For Scrabble players, words are mere point-scoring symbols the meaning of which doesn’t matter. Yet beyond the green horizon of the Scrabble board, words are constellations of fascinating associations. Like grandparents in winter, words are full of stories.

Take “the old continent” for instance. What beautiful economy: just three words big bang into a universe of history and myth. Three words which first simmer a reference to Europe, and then bubble into the stories of battles that were lost and won, empires that rose and fell, and mythical creatures which inhabit the twilight zone between reality and fantasy.

From mermaids roaming the Aegean to leprechauns making mischief in Ireland and strigoi howling on the outskirts of Transylvanian villages, Europe is haunted by mythical creatures. You may, of course, doubt the existence of such creatures. Which leaves you with one option: pack your bags and go monster hunting.

Loch Ness monster

This year, we celebrate 81 years from the first modern sighting of the Loch Ness monster. Since then, various sightings have been reported. Some of the photos of the dinosaur-like creature are obviously fakes or are simply photos of ducks and bales of hay. However, others are not to be easily dismissed.

The elusive Nessie is said to inhabit the depths of Loch Ness, a magnificent 23-mile stretch of water. Even if there is little chance of catching sight of Nessie, the loch itself is worth the detour, especially since the drive there along the Great Glen Way and across the highlands is one of the most spectacular in the world.

Once you arrive at Loch Ness, the scenery is otherworldly, with Urquhart Castle on the loch’s shore standing guard over the dark water. Enjoy the view and then stretch your legs to the south side, towards the Monadhliaths, a wild range of mountains. From the peak of Mealfuarvonie, you get the best view of the loch. Sit down, take out your binoculars, and wait for Nessie.

Leprechauns

Probably originating from early Irish gods, leprechauns are aged, diminutive men who engage in plenty of mischief, fuelled by the intoxicating effects of their homemade brew poteen. Yet their favourite tipple doesn’t get in the way of their shoemaking skills.

Leprechauns are also guardians of ancient treasure, which they bury in pots. Find the leprechaun, find the treasure. However, if caught, a leprechaun will try and bribe his way out of your grip. And the moment you take your eyes off him, he will vanish in an instant.

These little shoemakers have been around for thousands of years. The last sighting is that reported by pub owner PJ O’Hare, who claimed to have seen one in Carlingford, on the northeast corner of Louth, midway between Belfast and Dublin. No proof has ever been tabled – however, it’s a good excuse to visit the beautiful areas of Carlingford and the Cooley peninsula.

Rich in historical heritage, Carlingford and Cooley boast various prehistoric and medieval sites. But if history doesn’t tick your boxes, then enjoy the hiking opportunities along the rugged Cooley mountains. The landscape is said to have inspired CS Lewis to write The Chronicles of Narnia. And when you’ve worked up an appetite, Carlingford offers a hearty menu, as befits an area which has been awarded the prestigious European Destination of Excellence.

Mermaids

Every culture has its own version of mermaids – yet none are as steeped in ancient myths as those inhabiting the waters of Greece and its islands. One of the more popular myths tells of Alexander the Great who bathed his sister’s hair with a flask of immortal water. When Alexander died, his grief-stricken sister tried to end her life by jumping into the sea. But instead of drowning, she turned into a mermaid.

While some say that mermaids are kind guardians of the sea, others fear them as signs of bad luck. What no one disputes is their beauty, which also endows their natural habitat.

Greece has hundreds of islands, each with its own identity. Milos is a volcanic island with a spectacular landscape of white, brown and red rocks. Beaches are similarly colourful, with gold, red and grey sand. It was on this island, in the village of Tripiti, that the Venus de Milo statue was found.

Life on Hydra in the Saronic Gulf is concentrated around the pretty port, where narrow streets boast a unique architecture. You can take a donkey or a water taxi to small villages and beaches along the coast.

One of the islands closest to Athens is Ithaca, which is just a 45-minute ride from the capital. The island’s green valleys and rugged hills offer plenty of hiking options, while the seas make an offering of a great swim and delicious seafood to follow. If you want to travel further, Kastelorizo is Greece’s smallest permanently inhabited island and is the furthest one from Athens. Cue whitewashed houses, hilltop castles and a clear blue sea.

Strigoi

There are two varieties of strigoi: the first are the undead risen from their graves, and the second are living vampires. It’s all a matter of costume really, because both versions of Romanian vampires are after one thing: your blood. Strigoi don’t like sunlight and can only be defeated by garlic or a wooden stake through the heart. Now Romania may not be your obvious choice for an autumn break. But it should be. This ancient land is one of the most fascinating in Europe. Its capital, Bucharest, has a certain buzz to it and is going through a modernisation phase, thanks to EU funds.

Outside the capital, Romania is your oyster. The Carpathian mountains are perfect for hiking and skiing and hide plenty of little villages ripe for exploration. The Saxon villages and Transylvanian towns have a charm of their own.

You can tour the trio of Brasov, Sighisoara and Sibiu, all within reach of each other. Other options include Biertan and Richis, with their beautiful fortified churches and sleepy monasteries. And if you want your share of mystery, head to Romania’s more famous castles, including Bran, Dracula’s legendary home.

Loup garou

The French have a fancy name for everything. No harm done though – it just gives ordinary things a more romantic feel.

Loup garou is the French version of a werewolf. Depending on the moon’s phases, this creature can change from a human into a wolf – in both guises, it is extremely dangerous. Which is why when in France, you should keep to the trodden paths of Paris, with its penchant for vintage shopping, dreamy bridges and magnificent menus.

Another option is to take a cycling holiday in Normandy or a spot of caravanning in the southern Vendee, renowned for its slow pace of life and rural charms. For something bolder, head to the Val d’Isere for a combination of snowy chalets, roaring fires and skiing.

Best to practise your turns though as you might need to outpace a werewolf or two.

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