Ever been exhausted on holiday because of crowded places and tourist traps? Not anymore! This article provides you with a long list of Europe’s hidden treasures.
These so-called hidden gems are usually lesser known but just as beautiful as any tourist area. They are rich in culture and mostly more authentic. Sometimes they are even cheaper, so getting to know the less touristy places can also be a plus for your wallet. Let’s explore the world together and go on an off the beaten track trip!
Table of Contents
1. The small town of Durbuy in Belgium
Durbuy is a picturesque town, less than a two-hour train ride from Brussels in Belgium. It’s officially the smallest town of Belgium, but offers a lot more to see and do than most big cities.
There are lot’s if outdoor activities like hiking in the rolling hills of the Ardennes or canoeing on the river Ourthe in the surrounding areas.
Durbuy itself is characterized by its charming old town with its cobbled streets, historic buildings and small boutiques. Particularly interesting is the castle of Durbuy. Unfortunately it’s privately owned, so there is no way you can enter the castle. But it still makes for a nice picture and unique memories.
2. Belogradchik Fortress in Bulgaria
The Belogradchik Fortress is located in the town of Belogradchik in Bulgaria. It is located on the Belogradchik cliffs, impressive rock formations that rise above the landscape.
Even if you aren’t that interested in the architecture and history of the fortress, the rocks are simply stunning. Although they are naturally shaped like this, the sandstone formations look out of this world. The shapes of the cliffs are often bizarre and have given rise to various local legends and stories.
The whole area was recognised by UNESCO as part of the cultural and natural heritage of humanity in 1984. The fortress is accessible to tourists, and there are paths and viewpoints that offer breathtaking views of the cliffs and their surroundings. For an even more incredible view you should wait till sunset.
If you are looking for one of the best hidden places to visit in Europe, Belogradchik should definitely be on your list.
3. The danish island Møn
Møn is a Danish island in the Baltic Sea. It is located on the south-east coast of Denmark and is connected to the island of Zealand (originally called Sjælland) by the Mønbro, the Møn Bridge. This bridge and various ferries to other islands make Møn very accessible.
The landscape of Møn is characterized by rolling hills, forests, fields and stretches of coastline. One of the most famous natural beauties is the chalk coast, which is known for its imposing chalk cliffs, such as the cliffs of Møns Klint.
The island is also famous for being recognised as a Dark Sky Place, which means that it is excellent for stargazing. Since light pollution is minimal you get clear views of the night sky with all its magic and beauty.
This is the perfect hidden destination in Europe for nature lovers and those of you who are looking for relaxation and peace.
4. UNESCO town Gjirokastër in Albania
Next up on our list of the best hidden gems in Europe is Gjirokastër. It is located in the south of Albania, close to the Greek border. The city lies at the foot of the Çajupi Mountains and is surrounded by an impressive mountain landscape.
The town center of Gjirokastër was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its well-preserved Ottoman houses with typical stone-tiled roofs. One of the most impressive buildings is Gjirokastër castle. This castle dates back to the 12th century. Nowadays you can find the National Museum in there, which presents a variety of exhibits on Albanian history and culture.
Albania, specifically Gjirokastër has a rich history influenced by Ottoman, communist and post-communist times. This makes it a rather secret but very diverse and interesting destination for off the beaten path travel in Europe.
5. Enjoy the nature of Spree Forest in Germany
The list of beautiful hidden places in Europe continues with Spreewald, a forest area in Brandenburg, Germany. It is just outside of Berlin, which makes it very accessible by car, bus or even train.
You could go to Lübbenau or Lübben, two small but picturesque towns in the area. There you will find some cute little bed and breakfasts or even wellness hotels.
The Spree forest is also part of the Spreewald biosphere reserve, which offers important nature and bird sanctuaries. Numerous rare plant and animal species can be found here.
This makes this part of Germany ideal for tourists who like hiking and bike rides, observing nature and enjoying a unique landscape. One of the most popular activities in this area are the traditional Kahnfahrten, which are boat trips on typical small flat-bottomed boats. Visitors can paddle through the idyllic canals and enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.
