Hen destinations, just like regular tourism destinations, can become overrun by groups of girls stumbling around wearing tiaras, sashes and matching pink tutus. Once the word is out, the crowds follow, so here, top hen do organiser Eventhuse, has compiled a list of the team’s favourite alternative hen do destinations in Europe.
Montenegro
The rugged untouched beauty of this tiny little Balkan nation makes it an extremely picturesque and as yet off-the-beaten track destination for hen groups looking for a bit of an adventure. There is sun, sea and sand on the country’s strip of Adriatic Coast, but there are also dramatic mountains such as Durmitor and Prokletije, primeval forests like Biogradska Gora, quaint little medieval villages and stunning lakes. Hen groups in Montenegro can indulge in an array of outdoor activities from hiking, kayaking and mountain biking, to simply lazing in the sun on the beach and enjoying the rock bottom prices for food, drinks and accommodation.
Krakow
Krakow offers the perfect combination of culture, shopping, nightlife and gastronomy, making it a top choice for hen groups looking to escape the drunken crowds but still enjoy some wild nights out. As the
oldest city in Poland, Krakow has earned itself a well-deserved reputation as one of the most well-preserved cities following the world wars, meaning the architecture dates back to medieval times, giving Krakow a mythical atmosphere. Krakow is also known as Poland’s centre of art, culture and creativity, with the countries artists, designers, writers and bohemian types setting up shop here. Not only is the city, and its charming old town, home to a wealth of fantastic galleries, boutiques, cafes and restaurants; Krakow is also famous for having the most bars per capita of any other city in the world, so if it’s a vibrant international nightlife scene you’re looking for, Poland’s second city will deliver the goods. Leading hen do organisers Eventhuse offer an extensive collection of hen do activities, transport and accommodation in Krakow.
Reykjavik
A top choice for hen groups looking to combine a hip urban city break with unique outdoor activities,
Reykjavik is emerging as a destination to watch following its countries infamous volcanic ash incident. Today the small, yet culturally and geographically rich destination is still relatively unspoilt by tourism and while exploring Reykjavik might only take the best part of a day, there are plenty of options for interesting and unique day trips out from the capital. Hen groups wanting to kick back and relax, should visit to the healing thermal waters of the Blue Lagoon, while the more active hen groups could hike out to the see the world famous sulphurous geysers. Feeling gastronomically adventurous, try the local delicacies such as putrefied shark or puffin, and if that doesn’t leave you satisfied, the extremely friendly, famously funny people of Iceland will.
Lisbon
Somehow Lisbon has managed to stay off the hen city break radar, which is strange seeing as it’s a
beautiful, vibrant and youthful town with a distinctly boho edge and a healthy appetite for partying from sunset to till sunrise. Aesthetically, the city is a photographer’s dream, brightly coloured, red-roofed buildings lining the narrow cobblestone lanes, grand plazas and elegant boulevards that populate the vertiginous hilly cityscape overlooking the Rio Tejo. And in terms of hen activities and nightlife entertainment, the central Bairro Alto district is excellent for bar-hopping, and don’t be surprised if you stumble upon cosy sun-drenched squares lined with quirky bars and cafes, or racous street parties that carry on late into the night.
Istanbul
For an experience that is quite literally worlds apart from the usual hen city break in Europe, try a
destination with an exotic twist of the Orient. Straddling both Europe and Asia across its Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul is the magical place where East meets the West, in a scintillating fusion of cultural intricacies, colours and flavours. The Turkish city has something for everyone, with history, art, architecture, gastronomy complemented by the locals’ world-famous hospitality at every corner. Visit the spectacular Blue Mosque and Aghia Sofia; go shopping in the labyrinth of stalls and boutiques at the old covered bazaar market; take a cruise on the river and watch the sunset over one of the most beautiful skylines on Earth; sip traditional mint tea at a local tea garden or explore the hip bars and cafes in the bohemian Beyoglu neighbourhood. The options are endless.
Budapest
Having gone through something of an urban Trendification in recent years, Budapest has become an
unexpectedly hip city to visit, especially on a hen do. Abandoned buildings repurposed and transformed into alternative bars and clubs are the latest big thing in Budapest, with these so-called Ruin Bars fast on their way to being the coolest places to hang out and drink in the Hungarian capital. And it’s not only the underground nightlife scene that earns Budapest its space on this list, the destination is also as architecturally stunning and as culturally rich, as it is fun, lively, buzzing and youthful. If raving in derelict buildings doesn’t sound like your idea of fun, hen groups can enjoy relaxing at local thermal swimming pools, taking in the culture at classical music concerts and operas, or seeing the sights from a private river cruise. Budapest hen specialists Eventhuse have a whole host of unique and fun activities for hen groups in Budapest.
Seville
While the southern Spanish seaside resorts of Magaluf, Benidorm and Marbella are reportedly amongst the most popular hen destinations in Europe, the quintessentially Andalucian city of Seville, is an ideal alternative for hen groups looking to escape the screeching crowds of drunken, sunburnt, bride-to-be sash wearing tourists. The city is all atmosphere, emotion, sensation and flamboyance, only to be matched by its charismatic locals. Not only are these a people who live to party, the Sevillianos literally have music running through their veins and if you’re lucky you might even catch an authentic flamenco show, especially if you plan your hen do during one of the cities wonderful and diverse festivals such as the Feria de Abril at Easter.
Dubrovnik
The dramatically beautiful city of Dubrovnik in Croatia has everything working in its favour. The
picturesque old town is a maze of narrow alley ways just waiting to be explored, while the destination’s location, set right on the Adriatic Sea makes it a fantastic base from which to explore the thousands of islands of the Dalmatian Coast. Dubrovnik is already popular as a tourism destination, and it’s easy to see why. Hen groups looking to travel in the summer months will find a wealth of beaches for daytime sun worshipping and a lively nightlife scene.
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