Unique European Accommodation

Unique Accommodation in Europe

One of the many joys of an active holiday through Europe is that at the end of each day walking or cycling through the magnificent countryside there is still something to look forward to. 
 
From French chateaux in the Loire Valley to caves in Cappadocia, Europe offers a wide variety of unique and unusual places to rest and revive for a night, which only adds to the experience. If you’re looking to add an extra dimension to your next walking or cycling trip in Europe you should consider staying at one of these accommodation options.
 

Cave hotels in Cappadocia

Unique accommodations in Europe: Cave Hotels

There’s much more than meets the eye when exploring the magical fairy chimney landscapes in Turkey’s Cappadocia. Hidden beneath the soft volcanic rock are hotels, a real sanctuary where the old combines with the new in perfect harmony. Packed with modern conveniences, cave hotels offer a respite from the weather and noise of the outside world. Whether it is hot or cold outside, inside is always pleasant and many of them offer superb views.

>  View trips in Cappadocia  
 
 

Trulli, Puglia

 
Unique Europe Accommodations: Trulli, Puglia, Italy

Situated in the sun drenched heel of Italy, Puglia is like nowhere else in the country. Spend a night in a traditional trullo, something you won’t find elsewhere either. Trulli are fine examples of drywall, or mortarless, construction, an ancient building technique still in use today. Their key feature is the domed roofs of corbelled limestone slabs. It’s like sleeping in a museum, only with some modern comforts. 
 
 

Chateaux in the Loire Valley

   Unique accommodations in Europe: Chateau de Breuil

If you’re looking for a champagne experience on a premium beer budget, discover French chateau accommodation in our active holidays in the Loire Valley. This classic chateau near Cheverny in the ‘Valley of the Kings’ has been sympathetically remodelled to ensure that there are plenty of original features, like a tower and a moat, to make you feel like you are transported back to the 15th century when it was built. Of course there are many chateaux in the Loire Valley, but this one is our personal favourite. 
 
 

Ice hotels

 
Views of the rooms Ice Hotel Sweden |  <i>Robyn Lyons</i>
 
It's warmer than you'd expect! On the Sweden Northern Lights trip, two nights are spent at the Ice Hotel, the original Ice Hotel whose seasonal rooms are created by artists each year. This is a must-do experience.
 
   

Barges

 
Unique European accommodations: Barges or boatels
 
If the idea of a cruise makes you cringe, but the thought of a waterfront view which changes daily - from the same room – is appealing, try a ‘boatel’. Barge based active holidays are booming thanks to the novel experience of staying on a converted barge and still being able to walk or cycle during the day. Here’s a ‘cruise’ where you actually get to do things and getting off the boat is central to the holiday theme. After a day exploring the local landscapes, cultures and cuisines under your own steam, return to prime position views and swap tales with a small group of like minded travellers. 
 
 

Mountain Gites or Refuges

  Unique accommodations Europe: Refuges

While mountain huts can be found in most of the world’s great ranges, no one does them like the Europeans. The hospitality is as warm and welcoming as the bedding, the meals are simple yet hearty and the views – beyond priceless. You could be staying right next to a glacier, or surrounded by an amphitheatre of iconic snow capped peaks. The camaraderie found in a gite is unlike anywhere else. Compare boots, trade stories, laugh and clink vino glasses with virtual strangers who become instant friends thanks to the unity of spirit that brought you all to such an enigmatic place. 
 
 
 

 
What's the most extraordinary accommodation you've ever stayed in? Let us know in the comment section below.
 
  
Accommodation, Unique European accommodation

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