the heart of the Carpathian Mountains, and nature is never very far away.
Explore rugged mountains and unspoiled canyons by day, and after dusk, head to the woods with a local guide to safely watch wild bears frolic in sylvan glades. Brașov also makes a great base for a trek to Bran Castle, a gorgeous structure whose story has become inexplicably intertwined with the legend of Dracula. Nearby Sighișoara makes a rewarding side trip if you’d like to explore a city frozen in time. You’ll see horse-drawn carts carrying loads of sawn logs along cobbled streets and get the chance to drink in beautiful architecture straight out of the pages of a fairy tale.
Porto, Portugal
You’ve already done Lisbon — now, Porto beckons. This striking city in the north of Portugal sits on the River Douro. One of its most iconic sights is its flat-bottomed rabelo boats, once cargo boats for transporting crates of port wine, but now to ferry tourists around on sightseeing cruises. Once you’re back on dry land, admire the colorful merchants’ houses of the Ribeira district, the city’s gorgeous old town. Across the river, you’ll find Porto’s most important wine cellars, including Caves Ferreira, founded in 1751, and Caves Cálem, where you can take a cellar tour and learn about the production of port. Combine your tour with a live fado performance, and let the haunting notes of this traditional music enter your soul.
The Pyrenees
If you’ve already ticked the the Swiss Alps off of your bucket list, then why not switch it up with the Pyrenees on your second European tour? This delightful mountain range forms a natural border between France and Spain, with the tiny principality of Andorra squeezed between the two. On the French side of the border, travel on the cute Train Jaune, taking your place in an open-air carriage as you pass alongside mountain streams, over viaducts, and through wildflower meadows.
Andorra is a duty-free shopper’s dream, but is also popular with winter sports enthusiasts when the snow falls and mountain bikers once the frost melts. Cross over into Spain and explore the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park — there, gorges, glaciers, meadows, and forests come together in one extraordinary package. Wherever you find yourself in the Pyrenees, there’s always a chance for adventure tourism, with myriad opportunities for caving, climbing, rafting, horse riding, canoeing, and hiking.
