You don't need to fly for a dozen hours to see landscapes that bring Bali, Japan or the Himalayas to mind. In various corners of Europe you can find places that surprise visitors with their exotic appearance, extraordinary nature and an atmosphere reminiscent of the most picturesque regions of Asia.
Why do some places in Europe resemble Asia?
Europe and Asia are part of the same landmass, so it should come as no surprise that in some regions you can find landscapes that evoke very similar associations. Even though most travellers automatically link Asia with tropical islands, volcanoes, high mountains or terraced fields, similar elements also occur in many European countries. The difference is mainly that they are far less often talked about in that context.
The impression of the exotic often comes from a combination of several factors at once. Sometimes it is unusual rock formations resembling landscapes known from China, other times mountain panoramas that call to mind Nepal or Bhutan. It also happens that the resemblance is decided by the vegetation. Dense laurel forests, bamboo, palms or terraced fields can make a photograph taken in Europe look almost identical to one from Southeast Asia.
Architecture and the way space is arranged also play a major role. Some European towns are set among lakes and mountains in such a way that they have delighted tourists from Japan, South Korea and China for years. Other regions have volcanic landscapes that almost automatically bring Indonesia or the Philippines to mind. As a result, even experienced travellers can momentarily think they are looking at a photo taken thousands of kilometres from Europe.
It is worth remembering, however, that this is not about literally copying Asian views. No European place will suddenly become Bali, Japan or Nepal. It is more about the mood, the atmosphere and the similar emotions that certain landscapes stir up. That is exactly why some regions of Europe are so eagerly chosen by people dreaming of exotic scenery but at the same time looking for shorter flights, more predictable costs and easier trip planning.
What do we most often associate with Asia?
Although Asia is a vast and remarkably diverse continent, certain elements regularly appear in travellers' imaginations. It is precisely these that make European places sometimes get compared to far-flung corners of the world.
- terraced fields on mountain slopes,
- volcanic landscapes and crater lakes,
- mountains resembling the Himalayas,
- soaring rock formations similar to those in China,
- tropical vegetation and lush forests,
- picturesque temples and secluded monasteries,
- mists drifting over mountains and lakes,
- views combining water, mountains and traditional buildings.
In the rest of the ranking you will find places that combine exactly these elements to varying degrees. Some evoke associations with Bali, others with Japan, and still others with the mountain regions of Nepal or the spectacular landscapes of China. All of them, however, share one common trait — they can surprise people who are convinced that similar views can only be experienced on the other side of the world.
1. Madeira (Portugal) — the European version of Bali
If you showed someone photos of Madeira's most beautiful corners without any caption, many would unhesitatingly point to Indonesia or one of the tropical islands of Southeast Asia. The Portuguese island in the Atlantic has delighted travellers for years with its extraordinarily lush vegetation, steep slopes plunging straight into the ocean, and landscapes that at times seem almost unreal. That is precisely why Madeira very often appears in lists of places resembling Bali.
The greatest impression comes from the sheer variety of landscapes. In a single day you can walk through humid forests resembling a tropical jungle, admire waterfalls plunging down sheer cliffs, and a few hours later find yourself high above the clouds on mountain ridges. Contrasts of this kind are also characteristic of many Asian volcanic islands, which is why the resemblance is noticeable almost from the first moments after arrival.
The climate plays a big part too. For most of the year temperatures stay around 18–26°C, which keeps the island green even when much of southern Europe is struggling with drought. The sight of palms, giant ferns, exotic flowers and green-covered slopes makes it hard to believe that it sits just a few hours' flight from continental Europe.
An added advantage is its relatively easy accessibility. A direct flight from most of Europe usually takes about 5–6 hours, many times shorter than the journey to Bali. For many people that means a chance to see exotic landscapes without organising a far-flung intercontinental expedition, sorting out visas or coping with a large time difference. If you are still weighing up where to go first, our guide on whether to choose Italy or Spain for a first trip abroad can help you frame the decision.
Why do Madeira's landscapes resemble Bali?
The most characteristic feature is the famous levadas, the irrigation channels built on the island over hundreds of years. Hundreds of kilometres of trails leading through mountains, forests and valleys have grown up alongside them. Walking these routes, you can get a feeling very similar to the treks undertaken on Indonesian islands, where the paths also often run through green terraces and humid forests.
The laurel forests inscribed on the UNESCO list are hugely significant as well. They are a remnant of the ancient subtropical forests that covered a large part of Europe millions of years ago. Today they form extraordinarily dense and mysterious landscapes full of mist, moisture and intense greenery. In many places they resemble a jungle more than a classic European forest.
