The continent of Europe is a beauty for the eyes and to the soul. It not only rejuvenates your eyes and also your intellectuals. There is art, history, and culture, even in the smallest corners of this beautiful continent. Thousands of tourists and travelers flock to Europe and dive into its cultural experience. Every European city must have traveled in its own specific way. For exploring Paris , travelers choose
to go by a Vespa, for exploring the Swiss towns, cycling is the best way. And there are some cities of Europe which are best toured by its famous canal cruise.
Other famous historical and cultural towns of Europe, there are also beautiful canal cities. These canal cities are the hidden gem of Europe. The canal cruising is one of the best way to tour the beauty of these European cities. These canal cities of Europe have become a popular tourist destination in the recent years. Many of them are exquisite destinations for honeymoon and romantic vacations. Thanks
to the Bollywood movies shot in these canal cities, these canal cities have become popular amidst the backpackers from India, yet some are still left to be discovered. Here is a curated list of the most beautiful canal cities in Europe:
1. Annecy, France
France has cultural and artistic hub of Paris and Luxembourg. Other than its city life, there are beautiful villages of southern France. Amidst the balance of cultural cities and magnificent villages in the south, lies the quaint canal town of Annecy. The canal town of Annecy is also referred as the Pearl of the French Alps . The canal town is old and rustic and is sandwiched between the Annecy lake and the Semnoz mountains. It geographical location has constricted the expansion of the canal town. Annecy is not known for bustling nightlife or historical tourism but it quaintness in the canals. There are more canals than roads, and tourists choose to explore the town through the foot bridges. Annecy is a town to get lost amidst the cobbled street and pastel houses and eat some comfort food at the cafes. You may
also like to explore the historic and the beautiful chateau’d Annecy situated over a hill. The site of the whole town from this beautiful caste is quite picturesque. Annecy is also great for exploring the fresh flower and fish market. It is a weekend getaway for many city dwellers of France.
2. Empuriabrava, Spain
Other than Barcelona and Madrid, Spain also has beautiful treasures for travellers. But very few people know about the canal city of Empuriabrava. It is a hidden gem of Spain. This canal city is a popular summer getaway for the residents of Spain. This Spanish canal town was originally located on a swamp. Its revamping has been the token sincere efforts of the community members who changed the swamp into a beautiful canal city with 15 miles of canals. Empuriabrava is destination to enjoy some time at this luxurious yachts and marinas. Tourist also spend some time exploring the medieval castles and forts in the city. You can stroll around the museum and discover Spanish history or take a walk on the white beaches. If you are a nature lover, then do visit the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park which is a residence to 330 migratory bird species. The national park however has limited tours .While you stay in this exotic Spanish canal city, do remember to some delicious seafood at the restaurants.
3. Averio, Portugal
Portugal also has its fair share of contribution to the cultural influence in art and history. We have its direct influence in many of the Indian cities. Many of the cities in Portugal are situated on the riverfront such as Porto and the capital city of Lisbon. The canal city of Averio is an offbeat destination of Portugal. It located beside a lagoon on the central coastline of the country. The city’s canals connect to
the lagoon. Originally Averio ‘s canal was built for fishing and growing salt and seaweed. This small canal town of Portugal has its own charm and it is best discovered by cruising through the canals on boats called moliceiros. It is great to roam around the town’s beautiful colorful tiles houses and famous marketplaces.
4. Bath, England
England is known for its medieval castles and the hot tea with fish and chips, but the beauty of the canal city of Bath is known to very few travelers. This Georgian canal town is two centuries old and its anniversary was celebrated in the year 2010. The twin canals, Kenet and Avon flow through the town. When you are in town do take a stroll on the medieval triple arched of Pulteney Bridge beneath which
the Avon canal flows. The town is laden with houses and museum embodying the Georgian style of architecture. Tourists who visit Bath do take a canal cruise on a skippered boat to tour the beauty of this city and then savor the delectable food at the floating restaurants on the canals.
5. Bamberg, Germany
There are very few canal cities in Germany which has survived after the aftermath of the bombings during World War II. It is medieval town which 1000 years old. The canal city is embarked by seven hills. The most iconic district and neighborhood of Germany is called the Little Venice which is situated beside the river Regnitz. The district was a famous hub with cottages for the fishermen community in
Germany. Near to the district of Little Venice is the island, where the Bamber city Hall was built. The monument is a sign of protest. Bamberg is beautiful and the canal cruise takes you towards the city harbor where you can see the magnificent merging of the river Regnitz with river Main and Danube. This has marked the Main-Danube Canal. Bamberg is a quaint canal town away from the hustling of
other German cities. It has a great history to be explored by the backpackers. It is one of the offbeat and lesser known places that must feature in the list of places to visit in Germany.
Other than the historical and cultural cities, when you come to Europe and want some solitary and quietude, head to these canal cities. People say that places situated near the water are the most peaceful, and we can say the same about these canal cities in Europe.
By Aditi Chakraborty
Article References:
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