Explore the Lesser-Known Destinations with Eurail Pass
Europe is a continent that is full of hidden gems that are waiting to be explored. The Eurail Pass is a train pass that allows travelers to explore Europe by train. It is a great way to travel around Europe as it offers flexibility, convenience, and cost savings. Eurail passes are available for different durations and can be used in multiple countries. With the help of Eurail passes, travelers can easily explore these lesser-known destinations. This article provides some of the best lesser-known destinations in Europe that can be explored through Eurail passes.
1. Ronda, Spain:
Ronda is a small town located in the province of Malaga, Spain. It is situated in the mountains and is known for its stunning views. Ronda is a great destination for travelers who want to experience the beauty of Spain without the crowds. Ronda is well-connected by train and can be easily reached using Eurail Pass. The nearest train station to Ronda is Ronda Train Station. Travelers can take a train from major cities in Spain, such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville, to Ronda Train Station. The journey time from Madrid to Ronda is approximately 4 hours, while the journey time from Seville to Ronda is approximately 2 hours.
The following are some of the top attractions in Ronda:
● Puente Nuevo:
This is a famous bridge that spans the El Tajo Gorge. It is one of
the most iconic landmarks in Ronda and offers stunning views of the surrounding
area.
● Plaza de Toros:
This is a bullring that is over 200 years old. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful bullrings in Spain.
● Old Town:
The old town of Ronda is a maze of narrow streets and alleys. It is a great place to explore and discover the unique culture and history of Ronda.
● Arab Baths:
These are ancient baths that date back to the 13th century. They are a great example of Moorish architecture and are well-preserved.
2. Meteora, Greece:
Meteora is a lesser-known destination in Greece that is worth exploring. It is a unique place that is famous for its monasteries that are built on top of towering rock formations. Meteora is a rock formation in central Greece that is home to six Eastern Orthodox monasteries. The monasteries are built on top of the rock formations, which are over 400 meters high. The monasteries were built in the 14th century and were used as a refuge for monks who were seeking isolation and spiritual enlightenment. Today, the monasteries are open to the public and are a popular tourist destination.
The best way to get to Meteora is by using Eurail passes. The Eurail Greece Pass entitles you to rail travel in Greece, and you can use it to travel to Meteora.
There are several things to do in Meteora, including:
● Visiting the monasteries
The monasteries are the main attraction in Meteora. You can visit all six monasteries.
● Meteora
Meteora is a great place for hiking. There are several hiking trails that you can take, and they offer stunning views of the rock formations and the surrounding area.
● If you’re an experienced rock climber, you can climb the rock formations in Meteora. There are several companies that offer guided rock climbing tours.
● Visit the Natural History Museum of Meteora and Mushroom Museum. These museums are located in the town of Kalambaka, which is the gateway to Meteora. The Natural History Museum of Meteora has exhibits on the flora and fauna of the area, while the Mushroom Museum has exhibits on the mushrooms that grow in the area.
3. Kotor, Montenegro:
Kotor is a small town located in Montenegro, a country in southeastern Europe. It is a lesser-known destination that is worth exploring. Kotor is a medieval town that is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is surrounded by mountains and the Bay of Kotor, which is also known as Boka Bay. Kotor is a charming example of natural wonders embracing man-made masterpieces. It is a perfect destination for those who want to explore the culture and lifestyle of southern Europe.
Eurail passes can be used to travel to Montenegro, and Kotor can be explored through them. The Interrail Global Pass and the Eurail Global Pass are recommended for exploring Montenegro. The Interrail Global Pass is only available to European citizens and residents, while the Eurail Global Pass is available to everyone.
Things to do in Kotor:
● Old Town:
The Old Town of Kotor is a maze of narrow streets and alleys that are surrounded by medieval walls. It is a great place to explore. The Old Town is also home to many historical buildings and churches.