The impression of the exotic is heightened by numerous waterfalls and viewpoints. The areas around the northern coast are especially striking, where steep cliffs drop to the ocean and clouds often hang between the mountain ridges. Similar views can be found in Bali, especially in the less touristy parts of the island away from the seaside resorts.
Even the local roads can resemble Asian routes leading through mountain regions. Numerous tunnels, switchbacks and viewpoints make the car journey itself an attraction. In many places it is hard to shake the feeling that you are much closer to the equator than to Europe.
The most exotic spots on the island
Although almost all of Madeira delights with its landscapes, a few locations stir associations with Asia particularly strongly. One of them is Fanal, the famous forest full of gnarled trees often shrouded in mist. Photos taken at dawn look like frames from the fairy-tale regions of Japan or the mountain provinces of China.
Equally spectacular is the trail between Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo. The route runs above the clouds and offers panoramas resembling Asia's high-mountain landscapes. The sunrises observed from these peaks are among the most beautiful in all of Europe and regularly appear on lists of the most photogenic places on the continent.
It is also worth visiting the Curral das Freiras valley, surrounded by monumental mountains, as well as the northern coast around São Vicente and Porto Moniz. Especially after rainfall, the green slopes, waterfalls and dense vegetation create landscapes remarkably similar to those travellers photograph in Bali.
In terms of the ratio of exotic feel to ease of travel, Madeira ranks among the most extraordinary places in Europe. It is hard to find another region offering so many tropical associations while retaining European infrastructure, safety and travel comfort. That is exactly why, for many people, it becomes the first choice when they dream of Asian views without leaving Europe.
Cases built to travel as far as you do
2. The Canary Islands (Spain) — landscapes straight out of Indonesia
Most tourists associate the Canary Islands above all with year-round sun, beaches and relaxing in hotels. Yet beyond the resorts lie landscapes that can resemble Indonesia surprisingly strongly, and especially islands such as Java, Lombok or, in part, even Bali. The archipelago's volcanic origin meant that nature created scenery here entirely unlike what most people imagine when they think of Europe.
The contrasts are the most spectacular thing. In a single day you can find yourself among black lava fields, drive through dense cloud-wrapped forests, and then reach a coastline with high cliffs falling to the ocean. A similar combination of landscapes is very characteristic of many Indonesian islands, where volcanic activity has shaped the terrain over thousands of years.
It is worth noting that each island looks different. Tenerife delights with the monumental Teide volcano and lunar landscapes, La Palma offers dense forests and deep ravines, while La Gomera in places resembles the green regions of Southeast Asia. Thanks to this, travellers can find here both landscapes reminiscent of Indonesian volcanoes and areas evoking tropical islands.
The archipelago's climate is another huge asset. For most of the year temperatures stay within 20–30°C, which makes it possible to travel at almost any time. For many Europeans the Canary Islands are a taste of the exotic available without a many-hour flight to Asia. A direct trip from central Europe usually takes about 5–6 hours, far shorter than the journey to Indonesia.
The scale of the landscapes matters too. Many places look as though they were created for adventure films or nature documentaries. Mighty calderas, cliffs, green valleys and fields of solidified lava make travelling around the archipelago feel more like exploring a distant corner of the world than a holiday within Europe.
The most Asian corners of the archipelago
Although almost every island has places that stir exotic associations, a few locations particularly strongly call to mind landscapes known from Indonesia and other parts of Southeast Asia.
- Teide National Park on Tenerife — vast lava fields and a mighty volcano resemble the surroundings of Indonesian stratovolcanoes.
- Anaga on Tenerife — green mountains, humid forests and mists create an atmosphere similar to the tropical regions of Asia.
- Caldera de Taburiente on La Palma — an enormous crater surrounded by steep slopes looks like a fragment of an Indonesian island transplanted to the Atlantic.
- Las Mercedes — a dense laurel forest resembling the jungle found in the humid parts of Asia.
- Garajonay National Park on La Gomera — one of the most extraordinary places in Europe, full of mists and fairy-tale landscapes.
- Punta de Teno — a wild coastline with high cliffs and rugged nature evoking the remote islands of the Pacific.
What is especially interesting is that many of these places remain relatively little known among people who visit the archipelago purely for the beaches. Yet it is precisely there that you can find the landscapes that depart most from the stereotypical image of Europe. Some viewpoints on Tenerife or La Gomera genuinely give the impression of having been carried over from Indonesian Java.
The Canary Islands obviously do not offer the culture and atmosphere characteristic of Asia, but in terms of nature they can surprise even seasoned travellers. It is one of those places that best show how varied Europe can be. For people dreaming of landscapes resembling Indonesia, but at the same time looking for a comfortable and relatively easy-to-organise trip, the archipelago remains one of the most interesting options on the entire continent.
