{"id":29114,"date":"2021-02-01T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-02-01T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.omio.com\/window-seat\/uncategorized\/good-natured"},"modified":"2022-06-22T09:29:50","modified_gmt":"2022-06-22T09:29:50","slug":"europes-best-national-parks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.omio.com\/window-seat\/travel-tip\/under-radar\/europes-best-national-parks\/","title":{"rendered":"Europe\u2019s Best Under-the-Radar National Parks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

One of the most positive things to come out of 2020 was how it reignited humanity\u2019s love for exploring the great outdoors. As normal pastimes became off-limits, most of us found a newfound passion for leaving teeming cities behind for the quieter countryside. The feeling of cheeks turning pink in the crisp, fresh air was exhilarating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the deepest of winter almost behind us, we\u2019re more than ready to get back out into the wild. If, like us, you\u2019re planning on exploring Europe\u2019s quieter side this year, then look no further for some wilderness inspiration! We\u2019ve scoured the continent to find some of its most beloved national parks that don\u2019t always appear on a Google search. From coastal walks to flat plains to weird and wonderful rock formations, here are some of our favorites that are just waiting to be explored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nature Parc High Venn, Belgium<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Wooden pathways stretch as far as the eye can see at Nature Parc High Venn. Credit: EyeEm<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Situated on the border of Belgium<\/a> and Germany, a trip to the High Fens\u2014as it\u2019s known in English\u2014is like stepping back in time. The landscape of Belgium\u2019s oldest and largest reserve has hardly changed since the Ice Age. Spanning more than 11,000 acres, you\u2019ll discover eerie moorlands and peat bogs, dense forests full of fir trees, and bubbling brooks. Make it to the Signal de Botrange and you\u2019ll find yourself at Belgium\u2019s highest point, which is nearly 2,300 feet above sea level. Thanks to wooden paths that run throughout, large parts of the park are accessible to people with limited mobility.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay: <\/strong>Domaine Des Hautes Fagnes<\/strong><\/a>
On the border of the High Fens, this hotel is located less than a mile from Signal de Botrange. All rooms are decorated in a modern but sleek style, and there is a spa and restaurant onsite, making it the perfect place to relax after a long walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hortob\u00e1gy National Park, Hungary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Expect to see plenty of wild horses during your visit to Hortob\u00e1gy National Park. Credit: EyeEm<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Observation towers can be found throughout the park and are great for bird spotting. Credit: EyeEm<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Located in eastern Hungary, Hortob\u00e1gy National Park is the largest national grassland in central Europe. The area has a rich cultural history and plays an important part in Hungarian folklore. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, it aims to preserve the ancient culture of csik\u00f3s\u2014<\/em>think Hungarian cowboys\u2014who have worked the land since the thirteenth century. Expect to see domestic animals including native Hungarian Grey cows and wild Przewalski\u2019s <\/strong>horses. <\/strong>The vast flat plains, known as the Puszta<\/em> in Hungarian, and wetlands are also home to more than 300 different bird species, making it a great spot for bird watching. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay: <\/strong>S\u00f3vir\u00e1g Vend\u00e9gh\u00e1z Guesthouse<\/strong><\/a>
This traditional Hungarian guesthouse is situated in the settlement of  Hortob\u00e1gy, which is just a little more than six miles from the park. All rooms have basic amenities but come with a terrace or balcony. Activities such as horseback riding can be found nearby.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parque Nacional da Peneda-Ger\u00eas, Portugal <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Expect stunning mountain vistas when you visit Parque Nacional da Peneda-Ger\u00eas. Credit: EyeEm<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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With varied terrain, Parque Nacional da Peneda-Ger\u00eas is great for long hikes. Credit: EyeEm<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Portugal\u2019s only national park doesn\u2019t disappoint. Located in the north of a country, just a little more than 62 miles from Porto<\/a>, the park protects the ancient granite villages that have been here since the twelfth century. Covering a huge expanse of nearly 179,000 acres, the park is set between the plateaus of <\/em>Castro Laboreiro and Mourela. The landscape is great for those who enjoy big hikes. Expect epic scenery filled with imposing mountain ranges including the Ger\u00eas and Peneda, forests made of ancient oak trees, and picturesque waterfalls that are perfect for a relaxing swim after a day of exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay: <\/strong>Selina Ger\u00eas<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>
Located on the C\u00e1vado River, this cozy hostel is just seven and a half miles from the Arado Waterfall. With sleeping options including glamping tents, dorms and private rooms all designed to a high standard, there\u2019s something for everyone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

G\u00f6reme National Park, Turkey<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Stand amongst the impressive \u201cfairy chimneys\u201d at Goreme National Park. Credit: EyeEm<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Hot air balloons are a popular way to discover the park from above. Credit: Alex Azabache\/Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Situated between two extinct volcanoes in the heart of Turkey, G\u00f6reme National Park has a landscape like no other. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park surrounds Cappadocia, a Byzantine honeycombed settlement that is built into the unique landscape. With otherworldly rock formations such as \u201cfairy chimneys\u201d and rock towers, exploring these ancient monoliths will make you feel like you\u2019re on another planet. Marvel at the intricate structure by hot air balloon from above or get in on the magic by walking (or cycling) through the natural mazes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay: <\/strong>Safran Cave Hotel<\/strong><\/a>
At this family-run refurbished cave house, every room is decorated in a lavish Turkish style. Located close to the park and Cappadocia, its large terrace is a great spot to spend a warm evening.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Wales<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Be spellbound by the majestic beauty of the Welsh coast. Credit: EyeEm<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For those who love the sea, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in Wales is a must. Stretching across 186 miles of Welsh coastline, the landscape changes drastically from one end to the other. Full of natural wonder, you\u2019ll discover everything from remnants of ancient volcanic activity to hidden caves to sandy beaches to bold limestone cliffs. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Trust <\/strong>prides itself on its dedication to sustainability, with 11 beaches earning Blue Flag Awards for their cleanliness and commitment to environmental protection\u2014making a dip in the brilliant blue waters even more tempting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay: <\/strong>Roch Castle
<\/strong><\/a>This castle, built in the twelfth century, boasts comfortable, modern rooms with all the amenities. Located near the town of Tenby, the castle is a short drive from the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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No huffing, just puffins! Will you spot one of the native birds on your visit to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park? Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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A visit to a national park will have you feeling refreshed. Credit: EyeEm<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

One of the most positive things to come out of 2020 was how it reignited humanity\u2019s love for exploring the great outdoors. As normal pastimes became off-limits, most of us found a newfound passion for leaving teeming cities behind for the quieter countryside. The feeling of cheeks turning pink in the crisp, fresh air was… Continue reading Europe\u2019s Best Under-the-Radar National Parks<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":39855,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[720],"tags":[],"position_ids":[],"class_list":["post-29114","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-under-radar","entry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nEurope\u2019s Best Under-the-Radar National Parks | Omio<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.omio.com\/window-seat\/travel-tip\/under-radar\/europes-best-national-parks\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Europe\u2019s Best Under-the-Radar National Parks | Omio\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"One of the most positive things to come out of 2020 was how it reignited humanity\u2019s love for exploring the great outdoors. 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