20 Hidden Gems in Europe: Off the Beaten Path Places

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When you travel to Europe, it can be easy simply to follow the path most trodden by tourists – the path that leads to London, Barcelona, Paris and various gorgeous cities across Italy. Of course, while those might be the most common places to visit when you think of European travel destinations, exploring some of the hidden gems in Europe is often more beautiful and even more rewarding.

People always underestimate Europe. Although it’s Western Europe that usually gets all the attention, the continent is made up of a total of 50 countries. Some of the richest countries in the world are in Europe. Over 200 languages are spoken there and the population is a whopping 740 million. Trust me, there’s a lot more to Europe than cobbled streets and seaside resorts. 

Instead of all the common Europe travel destinations, why not find a tiny, unheard-of town and simply catch a flight? Or discover a completely underrated European city, and make up your own mind about it? If that sparks your sense of adventure, then you are in the right place!

Where should I go in Europe for the first time?

Deciding the best places to travel in Europe, a continent so diverse and beautiful, can be a little daunting. You’d need multiple years to see everything, and even then you’ll only be scratching the surface. Of course, you’ll have to see the most popular cities – Paris, Rome, Berlin, London, Istanbul, and many more often make people European bucket lists. But there’s so much more to this continent than what you see scattered all over people’s Instagram accounts.

Unless you explore Europe in-depth, you won’t be seeing anything that hundreds of people haven’t already seen. For example, if you think of Paris, you instantly think of the Eiffel Tower, right? Of course, these European cities are undoubtedly beautiful, and for many first-time trips to Europe, they are must-sees. However, there are more UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe than any other continent.

The most well-known of these are only a small portion of that total. So, to see them all, you’ll have to discover some of the hidden gems in Europe.

What is the most underrated country in Europe?

Poland is easily one of the most underrated countries in Europe with Albania, Latvia, and Slovenia tied in second place. Often being pushed to the side for the likes of Germany, Austria and Hungary, these hidden gems in Europe are seriously worth a visit.

There are the stunning Polish old towns of Krakow and Gdansk and the beautiful Tatra Mountains. The timber-clad cottages and medieval taverns of Zakopane, the small ski village in the extreme south of Poland, are well worth visiting.

There are also beautiful National Parks such as Triglav National Park in Slovenia. The Latvian Cesis Castle, which you can climb to the top using just a lantern to guide you, is also stunning. With so many countries and plenty of hidden gems in Europe, there is certainly lots of choice!

What should you not miss in Europe?

To get a true taste of the continent, visiting some of the most underrated cities in Europe will show you a much more genuine side than the places that expect tourists. I find these places a little unrealistic. For example, how many pictures have you seen of Cinque Terre on Instagram? You’ll turn up almost knowing exactly what to expect!

In my opinion, definitely don’t skip Montenegro. The country has a little bit of everything from stunning mountain scenery to unique and picturesque beaches. UI also highly recommend Madeira, Slovenia, Malta, and Stavanger, especially if you love hiking and breathtaking views.

What are the best hidden gems in Europe to explore?

So, if you want to discover some traditional European destinations, here are the 20 hidden gems in Europe that you absolutely have to visit!

1. Montenegro

Perfect for: Nature-lovers, hiking, bird-watchers, and relaxing on the beach.

Home to: Tara River Canyon; one of Europe’s deepest canyons with a whopping 1,300m (4,265 ft) drop. and Lake Skadar, one of Europe’s best bird-watching habitats.

Montenegro is a beautiful Balkan country full of rugged mountain scenery, medieval churches, beautiful bays and historic towns. It’s often overlooked, however, with its stunning scenery, affordable prices, and some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe (117 beaches to be exact), it’s hard to see why it’s so forgotten. I definitely recommend taking advantage of this hidden gem in Europe, while it remains peaceful.

Montenegro is also a nature lover’s paradise! Lake Skadar (one of the biggest bird reserves in Europe), is home to over 270 bird species, including the rare Dalmatian Pelicans. You can also find bears and wolves in Montenegro if you trek into the mountains.

Tip: If you do decide to visit Montenegro, I definitely recommend hiring a car to get around and public transport can be a bit unreliable. However, bear in mind many of the roads are windy and mountainous.