Carry-on cases for short-haul European escapes
3. Meteora (Greece) — European mountains straight out of China
Many people visiting Meteora for the first time feel they have landed in one of China's most famous landscape regions. The monumental stone columns rising vertically from the ground create a sight so unusual that it is hard to find an equivalent in most of Europe. That is exactly why the Greek Meteora regularly appears in lists of places resembling Asian landscapes, and especially the famous Chinese Zhangjiajie mountains.
The region in central Greece has delighted travellers, photographers and filmmakers for centuries. The tall rocks rising above the surrounding plains create a landscape that resembles distant corners of Asia more than typical Mediterranean views. When morning mists appear over the valley and the tips of the rocky pillars rise above the clouds, the scenery becomes almost fairy-tale-like.
The monasteries built on the rock summits give the place an extra character. The very idea of erecting temples in such inaccessible locations brings to mind the secluded monasteries scattered across the mountains of Tibet, Bhutan or western China. The combination of monumental nature and spiritual heritage means Meteora offers an atmosphere very similar to the one travellers often find in the mountain regions of Asia.
The scale of the landscape is significant too. Individual rocks reach heights of several hundred metres, and their shapes were carved over millions of years by the action of water, wind and geological processes. The end effect is spectacular enough that Meteora has been inscribed on the UNESCO list and today ranks among the most precious natural and cultural sites in all of Europe.
Where do the comparisons to China come from?
The most frequently cited point of reference is China's Zhangjiajie National Park, which gained worldwide fame in part thanks to the film "Avatar". Although the rock formations in the two places are not identical in geological terms, the visual similarities can be striking. Both regions are dominated by tall stone columns, vertical walls and extraordinary panoramas seen from viewpoints set high above the valleys.
The associations become especially strong at sunrise and sunset. When the light falls at the right angle, the rocks take on depth and drama. If clouds or mist hang over the area as well, the landscape begins to resemble the famous photographs taken in China's mountain provinces. It is precisely then that the photos appear which later make their way onto social media and lead to Meteora often being called one of the most "Asian" places in Europe.
The solitude of the rocky summits is another important element. Unlike classic mountain ranges, the individual formations rise independently of one another, creating a landscape full of vertical landmarks. This arrangement differs greatly from typical European mountains, which is exactly why it so often evokes associations with the Far East.
It is also worth paying attention to the presence of the monasteries. Buildings literally suspended over precipices resemble the famous temples perched on the inaccessible slopes of mountains in China or Tibet. This blend of nature and spirituality is one of the most important reasons why Meteora makes such an exotic impression.
The best viewpoints
The most spectacular panoramas can be admired from the routes running between the individual monasteries. Roads winding among the rocks regularly reveal new perspectives and let you see just how enormous the stone pillars dominating the area are. Especially popular are the spots located between the Varlaam and Great Meteoron monasteries, which command some of the region's most recognisable views.
Photographers also often choose the observation point near the road leading to the Holy Trinity Monastery. It is from there that you can capture the characteristic arrangement of rocks rising above the Thessalian plain. At dawn the place is sometimes shrouded in mist, so the photos resemble frames from the distant corners of China or Japan.
The hiking trails following the monks' old paths are extraordinarily attractive as well. They let you look at the rocks from an entirely different perspective and see places inaccessible to most tourists travelling only by car. Walking among the monumental stone pillars gives you the chance to fully appreciate the scale of this extraordinary landscape.
Meteora is one of those places that are hard to compare with anything else in Europe. It combines spectacular geology, rich history and a unique atmosphere. If someone dreams of landscapes resembling China's famous mountain regions but is not planning a long journey to Asia, this is exactly where they will find one of the most convincing European alternatives.
4. Hallstatt (Austria) — the town that Asia fell in love with
At first glance, Hallstatt resembles neither an exotic island, a volcanic landscape, nor the monumental mountains known from Asia. And yet it is precisely this small Austrian town that has become one of the most recognisable European places among tourists from Japan, South Korea and China. Its popularity reached such a level that China even decided to build a full-scale replica of the town.
Set on the shore of Lake Hallstätter See, the town looks like a perfect postcard. Colourful houses nestled between the water and steep mountain slopes create a landscape that has delighted photographers for decades. On a clear day the surface of the lake reflects the buildings and surrounding peaks, and the whole thing resembles a set created specially for a film or animation.
It was this extraordinary image that earned Hallstatt enormous popularity in Asia. For many residents of Japan or China the town became a symbol of romantic Europe, just as Kyoto, Hakone or traditional Japanese towns set among the mountains can be symbols of the exotic for Europeans. The effect is all the more interesting because Hallstatt made it onto this list not because it resembles a specific region of Asia, but because it evokes very similar emotions and aesthetic associations.
