Europe is blessed with such stunning natural landscapes and wonderful cities, that it’s impossible to travel and explore this vast continent in one go. The usual, bucket list European destinations like London, Paris and Rome are still popular, but are always getting jam-packed with tourists. Add the challenges of mass migration of refuges to European hinterlands, exploring the conventional, mainstream European Cities is certainly not among the most coveted travel experiences of Europe. 

If you are a seasoned traveller and looking to avoid the weary-eyed touristy crowds of the highly popular European cities, you should look out for alternate destinations. These destinations are beautiful, have less distractions and offer ample opportunities to enjoy authentic European experiences in complete solace. The good folks at HolidayMe have picked 10 beautiful destinations in Europe which you must visit in 2016.

Bergen, Norway

Bergen, the European ‘City of Culture’ and a UNESCO World Heritage City is an interesting old town with a very youthful outlook. Also refereed as "The Gateway to the Fjords of Norway," Bergen is a classic maritime city dotted with colourful buildings, picturesque waterfronts and mountains brimming with coniferous forests. Bergen is the ultimate summer destination if you like colours and the outdoors. Don’t forget your camera to document this highly photogenic city of Norway. 

Colmar, France

Colmar is a charming city with a typical country-town ambience and lies close to the Germany and Switzerland border. This beautiful city is also known as “Little Venice” and is considered as the capital of Alsace Wines. Colmar documents its 1,000 years of history in its five museums, and is very famous for its colourful houses and canals. The city is also the birthplace of noted sculptor Bartholdi, the creator of the famous Statue of Liberty of New York. 

Dresden, Germany

Germans are proud of Dresden, a city of technology, higher education and innovation. Located in the Saxony state, Dresden is popularly known as 'Florence on the Elbe'. A city which combines its art collections, beautiful architecture and education, is rightfully revered by the locals. Tourists flock to Dresden in huge numbers to see attractions like the beautiful Dresden Frauenkirche, the Zwinger and the Semperoper. Student culture thrives in the city, thanks to the numerous universities.  

Gijon, Spain

Gijon lies in the north of Spain and is often overlooked by tourists in favour of more popular destinations like Seville, Barcelona, Madrid, Costa Del Sol, etc. However, Gijon has enough in order to offer you the same Spanish flavours and glamour of the country’s beach-side destinations. This cosmopolitan city has a history of 5,000 years, still evident in the form of Campo Valdés Roman Baths, Revillagigedo Palace and the stunning San Lorenzo beach. Try the delicious local seafood and fresh farm produces. Enjoy the soothing pace of life and sip cocktails as you watch the world go by.    

Also read: Things to do in Spain 

Innsbruck, Austria

Innsbruck, the capital of the Alps, is a city which promotes itself as picturesque, classy and nature-friendly at the same time. This b    eautiful city is located on the banks of River Inn and is a delight for photographers. Its beautiful city center is dotted with classy alfresco cafes, museums and other cultural heritages, and thanks to the spectacular cable car service, one can also reach the snowcapped mountains of Alps in just 30 minutes! Innsbruck has several imperial heritage buildings, beautiful lakes, and plenty of hiking in the mountains, making it one of the most interesting cities in Europe. 

Sorrento, Italy

Milan, Florence, Venice and Rome have become the tourist magnets of Italy. If you want to avoid the usual touristy crowds in Italy, we suggest you head to Sorrento. Located along the Bay of Naples in Southern Italy, Sorrento has a unique landscape comprising of hills, deep valleys, and clifftop communities. The cultural heritages strewn around the city and the old city centre are a sheer delight. The air has a scent of orange, lemons, and olives, thanks to its cultivation in Sorrento, while the dramatic sea provides a contrasting backdrop to this beautiful Italian town.  

Nicosia, Cyprus

Cyprus is an all-year-round Mediterranean destination of Europe, and Nicosia, its 10-century-old capital, is its delightful jewel. This beautiful city is strewn with ancient ruins, medieval churches and mosques, perfectly fused together with charming cafes, museums, and modern nightclubs. Nicosia is a typical feel-good Mediterranean destination blessed with UNESCO World Heritage sites, beautiful waterfronts, and charming promenades buzzing with cafes and restaurants. Red-tiled roofs surrounded by green, verdant valleys under a deep blue sky are also an added element which make Nicosia highly photogenic. 

Tbilisi, Georgia

Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is surrounded by mountains and is perched on the banks of the Mtkvari River. This ancient capital of Georgia is a quaint yet vibrant, modern capital city which is steadily emerging on its own in the European tour scene. Narikala Fortress dominates the skyline and Old Tbilisi is speckled with street-side cafes and alfresco restaurants. Rustaveli Avenue is the more modern hub of the city and many cultural, governmental and business facilities are located in the district. Try the delicious Georgian cuisine and the amazing wines while roaming around in complete peace in Tbilisi. 

Oxford, United Kingdom

Oxford, the university town of England, still has the old-world look and feel with an added dash of modernity and high-end shopping avenues. You can explore the beautiful English countryside lush with endless, rolling green farms under the clear blue sky, or simply roam at High Street which is surrounded by Georgian architecture and fashion brand stores. You can see the famous Christ Church College and explore sites that featured in several Hollywood films such as Harry Potter, or simply laze at one of its beautiful gardens. 

Zadar, Croatia

Zadar is a beautiful city located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea and is part of the northern Dalmatian region. Zadar has a rich maritime history and well-preserved, red-tiled heritage buildings, surrounded by historic ramparts, and has a rich collection of historic heritages from ancient, medieval, Renaissance eras, and contemporary architectural wonders. Dubrovnik and Zagreb, the two most popular destinations of Croatia have become mainstream, but Zadar still has the typical Croatian charm and culture. 

By: Saurabh Das