2. Malta

Perfect for: History lovers, scuba-diving, island hopping, beaches

Home to: Stunning church domes; the world’s third-highest unsupported dome was built by a village of 3000 in Gozo. Mosta also has the world’s fourth-largest unsupported dome.

Another of the hidden gems in Europe, Malta is a tiny country between the Italian island of Sicily and the North African Coast. It features some incredible scuba diving sites including sobering shipwrecks, pretty reefs and lagoons. You can also find caves and beautiful old town gardens.

Malta also has some amazing ancient sites due to its complicated French, British and Roman history. There are a total of 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Malta. There are also Megalithic temples that are older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza, and an incredible 365 churches (one for each day of the year!) including the Mosta Dome which miraculously survived WWII!

Tip: Also, it’s a great year-round destination in Europe. We visited in December and the weather was lovely and warm – perfect for some winter sun!

3. Hrensko, Czechia

Perfect for: Nature lovers, hiking trails, and hidden gorges.

Home to: The Largest natural stone archway in Europe. This was also used as a filming location in the Chronicles of Narnia film.

One of the gorgeous hidden gems of the Czech Republic, Hrensko is a gorgeous little village. Located right on the border between Czechia and Germany, this is a great place to base yourself when exploring either Bohemian Switzerland or Saxon Switzerland National Park.

The village itself is small and traditional, with a small stream running through the middle, a few little shops and markets, and locals selling handcrafted wooden statues. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants serving delicious Czech cuisine (and we found this to be much nicer food than in Prague!). I highly recommend the Dragon Inn.

You’ll also be within walking distance of the Pravicka Brana, the largest stone arch in Europe, and a 30-minute drive from the Bastei Bridge, a gorgeous stone bridge in Germany located amongst some curious rock formations near the river Elbe.

Tip: If you do decide to visit Hrensko, I recommend hiring a car as the village is quite remote. We landed in Prague airport and drove from there. The drive was about 1.5 hours.

4. Stavanger, Norway

Perfect for: Hiking, fjords, beautiful views

Home to: Often used as the gateway town to hike Preikestolen, one of Norway’s most beautiful hiking trails.

Despite being one of Norway’s largest cities, Stavanger doesn’t often appear on lists of the best places to visit in Europe. This beautiful hidden gem is an absolute must-visit if you love all things outdoorsy and don’t mind hiking for a few hours to get some out-of-this-world views.

Stavanger is a great base for exploring some of Norway’s best hiking trails as well as some of the more hidden gems. We visited in late May and were able to hike Priekestolen, Kjerag (which we were only just able to do because of the snowfall), and also Manafossen, and Trollpiken, a couple of lesser-known trails.

It’s also a beautiful city in itself. You’ll find traditional timber buildings, a picturesque harbour, and a beautiful old town full of white, wooden houses. It’s a gorgeous city and one of the top hidden gems in Europe.

5. Rastoke, Croatia

Perfect for: Relaxing and a taste of authentic Croatian life.

Home to: The beautiful fairy garden, mechanical mills, and stunning waterfalls.

Rastoke was one of the more beautiful stops we made on our 10-day Croatian road trip. This utterly gorgeous hidden European gem is located in the middle of the country, about 30 minutes from Plitvice National Park and 1.5 hours from Zagreb. Rastoke is a village, in the larger town of Slunj, which is also worth exploring if you have time.

The main reason for visiting Rastoke is to explore the village itself. Almost perfectly preserved, it’s split into two halves. On one side, you can wander around for free, and on the other, you have to pay to enter. It’s not a lot though, only about £4 / $5, and it’s so worth it.

On this side, you’ll find the Rasoke Experience. A fairy garden, butterflies, 17th-century watermills, and so many beautiful walking trails, lookout points, and waterfalls – it quickly becomes easy to justify the price! You’ll also find caves and, if you feel like exploring a little further, a walking trail that leads to the old ruins in Slunj.

6. Jurassic Coast, England

Perfect for: Coastal walks, fossil hunting, fish and chips.

Home to: Durdle Door, a gorgeous limestone arch. You’ll also find Lulworth Cove, one of the most beautiful beaches in England.