The setting plays an additional role. High mountains, the calm surface of the lake, frequent mists and perfectly preserved historic architecture create an atmosphere that recalls some of Japan's most picturesque towns. Especially in autumn and spring the landscapes become exceptionally photogenic, and numerous viewpoints let you admire panoramas that rank among the most beautiful in the entire Alps.
Although Hallstatt is small, its tourist significance is enormous. Hundreds of thousands of travellers visit the town every year, and many of them come precisely from Asia. This has given the place an almost legendary status and made it one of the best examples of a European location that appeals exceptionally strongly to Asian aesthetic sensibilities.
The Hallstatt phenomenon in Japan and China
The story of Hallstatt's popularity in Asia is fascinating. In Japan the town began to gain renown thanks to photo albums, guidebooks and materials promoting Europe as a destination for romantic travel. The charming architecture, the lake and the alpine landscapes fitted perfectly into the image of a fairy-tale Europe.
Over time the interest spread to other countries in the region as well. The biggest symbol of this phenomenon was the construction of a Chinese replica of Hallstatt in Guangdong province. The project drew enormous media interest around the world and showed how strongly the original town stirs the imagination of people in Asia.
Many tourists visiting Hallstatt stress that the place reminds them of landscapes known from Japanese animated films. The calm atmosphere, the mountains reflected in the water and the traditional architecture create a mood easily associated with Studio Ghibli productions or the picturesque regions of Japan located beyond the big metropolises.
The popularity among Asian travellers is visible today at almost every step. In the high season you can hear many languages from the Far East, and local shops and service points have for years adapted their offer to international guests. This further underlines Hallstatt's exceptional position on the world's tourist map.
Where to take the most postcard-perfect photos?
The most recognisable view is found at the northern entrance to the town. It is precisely from there that a huge proportion of the photographs appearing on social media and in guidebooks are taken. The panorama takes in the town's buildings, the church tower, the lake and the mountains forming an impressive backdrop.
Equally striking photos can be taken from the Skywalk Hallstatt viewing platform. The point sits about 350 metres above the town and lets you look at the lake and the surrounding Alps from an entirely different perspective. At sunrise in particular the views rank among the most spectacular in Austria.
It is also worth walking along the waterfront. The wooden jetties, the boats moored by the shore and the reflections of the mountains in the water create frames resembling professional advertising photographs. On windless days the lake acts like an enormous mirror, so even ordinary shots taken on a smartphone can look exceptionally effective.
Hallstatt shows that resemblances to Asia do not always stem from geology or climate. Sometimes an extraordinary harmony between nature and architecture is enough for a place to start evoking associations with distant corners of the world. That is exactly why the Austrian town has deservedly found itself among the most "Asian" places in Europe.
Protect your camera gear on Europe's most photogenic routes
5. The Dolomites (Italy) — the European Himalayas
When the conversation turns to landscapes resembling Asia, most people think first of tropical islands, temples or exotic vegetation. Yet one of the most spectacular symbols of Asia is also the Himalayas. And it is with them that the Dolomites — regarded as some of the most beautiful mountains in the world — are very often compared. Although their height is incomparably lower than that of the Himalayan giants, the visual similarities can be surprisingly great.
The most striking thing is the characteristic rock walls rising almost vertically above the valleys. In many places the landscape looks as though someone cut out a fragment of a high-mountain region of Nepal and transplanted it to northern Italy. Soaring spires, enormous cliffs and sweeping panoramas give the Dolomites a completely different character from most European mountain ranges.
The region's uniqueness also stems from its geology. Dolomite rock has a characteristic pale colour that changes with the time of day. At dawn and sunset the peaks take on shades of pink, orange and red. The phenomenon known as enrosadira ranks among Europe's most extraordinary natural attractions and makes the mountain panoramas look almost unreal.
For many travellers a huge advantage is the ease of access. While an expedition to Nepal or Bhutan requires many hours of flying and a far larger budget, you can reach the Dolomites by car from much of central Europe or take a short flight to northern Italy. As a result, high-mountain landscapes resembling Asia become available to a far greater number of people. If a city is your gateway, our guide on how to pack for a trip to Milan pairs well with a Dolomites road trip from the north.
The infrastructure is significant as well. Modern cable cars, mountain huts and well-marked trails mean that even people without much mountain experience can admire panoramas resembling those known from the most picturesque regions of the Himalayas. This combination of spectacular views and easy access is one of the Dolomites' biggest advantages.
Places that resemble Nepal
Not all parts of the Dolomites look the same. Some locations particularly strongly call to mind the high-mountain regions of Asia, and it is precisely there that it is easiest to understand where the comparisons to Nepal come from.
