Vacation To Europe? Try To Visit These Six Special Areas

European special region collage. (VOI/AFI)

JAKARTA - When planning a vacation to Europe, Milan, Paris, Barcelona, and Munich are often at the top of the list of destination countries. The reasons are accommodation, culinary, shopping, and easy access with an EU visa.

However, there is nothing wrong with occasionally trying to visit a special area, where there are 32 special territories that you deserve to visit. Some are located close to mainland Europe, some are far across the ocean.

As an alternative, here are six special European regions that have interesting places to visit.

Faroe Island

Self-governing but part of the Kingdom of Denmark, the Faroe Islands are often overlooked by tourists from mainland Europe. In fact, the distance is almost the same as Iceland to Norway in the North Atlantic. Most visitors to the islands come in the summer, when the stunning scenery is at its best and there's plenty of sun too.

Faroe Island. (Wikimedia Commons/Stig Nygaard)

When on the Faroes, you are never more than about five kilometers from the sea, or from hiking to see local fauna, there is always something to do. New to the islands is the world's first underwater roundabout, part of a tunnel connecting the two main Faroe Islands. The tunnels are made to facilitate travel from one island to another in less time, providing more opportunities for tourists to explore.

Curacao

Of the ABC islands in the Caribbean, Curacao is the largest but is often overshadowed by Aruba as a tourist destination. While Aruba is more famous and Bonaire smaller and less developed, Curacao exists as a kind of happy medium between the two just off the Venezuelan coast. As part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Curacao has a beautiful climate and plenty of opportunities to explore the water. 

Cruise ships in the territorial waters of Curacao. (Wikimedia Commons/carlos royer)

Curacao is also not as heavy as the tourism of many of its Caribbean cousins, so if you're looking for a true Caribbean experience that isn't simplified, this island should definitely be on your list. It is also one of the region's safest islands, while no trip there would be complete without tasting Curacao liqueur, perhaps the island's most famous export. It tastes better when you're actually there.

Reunion

An island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar, Réunion is an overseas territory of France, but shares many similarities with the nearby island of Mauritius, a sovereign state in its own right. However, while Mauritius is a haven of sun, sea, and sand for tourists, Réunion has a lot more to do for adventurous travelers.

Pier at one corner of Reunion. (Wikimedia Commons/Domoina RATSARA)

The island is also smaller and quieter, with fewer tourists per year, so it's a great option for something a little different. If you want to combine a relaxing break with several different activities, Réunion could be your best bet. Piton de la Fournaise, a large shield volcano and one of the most active volcanoes in the world, is not to be missed. A view from a distance or a hike to the edge of the crater - it's up to you.

Saint-Martin/Sint Maarten

This island is located just east of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean. just east of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean, divided into two parts. 60 percent of the island's north is part of France's Saint-Martin. While 40 percent in the southern part of the Sint Maarten region, Netherlands. It is the smallest island in the world that is divided between two countries, but very much has a culture of its own.

Sint Maarten Region. (Wikimedia Commons/Chris Favero)

Saint-Martin is less developed than Sint Maarten, and more relaxed, with Sint Maarten's nightlife being the island side's special attraction. However, Marigot, the capital of the Saint-Martin side, is perfect for duty-free shopping, with lots of jewelry and products from high-end fashion designers available. One of the island's main attractions is its beaches. In total there are 3 7 beautiful beaches in the area.

Greenland

Like the Faroe Islands, Greenland is self-governing but remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark. However, unlike Faroes, it is considered a part of North America. Having a large area but sparsely populated, many visitors will head to South Greenland or the Capital Region. The capital, Nuuk, has the feel of a small town with a population of under 17,000, but also the atmosphere of a larger city, combining traditional Greenlandic culture with wider global influences.

Greenland. (Wikimedia Commons/patano)

On vacation here, of course, you can enjoy the Northern Lights here, but there is still much to do during your stay. It's located in the heart of the world's largest fjord system, Nuup Kangerlua, so there's always some amazing sights to visit, while you should also head down Imaneq Street in the city center for some great bars.

Ceuta

Ceuta is a Spanish city on the North African coast bordering Morocco, less than 30 km from Gibraltar. Also known as Sebta in Arabic, it has tax-exempt status and a population of over 80,000 people. Apart from Spanish, the residents here also speak Darija (Moroccan Arabic).

Pier at Cueta. (Wikimedia Commons/carlos corzo)

Just a city, small and relatively dense but there is more than enough to do. Parque Marítimo del Mediterráneo, designed by Cesar Manrique, is a must in the summer months, while the architecture of Plaza de Africa in the heart of Ceuta is a must-see. Not too far from mainland Europe, and easy to reach, it makes a change from the cities you may have visited before.