Here’s the thing about Europe – most of us land, head straight for the big attractions, and then wonder why we’re shoulder to shoulder with every other tourist holding a guidebook and a gelato.
Don’t get me wrong, the icons are famous for a reason, but if you want to experience the real heart of places like Belgium, Malta, and Greece, here’s where to sneak off to.
Tip 1 – Belgium like a local
In Brussels, everyone storms the Grand Place and yes, it’ll knock your socks off. But if you want the city to yourself, hit it early.
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If you want to experience Brussels without crowds head out early. (Nine/Supplied)
Wander the small streets and head into the Royal Galleries early in the morning to be greeted by the smell of fresh waffles and chocolate.
And don’t just drink any old beer, head to the Belgian Beer World Experience.
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It’s part museum, part national obsession, and you’ll leave with a new appreciation for just how seriously Belgians take their hops.
Crazy fact… they produce over 1500 different types of beer.
Try the Belgian Beer World Experience. (Nine/Supplied)
In Bruges, skip the crowded boat rides and head up the Belfry Tower. The 366 steps are a serious leg workout, but the sweeping views over the rooftops and canals make it worth every step.
Give yourself permission to get lost in Bruges, it’s made for exploring. Duck into side streets and you’ll stumble upon hidden courtyards, quiet canals, and little stalls where the locals line up for cones of golden fries smothered in mayo.
It’s simple, it’s authentic, and a prefect treat for all the hard work you just put in.
Belgium is well-known for its food offerings. (Nine/Supplied)
You can’t go past trying a famous Belgium waffle. (Nine/Supplied)Tip 2 – Malta uncovered
Valletta’s cathedral is dripping in gold, but the whole experience of visiting Malta is an underrated travel gem.
Jump on a traditional dgħajsa boat (they’re like floating time machines) to the Three Cities. It’s a five-minute ride, but you feel like you are cast back centuries.
Malta is an underrated travel gem in Europe. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Jump on a traditional dgħajsa boat, they’re like floating time machines. (Nine/Supplied)
If you’ve got a free afternoon, take the ferry to Gozo – slower pace, salt pans, and the kind of homemade cheese that sums of the flavours of a whole country in one mouthful.
And for seafood lovers, Marsaxlokk is where the locals go.
Grab yourself a freshly caught Mediterranean smorgasbord before jumping off the limestone cliffs into the sparkling turquoise waters of St Peter’s pool with the locals.
Limestone cliffs and sparkling turquoise waters dot the coastline. (Nine/Supplied)Tip 3 – The real flavours of Greece
Everyone wants their Santorini sunset, but if you head into the Peloponnese region you’ll get sunsets with zero elbows in your ribs!
The Menalon Trail is one of the highlights and takes you on an ancient hike, not only through nature but through thousands of years of history.
The Peloponnese region offers the same beauty without the tourists. (Nine/Supplied)
Explore nature and thousands of years of history. (Nine/Supplied)
The Diros Caves? They’re basically Europe’s best-kept underground wonder. Part boat ride, part ghost story as you drift through 14km of underground caves unlike anything else I have experienced.
And when in Kalamata, yes, eat the olives (you can’t escape them), but hit the markets too.
It’s here you’ll meet the farmers and local producers that give you that taste of Greece that you really came for.
You’ll really get a taste of Greece in this region. (Nine/Supplied)The Secret: Just turn left
The trick is simple: tick off the icons, then turn left when everyone else turns right.
That’s where the best stories are, and by far the best travel memories.
If you’re ready to come exploring, join me on a special one-hour episode Journey to Europe – Belgium, Malta, and Greece to discover more of the hidden gems of these incredible destinations.
Journey to Europe will air on Channel Nine and 9Now on Saturday October 4, at 4pm.
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