Europe is known for its alpine landscapes, forests and impressive architecture, but what many people don’t know is that it’s also home to some of the most incredible deserts in the world.
From the intricate sand dunes of Spain’s Tabernas Desert to the rocky slopes of Italy’s Gennargentu Desert, these arid landscapes are worth exploring, without having to cross oceans:
Tabernas Desert, Spain
The Tabernas desert is one of the most unique landscapes in Spain. Located in the province of Almería, it is the only true desert in Europe. With an average annual rainfall of less than 100 mm, it is one of the driest places on the continent. The desert has a hot and arid climate, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 38°C. The landscape is characterized by dry, rocky hills and mountains, and has been the setting for the filming of several classic westerns, such as “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” with Clint Eastwood. There are very few plants or animals that can survive in such a hostile environment. However, the desert is home to several interesting species such as lizards, snakes and rodents. The lack of rainfall and extreme temperatures make it a difficult place to live, but for those who can adapt, the Tabernas desert is a fascinating place to call home.
Accona desert, Italy
The Accona desert, a surprise in the green landscape of Tuscany, is a semi-arid area located in the center of Crete Senesi. A lunar world, in which barren slopes known as calanques stand out, while gray dome-shaped biancanas are woven along the horizon. It is an area of lunar grays and pale yellows, supporting only a small amount of plant life, making it an attractive, if unusual, sight. A trip here is a new take on the classic Tuscan road trip, and visitors will end up stumbling upon the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, a striking clay-red Benedictine monastery that contrasts with the gray swaths of land that surround it.
Błędów Desert, Poland
The Błędów Desert is a unique natural phenomenon located in central Poland. Nicknamed the “Polish Sahara”, it is an area of flat sand between the cities of Chechło and Klucze. It was created by a combination of human activity and natural coincidence, when deforestation revealed that a glacier had left deep layers of sand beneath the ground. It is unlike any other desert in the world. The Błędów desert is covered in fine white sand that has been transformed into dunes over the centuries. These dunes can reach up to 30 meters in height and are constantly moving due to the wind. The Błędów Desert is also home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including many rare and endangered species.
Sandbar of Deliblato, Serbia
The Deliblato Sandbar is a large sandy plain located in Serbia. Nestled close to the Romanian border, the desert covers around 300 square kilometers of land and is one of the most spectacular sights in Serbia. The area stands out for the diversity of its ecosystems and the richness of its fauna. The landscape is also home to several archaeological sites, including the remains of a Roman fort. The Deliblato sandbank is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, birding and horseback riding. In recent years, the area has also become a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. With its wide open spaces and beautiful landscaping, Deliblato Sands is an ideal place for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Oleshky sands, Ukraine
Although at the moment it is not a good idea to visit it, the Oleshky Sands cannot be ignored, they are a vast desert located in the south of Ukraine. With an area of over 3,000 square kilometers, it is one of the largest sandbars in Europe. The sands change constantly and the dunes can reach up to 30 meters in height. Despite its arid appearance, the sands of Oleshky are home to a wide variety of plant and animal life. More than 400 species of plants grow in the sands, and more than 100 species of indigenous animals live there. The sands are also home to a unique type of beetle that is able to survive for years without food or water. In the final years before the war, Oleshky Sands became a popular destination for adventurers and nature lovers from all over the world.
Science of Quo Travel Section sponsored by hyundai