Europe has something for everyone – if you want to kick back in a cafe all afternoon drinking the finest coffee along the canals in Amsterdam, you can. But if you’d prefer to have a deep cultural experience in Italy or even dip into all the luxury a place has to offer, and you’re ready to trade your Virgin Games online casino gaming for the real deal in Monte Carlo, Europe is the perfect option. 

So let’s look at where you should be heading and what you should eat when you get there.

Azores

Portugal, The Azores

Portugal has always been a hot destination for tourists, but most often, when people go to Portugal, they head to Lisbon. 

Although Lisbon is stunning and a must-see in its own right, The Azores offer something a little bit different. 

It is made up of nine isles and is just off the coast. Filled with exciting natural sights like plenty of caves, grottos, geysers, hot springs, and even bubbling mud holes. Summertime is the best time to visit to see all of this and more. 

The Isle you’ll most likely visit is São Miguel, the largest one. Not only is it packed with stunning sights, but there are also plenty of activities like spelunking and hiking. 

Cozido das Furna is a dish packed with blood sausages, beef, and vegetables cooked naturally in volcanic earth. A dish you won’t find just anywhere! 

Germany, Berlin

Berlin might be one of the most incredible cities in the world. It has a very diverse nightlife, vibrant bars filled with delicious cocktail choices, and then the bars that you need a password and some bravery to enter. 

Of course, though, Berlin is packed with some of the most breathtaking and emotive landmarks, and in terms of culture, you can learn a lot. 

Historical sights like the Holocaust memorial and the Berlin Wall will set a sombre tone for the day – but are worth visiting. 

Aside from plenty of partying and history – Berlin has a plethora of culinary delights. 

In Berlin, you will see plenty of great beer and different types of wurst. But Berlin has some of the most delicious foods around. The Schnitzel should be top of the list.

Berlin

Monaco, Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo is the place for millionaires to shop, eat, stay and roll the dice. Of course, you can do all of those things too! The weather in the Mediterranean is glorious, and since both Italy and France border it, it makes a perfect day-trip location. 

Monte Carlo Casino is something that photographs don’t do justice to; seeing it in person will leave a lasting impression. It is one of the most luxurious and stunning buildings to be inside.

To get in, you need an ID and wear something that meets the dress code. 

After you have finished rolling the dice, playing cards and living the high-roller life, to get some calm, check out the Musée Oceanographique. A beautiful aquarium that is 90 meters above the sea and features over 6,000 different marine creatures. 

There is a food you have to try: Barbajuan. Barbajuan is the national dish of Monaco and a delicious deep-fried pastry fritter filled with pumpkin, ricotta cheese, Swiss cheese or spinach. 

Crispy, crunchy and perfect for eating while soaking up the sights. 

Romania, Sibiu

Often left out of some of the most beautiful places in the world, Romania has more than a little to offer. Sibiu has a deep and rich history, and you can get a sense of that as you walk around. 

While the city itself feels vibrant, lively, and young, it still has over 800 of history. With more than a little bit of cultural heritage, you won’t be hard pushed to spend hours strolling around. 

To get to know a place, one of the best things to do is go to an art gallery or a museum that features artists or works from people of the country. In this case, the best place to go to is the Brukenthal National Museum – there is a wide range of Romanian and other European artists on display – but the building and architecture are worth taking time to look at. 

Food-wise, there is so much to get into, but two things that you need to try out: Sarmale are cabbage rolls filled with rice, spices, onions, and minced meats. Or, if you like it a little bit sweet, then Papanasi is the one for you. A sweet doughnut-style dish that is topped with jam and sour cream. 

Greece, Kefalonia Island

You will undoubtedly have heard of some of the most popular places in Greece, like Mykonos, Santorini, and Corfu. 

Instead, skip those stunning places and head to Kefalonia Island, south of Corfu. Arguably one of the most beautiful islands, any photo you take will look just like a postcard. There are plenty of caves for sightseeing, including the Melissani Cave and the Drogarati Cave, both of which offer a rare beauty. 

After exploring the caves, head to the Archaeological Museum if you want to soak up some culture and art. 

Once you have finished a day of exploring, you can indulge in some of the traditional Kefalonia dishes. Fresh greens, plenty of rich and well-seasoned meat, and pies are on the menu. 

You’ll also enjoy plenty of garlic, fresh fish dishes, and incredible sweet sticky almond pastries. 

Europe offers delicious dishes, stunning views, and plenty of cultures. No matter where you go, you can turn up the octane and go skydiving, or take it easy and enjoy streetside cafes.

About Melissa Giroux

Melissa Giroux founded abrokenbackpack.com in 2015. She is been living abroad since 2014. Originally Canadian, she has been living and working online in many destinations around the world. She is passionate about traveling, technology, entrepreneurship, and CrossFit.

She has traveled extensively in Asia, Oceania, Europe, and North America. She is now living in Thailand.