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Dubrovnik, Croatia - Alternative: Split -

In Split, you'll find rich history alongside gorgeous coastal views and a lively atmosphere. Visitors should check out the beautiful Diocletian Palace and savor Split's local cuisine.

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Venice, Italy - Alternative: Verona -

Verona is more peaceful and calm than Venice, yet has all the charm. It's known for its Shakespearean connections, specifically Romeo and Juliet, as well as its beautiful architecture.

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Bruges, Belgium - Alternative: Ghent -

Ghent is a beautiful medieval city that boasts gorgeous architecture and picturesque canals. It's known for its lively atmosphere.

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Rhodes, Greece - Alternative: Naxos -

If you're looking for authentic Greek island life without the chaos of Rhodes, check out Naxos. It has beautiful beaches, traditional villages, and more.

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Reykjavik, Iceland - Alternative: Akureyri -

Akureyri is the capital of North Iceland and is a great place to explore natural beauty without all the crowds found in Reykjavik. Here, you'll find everything from whale watching to tranquil atmospheres.

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Florence, Italy - Alternative: Lucca -

For visitors seeking a quieter, more intimate experience compared to Florence, try Lucca. With its well-preserved Renaissance walls, beautiful churches, and relaxed vibe, what's not to love?

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Heraklion, Greece - Alternative: Chania -

Chania, Greece is a picturesque town on Crete with Venetian-style architecture and stunning harbor. It's beauty and relaxed atmosphere make it one unforgettable getaway.

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Amsterdam, Netherlands - Alternative: Utrecht -

In Utecht, you'll find Amsterdam-style canals and historic buildings but with fewer tourists. It offers a more authentic Dutch experience.

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Dublin, Ireland - Alternative: Galway -

In Galway, you'll find a vibrant, well-known art scene as well as live music, and charming streets. You can also explore the countryside to get a very authentic Irish experience.

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Tallinn, Estonia - Alternative: Tartu -

In Tartu, you'll find a university town brimming with youthful energy, beautiful architecture, and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to Tallinn.

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Paris, France - Alternative: Lille -

Lille is a vibrant city with a mix of French and Flemish cultures. It offers rich history, beautiful architecture, and a more relaxed experience than the hectic streets of Paris.

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Porto, Portugal - Alternative: Cascais -

Cascais is a coastal resort town in Portugal and is known for its sandy beaches. It is home to the medieval Nossa Senhora da Luz Fort and the Citadel Palace. 

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Prague, Czech Republic - Alternative: Český Krumlov -

Český Krumlov is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a stunning castle and cobblestone streets. It is perfect for history lovers. 

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Athens, Greece - Alternative: Nafplio -

On the coast, you'll find the charming old town of Nafplio. It has Venetian architecture and a slower way of life compared to fast-paced Athens.

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Nice, France - Alternative: Antibes -

Antibes in France offers beautiful beaches, a historic old town, and a more relaxed vibe. If you want to enjoy a coastal retreat that's more peaceful than Nice, you may have found the perfect location!

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Edinburgh, Scotland - Alternative: Stirling -

Stirling is rich in Scottish history! It has a stunning palace and famous castles and battlefields. History enthusiasts will rejoice as they explore Stirling.

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Lisbon, Portugal - Alternative: Sintra -

Sintra is known for its beautiful palaces and lush landscapes. It is within about an hour's drive of the bustling streets of Lisbon, making it a perfect getaway.

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Copenhagen, Denmark - Alternative: Aarhus -

Aarhus is Denmark’s second-largest city. It has a vibrant cultural scene and historic buildings. It also offers a more laid-back feeling than Copenhagen, making it the perfect spot for a relaxed city break.

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Antalya, Turkey - Alternative: Fethiye -

Fethiye offers beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and a relaxed atmosphere. The beautiful, deep blue waters will put you at peace.

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Barcelona, Spain - Alternative: Valencia -

Valencia has a warm and sunny climate and is a city famous for landmarks such as La Llotja and the City of Arts and Sciences. It's a unique Spanish city full of culture and delicious food.

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Milan, Italy - Alternative: Bergamo -

In Bergamo, you'll be able to explore medieval architecture and find stunning views at a more relaxed pace than in Milan. 

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Rome, Italy - Alternative: Bologna -

Bologna is famous for its culinary scene, historic university, and much more! It provides an arguably more authentic Italian experience compared to the crowded streets of Rome.

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Vienna, Austria - Alternative: Graz -

Graz is the second largest city in Austria and not as visited as Vienna. This city is found in the southern region of Styria and has a lot to offer foodies and history lovers.

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Munich, Germany - Alternative: Nuremberg -

Nuremberg is rich in history with a beautiful old town and a more intimate feel. It's the perfect alternative to Munich for those interested in German history.

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Kraków, Poland - Alternative: Wrocław -

Wrocław is known for its lively market square, gorgeous islands, and picturesque bridges. Wroclaw is also the third largest city in Poland.

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Frankfurt, Germany - Alternative: Heidelberg -

Heidelberg is found in southwest Germany and is best known for being a college town. It has romantic cityscapes and is more relaxed the Frankfurt, making it a perfect place to explore.

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Stockholm, Sweden - Alternative: Gothenburg -

The second-largest city in Sweden is Gothenburg. It is also the largest non-capital in the Nordics. It is encircled by a rocky shoreline, deep forests, and tranquil lakes.

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Lyon, France - Alternative: Annecy -

Annecy is best known for its charming old towns as well as its beautiful alpine setting. Here, you'll find an impressive nightlife scene, plenty of shopping options, and even lots of museums.

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London, United Kingdom - Alternative: Bath -

Bath is a historic city known for its Roman baths and Georgian architecture. It offers a more tranquil experience than the chaotic streets of London and is perfect for history enthusiasts.

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Mugla, Turkey - Alternative: Kas -

Kas is a charming coastal town with beautiful beaches and ancient ruins. It is also known as Turkey's premier scuba diving destination. This seaside town has a lot to offer.

Sources: (Tripadvisor) (Wanderlust) (Economic Times) (Holidu)

See also: Europe's most amazing beaches

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