“The journey, not the destination matters…”

Having said that, here are a few random snapshots of castles in Europe for you to consider. We reckon they make the perfect travel antidote for that moment when you feel like giving up on normal life and becoming a Medieval princess or knight.

Old Castle – Celje, Slovenia

This 12th-century castle has always been one of the biggest and most magnificent forts in Slovenia, no matter how often its residents have changed. One of the attractions of the castle – Frederick’s Tower – reveals the intriguing legend behind an impossible love story: the romance between Frederick, son of Count Herman II, and a beautiful maiden named Veronika. Count Herman II did not approve of their love, so he threw Frederick in the tower and left him there for more than four years until he died.

Veliki Tabor – Northwest Croatia

The poor maiden from the story of the previous castle managed to run away from the angry count at first, but was eventually caught and imprisoned by his soldiers in Veliki Tabor Castle and later drowned in a large vat in the castle’s yard. Her body is believed to be built into the wall connecting the entrance of the castle and the pentagonal tower.

Centuries after these horrific events, the castle is now a museum displaying old vehicles, ethnographic items, swords and many more interesting exhibits. The building itself stands out as one of the most important historical examples of secular architecture in Croatia.

Brissac Castle – south of the city of Angers in France

The original castle here was built in the 11th century, and in the 15th century it was renovated by the Duke of Brissac. The twin towers, however, remained the same and can still be seen with their original facades. This castle is known as one of the most haunted places in the world – people claim to have seen and heard the ghost of the Lady in the Green Dress, a victim of a double murder that happened here in the 15th century.

Neuschwanstein Castle – near the town of Fussen, Bavaria, Germany

This famous castle was built by King Ludwig II, who is known as ‘The Fairytale King’. The spectacular surroundings of the castle – which sits atop a hill in the Alps of Bavaria – contribute to the fairytale ambiance it exudes. King Ludwig II is known to have admired and supported legendary composer Richard Wagner; the castle is actually built in his honor and the interior is inspired by some of his works.

Fun fact: Neuschwanstein Castle inspired Walt Disney to create The Magic Kingdom.

Birr Castle – Birr, County Offaly, Ireland

Birr Castle was built in the 12th century and now serves as the residence of the 7th Earl of Rosse, which is why the residential part of the castle is not open to tourists. However, you can visit the gardens, which are home to many beautiful rare plants, as well as waterfalls, rivers and lakes. As you explore the grounds you’ll find the ‘Great Telescope’, which was built in the 1840s by the Third Earl of Rosse and for 70 years remained the largest telescope in the world. It is nowadays arguably the largest historical scientific instrument still working.

Castle of Dona Chica – Braga, Portugal

The combination of architectural styles – Art Nouveau, Renaissance and Romanesque – as well as the creative mix of construction materials makes the appearance of this castle unique. The name Chica comes from the nickname of its original patroness, Francisca Peixoto Rego. Over the years the castle has changed hands many times, leading to plenty of discussion as to what should be done with it. However, none of these ideas have been turned into a reality, and the castle remains one of the most hauntingly beautiful abandoned places in the world – a must-see for those into ruins and abandoned sites.

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Nessebar, Bulgaria

Situated on the Black Sea coast in Bulgaria, the city of Nessebar has more than 3,000 years of history. It was first inhabited by the Thracians, then it became a Greek colony, then later it was conquered by the Roman Empire and finally in the 9^th century became part of Bulgaria. It’s UNESCO-protected, with remains from all those civilizations scattered and visible throughout the city – from ancient fortifications and medieval churches to 19^th-century wooden Bulgarian houses.

When it comes to beaches, there are three in the city itself – one in the ancient city and two in the new part. Four kilometers away is the most famous Bulgarian sea resort and party destination: Sunny Beach. There are also some less-crowded beaches nearby if you’re not looking for endless party nights – Arapya, Varvara and Silistar just to name a few.

Kotor, Montenegro

Another town on the shore with a lot of history, culture… and cats. Yes, Kotor is a cat-lover’s dream, with many furry animals walking freely on the streets waiting for human affection, souvenir shops full of cat-inspired art, and even a cat museum.

Kotor has one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in the Balkans. After walking its cobbled streets you can hike up to San Giovani fortress, which dates back to medieval times and has been used to protect the town by all who have ruled over Kotor, including the Byzantine and Venetian empires. Nowadays its main purpose is to give you some breathtaking views over the town and the bay. It sure does that well.

Though the town itself is not your classic sandy beach destination, it is less than 15 kilometers from Plavi Horizonti beach – one of the best in Montenegro.

When it comes to delicious Mediterranean cuisine, some local specialties include thick fish soup and njoke (a gnocchi-like pasta dish).

 Korčula, Croatia

Often described as mini version of Dubrovnik, the town of Korčula is the main settlement on Korčula island in southern Croatia. Korčula was once ruled by the Venetian Empire, whose impact can still be felt mostly in the old quarter, which takes pride in its rich collection of medieval art and architecture. The whole old town is surrounded by high stone walls and towers that once defended it from enemies, and are today among the town’s tourist highlights.

Korčula is believed to be the home town of Marco Polo, and the house in which he is thought to have lived is open to visitors.

Another thing Korčula is famous for is moreška – a type of dance with swords. It represents a fight between white and black knights for a woman – Bula. In the past this art form was popular across the whole Mediterranean, but today it is preserved only in Korčula.

Coast-lovers can choose between some pebble beaches – like Banje or Zakerjan – or sandy beaches like Luka Korčulanska.

Saranda and Butrint, Albania

Saranda and Butrint are two coastal towns in southern Albania – 20 kilometers away from each other.

The first one, Saranda, boasts some of the best beaches and turquoise waters in Albania – varying from hot tourist spots to more secluded hideaways. The town is located opposite the Greek island of Corfu and there is a ferry running frequently between both.

Butrint is a millennia-old town that has been inhabited by both Greeks and Romans throughout its history. The ruins in the old town are UNESCO-listed and include an ancient Greek theater, public baths, a Palaeo-Christian baptistery and a massive Cyclopean.

From the top of the hill, where the acropolis once loomed, you’ll be rewarded with a great view over the town and the surrounding nature.

The ancient Greek theater in Butrint

Koper, Slovenia

Koper is the largest coastal town in Slovenia, as well as the oldest town in the country. It was part of the Venetian Empire, whose influence can be felt in the old town, the undisputed sightseeing highlight of Koper.

The pebbled Mestna beach, as well as the local marina, contribute to the charm of the town and make for a delightful trip.

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