Europe’s worst named holiday hotspots

“Laura Hamilton gives the hamlet in Nasty Hertfordshire the name it deserves, as part of Monarch’s Year of Nice” Nasty, 29-06-17, Pictures by Alison Jenkins Photography Ltd

Despite their rather ugly title, these 20 European destinations are actually a worth a visit.

But seriously, have you ever thought about visiting Weener, Windpassing, Rottenegg or Reigny for a summer break? Probably not.

Which is why holiday company Monarch has identified 20 of the most unfairly-christened European destinations blighted by ironic names, to tell their real story.

Austria’s Rottenegg is famed for the quality of its fresh air and 360-degree views of its mountainous terrain, whilst Depressa in Italy is far from depressing. Famed for its local olive oil, artichokes and tomatoes, this food region also has beautiful medieval towns and secret coves with turquoise waters.

Despite its showery name, Reigny in central France typically sees five hours of sunshine every day and has lower than average monthly rainfall figures.

The list was compiled after Monarch found that whilst 95 per cent of Brits are open to exploring new places, one in six (16 per cent) holidaymakers would be put off visiting a town or city simply if it had an unsavoury name.

So as part of its Year of Nice campaign, Monarch is showcasing the untold beauty of these destinations – all within driving distance of Monarch flight routes – with the help of Channel 4’s A Place in the Sun’s Laura Hamilton.

Boring in Denmark is far from dull. It is just minutes from the Danish city of Horsens, best known for its culture and entertainment events. Horsens New Theatre is a cultural centre which has seen major names such as Bob Dylan, Madonna and The Rolling Stones perform in recent years.

And Nasty in the UK is a ‘chocolate box’ village in leafy Hertfordshire, with rolling hills, bountiful wildlife and thatched cottages.

20 Worst Named Holiday Gems

Rottenegg (Austria)
Boring (Denmark)
Nasty (Hertfordshire)
El Morron (Spain)
Reigny (France)
Piles (Spain)
Windpassing (Austria)
Fail (Viseu, Portugal)
Monster (Netherlands)
Drama (Greece)
Lucifer (France)
Weener (Germany)
Ugley (Bishop Stortford)
Bastardo (Italy)
Angers, (France)
Bidet (France)
Depressa (Italy)
Bitche (France)
Bra (Italy)
Looe (Cornwall)

“We can all be guilty of judging a book by its cover – or a place by its name – but we’ve uncovered some real hidden gems not far from many of our popular destinations, which despite their deceptive names are some of the nicest places to visit in Europe,” Managing Director, Monarch Holidays, Richard Francis said.

“For years they’ve lacked the attention they deserve so as part of our Year of Nice, we have put together a full tour guide for inquisitive travellers that shines a light on some of these unfairly named locations.”

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