Current Issue #488

Heading north in winter for a European summer

Heading north in winter for a European summer

It may not seem like it as Adelaide limps through heatwave after heatwave, but winter is coming.

As the temperature drops back home, the temptation to flee to the northern hemisphere becomes all the more compelling. With colourful history, rich culinary traditions and some sun kissed coastlines all sandwiched together, there’s a reason Europe remains one of the world’s most popular escape destinations.

But where to start?

Mykonos, Greece (Photo: Shutterstock)
Mykonos, Greece (Photo: Shutterstock)

Croatia

Perched on the Adriatic Sea, Croatia is the European nation where Europeans go to vacation. Favoured by Hollywood location scouts in productions like Game of Thrones and Star Wars, the world heritage listed seaside city of Dubrovnik offers a charming blend of medieval and modern life. Explore the coastlines of Croatia by boat, bus or bicycle.

Mykonos, Greece (Photo: Shutterstock)
Mykonos, Greece (Photo: Shutterstock)

Greece

The pristine blue waters and whitewashed buildings of Greece’s Cyclades islands and the ancient ruins of Athens are an iconic destinations for a reason. It’s time to stop being jealous of your friends’ Instagram posts, and be that envy-inspiring traveller living their best life sipping Ouzo cocktails on a boat off Mykonos.

Corricella village, Italy (Photo: Shutterstock)
Corricella village, Italy (Photo: Shutterstock)

Italy

When we think of a European vacation, how many of the landmarks that spring to mind are in fact just in Italy? Whether it’s leaning towers, chapel ceilings or romantically bobbing gondolas, Italy has been the global centre of art, culture and food for centuries. Explore those iconic postcard scenes in the flesh, or discover the less travelled side of one of Europe’s most popular countries. Andiamo!

Mezquita, Cordoba (Photo: Shutterstock)
Mezquita, Cordoba (Photo: Shutterstock)

Spain

Things heat up as you head towards the equator to experience sample Spain’s Andalucian region, the home of flamenco. Explore the Moorish architecture of Mezquita, Cordoba’s centuries-old mosque, to the fantastical modernism flair of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona. Southern Europe is also the gateway to Africa; venture down to Moroccoa via Portgual to take in Berber villages of the High Atlas Mountains or cop a camel ride through the Sahara.

Iceland (Photo: Shutterstock)
Iceland (Photo: Shutterstock)

Scandinavia

Perhaps the most frequented tourist destinations aren’t for you. Embrace your inner Scando with a trip north to the home of Nordic Noir, ABBA and Viggo Mortensen. Can’t decide whether Denmark, Sweden, Norway or Finland are more your speed? Take them all in. Or, if you want to make the most of your summer holidays in the most literal sense, a trip across the Norwegian Sea to Iceland will bring summer days that really don’t end – at the height of June, the sun actually never sets.

Find out more about these destinations and Intrepid small group tours, or plan your own European trip with the the friendly team at Peregrine Travel Centre SA. Subscribe to their eNews to get all the latest travel news and deals direct to your inbox.

This content is sponsored by Peregrine Travel Centre SA

Get the latest from The Adelaide Review in your inbox

Get the latest from The Adelaide Review in your inbox