While many travellers will want to visit the booming European cities like Madrid, Rome and London, they can often be overcrowded and lead to a worse experience. This is why it’s becoming more popular to seek out alternative destinations that are considered to be hidden gems. These will offer you more unique experiences and settings, as you travel to areas that have been seen by less people yet offer some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
This guide will explore some of the most underrated travel destinations in Europe that will give you an unforgettable experience. Continue reading to find out more about your next journey across the continent.
European Hidden Gems
Budva, Montenegro
Budva boasts a stunning Old Town (Stari Grad) that is a historical marvel. Enclosed by ancient stone walls, this pedestrian-only labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets reveals centuries of history. It has some wonderful cafes and restaurants in the area that offer some excellent local cuisines, including locally caught fish.
Mogren Beach is a very unique attraction in Budva, as to reach a certain point of the beach you’ll have to ‘walk the plank’ as you cross a thin metal beam that stretches across a small sea cave. It offers great cliff jumping experiences too with there being various sizes to dive from.
Graz, Austria
Graz holds the unique distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historic city center and the magnificent Schloss Eggenberg, showcasing a blend of architectural styles from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. The iconic Uhrturm Clock Tower on Schlossberg hill offers panoramic views, while the Doppelwendeltreppe at Graz Castle is a unique architectural curiosity.
From traditional inns to modern eateries, Graz offers a diverse gastronomic experience that is inspired by its Styrian heritage. You can indulge in local specialties featuring pumpkin seed oil (Kernöl), which are considered delicacies.
Colmar, France
Colmar is renowned for its incredibly well-preserved old town, which seems plucked directly from a storybook. Its most famous area, Petite Venise, features charming canals lined with vibrant, half-timbered houses painted in pastel colours. Colmar also offers a fascinating cultural blend due to its history of being traded between France and Germany. This dual heritage gives travellers a unique experience.
Its Christmas markets are among the most renowned in Europe, with the entire town draped in elaborate lights and decorations. This creates an unparalleled magical ambiance. Even outside of peak seasons, the town’s charm persists, offering a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds.
Vipava Valley, Slovenia
The Vipava Valley boasts a long winemaking tradition, dating back to Roman times. This is blessed with a unique microclimate that offers a combination of Mediterranean and Alpine influences that’s ideal for grape cultivation.
The Valley also sits beautifully between the Julian Alps and the Adriatic coast. Here, you’ll find stunning views of rolling hills, vineyards, orchards and charming villages. The unique landscape is shaped by dramatic Karst plateaus. Don’t miss the Otlica Window, a natural tear-shaped hole in the rock with amazing panoramic views.
Castelmezzano, Italy
What immediately strikes you about Castelmezzano are the Lucanian Dolomites that tower around and above it. Unlike the more famous Dolomites in the north, these are sharply defined sandstone peaks that seem to cradle the village. The houses themselves are built into and cling to the mountainside and create a truly spectacular visual effect.
Castelmezzano remains relatively untouched by mass tourism. The narrow, winding streets, stone houses and local trattorias offer a glimpse into a slower, more traditional pace. Locals are often friendly and welcoming, contributing to a truly immersive cultural experience.
Porto Santo Island, Portugal
Porto Santo’s most famous asset is its incredible 9-kilometer long golden sandy beach. It’s not just beautiful, as the sand is renowned for its therapeutic properties. Rich in minerals like strontium, magnesium and calcium, the warm sand is traditionally used in psammotherapy to alleviate rheumatic and orthopedic conditions. This unique wellness aspect provides a genuine natural spa experience that sets it apart from typical beach destinations.
It also features dramatic volcanic landscapes, including unique basalt formations like those at Pico de Ana Ferreira. This gives tourists many opportunities to get amazing photography.
Durham, England
For those seeking a rich blend of history, stunning architecture, natural beauty and a welcoming atmosphere without the overwhelming crowds, Durham offers an unforgettable experience. The most striking feature of Durham is its magnificent Cathedral and Castle, a joint UNESCO World Heritage Site perched dramatically on a peninsula formed by the River Wear. Just a short car journey away also lies the Grassholme Reservoir, a perfect place to reflect and recharge.
Those who travel to Durham often find themselves wanting to stay there permanently. However, this means getting the relevant visas or obtaining British citizenship. This can allow you ample time to travel across the rest of the UK too.