6. Balti Jaam Market in Estonia
Balti Jaam Market is the largest and oldest market in Estonia’s capital Tallinn. However, it is not just like any other market, which is why it forms part of our list of unique places in Europe.
The market is located near the central station Balti Jaam, which gives the special market its name. It was founded in the 19th century and since then has gotten a lot more diverse.
It offers a wide range of products, including fresh food, local specialities, handicrafts, clothing, flowers and much more. If you are looking for local products such as honey, jam, handmade soaps and Estonian delicacies, this is the place to be. The market also offers a variety of street food stalls where you can try Estonian specialities and international dishes.
7. Tara Canyon in Montenegro
This is probably one of the most hidden gems to visit in Europe – the Tara Canyon. The Tara Canyon stretches along the Tara River in Montenegro, and part of it forms the border with neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is located in the north of Montenegro and is part of the Durmitor National Park.
It is the deepest canyon of Europe and therefore UNESCO world heritage. The combination of breathtaking scenery, endemic flora and fauna and the Tara River makes the region unique.
You will especially love this area if you’re a nature lover looking for adventures. Hiking, rafting, kayaking and zip-lining are among the most popular activities to do there. To enjoy some spectacular views you can also visit the Tara Bridge, a famous rope bridge that spans the canyon.
8. The ancient town of Porvoo, Finland
Porvoo is one of the hidden gem cities in Europe in this article. It is one of Finland’s oldest cities and offers a charming mix of history, culture and picturesque architecture. The fact that it is less than an hour by car or public transport from the capital Helsinki, this city makes a great day trip.
The old town of Porvoo is famous for its colourful wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. The narrow cobbled streets, small boutiques and cafés give the old town a picturesque charm.
The cathedral of Porvoo is even one of the oldest churches in Finland, built in the 13th century. Besides the church you can also enjoy several museums and art galleries as well as a special christmas market in december.
9. Medieval Carcassonne in France
The city of Carcassonne in the south of France is known for its well-preserved medieval fortress. It is easily accessible by train and car from the close city Toulouse. Carcassonne-Salvaza airport even offers connections to various European cities, as well as the airport of Toulouse.
The visit to this special place literally takes you back in time. The Cité de Carcassonne is a medieval fortress perched on a hill and surrounded by impressive ramparts and towers. The fortress is surrounded by a double wall with battlements and contains a large number of historic buildings.
Besides all the architectural and historical buildings you can also enjoy regional delicacies, since the region around Carcassonne is known for its wine production. So in case you get bored of medieval culture, you can also participate in wine tastings and tours around the vineyards.
10. Portugal’s Castle of the Moors
The Moorish Castle is located in Sintra, about 30 kilometers west of Lisbon, Portugal. It is easily accessible with the local train and metro of Lisbon. Now you might be confused why we put Sintra, a rather touristic place on our list of hidden gems to travel to in Europe. But it makes perfect sense if you read carefully.
We are not talking about Sintra itself, but the Moorish Castle, which is another 30 minutes bus ride or a rather long hike away from the small town of Sintra. There are lots of visitors who go to Sintra but never make it to the Castle of the Moors.
That’s a shame, since it has a rich history dating back to Moorish times, when the Moors ruled the Iberian Peninsula. The exact date of the castle’s foundation is not known, but it is thought to have been built in the 8th or 9th century.
The castle is located on the peaks of the Serra de Sintra. It consists of fortress walls, towers and battlements. The well-preserved ramparts of the Moorish Castle stretch across the hills and offer visitors the opportunity to walk on the ramparts. There are also towers, including the Cistern Tower and the Watchtower.
Believe me, it is really worth it hiking up there and walking across ramparts. From there you will have breathtaking panoramic views overlooking the sea, the town of Sintra and the surrounding countryside. You might even be able to see Lisbon.
11. Whale watching in Húsavík, Iceland
Húsavík in Iceland is probably one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Just like with pretty much any other place in Iceland, you need to rent a car to get there. This is how you will be able to move freely on the entire island.
The waters around Húsavík are home to various species of whales, including humpback whales, blue whales, minke whales and even orcas. This huge diversity of species makes the region really special.