● Kotor Fortress:
The Kotor Fortress is a must-visit attraction in Kotor. It is a medieval fortress that is located on a hill above the town. The fortress offers
stunning views of the Bay of Kotor and the surrounding mountains.
● Bay of Kotor:
The Bay of Kotor is a beautiful natural wonder that is worth exploring. It is a fjord-like bay that is surrounded by mountains. The bay is also
home to many small towns and villages that are worth visiting.
● St. Tryphon Cathedral:
The St. Tryphon Cathedral is a beautiful church that is located in the Old Town of Kotor. It is a great example of Romanesque architecture and is dedicated to St. Tryphon, the patron saint of Kotor.
● Sea Gate:
The Sea Gate is the main entrance to the Old Town of Kotor. It is a beautiful gate that is surrounded by medieval walls. The Sea Gate is also home to Arms Square, which is a great place to relax and people-watch.
4. Olomouc, Czech Republic:
Olomouc is a city located in Moravia, in the east of the Czech Republic. It is in the center of Moravia and in the heart of the Hana region, a flat piece of land with a fun dialect and good people. Olomouc is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by tourists, but it is definitely worth a visit. The city is easily accessible by train or bus, and there are several train companies that you can use to get there.
There are several options to get to Olomouc, but the most common ones are by train or bus. The nearest train station is in Aachen, less than an hour away. Olomouc train station is modern and easy to access, and there are three train companies in the Czech Republic that you can use to get there: Regiojet, Leo Express, and Czech Railways. The train ride from Prague to Olomouc takes about 2.5 hours, and the trains provide wifi.
Things to do in Olomouc:
● Holy Trinity Column:
This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located in the center of the city. It is a baroque monument that was built in the early 18th
century to commemorate the victims of the plague.
● St. Wenceslas Cathedral:
This is a Gothic cathedral that is located in the center of the city. It is the second-largest church in the Czech Republic, and it has a
beautiful interior
● Astronomical Clock:
This is a clock that is located in the center of the city. It was built in the 15th century, and it has a unique design that shows the position of
the sun and the moon.
● Olomouc Castle:
This is a castle that is located on a hill overlooking the city. It was built in the 13th century, and it has a beautiful view of the city.
● Parks and Gardens:
Olomouc has several parks and gardens that are perfect for a relaxing walk. The most popular ones are Smetana Park, Bezrucovy Sady, and
the Botanical Gardens.
5. Lofoten Islands, Norway:
The Lofoten Islands are a group of islands located in the northern part of Norway. They are known for their dramatic scenery of mountains and peaks, vast open seas, sheltered bays of turquoise waters, and white sandy beaches. Due to this diverse landscape, you can go hiking, fishing, skiing, deep water rafting, scuba diving, or surfing, all in one place. The Lofoten Islands are challenging to get to but are worthy of a trip on their own.
The Lofoten Islands can be reached by train and ferry. The Nordlandsbanen Line Train runs from Trondheim to Bodø, and from Bodø, the Lofoten Islands are easily reached by ferry or express boat in around 3 hours. Eurail passes can be used to travel by train around Norway, including the Nordlandsbanen Line Train.
Things to do in the Lofoten Islands:
● Hiking:
The Lofoten Islands offer some of the best hiking trails in Norway. The most popular hike is the Reinebringen hike, which offers stunning views of the Reinefjord.
● Fishing:
The Lofoten Islands are known for their fishing industry. You can go fishing with a local fisherman or take a fishing tour.
● Skiing:
The Lofoten Islands offer some of the best skiing in Norway. The most popular ski resort is the Svolværgeita Ski Resort.
● Surfing:
The Lofoten Islands offer some of the best surfing in Norway. The most popular surf spot is Unstad Beach.
● Northern Lights:
The Lofoten Islands are one of the best places in Norway to see the Northern Lights. The best time to see the Northern Lights is from September to April.
Conclusion:
The above mentioned places in this article are some of the best lesser-known destinations in Europe that can be explored through Eurail passes
List of Eurail Aid Offices in Europe, How to get assistance?
