For travelers who’ve already completed the traditional European circuit — Paris, London, Rome, Barcelona — trendspotters at Lonely Planet have come up with their picks of ‘the best places in Europe’ for 2015.
And odds are, you’ll never guess the top spot!
Because their pick for the best place to visit in Europe this year has a population of 18,000 and outside Iceland, is hardly a household name.
Akureyri, also known as the Northern Capital of Iceland, has been deemed as the most compelling destination Europe has to offer in 2015 “…thanks to its easy-going feel combined with an urban buzz.”
While Reykjavik has enjoyed much of the spotlight in Iceland, LP experts point out that Akureyri also deserves its due as a base for exploring northern Iceland’s pastures, fishing villages, waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes and lava fields.
The Icelandic outpost also offers lively winter festivals and some of the country’s best skiing, adds Lonely Planet.
In recent years, Iceland has generated growing interest among globetrotters thanks to innovative tourism campaigns, two volcanic eruptions and the cult series “Game of Thrones,” which films on location in the country.
Rounding out the top three places on the list is Leipzig, Germany and The Azores in Portugal.
Conspicuously absent on the ranking are France and the UK.
Top 10 best destinations in Europe
1. Akureyri, Iceland
2. Leipzig, Germany
3. The Azores, Portugal
4. Malaga, Spain
5. Belgrade, Serbia
6. Piedmont, Italy
7. Baku, Azerbaijan
8. Amsterdam, the Netherlands
9. Tromso, Norway
10. Porto, Portugal
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