The best season for whale watching in Húsavík is typically between May and September. During this time, the chances of sightings are particularly high, as many whales come to feed on the rich fish stocks.
Iceland itself seems like a hidden gem due to its remote location far aways from the continent. Besides whale watching you can also climb active volcanoes, sit in hot springs, enjoy the mystic nature with wild horses running around or even do a sled dog ride. So if you are looking for rather unusual things to do in Europe, Iceland is the place to be.
12. The Meteora rock formation in Greece
These impressive rocks are about four hours away by train from Thessaloniki, on the mainland of Greece. The Meteora rocks consist of sandstone and conglomerate rock and were formed millions of years ago by geological processes. The striking vertical formation was created by erosion and tectonic activity.
Meteora is best known for its monasteries built on the rocks. The monasteries were originally founded in the 14th century by monks who wanted to flee from enemy conquerors. Today, six monasteries have been preserved, some of which can be visited.
This is the perfect place for adventurous explorers. You can not only visit the monasteries but also get to know the area and enjoy the rich flora and fauna by climbing and hiking. There are a lot of marked trails for different levels of climbing experience or hiking. So take your gear and get climbing.
13. Wild Connemara in Ireland
Connemara is a picturesque region in the west of Ireland and stands for unspoilt nature, wild landscapes and a rich cultural history. The region is a three hour bus ride away from Galway and is worth every minute of the ride.
Connemara National Park offers walking trails through hills and bogs with Diamond Hill being a popular peak in the park, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area. There are also boat tours that take visitors to the remote islands and coves.
The landscape of Connemara is characterized by a mixture of lakes, rivers, hills, moors and rugged coastlines. The region is known for its rugged beauty and untouched nature. If you get the chance you might even hear some Gaelic speakers talking in this ancient language.
14. Italian vibes in Matera
Matera is a fascinating city in the Basilicata region of southern Italy, known for its unique cave dwellings, which are among the oldest inhabited cave dwellings in the world.
The most outstanding feature of Matera are the “Sassi di Matera” or simply “Sassi”, which means stones in Italian. The Sassi are cave dwellings and historic stone houses carved into the rocks. Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world due to its unique and extraordinary historic center.
Matera is not just a historic Italian town, it is also a special place for movie geeks. Due to its unique architectural beauty, Matera has served as the backdrop for several films, including “James Bond 007: No Time to Die”.
So no matter if you come to visit the ancient cave churches, try some delicious pasta dishes or simply want to see some impressive movie sets, Matera really has it all.
Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia
Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in the center of Croatia, roughly between the cities of Zagreb and Zadar. It offers a breathtaking natural landscape known for its fairytale waterfalls, clear lakes and dense forests. So no wonder the park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
The national park consists of 16 interconnected lakes linked by a series of waterfalls. To explore this unique landscape, boardwalks and well-maintained paths lead you through the national park. On the larger lakes you can even do some boat trips.
The park is home to a rich variety of plants and animals. The forests around the lakes are characterized by beech and spruce, while the park is a habitat for various animal species such as brown bears, wolves, deer, lynx and many bird species. So if you are lucky, you might even be able to watch some of these rare but beautiful animals.
16. The history of Kuldīga in Latvia
This is a true hidden gem city that is worth a visit while you are touring Europe. Kuldīga is a charming town in Latvia with a rich history and picturesque surroundings.
The old town center of Kuldīga is well preserved and offers charming cobbled streets, historic buildings and a relaxed atmosphere. Kuldīga Fountain and Kuldīga Castle are also popular sights in the city.
If you are planning on going to the surrounding areas make sure to visit Gutmanis Cave and the Venta waterfall. While Venta is one of the widest waterfalls in Europe, Gutman is a cave known for its legends and inscriptions. It is said that the water in the cave has healing powers. So all in all this town and the region surrounding it stand for a mystical and magical experience full of typical Latvian culture.
17. The castle of Trakai, Lithuania
Trakai Castle is located on a peninsula just 28 kilometers west of Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. It is easily accessible from Vilnius, both by car and by public transport. So if you happen to be in Vilnius, Trakai Castle is a great option for a day trip.
