Some Greek islands are made for shopping all day and dancing all night. Others invite lazy lie-ins and lounging by the pool, imbued with a sense of relaxation from every sandy beach to laid-back taverna. The island of Paxos near Corfu is one such destination, where it's perfectly acceptable to spend all day reading a book at a seaside cafe, looking up every so often to watch fishermen unload their boats as the sun arcs across the sky. With no major airportS or sprawling resorts to speak of, this is a whole other side to Greece you haven't seen yet. Legend has it that Paxos was created when the Greek god Poseidon used his almighty trident to strike the southern corner of Corfu and break off a slice of paradise for him and Amphitrite, the goddess of the sea. While ambling around town, it's not hard to see why any god (or human, for that matter) might choose Paxos as a secluded getaway.

How far would you go for a pint of beer? If you're venturing out into the Scottish Highlands anytime soon, you could easily find out. A few hours north of Glasgow in the village of Inverie, there’s a small but proud population of 120 and the most remote pub in Britain: The Old Forge. There's no road going in or out, so it's either an 18-mile hike over the mountains or a seven-mile ferry ride across Loch Nevis. The pub's story is an admirable one—an echo of the fighting spirit found in communities across Scotland. A few years ago, when the pub was put up for sale, the town launched a fundraising campaign to buy it as a collective. The locals were eager to preserve the landmark and its many iterations come and gone, from a cottage to a blacksmith shop to a social club to the beloved, lively pub it is today.

With its sparkling beaches, white houses, and lively tavernas, the island of Astypalaia seems like it should be part of the sun-soaked Cyclades, like Santorini or Paros. Yet this destination is part of the Dodecanese chain in the Aegean Sea. Despite its beauty and warm hospitality, it somehow manages to fly under the radar (at least for now), keeping the town as authentic and traditional as one would hope to find. The town is known as the "Butterfly of the Aegean" due to its unusual shape. From above, the island looks like a set of wings, connected by a thinner landmass in the center. By day, expect blue-domed chapels, whitewashed windmills, and narrow cobblestone streets. At night, the town’s centerpiece—a 12th-century Venetian castle—casts a warm glow over travelers from near and far.

The Ioanian paradise of Zakynthos has everything you'd expect from a popular Greek island—jaw-dropping vistas, bath-like waters, and drool-worthy cuisine whipped up fresh inside lively tavernas. Yet this island, affectionately nicknamed "Zante," doesn't have to come with the exorbitant price tag of other popular Greek islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete. Believe it or not, this is one swanky destination you can explore without breaking the bank. The secret? It all comes down to your timing. If you're willing to travel to Zante during the shoulder seasons, you can lock in one of the best vacations in Europe from April through June. Not only will you beat the crowds and enjoy comfortable weather, but you'll get a steal on accommodations and outdoor adventures. The shipwreck beach alone is worth it.

A holiday in Greece never disappoints. While most travelers flock to the ruins of Athens or the turquoise seas that hug the Greek islands, there's a whole other side of this prized paradise you've probably never heard about. Northwest Greece is home to Epirus, a geographical medley of towering limestone mountains, forests, alpine lakes, caves, rivers, waterfalls, and the hallmark beaches that make Greece so famous. Sitting five hours north of the capital, Epirus easily rivals other well-known hiker destinations like the Italian Dolomites or Georgia's Caucasus mountain range. No matter your outdoor experience, there’s a bounty of scenic trails for all levels.

It's not hard to feel amorous in Italy. If the scenery, cobblestone streets, and music doesn't get you, maybe the wine will. There's one charming spot that's all but flown under the radar, especially compared to well-trodden destinations like Florence and Rome. It's called Torino—or Turin, if your map is in English. By train, it's only a one-hour zip from Milan and every bit as romantic as other Italian cittàs. Torino is the capital of the Piedmont region and the birthplace of treasures like Ferrero and Nutella, crowning it the chocolate capital of the country. As such, it's only fair for you and your sweetheart to indulge in a dessert tour, first thing.

In the charming countryside of Borgloon, Belgium, there's a church that's both there and, well, not there. From one angle, the chapel appears solid. From another, it's see-through, with foliage appearing behind the beams and entire sections missing, as though they've simply dissolved into thin air. This impressive illusion is appropriately titled "Reading Between the Lines." Installed in 2011, it captures the local community’s relationship with faith and religion beautifully. The church remains a solid pillar for some and a familiar, if not fading, fixture for others. Either way, this unique structure is a gorgeous site to behold.

Life is no fairytale, but for a few days at this European theme park, it might just feel like it. The Efteling World of Wonders is the largest and oldest theme park in the Netherlands, having enchanted visitors of all ages for more than 70 years. Whether you're seeking a relaxing visit, an action-filled adventure, a light fairytale, or something a little more dark, this park has attractions to suit any mood and taste. With 5.4 million visitors per year, this local staple is as popular as ever, yet the dreamy scenery, affordable prices, and smaller crowds make it seem more like a well-kept secret.