When most people head to England, they make a beeline for London, Cambridge, or many of the other well-known cities in the country. However, many skip the coastline and, in my opinion, this is a very big mistake.

The Jurassic Coast is beautiful. Full of cliff-top walks, hidden coves, and wonderful ocean-side scenery you can’t get much better than this for a classic English seaside break. Durdle Door is, of course, a must-see, but don’t forget little towns like Weymouth, the Isle of Portland, and many more gems in Dorset.

While you’re here, go fossil hunting, explore the beautiful Chesil Beach, discover hidden castles, and go rock pooling in the tide pools. It’s a beautiful area for relaxing by the coast.

7. Gdansk, Poland

Perfect for: History lovers, harbour-front dining, foodies,

Home to: The 14th century Gdańsk Crane on Motlawa’s Long Embankment. This was used to unload cargo and lift it up to 11 meters into the air.

One of Poland’s oldest cities, Gdansk looks like it was taken out of a fairy tale. Packed with culture, leisure and historical spots, the city oozes charm and nostalgia. The coast side city is awash with Baltic ports, streets of architecture from many different European influences, and centuries of fisherman’s tales.

Stroll through the heart of the old city and see its dominating St Mary’s Church. Visit the main town market street of Długi Targ, the National Maritime Museum, beautiful basilicas and the Golden Gate. Ideal for a long weekend break, most of the city is walkable. It’s an incredibly affordable destination and the colours of the city’s many buildings will take your breath away.

8. Albania

Perfect for: History-lovers, foodies, and road-trippers.

Home to: A 106-room nuclear bunker turned art gallery and museum named Bunk’Art.

Bordering Montenegro, Serbia, North Macedonia and Greece, Albania is another country on Europe’s undiscovered Balkan peninsula. Featuring stunning coastlines, lakes, medieval castles, and fascinating museums, Albania is definitely one of the best places to travel in Europe.

It’s also great for a road trip. The Llogara Pass is one of the most impressive views you’ll find in Albania. It’s a road running through Llogara National Park, 1000 meters above sea level. You will most certainly need to stop and take photos of the stunning scenery!

9. Bosnia and Herzegovina

Perfect for: History lovers, hiking and nature trails, water activities and sports

Home to: Sutjeska National Park in eastern Bosnia covers 1,400 hectares (3,500 acres) of Europe’s largest and oldest rainforest.

If you’re a fan of forest hikes and splendid ancient-Turkish architecture, then you’ll love Bosnia and Herzegovina. Although the scars of the civil war of the 1990s still linger, Bosnia is recovering and upon visiting this underrated place in Europe, you’ll find a wealth of warmth and friendliness from the locals.

The Stari Most bridge in Mostar is hauntingly beautiful. But don’t forget the Sarajevo City Hall, the Islamic site of Blagaj Tekke and the cascading Kravica Waterfalls. Pair this with quaint bars, beautiful mountains, ruins of medieval castles and vibrant art deco scenes, there’s plenty to take your breath away in one of the most unexpected hidden gems in Europe.

10. Georgia

Perfect for: Wine-lovers, architecture lovers, culture and history

Home to: The birthplace of wine. The country has been making the drink for at least 8,000 years.

On the intersection between Europe and Asia, Georgia is such a diverse and interesting country. Almost completely unknown to many Western Europeans, Georgians don’t even call their country by the same name – to them, it is known as Sakartvelo.

It’s one of the most ecologically diverse places on Earth, with a total of 12 different climate zones. This has given the former Soviet Republic mountains, beautiful lakes, black sea beaches, canyons, a semi-desert and much more. Be sure to visit the Vardzia, an incredible cave monastery dating back to the 12th century.

The capital, Tbilisi is definitely one of the most underrated European cities and is known for its amazing buildings and winding cobblestone streets. You’ll also find Turkish-style baths, taverns, typical European balconies, underground bakeries, and Asian-Style food markets. It’s a delightful combination of Europe and the Far East.

11. Madeira

Perfect for: Nature-lovers, mountainous hikes, adventurous road trips, foodies

Home to: The Cabo Girao Skywalk, a glass-floor viewing platform at the top of a cliff. It’s Europe’s highest skywalk and the 580m drop is second only to the Grand Canyon’s, worldwide.

