When booking a city break or summer getaway, it can be tempting to opt for one of Europe's many popular tourist hotspots. From Venice to Prague, there are dozens of options to choose from, whether you prefer sunny spots or 'coolcationing'. But there's one European town you probably won't have heard of that's home to underground tunnels, medieval buildings and vineyards - as well as some of the cheapest drinks you'll find.
The walled town of Znojmo is located in South Moravia, Czechia, and has been dubbed the 'Moravian Tuscany' thanks to its picturesque hilly surroundings. The town, which is a two and a half hour drive from the capital, dates back to around 1226 and has a population of 34,000. The labyrinthine tunnels are one of the standout attractions, with 17 miles and four different levels to explore.
There are plenty of other things to see, including the Podyjí National Park, vineyards and the Vranov nad Dyjí castle, a Moravian palace set high above the river Dyje. South Moravia describes its local tipple as being "like honey", claiming: "We swear to you that you cannot take more beautiful pictures of rolling landscapes anywhere else in the world. The Italian Tuscany is not nearly as beautiful as this place.
" On a recent visit to the region, The i reported: "a glass of dry Riesling was about 70p" at one of the area's many vineyards. If wine isn't your thing, don't worry, as it's not the only alcohol produced in Znojmo. Beer has been brewed in the town for more than 800 years, and a brewery can be found within the walls of the town's medieval castle.
Getting to Znojmo is simple thanks to the nearby Brno airport, which offers two-hour flights to the UK with one-way Ryanair flights starting from £17 on Skyscanner. You can find accommodation for two people from around £40 per night, making it an affordable option. Despite all this, South Moravia remains a hidden gem, welcoming just 690,300 overseas visitors in 2023, compared to Prague's 5.
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