13 Hidden European Destinations That Outshine the Famous Hotspots!
Do you think you know Europe? Paris and Venice may draw millions of visitors, but they’re not the only fantastic places. Karpathos, Zaragoza, and Bologna are all equally stunning but with smaller crowds.
Experts like Simon Calder highlight emerging destinations like Bulgaria and Albania, which are praised for their rich histories and serene beaches. Karpathos, a world-famous jewel of Greek beauty, has over 50 quiet beaches and timeless villages.
Here are 13 of Europe’s most overlooked spots, places you will soon want to explore, bringing a wealth of ‘off the beaten track’ memories and adventures for travelers looking for unique and less crowded alternatives.
Faroe Islands, Denmark
Tucked between Iceland and Norway, the Faroe Islands feel like stepping into another world. This untouched Nordic wonderland sees only around 100,000 tourists yearly (less than the 2 million who visit Reykjavik). It offers an intimate escape with dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and puffins galore.
Expert Ella Johnson, a travel photographer, calls it “a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure photographers.” Every second moment here looks like a postcard made real: Whether hiking to Lake Sørvágsvatn or watching the Múlafossur waterfall tumble to the Atlantic, its beauty doesn’t seem real.
Alsace, France
Move over, Paris. Nestled along the French-German border, Alsace looks like a Disney pluck. Picture cobblestone streets, half-timbered cottages, and colorful towns like Colmar and Riquewihr. Colmar is perfect for those looking for some relaxation, getting fewer tourists yearly compared to 30 million rushing to Paris yearly.
Residents of this area suggest visiting during December because it becomes a magical winter wonderland full of Christmas markets. Combine that with Alsace’s world-renowned wine route and have an unforgettable trip.
Český Krumlov, Czech
Český Krumlov is a sublime medieval town south of Czechia where the Renaissance and Baroque architecture remains intact. Frequently overlooked by visitors heading to Prague, this UNESCO World Heritage site saw just 800,000 visitors per year versus the over 5.88 million welcomed by the Czech capital.
Wander the winding streets, boat along the Vltava River, and go to the panoramic view of the Český Krumlov castle.
Poznań, Poland
While Kraków and Warsaw may dominate Polish itineraries, Poznań quietly makes a name for itself. Poznań shows us art and history in its artistic vibe and colorful Old Market Square.
It’s a haven for culture lovers, home to one of Europe’s significant multi-arts festivals (Malta Festival, which hosts over 85,000 people and features over 700 artists from around the world annually). With its thriving coffee culture and lakeside Malta district, you’ve got Poland’s best-kept secret.
Piran, Slovenia
Piran is everything Dubrovnik is without the people. It is known for its picturesque alleyways, seaside cafes, and some of the most transparent waters you will find anywhere. This Venetian-inspired town sits perched atop Slovenia’s tiny cut of the Adriatic coastline.
Piran’s annual tourist numbers are dwarfed by those of Dubrovnik, with Dubrovnik welcoming a substantially larger influx of visitors each year.
Lucca, Italy
Tuscany draws millions to Florence and Siena each year, but few stumble upon Lucca. Encased by well-preserved Renaissance walls, Lucca is full of charm at every turn, from its stunning piazzas to the tranquil Serchio River.
Residents recommend renting a bike to ride the ancient walls with “breathtaking views and a sense of serenity unmatched by Tuscany’s larger cities.”
Nafplio, Greece
Santorini might hog the spotlight, but Nafplio, situated in the Peloponnese region, deserves its moment too. This coastal town’s cultural pot of gold boasts Venetian architecture, crystal-clear beaches, and the majestic Palamidi Fortress. Additionally, you’ll usually end up being more with locals than tourists.
Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor is a medieval city with old-world charm tucked along Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, with a fjord-like bay and medieval castle walls. Unlike Dubrovnik, Kotor is smaller and significantly less tourist-filled, offering an authentic look at this underappreciated corner of Europe.
Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy
Nicknamed the “Dying Town” for its dwindling population and precarious perch atop a hill in central Italy, Civita di Bagnoregio is unlike anywhere you’ve been. Rarely talked about like Rome and Florence, this quiet and peaceful village will soon be a must-see for those after solitude and romance.
Gjirokastër, Albania
Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage site in southern Albania, captivates visitors with its Ottoman-era architecture and cobblestone streets. The “City of Stone” offers a rich blend of history and culture without the tourist hordes seen in nearby Greece or Croatia.
Bohinj, Slovenia
While most travelers wind up in Lake Bled, if you travel just half an hour west, you find the amazing yet lesser-known Lake Bohinj surrounded by the Julian Alps but without the visitors. If you are a nature lover, Bohinj is a dream escape from which to go kayaking and biking or breathe in those serene vibes.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle gets all that Instagram fame, but Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s old-world charm is just as magical. With crumbling alleyways and one majestic church after another, this walled Bavarian village looks frozen in time.
Istria, Croatia
Istria is in the spotlight for food lovers. This peninsula isn’t just full of beautiful beaches, though. It is Croatia’s foodie capital, famous for olive oil, wine, and truffles. For a quieter alternative to Croatia’s bustling islands, Istria is a rewarding experience for any gourmand.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.