The castle itself combines various styles of architecture, including Gothic and Renaissance elements. Since it is located in the middle of Lake Galvė, you can not only visit the monument itself but also take a boa trip around it. This gives you the chance to admire the castle from different perspectives and enjoy the reflection of the building in the water with the gleaming sun rays.
The castle of Trakai is the perfect place to get to know the history and beauty of Lithuania.
18. Vianden in Luxembourg
Vianden is a nice little town in the north of Luxembourg, close to the German-Luxembourg border. It stretches along the river Our and is surrounded by wooded hills.
This peaceful hidden gem city has a characteristic medieval charm to it, which you can also see in one of its main sights – the Vianden castle. It is a well-preserved medieval castle perched on a hill above the town. So while visiting this historic building you can also enjoy a nice view over the Vianden.
To get up the hill there is a chairlift. During the ride with this chairlift from the valley to the castle you can overlook the town and the surrounding countryside with the river Our and its picturesque scenery.
19. The fishing village of Marsaxlokk, Malta
Marsaxlokk is located on the south-east coast of Malta, just 6 kilometers south of the capital Valletta.
The small village is famous for its lively fish market, which offers fresh seafood and fish specialities every day. If you like seafood and want to try some traditional Maltese dishes, this place is great to get to know the local cuisine.
The harbor of Marsaxlokk is the heart of the village. It is known for its traditional, colorful fishing boats, the so-called “Luzzus”. These boats are often decorated with Maltese eye borders and bear lucky symbols.
The picturesque promenade, the typical Maltese architecture and the breathtaking views over the coast and sea make this a very magical hidden gem of Europe’s Mediterranean Sea.
20. Magical Vlkolínec in Slovakia
This village really speaks for itself. While at the first glimpse it just looks like a very small traditional place in the middle of nowhere, Vlkolínec is a real treasure. The village is characterized by its distinctive wooden houses, built in the traditional rural style of the region. The houses are covered with thatched roofs and reflect traditional Slovakian farm life.
Unlike many places in Slovakia that are heavily frequented by tourists, Vlkolínec retains its authentic atmosphere. The village is small and offers an insight into traditional rural life off the beaten track. If you are lucky you can even learn about traditional Slovakian craftsmanship with some of the locals there. Their goods also make some really good and unique souvenirs that you won’t be able to find elsewhere.
If you are looking for a typical off the beaten track experience, Vlkolínec in Slovakia is the place for you.
21. Hiking in Trolltunga, Norway
If you are seeking adventure, breathtaking views and exercises this is one of the best hidden places in Europe.
Trolltunga in southern Norway is a rock formation that rises about 700 meters above the lake Ringedalsvatnet. The hike to Trolltunga is quite challenging and covers a distance of around 23 kilometers (both ways). The trail starts in the village of Skjeggedal and leads through impressive landscapes, including forests, alpine valleys and plateaus.
As the hike asks for some strength and experience you can do it on your own or with an experienced guide. If you are planning on doing a longer hiking trip you can stay some nights by camping in the Norwegian wilderness.
This place truly calls for adventure and will leave you with spectacular views and impressive nature. A real once in a lifetime experience.
22. Blagaj in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Some might call Bosnia and Herzegovina itself a true hidden gem for your holidays in Europe. Because most people only know Mostar and its famous bridge. But just a 15 minute car ride away from Mostar, there is the idyllic town of Blagaj.
The town lies on the River Buna, which flows from a spring that is considered one of the largest and most powerful karst springs in Europe. The clear water springs from a cave at the foot of the steep cliffs. For many this is a place of spiritual significance and historical relevance.
The city reflects the cultural diversity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly through its Ottoman architecture and the presence of the Dervish Monastery. The atmosphere in Blagaj is characterized by a mixture of oriental and Balkan culture.
23. See the canals of Giethoorn in the Netherlands
You’ve probably seen the canals in Amsterdam. But there are towns in the Netherlands with canals just as beautiful as in Amsterdam, but way more traditional and far less touristy.
