Trip to the mountains

To the sea and the mountains - places to go in Europe

The sea and the mountains, two in one - the perfect combination for a holiday.

Especially for those travelers who can not decide what they prefer. If you are still pondering what is better - gentle sea, endless beaches and sunbathing or crystal-clear mountain air filled with notes of pine needles and citrus trees, we will save you from these agony of choice. Why not combine beach and mountain vacation?

We invite you to get acquainted with nine excellent places in Europe where you can spend your holidays enjoying the sea and the mountains. And how exactly to spend your holidays - lie on the beach, climb the mountains or go on excursions - you decide on your own. So, 9 great summer vacation ideas in Europe!

Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor Bay in the Adriatic Sea is characterized by the most characteristic landscape of the Montenegrin coast. The bay stretches for 293 kilometers, of which 52 kilometers are beaches. A little further, near Budva, there is another great sandy beach.

The majestic mountains picturesquely descend to the sea line of the coast, and over the sheltered gardens and groves along the coasts are scattered numerous cities in which you can see the magnificent monuments of the times of the ancient Greeks and Romans.

Boka Kotorska Bay in Montenegro is very beautiful, many travelers note its amazing similarity with the landscapes of Norway, so it is often called the “southernmost fjord in Europe”. Kotor is the main city on the coast of the bay, in which there are many very beautiful buildings built during the times of the Venetian Republic.

The old city is surrounded by thick walls with a total length of 4.5 kilometers and represents a real web of streets, in which it is simply impossible not to get lost. Behind the northern gate is the entrance to the fortress of St. John, from which there is a breathtaking view of the narrow language of Boka Kotorska on the one hand, and on the other - on the ascetic mountain landscapes. One of the roads leading from the fortress stretches to these mountains.

Olympic Riviera, Greece

70 kilometers is exactly the length of the magnificent Greek beaches of the Aegean coast at the foot of the legendary Mount Olympus. What is there? There are resorts, ideal for lovers of noisy parties (Paralia-Katerini and Leptokaria), secluded beaches, which will be comfortable for lovers of a relaxing holiday (Panteleimonas, Nei Pori, Kokkino-Nero). If you belong to lovers of outdoor activities and mountain hiking, we recommend making a small (or full) ascent to the top of Olympus. The most popular tourist route to the top of Olympus begins in Litohoro. Professional climbing skills will not be required, but the route will be long and requires good stamina and minimal equipment (at least you need good, reliable boots). Less experienced in conquering mountain peaks, tourists can go for a walk along the gorge of Enipea or to the ruins of the monastery of Dionysius. In general, for fans of active recreation there is a lot of interesting things here - not only mountaineering, but also rock-climbing, canyoning, rafting or parachuting. And, of course, different types of water sports: swimming, snorkeling, water skiing, water bikes, canoes.

Makarska riviera Croatia

Dazzling white peaks rise above the emerald water of the Adriatic Sea, the beaches in the Croatian resort of Makarska Riviera are picturesque, albeit mostly stony, the water is crystal clear, and the tourist base is very good. Makarska Riviera is located in Dalmatia, between Dubrovnik and Split. The only inconvenience is the need to take into account the presence of sea urchins in the water, but special slippers will help you.

Above the small city (about 12 thousand inhabitants), the mountain Biokovo rises, the highest peak is the Yura (1762 meters above sea level). The trail to the highest mountain is clearly visible, but only experienced tourists can climb it. You can also take advantage of mountain tours offered by local guides, providing a combined way of climbing (cars + on foot). By the way, with some luck on the mountain paths, you will be able to meet chamois and mouflons.

Bergen, Norway

We say fjords, but we mean Norway. The coast of Norway, eaten by sea surf, year after year attracts crowds of tourists, who are not at all confused by the rather high prices for holidays here, nor by the cool weather. Bergen, located at the foot of the mountains, at the junction of the North and Norwegian Seas, is proudly called the gate to the fjords.
If you decide to go on holiday in Bergen, be sure to start exploring this city with exciting high-altitude panoramas. From the funicular connecting Bergen to the top of Mount Floyn, a very beautiful view opens up. From Bergen you can sail to Flam by sea. The route of the boat, by the way, passes through the Sognefjord, the longest Norwegian fjord, with a depth of 1208 meters and a length of about 203 kilometers. Views from the ship are exceptionally beautiful: rocks, waterfalls, steep mountains. Good advice: As the popular proverb in Norway says, “there is no bad weather - only bad clothes”. Therefore, when going to Norway, be sure to take waterproof shoes and clothes with you, because even in summer the rain can be quite heavy, and in case of cold days, stock up with a warm sweater or fleece sweatshirt.

Liguria, Italy 

In the north-west of Italy, on the Mediterranean coast, is the province of Liguria. There are many charming towns and villages here, but the real attraction of Liguria are the five unique cities of Cinque Terre: Manarola, Monterosso al Mare, Corniglia, Vernazza and Riomaggiore. All of them are very colorful and picturesquely located on the rocky seashore.
Cinque Terre - five mountain villages scattered in the steep, but very picturesque coastal cliffs on the Ligurian coast. Sheer cliffs descend into the sea, steep streets lead through villages, small houses, as if glued to each other, nestled above the rocks, and expensive, connecting the village, as if carved into the steep cliffs. Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore were isolated from the rest of Italy for many centuries and could only be reached by sea. Today the most convenient way to travel to Liguria is by train. The railway line, laid in 1874, is very picturesque, of course, except for those sections where it passes inside mountain tunnels.
The villages are connected by hiking trails through olive groves and pine forests. From the paths opens a very beautiful view of the sea. It is possible to overcome this road in 5 hours, if you do not make long stops and have the necessary endurance. But do not stop, honestly, it is simply impossible - beautiful rocky beaches in solitary bays seduce with warm sea waves, and in pubs various delicacies, pizza, pasta and farinata emanate with the most delicious aromas. The area around Cinque Terre is also known for its excellent olive oil, which is produced by hand.