- Tre Cime di Lavaredo — the most recognisable symbol of the Dolomites, whose monumental walls resemble Himalayan landscapes.
- Seceda — the famous rocky ridges that form one of the most extraordinary panoramas in Europe.
- Passo Giau — a pass offering views over numerous peaks and sweeping valleys.
- Alpe di Siusi — Europe's largest high-mountain plateau, where green meadows contrast with mighty mountains.
- Lago di Braies — a lake surrounded by monumental peaks, often compared to alpine counterparts of Himalayan valleys.
- Val di Funes — one of the region's most photogenic valleys, known for its extraordinary views of the Odle group.
Each of these places offers slightly different experiences, but they all share the enormous scale of the landscape. It is precisely that which makes many people visiting the Dolomites for the first time feel a wonder similar to that of travellers exploring the high mountains of Asia.
The most spectacular scenic routes
The Dolomites are among the few mountains in Europe where even relatively easy trails can lead through landscapes resembling postcards from Nepal. One of the most popular routes is the loop around Tre Cime di Lavaredo. The hike usually takes about 3–4 hours, and throughout it you are accompanied by monumental rock walls dominating the surroundings.
Equally impressive views are offered by the Seceda area. The cable-car ride alone takes you high above the valleys, and the further walk leads along some of Europe's most characteristic rocky ridges. Photos taken here often make it into rankings of the world's most beautiful mountain panoramas.
People travelling by car should pay attention to the famous passes such as Passo Giau, Passo Gardena and Passo Sella. The roads leading through these places offer views that change at almost every bend. It is no accident that the region is regarded as one of the best road-trip destinations in Europe. When you are deciding what to bring along, our guide on hard or soft luggage can help you pack for changeable mountain weather.
The Dolomites are of course not the Himalayas in terms of altitude or the scale of an expedition. They can, however, deliver very similar visual emotions. For people dreaming of the high-mountain landscapes of Asia but looking for a more accessible alternative, they are one of the most convincing places on the entire continent.
6. The Azores (Portugal) — Japan in the middle of the Atlantic
In the middle of the Atlantic, more than 1,400 kilometres from continental Europe, lies an archipelago that for many travellers is one of the Old Continent's greatest surprises. The Azores are often compared to Japan, especially to the less urbanised regions of Hokkaido and Kyushu. The reason is the extraordinary landscapes that combine volcanic activity, hot springs, green hills and lakes filling former craters.
The very first contact with the islands makes it clear where these associations come from. Unlike many popular destinations in southern Europe, the Azores do not delight with golden beaches or Mediterranean resorts. Their greatest asset is nature. The intense greenery present almost everywhere, the frequent mists, the humid climate and the omnipresent traces of volcanic activity make the landscape feel more Asian than European.
This is especially clear on the archipelago's largest island, São Miguel. It is here that you find the most famous crater lakes, geothermal fields and hot springs. Some viewpoints resemble frames from Japanese nature films, and travelling between them gives a sense of discovering a distant, almost unknown world.
The weather plays a big part too. Clouds very often move between the hills and valleys, creating changeable, almost theatrical landscapes. In a single day you can experience full sun, dense fog and light rain, which further strengthens the associations with Japan, where such changeable conditions are something natural.
At the same time the Azores remain relatively uncrowded compared with Europe's most popular destinations. This makes it easier to find here the peace and contact with nature that, for many people, are among the most important elements of a trip to Japan beyond the big cities.
Volcanic nature just like in Japan
One of the archipelago's most characteristic features is the landscapes formed by volcanic activity. It is precisely these that make the Azores so often evoke associations with the Land of the Rising Sun. Both Japan and the Azores lie in geologically active areas, which is why in both cases you can encounter similar landforms.
The best example is the famous Sete Cidades. Two lakes set inside an enormous caldera rank among the archipelago's most recognisable views. The greenery of the surrounding hills, the mists appearing over the water and the sheer scale of the landscape mean the place could easily feature in one of Japan's national parks.
Equally impressive is the area around Lagoa do Fogo, the Lake of Fire. Set high in the mountains, the reservoir delights with its wild character and the almost complete absence of buildings. The views from the observation points rank among the most beautiful in the Azores and show just how extraordinary nature-shaped landscapes can be.
The volcanic origin of the islands is also visible in the form of fumaroles, thermal springs and geothermal areas where steam rises directly from the ground. Such places are characteristic of Japan as well and are one of the reasons why the two regions are sometimes compared.
The thermal attractions of the Azores
If there is one element that links the Azores to Japan particularly strongly, it is the hot springs. The culture of thermal bathing plays an enormous role in Japan, and on the Portuguese archipelago you can also find many places that let you enjoy naturally heated water.
