Here are 5 unusual countries in Europe you should visit
1) Georgia
Georgia is an amazing European nation bordering Asia, that will probably leave you the best impressions. Due to its geographic isolation between the mountains, the country developed it´s unique language and alphabet, apart from any other existing in the world. Their culture and gastronomy are also very peculiar. Try the Khachapuri ( kind of pizza ) and the delicate cheeses they make. The oldest wine making evidence was found here, some 30km away from the capital making Georgia the cradle of wines! And they produce good and classy wines nowadays. We have had a nice experience when we made a the trip driving north through the Caucasus mountain range crossing small frozen in time villages, farms, cattle, lakes and ending up in Stepantsiminda to see the world´s most isolated church ( Gergeti ). It was built at the slopes of the Kazbegui Mountain in the 13th century on a hilltop at a height of 2170m. (Mt Kasbegi reaches 5,070m height, easily surpassing Mont Blanc in France, that is always wrongly taken as the highest in Europe). The landscape is beautiful all around, especially the mountains. Check our pictures here.
2) Iceland
Iceland is a strange and enigmatic place. The whole country population almost fits in a big football stadium. There are no people around, no trees and poor sunlight. There are also some wild horses (beautiful) running in the fields. 2/3 of the country´s energy sources come from the geothermal activity (volcanoes). Everything is pretty uncommon there. Take advantage of all that, and stay in a hotel bordering the famous Blue Lagoon, a geothermic beautiful lake with light-blue warm waters, where you can bath. The place called Blue Lagoon Retreat, a fantastic 5-star facility with a sharp minimalist architecture providing a total man-nature´s interaction. In October people gather around to see the northern lights. We hope to come back soon. Check our pictures here.
3) Cyprus
Friendly people and stunning beautiful beaches. We loved Cyprus from the very beginning. Drive a nice convertible car during the summer to better explore the beaches and the coast. The country looks a bit like some Greek islands, but the beaches here are much better. A true Mediterranean treasure. Nissi beach is actually the best beach in Europe. (We say that having visited every country in the continent, having tried more than 200 beaches) Nissi beach is a perfect heavenly creation, with crystal clear blue waters, warm sea, no waves and white sands. There are nice hotels surrounding the beach in the city of Aya Napa. Try also North Cyprus (Another country) to visit the Greek well preserved ruins at Salamis. It´s a one-and-a-half drive from Aya Napa. Check our pictures here.
4) Lithuania
Lithuania is by far the best of the Baltic States. The city of Vilnius is pretty, well developed, with greens and very nice restaurants. As picky food lovers we do recommend it. Go to the city of Trakai to see its beautiful castle surrounded by lakes. It is the top attraction in our opinion. However the site called Hill of the Crosses in the city of Siauliai, may be the highest point of this country. Over 100,000 crosses ( Christian crosses ) are placed side by side since the 1800´s making it a weird and exotic point of pilgrimage. The origins are uncertain. Mysterious place! Check our pictures here.
5) Malta.
Malta is a small group of islands In the Mediterranean sea, near Sicily. The main reason the brought us there was the incredible blue sea surrounding Comino Island. It is so damn crystal clear blue! The tiny beach called Blue Lagoon is one of the best beaches in all Europe. Take a boat trip along the coast to visit some nice blue sea caves. Another very interesting site is the Hagar Qim pre historic UNESCO site, where temples dating back over 5,000 years are very well preserved. The people / civilization that built these temples in Malta are still a mystery and a reason for many archaeological researches. Malta is a must go! Check our pictures here.