Giethoorn, a small town in the north-east of the Netherlands is one of these ones. This peaceful town is really special as there are no conventional roads. Getting around is mainly done via footpaths, bridges and, of course, the waterways. These are the most characteristic features of Giethoorn. The houses in this town are built on small islands and are connected by bridges and the canals.
One of the best ways to explore Giethoorn is by boat. You can rent rowing boats, kayaks or even small electric boats to glide through the picturesque canals and enjoy the charming atmosphere.
24. Idyllic Bad Aussee in Austria
Bad Aussee is a charming little village on the shore of Lake Altaussee in Austria. The area surrounding Bad Aussee is a paradise for nature lovers and hikers. There are numerous hiking trails through the surrounding mountains and along the lakes.
The village is culturally diverse and has a rich tradition of folk art and traditional costumes. The locals cultivate their customs, which are expressed in festivals, events and local craft markets. So if you are lucky, you might see people walking around in their traditional clothes.
But there is more to explore. The Altaussee salt mine, a historic salt mine that can be visited, is located near Bad Aussee. The guided tour through the tunnels provides an insight into the history of salt mining in the region.
This might be one of the best non-touristy places to visit in Europe, as mostly Austrians go there regularly and international tourists tend to go to the close and more famous Hallstatt instead.
25. Białowieża Forest in Poland – Europe’s last jungle area
Yes, you read that right. Poland is home to a real jungle. Białowieża Forest is the last remaining lowland jungle forest in Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its unique flora and fauna, including European bison, red deer, wild boar and a huge variety of birds. In fact, it is home to the largest free-roaming population of bison in Europe.
Białowieża is strictly protected in order to preserve the natural dynamics of the forest ecosystem. However, there are nature trails and hiking paths for visitors to discover the untouched nature and wildlife. Guided tours are also available.
The Białowieża Primeval Forest is not only a natural treasure for Poland and Europe, but also a place of global importance for nature conservation. Efforts to protect this unique ecosystem help to preserve the biodiversity and ecological integrity of this exceptional part of nature.
This is probably the most exotic hidden gem for your next holidays in Europe and the perfect destination for nature lovers, photographers and ornithologists.
26. Dracula’s Sighișoara in Romania
This next hidden gem in Europe is ideal if you love vampires and the legends of Dracula. Sighișoara, in Romania, is a picturesque medieval town that is actually considered the birthplace of the legendary Vlad III. Dracula.
He served as the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s famous character Dracula. His birthplace, now known as “Casa Dracula”, can be visited. Every year in October, Sighișoara even organizes the Dracula Festival, which focuses on the legend of Dracula, vampire culture and medieval history.
The old town center of Sighișoara has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its well-preserved medieval architecture and historical significance. The heart of the old town is the fortress of Sighișoara. A medieval citadel that is one of the best preserved in Europe. The fortress is surrounded by defense walls, towers and historic buildings.
Vampire fan or not, this historic city is definitely worth your while when being in Romania.
27. Take a boat through the Göta Canal in Sweden
The Göta Canal is an impressive waterway system in Sweden that connects the country’s two largest lakes, Vänern and Vättern. It has a total length of around 190 kilometers and consists of a combination of lakes, rivers and man-made canal sections.
Taking a boat and going along these waterways is definitely a one of a kind experience. You can explore the tranquil canals and picturesque landscape on traditional passenger ships.
The canal passes through historic towns such as Söderköping and Motala, which boast charming harbors, old buildings and cultural sights. The whole trip will offer you a very unique nature experience you won’t be able to enjoy in any other place.
28. The ruins of Hollókő in Hungary
Hollókő is located in the north of Hungary, about a two hour drive from Budapest, the capital of Hungary. It is part of the Cserhát Mountains and is characterized by its incredible surroundings.
Hollókő is a very traditional village with origins dating back to the 13th century. The ruins represent a historic settlement with characteristic architecture and cultural traditions.
The municipality of Hollókő is actively committed to preserving the traditional lifestyle and architecture. Residents often wear traditional clothing to preserve cultural identity. So if you are looking for an authentic Hungarian holiday, this is the place to be.