A collection of 4 Portuguese islands off the coast of Africa, Madeira is often forgotten by tourists rushing to Lisbon or the Algarve. However, there’s a gorgeous combination of pebbly beaches, volcanoes and amazing scuba diving opportunities.

The towering cliffs and pretty, authentic villages in this hidden gem in Europe will take your breath away. Go hiking for some incredible views across hills, mountains, and seascapes. If you fancy a road trip, prepare for some panoramic drives that you won’t forget.

However, to get to this island, you’ll have to brave one of the most dangerous airport runways in the world. Which is something that I doubt you’ll forget either!

12. Cuenca, Spain

Perfect for: History-lovers, foodies, architecture

Home to: Its famous “hanging houses” clinging to steep, rocky slopes. Also, the Festival of Religious Music is held around Easter.

Of course, some parts of Spain are so well-trodden, the cities are known around the world. However, I seriously doubt that Cuenca is one of them. With a name that literally translates to ‘basin’, Cuenca is one of Spain’s most unique and interesting places. The entire city is a World Heritage Site and is set deep into the mountains of east-central Spain.

What makes the city so unique is the plethora of multicoloured medieval houses that are stacked predominantly on the meeting point of two deep river gorges. Separated by narrow, winding streets below, these are commonly known as ‘Casas colgadas’ or hanging houses. Many of the balconies jut out over a sheer cliff edge. A truly fascinating place to visit, Cuenca is easily one of the hidden gems in Europe.

13. Slovenia

Perfect for: Nature-lovers, bird watchers, mountains, ski resorts, lakes

Home to: The glacial lake of Lake Bled. It’s fed by hot springs and features a church-topped islet and a cliffside medieval castle.

Slovenia is a central European country mostly known for its lakes, and mountains perfect for skiing. You’ll also find iconic bridges, underground caves, churches and museums. Plus, a Renaissance castle and even a hospital located inside a gorge!

One of the most popular parts of Slovenia is Lake Bled, a beautiful lake surrounding a small island. The view from the island is wonderful. For a touch of Slovenian good luck, you could also walk the 99 steps to the top of the church and ring the bell.

14. San Marino

Perfect for: Hikers, architecture,

Home to: The world’s oldest surviving republic. Also, Mount Titano is the highest peak in the area at 739 meters high.

Nestled near the north coast of Italy and easily one of the hidden gems of Europe, this is the fifth tiniest country in the world. There’s a population of just 33,000 people, most of whom are Italian citizens. The single survivor of Italy’s once powerful network of city-states, the remaining micronation is mountainous and smothered in fascinating history.

Within the tiny country, you’ll find the highest point, Mount Titano, which is the capital city of San Marino. Perched at the top and surrounded by medieval walls is Guaita Fortress, which is well worth a visit. Also be sure to check out the 17th-century Palazzo Pubblico, the San Marino Basilica and the quirky Museum of Curiosities.

15. Pula, Croatia

Perfect for: Beach lovers, harbour-front dining, history

Home to: The best preserved Roman ruins outside of Italy, including the world’s 6th largest colosseum.

Pula is a charming seaside town in Croatia. It’s much less crowded than Split or Dubrovnik, which have become increasingly popular in recent years. Pula has been occupied, ruined and rebuilt numerous times, leaving a wealth of history behind.

It’s now known for its protected harbour, Roman artefacts and beach life, making it the perfect holiday destination. Pula also has an Amphitheatre to rival the Colosseum in Rome. The 6th largest Roman Colosseum in the world, Pula Arena should certainly be top of your to-do list in this Croatian town. This certainly makes it one of the most underrated European cities to visit.

16. Estonia

Perfect for: History-lovers, nature lovers, architecture, winter holidays and Christmas markets.

Home to: Extreme swinging. Known as ‘Kiiking’ (kiik is Estonian for swing), this involves strapping yourself upright onto an enormous swing. Estonia is also home to Europe’s largest sauna marathon which takes place in Otepää.

