Thanks to its rich history, varied landscape and abundant gastronomy, now more than ever tourists chooseEastern Europe as their travel destination. But increased popularity and accessibility can mean more tourists and an overstretched infrastructure. Luckily, looking beyond the most popular places has never been easier, and Eastern Europe offers great alternatives whether you want to wander through ancient ruins, taste wines or head for the water. Here are our recommendations for your getaways within a stone's throw of the region's most popular cities.
Devín Castle near Bratislava occupies an important position at the confluence of the Danube and the Morava © TomasSereda / Getty Images
Rafting on the Vltava River in Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
Prague deserves to be famous, but the number of visitors it attracts has left the infrastructure of this Baroque capital a little shaky. The same sumptuous beauty can be found in miniature only two hours away. In South Bohemia, tiny Český Krumlov creates a new concept of the picturesque. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a classic day trip from Prague and Linz. However, if you stay for two or three nights, you can enjoy the beauty of the quiet evenings. During the day, the best way to escape the crowds is to head for the water. Maleček Rafting offers a wide range of options on the Vltava River. Probably the best route starts just outside Český Krumlov, where the river meanders through hilly forests. From the water, you will have a better vantage point to admire the pastel-shaded Renaissance chateau and riverside restaurants. The experience reaches its rightful climax with dozens of slides on the dams along the river, which will propel you towards the finish line.
Rafting on the Vltava River near Český Krumlov, Czech Republic © fotofritz16 / Getty Images
Discovering the ancient remains of Devín Castle, Slovakia
Often overshadowed by its neighbouring capitals, Bratislava, located between Budapest and Vienna, attracts tourists from Eastern European capitals for a visit to its magnificent castle and old town square. Perhaps its most unique beauty, however, lies in the wild countryside and you won't have to travel too far from the capital to admire it. Immerse yourself in the country's rich history at Devín Castle, just 12 km outside Bratislava. Built on a steep rock, the foundations of the medieval castle date back to the 5th century BC. The view of the river and surrounding hills is reason enough to visit, not to mention the archaeological exhibition and its ancient walls.
Watching the heart-shaped Trnovačko Lake at the bottom of the valley makes the strenuous walk worthwhile © Maya Karkalicheva / Getty Images
Hiking in Sutjeska National Park, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro
Sarajevo is located in a valley surrounded by mountains, so it would be a shame not to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails. There is no better place for hiking than Sutjeska National Park, a few hours' drive from the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Organising a guided tour might be the best way to get off the beaten track, as parts of the park are closed to cars. Green Visions organises tours from the capital that include walking and picnicking in the heart of the park. You can completely forget about asphalt at Lake Trnovačko, because the trail is really the only way to get there. A two-hour route takes you over a mountain pass in Bosnia and over a hill in Montenegro to the heart-shaped lake. After another short climb, you will reach a viewpoint where you can admire the lake in all its glory, no wonder it is a popular place to propose.
The quiet harbour of Maslinica on the island of Šolta, Croatia © On The Wing UAV Ltd / Getty Images
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Searching for the sun on the sleeping island of Šolta, Croatia
Just off the coast of Split, the sleepy island of Šolta lures weary travellers with its rocky coves and hidden beaches. Cheaper, more rustic and quieter than neighbouring Brac and Hvar, Šolta is your ideal Croatian island for relaxation. Once you've visited Split's historical sights, head for the sparkling waters beyond the harbour: Šolta is only 30 minutes away by ferry. Split is overcrowded in the summer and Croats and other Balkan holidaymakers tend to visit during this time, so visit the region out of season for the privilege of having the lush beaches, crystal-clear waters and inviting restaurants all to yourself. One of the best ways to visit Šolta is to rent bikes and cycle along the 13 km of undulating hills separating Maslinica and Rogac, stopping at villages dotted along the way. Whichever way you go, you will find yourself at the far end of the island in the port town of Maslinica, where you can seek out the most beautiful beaches and calmest waters with only a couple of yachts for company.
The picturesque town of Keszthely, lies at the end of Lake Balaton, Hungary © Lara Irimeeva / Alamy Stock Photo
Tasting wine in the volcanic hills of Lake Balaton, Hungary
Only two hours away from Budapest, on Lake Balaton, the largest freshwater lake in Europe, locals and international tourists come to sunbathe and swim during the summer. Along the shores of the lake are the fabulous but also well-known towns of Balatonfüred and Tihany, which can be very crowded, especially in summer. Instead, head to the coastal town of Keszthely, with its quaint museums, small beaches and colourful streets. Visit the vineyards for a wine tasting in Somló, nestled on the Somló mountainside, home of the region's smallest wine region. Here you can taste full-bodied white wines produced on volcanic soil. The unique soil helps create a misty white wine from the black basaltic rock substrate, a remnant of an ancient lava flow and sandy loam.
A paraglider flies over Lake Bohinj in Triglav National Park, Slovenia © Elena de las Heras / Alamy Stock Photo
Paragliding in the Triglav National Park, Slovenia
The Triglav National Park is the essence of the Slovenian countryside. River gorges, canyons, streams, meadows and forests cover the landscape of Slovenia 's only National Park in the Julian Alps. You won't have to spend too much time in the small Slovenian capital Ljubljana, so moving to Triglav seems more than reasonable after a couple of days spent feasting on goulash and Bled cream cake, walking along bridges and around the city's castle. There are hiking trails and passes in the park, as well as the invigorating ascent of Mount Triglav, the nation's highest peak. Travellers can fish, go rafting and find quiet places to swim. And within the park lies Lake Bohinj. There has always been a debate as to which is more beautiful between Bled and Bohinj, but it is safe to say that the latter wins when it comes to more adventure and fewer tourists. Activities on offer include kayaking, SUP, climbing and horse riding. But to reach the pinnacle, add a moment of calm to your adventure hunt and take to the skies with an aerial view of the lake with a paraglider. Flying over the lake and mountains here is spectacular: an oasis of tranquillity for thrill seekers.