The best-known area is Furnas. The town, set in a geothermally active part of São Miguel, is famous for its numerous springs and characteristic fumaroles. In many places you can see steam rising from the ground, and local restaurants even use the geothermal heat to prepare traditional dishes.
The Poça da Dona Beija complex is also hugely popular, where naturally heated water lets you relax after a full day of sightseeing. Equally interesting are the thermal pools of Terra Nostra Park, surrounded by exotic vegetation and one of the archipelago's most beautiful gardens.
It is also worth visiting the natural thermal pools near Caldeira Velha. Set amid lush greenery, they give the impression of being hidden deep in a tropical forest. These are precisely the kinds of places that most resemble the Japanese onsen tucked away among mountains and forests.
The Azores obviously do not offer the centuries-old culture of Japan or its characteristic temple architecture. In terms of nature, however, they can evoke very similar emotions. The combination of volcanoes, mists, hot springs and remarkably green landscapes makes the archipelago one of the most unexpected and at the same time most "Asian" places in Europe.
Rugged checked luggage for longer journeys
7. The Alpujarras (Spain) — the most exotic corner of Andalusia
Most tourists visiting Andalusia focus on Seville, Málaga, Granada or the Costa del Sol coastline. Yet just a few dozen kilometres from the famous Alhambra lies a region that looks completely different from stereotypical Spain. The Alpujarras, set on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains, are among the most extraordinary and at the same time least scenically known places in Europe.
It is here that you can find terraced fields climbing up the steep slopes, small white villages suspended over the valleys, and mountain landscapes resembling some regions of Central Asia. In many places the traveller has the impression of being far closer to the mountain provinces of Iran, Pakistan or Kyrgyzstan than to the popular Spanish beaches.
The region's exceptional character is not accidental. For centuries the Alpujarras remained under the strong influence of Moorish culture. After the fall of the Emirate of Granada, it was here that part of the Muslim population took refuge, preserving for a long time their own traditions, ways of building houses and systems of managing water. As a result, the region's cultural landscape differs significantly from many other parts of Europe.
Its geographical position also contributes to the exotic character. On one side the region lies near the Mediterranean Sea, on the other it is surrounded by the high Sierra Nevada mountains. This combination made it possible to create a specific microclimate, thanks to which terraced cultivation resembling that found in the mountain regions of Asia has developed here for centuries.
For people looking for less obvious destinations, the Alpujarras are one of Europe's biggest surprises. There are no crowds here comparable to Barcelona or Madrid, and yet the landscapes can delight even very experienced travellers.
The region's most interesting towns
The best way to get to know the Alpujarras is to travel between the small towns scattered across the mountain slopes. Each has preserved its own character, but they are all linked by their exceptional architecture and spectacular setting.
- Pampaneira — one of the region's best-known towns, famous for its narrow streets and traditional architecture.
- Bubión — a picturesque village offering beautiful panoramas of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
- Capileira — the highest-set of the three most popular towns, often used as a base for mountain trails.
- Trevélez — one of the highest-located towns in Spain, known for producing cured hams.
- Lanjarón — a spa town famous for its mineral waters and calm atmosphere.
- Órgiva — the region's informal capital and an important transport and trade hub.
The journey between these towns is an attraction in itself. The roads lead across mountain slopes, revealing successive views of valleys, cultivated terraces and white houses blending into the surrounding landscape. In many places you can get the feeling that time flows much more slowly than in other parts of Europe.
The traditional irrigation systems used for hundreds of years are especially striking. Water is carried by special channels resembling solutions known from the mountain regions of Asia. Thanks to them, it was possible to cultivate crops even on steep slopes, where normal farming would be extremely difficult.
A great advantage of the Alpujarras is their authenticity. The region has not been turned into a vast tourist resort, so you can still feel the atmosphere of the locals' everyday life. Small squares, family restaurants and traditional houses make the trip more of a cultural experience than mere sightseeing.
Although the Alpujarras do not resemble Bali, Japan or the Himalayas as obviously as the other places on this list, they offer something equally interesting. It is a landscape that shows how varied Europe can be and how easily you can find within it views that evoke associations with distant regions of Asia. For people seeking lesser-known destinations, it is without doubt one of the most fascinating corners of the continent.
Travel-ready Peli protective cases
Comparing all the places in the ranking
Each of the places described evokes slightly different associations with Asia. Some delight with tropical vegetation and volcanic landscapes, others resemble the high-mountain regions of Nepal or China's famous rock formations. The choice of the best destination therefore depends above all on what kind of exotic feel interests you most.