Estonia is a Northern European country made up of more than 1500 islands. Known for its rugged beaches, forests, old towns, lakes and 314m high TV tower with an observation deck, Estonia is one of the most underrated hidden gems in Europe.

Roughly half of the entire country is covered by forest. This is inhabited by all kinds of wildlife including lynxes, wolves, brown bears, and deer. Over the course of a year, you can also spot over 380 species of birds. There’s so much nature to see and plenty of history too, as the country is scattered with castles and hilltop fortresses.

Also, the ex-Soviet Union capital of Tallinn is just a short ferry away from Helsinki, the capital of Finland. In the winter months, it boasts some of the best Christmas markets in Europe for a winter getaway. This makes for a fabulous multi-destination escape and a charming trip all year round.

17. Faroe Islands

Perfect for: Nature-lovers, bird-watchers, hikers, fishing.

Home to: More sheep and puffin birds than people! There is also free bus transportation and sometimes, free helicopters!

Part of the Kingdom of Denmark, this forgotten archipelago is often forsaken for Iceland or Norway. Tucked between the two in the Atlantic Ocean, the Faroes are just a short flight from the UK, yet are often miles off the standard traveller’s radar. The jigsaw of 18 rocky, volcanic islands is topped with contrasting brightly coloured cottages, grass-roofed churches and winding footpaths which cross the deserted moortops.

The islands are a paradise for walkers, nature lovers and bird watchers. Prepare to be delighted by the peeping puffins, shaggy highland sheep and plunging cliffs which are home to plenty of waterbirds.

Although known for being a little pricey, the Faroe Islands are a wonderfully underrated place to visit in Europe. The combination is natural wonders, Viking history and a surprisingly vibrant music scene will stun you for years after you leave.

18. Riga, Latvia

Perfect for: Architecture-lovers, nature, budget-friendly travel.

Home to: Its famous Old Towns that feature over 800 Art Nouveau (aka Jugendstil) style buildings.

A small, green country in Northern Europe, Riga is the capital of Latvia and the largest of the three Baltic capitals. The hidden gem in Europe is known for its old town, with towering spires and wooden buildings; the city is sure to delight. Whilst you’re there, be sure to tuck into some of the delicacies at the local farmers market and check out the edgy art deco architecture.

Certainly one of the most underrated European cities, the canal running through the centre of Riga separates the modern side from the medieval. The pretty park on Barona Street also provides one of the best places to sit and relax.

19. Gothenburg, Sweden

Perfect for: Natural wonders, foodies, and exploring old towns.

Home to: A world-class craft beer scene. Also Skärgården, the southern archipelago where you can find seal safaris, sailing, lobster fishing, sea-angling, and many other boat excursions.

Located on the west coast of Sweden, the underrated European city is often left behind for Stockholm or the nearby Copenhagen in Denmark. However, it’s a city full of life. There are culture-rich shopping and dining experiences, right next to some of Scandanavia’s most stunning nature.

Most of the city can be explored on foot. If you’re a fan of gorgeous views, consider climbing the Risåsberget hill and seeing the Skansen Kronan Fortification at the top. You could also visit Slottsskogen Park, the Nordic Gothenburg Museum of Art or the inspiring district of Haga. Plus, if you have a little longer in the city, the nearby beautiful Bohuslän archipelago, which is made up of over 8,000 islands, islets and skerries, is perfect for a day trip.

20. Milos, Greece

Perfect for: Beach-lovers, foodies, history fans, natural wonders.

Home to: The Venus de Milo (now in the Louvre) and the Asclepius of Milos (now in the British Museum) were both found on the island. As were a Poseidon and an archaic Apollo which are now in Athens.

When you hear Greece you most likely think Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, or Crete.

But have you heard of Milos?

The most southerly island of the Clydesdales group, Milos is one of the most stunning hidden gems in Europe. The small island is home to some incredible volcanic scenery, geothermal areas and beautiful Kleftiko caves. It was also where the famous Venus de Milo, a Poseidon and archaic Appollo, which are all now in Athens.

The island has 80 beaches, some you can only reach by boat and one that you can only reach via a rope! And it also has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe! You can also swim in the glorious turquoise waters or, for something a little different, swim in an abandoned Sulphur mine!

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