29. The caves of Škocjan, Slovenia
Škocjan is a region in Slovenia that is best known for its impressive Škocjan Caves and the associated nature park. It is located in the south-west of Slovenia, near the town of Divača.
The region is part of the Karst Plateau, which is known for its karst phenomena and cave systems. This system stretches over six kilometers, which makes it among the largest underground gorges in the world. It impresses with gigantic cave chambers, underground rivers and impressive rock formations.
Besides the caves you can also visit the nature park, which offers hiking trails and viewpoints and allows you to explore the natural beauty of the region. The caves as well as the surrounding nature park are a habitat for bats and various bird species, including rare species. This place is a real gem in Europe for everybody loving nature and its wonders.
30. The Aletsch glacier in Switzerland
Ever visited a glacier? Aletsch glacier in Switzerland in the Alps is the perfect place for your first experience with ice and snow in the mountains. The Jungfrau Railway, a cog railway, provides you with a comfortable journey to the region and offers impressive views of the glacier on the way.
The Aletsch glacier offers spectacular views of the surrounding Bernese Alps, including the peaks of the Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger. The region is a true paradise for hikers and nature lovers.
Different trails and paths let you explore this huge glacier. Unfortunately like many glaciers around the world, the Aletsch Glacier is also experiencing a decline due to climate change. In recent decades, the glacier has lost mass and efforts are being made to promote its preservation.
31. Hanging houses in Cuenca in Spain
The “Casas Colgadas”, in Englisch hanging houses in Cuenca, Spain, are an impressive architectural sight, just one hour by train outside of Madrid, Spain’s capital.
The Hanging Houses are traditional buildings built directly on the cliffs. They are characterized by their overhanging balconies and windows, which offer a breathtaking view of the gorge and the surrounding landscape.
The buildings represent the hanging or overhanging architectural style that is common in the region. This style allowed the inhabitants to adapt to the natural features of the cliffs.
You can not only walk around the old town of Cuenca to have a close look at the hanging houses. You can also cross the near San Pablo bridge over the canyon to enjoy a breathtaking view of the architectural masterpiece and its surroundings.
32. Let’s go to Kutná Hora in Czech Republic
Kutná Hora is a historic hidden gem city in Europe, in the Czech Republic to be precise. For travelers it is pretty accessible as there are trains going to the town, which is less than two hours away from Prague, the capital of the country.
The charming city holds a great variety of sights in store for you. One of them being the Sedlec Ossuary, also known as the Bone Church. The church is decorated with human bones and is one of the most unusual churches in the world.
Another church, which is a little less bizarre but just as beautiful is the St Barbara’s Church. It is one of the most important Gothic buildings in Central Europe. It was built in the 14th century and is known for its impressive vaults, sculptures and frescoes.
Also Kutná Hora town hall is an impressive Gothic-style building with a high tower. It is a central point in the historic town center.
Just like many other places in the Czech Republic, this one is rich in culture and tradition, which makes for a unique experience in Europe.
33. The beauty of Troodos Mountains in Cyprus
To wrap the list of the most hidden and beautiful gems of Europe, we are going to Cyprus. The Troodos Mountains are the largest mountain range on the island of Cyprus and offer not only breathtaking scenery, but also a rich cultural and historical significance.
The Troodos Mountains are geologically interesting as they represent a large part of the earth’s ophiolitic complexes. This geological formation is rich in minerals and metals. They are also home to a variety of flora, including rare plant species, cedar forests and wild orchids.
As a traveler this is a true paradise for hiking, cycling and even skiing in winter. Exploring the area you might be able to watch different kinds of birds, reptiles and mammals.
The Troodos Mountains are also known for their picturesque mountain villages, including Platres, Kakopetria, and Omodos. These villages are characterized by traditional architecture, narrow streets and historic churches.
So if you are looking for a traditional and authentic Cypriot experience, Troodos Mountains are just perfect for you.
These are my personal favorites among the many hidden gems in Europe that are worth a visit. If you are looking for more information on travel tips and tricks, stay tuned.
