10 unusual places for fishing in Europe
9 European countries are on the list of the best places for fishing. The list was compiled by the online service Fishing Booker. We tell you what country to choose for successful fishing, where is the most secluded place for fishing and where there are the most fish.
Author •Alevtina Kalmuk
10 unusual places for fishing in Europe
Fishing Booker is a Serbian online store and online service that writes about fishing and the best routes for it. The store managers also help travellers from all over the world organize a fishing trip and book a boat.
The editors of the Fishing Booker blog selected 10 European fishing spots with the most scenic views. The selection criteria are accessibility, beautiful nature and good bite.
Portugal: Funchal, Madeira and Ponta Delgada, Azores
Where to fish: Atlantic Ocean
Who can be caught: blue and white marlin, swordfish, spearfish, blue and bigeye tuna, mako sharks, mahi-mahi
Madeira has an impressive landscape of black volcanic mountains and lush green forests. Tourists note that the region has cheerful city life and friendly inhabitants. Madeira has a well-developed fishing industry, like the rest of Portugal, the main economic activity of the country. Even the ancient Romans called the region "the land of the blessed" for its great catches.
The Azores are famous for their most picturesque views. Fishermen can find many secluded places to relax and fish. And afterwards, go hiking on hiking trails or along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.
Montenegro, Herceg Novi
Where to fish: Adriatic Sea
Who can be caught: tuna, marlin, swordfish, anchovies
Sailors from Herceg Novi have an ancient tradition of bringing home plants from their voyages to decorate the garden. This gave the town an exotic atmosphere of a "tropical paradise".
Tourists come to Herceg Novi for a relaxing vacation and fishing. They rent a boat from one of the fishing companies or from locals. Most residents of Herceg Novi own boats in which they sometimes go out to sea for dinner at dusk.
Scotland, Inve ess
Where to fish: Space River, Loch Ness Lake
Who can be caught: grayling, pike
Some may be surprised to see Scotland on a list of the best places to fish, but it is Inve ess where fly-fishing enthusiasts congregate. In addition to fishing, tourists come to see Inve ess itself.
They also go for walks through museums and ancient streets with stone buildings. Inve ess has cosy pubs and tearnrooms for relaxing after fishing.
Spain, Marbella
Where to fish: Mediterranean Sea
Who can be caught: blue marlin, bluefin tuna, mahi-mahi, anchovies, gobies, mullet
Marbella is not only a popular resort in the Costa del Sol but also a great place for fishing. At the marina of Puerto Banos, fishermen rent boats and head out to sea for sport fishing. When they return from fishing, they relax in seaside restaurants and have fun with a mug of local beer. A real sombremesa! This word has no analogues in other languages. In Spain, it means the time you enjoy sitting around the table with friends or loved ones after dinner.
Croatia, Dubrovnik
Where to fish: Adriatic Sea
Who can be caught: grouper, mullet, tuna, mahi-mahi, swordfish
The picturesque fairytale city made famous in Game of Thrones: the city harbour of Dubrovnik acted as a royal harbour.
Fans of fishing can go on a boat trip as part of a tourist group with experienced fishermen or independently by renting a boat. Tourists note that the seaside restaurants of the city prepare the most delicious seafood dishes in the country.
Sweden, Stockholm
Where to fish: city canals, Baltic Sea
Who can be caught: salmon, trout, pike, perch, pikeperch
It is an ideal city with clean streets and beautiful embankments where local fishermen are often found. Tourists usually rent boats and go fishing in the Baltic Sea.
After a boat trip, Stockholm offers recreation for all tastes: quiet coastlines, noisy parties in restaurants and active walks through the city streets, museums and galleries.
Slovenia, Bled
Where to fish: Lake Bled
Who can be caught: trout, pike, carp, pikeperch
Slovenia is not the most popular tourist destination — and for good reason. Lake Bled is a jewel of Slovenia’s waters. Around the lake, there is a picturesque view of the alps and a dense forest.
Bled is most often frequented by fly-fishing enthusiasts. There are also many rivers where local fishermen meet for mo ing fishing.
Greece, Santorini
Where to fish: Aegean and Mediterranean Sea
Who can be caught: perch, pandora, different types of squid
Greek islands and the Aegean Sea are popular with fishermen from all over the world. And the houses on the island are familiar to every tourist: white buildings with blue roofs against the background of the seascape.
Fishermen come in their boats or rent wooden boats from local fishermen, and there are also sport fishing competitions on the island.
Ireland, Galway
Where to fish: Galway Bay, Lough Corrib and Lough Derg Lakes
Who can be caught: trout, salmon, cod, sharks
Galway is a port city in the west of Ireland. In the bay of the same name and on the lakes Lough Corrib and Lough Derg everyone is allowed to fish but requires a license to fish for sea salmon and trout. Near Aran Island, which is washed by Galway Bay to the east, shark fishing is organized.
Tourists say that the locals are cheerful and friendly. Galway called the cultural heart of Ireland. Every year in the city hosts an art festival, and in the evenings from the pubs of live music. For the outdoorsman, there are hiking trails in Connemara National Park and horseback riding on the beach.
How to fish in Europe without visas and entry restrictions
Russian citizens need a valid visa to visit a European country. Also, Russians can get a Schengen visa to travel to all EU countries.
In April 2021, Russians can obtain a Schengen visa only at the Greek consulate. But if the purpose of the trip is to visit another country, Greece has the right to refuse a visa.
A residence permit or second citizenship of a European country solves the problems of entering Schengen. Four countries on the list offer foreigners the status of citizen or resident.
Portugal, Greece and Spain grant residence permits by investment. The programs of these countries provide for several investment options. The most popular is the purchase of the real estate. After 5 years, objects are allowed to sell, so investors not only return the investment but also receive income due to rising real estate prices.
Montenegro grants citizenship by purchasing real estate and making a non-refundable contribution to a state fund. 2021 is the last year to participate in the program.
A foreigner can also obtain a residence permit or citizenship of other countries in order to travel to the European Union and Schengen countries. For example, visa-free entry is available to citizens of Malta, Vanuatu and the Caribbean, as well as to residents of Austria, Greece and Switzerland.
Residence permit and citizenship by investment for visa-free entry to Schengen
Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent for Caribbean and European citizenship and residency programs by investment. If you want a second passport or a residence permit to travel freely around the world, seek advice from our investment program experts.