Here at Long Travel we are inspired by travel and we make it our mission to seek out new destinations which we know you will love as much as we do. So here’s our pick of the hidden gems which we think you should put to the top of your travel list. They are places where you can avoid the crowds and have the type of authentic travel experiences which we know you love.
ITALY – Calabria and Basilicata
It’s no secret that Italy has long been a favourite with Long Travel’s guests. Many of you have already visited beautiful Puglia, which we were championing long before it made the travel pages of the national press. Now, we want to introduce you to our new holiday tip – the regions of Calabria and Basilicata, which have the perfect blend of stunning countryside, fascinating history and beautiful beaches. And crucially, they are not teeming with tourists! See our wonderful choice of boutique hotels here.
Visit the UNESCO world heritage site of Matera with its inspiring rock-cut churches and troglodyte dwellings as part of our 5 night World Heritage Sites Tour, where you will be based in nearby Puglia.
CROATIA– Sibenik, Zadar and northern Dalmatia
The Dalmatian coast boasts some of Croatia’s best scenery, with hundreds of picturesque islands dotting the clear Adriatic. The cities of Dubrovnik and Split are already popular with our guests, but further north lie the lesser known coastal cities of Sibenik and Zadar. Well worth a visit, you can combine history and culture with soaking up the sun on the beautiful coastline.
PORTUGAL – Alentejo
Give the busy beaches of the Algarve a miss and instead head to its lesser known neighbour, Alentejo. This beautiful region is better known for its agriculture than its tourism – which is handy when it comes to tasting the local wine! Inland the scenery is characterised by flat plains and charming hillside towns, including the fortified towns of Elvas and Evora, which are on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. The Atlantic coast, meanwhile, is home to dramatic beaches and golden sands.
NORTH CYPRUS – Famagusta and the Karpaz Peninsula
The north of the beautiful island of Cyprus has been little developed, and its most unspoiled part is the stunning Karpaz Peninsula, or the ‘panhandle’ as it is known. It is perhaps the only remaining place in the Mediterranean where you can find unspoiled golden sand without a beach bar in sight. Say hello to the wild donkeys who live here, or visit the nesting grounds of the rare green and loggerhead turtles, who favour this sleepy spot. Make a trip to the medieval fortified town of Famagusta, home to some of the best golden sandy beaches in the region.