The cost of travel, the length of the season and the ease of getting there are significant too. Some regions are accessible practically all year round, while others are best visited only in certain months. The table below lets you quickly compare all the locations on the most important points.
| Place | Most resembles | Trip cost | Best season | Level of exotic feel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madeira | Bali | Medium | All year | Very high |
| Canary Islands | Indonesia | Medium | All year | High |
| Meteora | China | Low–medium | Spring and autumn | High |
| Hallstatt | Picturesque regions of Japan | Medium–high | Spring, summer and autumn | Medium |
| Dolomites | The Himalayas | Medium–high | Summer and early autumn | High |
| Azores | Japan | Medium | April–October | Very high |
| Alpujarras | Central Asia | Low–medium | Spring and autumn | Medium |
If the main goal is to find a place that, after just a few minutes, gives the impression of being outside Europe, Madeira, the Azores and the Canary Islands come to the front of the pack. It is precisely there that exotic vegetation, volcanic landscapes and extraordinary natural conditions most strongly change the way you perceive your surroundings.
People dreaming of the landscapes known from films and photographs depicting Asia, in turn, should pay particular attention to Meteora and the Dolomites. The first offers rock formations resembling China's famous mountains, while the second lets you feel the atmosphere of the high mountains associated with Nepal and the Himalayas.
In terms of budget, Meteora and the Alpujarras usually come off best. The costs of accommodation, food and transport are often lower there than on the Atlantic islands or in the best-known alpine regions. At the same time, both places remain relatively little known compared with Europe's tourist hits.
The most unusual case is Hallstatt. Here it is not nature that is responsible for the Asian associations, but the place's exceptional aesthetic and its enormous popularity among tourists from the Far East. The town shows that sometimes the resemblance to Asia is decided by emotions and the way a landscape is perceived, not by geography alone.
All the places in the ranking share one trait. Each proves that to see landscapes resembling Bali, Japan, the Himalayas or China, you do not always have to plan a multi-week trip to the other end of the world. Sometimes a few hours' flight is enough to find yourself in surroundings that effectively challenge the stereotypical image of Europe.
Which place to choose if you dream of a particular part of Asia?
Although all the places in this round-up were chosen for their associations with Asia, in practice each offers completely different experiences. Someone dreaming of tropical landscapes will be delighted by something different from a traveller looking for high mountains, a temple atmosphere or spectacular rock formations. That is exactly why, before choosing a specific destination, it is worth considering which image of Asia most fires your imagination.
For some, the symbol of the exotic is green islands covered in lush vegetation. Others have for years dreamed of landscapes resembling Nepal, Bhutan or western China. There are also people most fascinated by calm lakes, mists and the harmonious blend of nature and architecture associated with Japan. Each of these motifs can be found in Europe, though in different parts of the continent.
The list below lets you quickly match a destination to the kind of Asian landscapes that interest you most.
- If you dream of Bali — choose Madeira. Green mountains, waterfalls, levadas and subtropical vegetation create the mood most reminiscent of the famous Indonesian island.
- If you are fascinated by Indonesia — go for the Canary Islands. Volcanic landscapes, lava fields, black beaches and spectacular calderas very often evoke associations with Java or Lombok.
- If you like Chinese landscapes most — the best choice will be Meteora. Monumental rocks and monasteries suspended above the valleys resemble the famous mountain regions of the Middle Kingdom.
- If you are looking for the atmosphere of Japan — consider above all the Azores. Mists, crater lakes, hot springs and calm landscapes create a mood very similar to many regions of the Land of the Rising Sun.
- If you love high mountains and dream of the Himalayas — choose the Dolomites. It is here that it is easiest to find European panoramas resembling Nepal and other high-mountain parts of Asia.
- If you are interested in the less obvious regions of Central Asia — an excellent destination will be the Alpujarras, where terraced fields and mountain villages create an exceptionally exotic landscape.
- If you care about the calm, picturesque atmosphere known from Japanese postcards — visit Hallstatt, which has for years delighted travellers from Japan, South Korea and China.
It is worth remembering that some places may fit several different categories at once. A good example is the Azores, which on one hand resemble Japan thanks to their geothermal landscapes, and on the other may also bring to mind some islands of the Pacific. Similarly, Madeira offers not only the mood of Bali but also views resembling the tropical regions of the Philippines or Taiwan.
The time of year matters as well. If you want to travel in winter, the best choice will usually be Madeira or the Canary Islands, where temperatures often stay around 20–25°C. For the Dolomites, Meteora or Hallstatt, on the other hand, most people choose the period from spring to autumn, when conditions for sightseeing are most comfortable.
The way you travel can be a good criterion too. Trekking lovers will find the most satisfaction in the Dolomites, Madeira and the Azores. People who prefer sightseeing by car will appreciate the Canary Islands and the Alpujarras, while travellers focused mainly on landscape photography will probably be delighted by Hallstatt and Meteora.
The most interesting thing, however, is that none of these destinations requires organising a complicated intercontinental expedition. In most cases a few hours' flight or a car journey is enough to find yourself in a place that effectively resembles the most beautiful regions of Asia. That is exactly why such locations are enjoying growing interest among people looking for the exotic closer to home.
Can Europe replace a trip to Asia?
After looking at photos from Madeira, the Azores, Meteora or the Dolomites, it is easy to conclude that Europe can be far more exotic than most of us imagine. In many cases the similarities are great enough that photographs taken in these places regularly mislead viewers. Green mountains resembling Bali, rock formations associated with China and landscapes evoking Japan show how remarkably varied the European continent is.
At the same time, it is worth keeping the right perspective. Even the most spectacular European locations are not literal equivalents of Asian regions. They will not replace the local culture, cuisine, religion, history or atmosphere that make a trip to Japan, Indonesia, Nepal or China such an exceptional experience. The similarities concern above all the landscapes, not the whole of the journey.
On the other hand, for many people it is precisely the views that are the most important element of a trip. If your main goal is to admire spectacular nature, photograph extraordinary places and discover landscapes that depart from the stereotypical image of Europe, the destinations described in this round-up may prove an excellent alternative. They often let you achieve a similar visual effect with a far smaller budget and a shorter travel time. If you would rather a sunny, lesser-known seaside escape over far-flung options, you might also enjoy our take on why Albania can be a cheaper, safer alternative to Egypt.
Europe's huge advantage is also its accessibility. A flight to Madeira, the Azores or the Canary Islands usually takes about 5–6 hours, whereas the journey to many regions of Asia often takes more than 12–15 hours, not counting connections. For people with a limited number of holiday days the difference is very significant. A shorter journey means more time on site and less fatigue connected with changing time zones.
Costs matter too. Although some Asian countries are regarded as cheap, the intercontinental flight itself often makes up a substantial part of the budget. With the European alternatives you can frequently find good-value flight connections, and organising the trip is simpler logistically. For families with children, older travellers or people who prefer shorter getaways, this can be a decisive argument. It is also worth thinking through the packing details in advance — our guide on the 5 traps of cabin luggage dimensions and weight helps you avoid surprises at the gate on these short-haul flights.
When will Europe be the better choice?
The European counterparts of Asian landscapes work especially well when what you care about most is nature, active recreation and striking views. They are also an excellent solution for people who do not have the chance to take a multi-week trip, or who simply do not want to spend many hours on a plane.
Europe will be a very good choice when you are planning a trip lasting just a few days. A weekend in Madeira, a week-long stay in the Azores or a road trip through the Dolomites can be organised relatively easily, without the need for complicated planning. An added advantage is the well-developed infrastructure, the high level of safety and easy access to medical care.
It is also worth considering such destinations when you are only just beginning your adventure with travel. Exotic landscapes combined with European standards of service let you comfortably step beyond the well-worn routines and see places that surprise with their otherness.
For many people seasonality matters too. Madeira or the Canary Islands let you feel a taste of the exotic even in winter, when most of Europe is struggling with cold and short days. This means they can effectively satisfy the need to escape to a more exotic world without organising an expedition to the other end of the globe.
When is it worth flying to the real Asia?
There are situations, however, in which the European alternatives will not replace the original. If you dream of getting to know different cultures, local traditions, temples, festivals and the everyday life of the inhabitants, a trip to Asia remains an experience incomparable with any European destination. Even the most exotic landscape will not convey the atmosphere of Tokyo's night streets, the temples of Kyoto, the markets of Bangkok or the Himalayan villages of Nepal.
It is worth choosing Asia, too, when the purpose of the trip is a deeper immersion in local culture. Cuisine, religion, language, architecture and history form there a unique blend of experiences that cannot be recreated outside the continent. It is precisely these elements that make millions of travellers return to Asia again and again.
Some places simply have no equivalents. The Himalayas remain the highest mountains in the world, Japanese cities delight with their unique blend of tradition and modernity, and Indonesian islands offer culture and nature developing in conditions entirely different from those in Europe. In such cases, a trip to the source remains unbeatable.
The best approach, however, is not to treat Europe and Asia as competitors. The places described are better seen as fascinating alternatives or sources of inspiration. They can be a way to satisfy the need for the exotic during a shorter trip, a preparation for a larger expedition, or simply an opportunity to discover a lesser-known face of Europe.
Madeira, the Canary Islands, Meteora, Hallstatt, the Dolomites, the Azores and the Alpujarras show that you do not always have to fly thousands of kilometres to feel the atmosphere of a distant world. Sometimes the most surprising landscapes are much closer than they might seem.
