23 Underrated Places in Europe to Visit Instead of Touristy Destinations

The classics like Rome, London, and Paris will forever be among the most iconic places to visit in Europe. They are the most popular places to visit, for countless substantial reasons. However, there is a collection of remaining places in Europe that are just as beautiful, exciting, unique, and greatly underrated. Many of the lesser-known secrets of Europe are actually not difficult to reach, despite their hidden gem status. These underrated places simply receive less traffic while the PR departments of other major hot spots flourish.

Whether you’re an experienced traveler or setting off to Europe for the first time, these unique travel destinations are guaranteed to provide more meaningful experiences than any generic visit to Big Ben ever would. Regardless of whether you are just seeking an affordable destination or are yearning for adventure, the benefits of visiting underrated places in Europe will get you hooked.

In this guide, we’ve included lesser known European cities, countries and our favorite unexplored places in Europe for fellow off-the-beaten-path travelers.

❗️This post was 100% written by a human author based on real-life experiences without the use of AI-generated content or images.

The Essentials for Visiting Underrated Places in Europe

🇪🇺 While you can reputedly find the most number of underrated places in Eastern Europe, there are still loads of destinations in countries like Italy, France, and Spain that are undiscovered by many tourists.

✈️ Even though you plan on visiting underrated places in Europe, fly into major international airports. Flights will be much cheaper than if you were to fly to smaller local airports.

💰 The biggest rewards for adventuring to lesser known places in Europe include saving money, having unique experiences, and practicing meaningful travel.

🚐 Getting around with your own or rental car is the most convenient way to visit Europe’s hidden gems. When using public transportation, don’t automatically opt for the train before comparing routes and prices for buses (they’re cheaper).

💎 Although these underrated places are lesser-known destinations, it doesn’t by any means mean they are less beautiful or not worth visiting.

3 Reasons to Get off the Beaten Track in Europe

1. Have an authentic experience.

By visiting lesser known places in Europe, you give yourself the chance to be a traveller and not a tourist. It takes a little more flexibility to explore a place that’s not on everyone’s radar, but that’s half of the valuable experience itself. Getting lost, trying things at random and not following a pocket guide itinerary happens much more naturally when visiting low-key destinations opposed to Barcelona or Vienna.

Plus, do you really want to be the tenth person in your family to have an identical experience of visiting The Eiffel Tower? *cringe*

📸 How to book unique travel experiences in Europe

2. Connect with other cultures on a genuine level.

Many various factors about a place get diluted when mass tourism is present. It becomes difficult to reach the core of anywhere when you’re constantly surrounded by cheap souvenirs and touristy gimmicks. The sad thing is that most of the time, it works on a lot of tourists.

When visiting underrated places in Europe, you have no choice but to experience, see, and learn about the place you are in without the distractions. It gives you the chance to hear stories from people who are actually from there and eat food that’s been prepared by the same cook for decades. These are the type of small yet impactful details that are tricky to find in Europe’s most popular destinations.

3. Spend less money.

We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but yes, you are 100% being ripped off while eating a plate of pasta near the Trevi Fountain in Rome. Popular tourist destinations in Europe will always be much more expensive than lesser-known cities or even entire countries.

As unfortunate as it sounds, businesses take advantage of demand and honestly, we get it! If you have a flock of tourists surrounding you who don’t know any better, it’s too easy of an opportunity to not grasp.

But, you don’t have to be one of those tourists who’s overpaying for everything. Traveling in Europe is not expensive if instead, you visit underrated places where pricing is actually reasonable.

🛌 Find cheaper accommodation in Europe’s lesser known destinations

Where to Find the Least Touristy Places in Europe

Western European countries tend to be home to some of the most popular places to visit in Europe. Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, Barcelona and so on. While this is where a lot of those “top 10” destinations live, it’s important to not generalise the entire country of which a popular city may be located in. For example, although Rome can be outrageously touristy, there is an endless list of hidden gems throughout the country of Italy that irregularly sees any visitors.

In the list below, we’ve included underrated places in Europe that are found in popular countries like Spain and France, where all it takes is to look past the big cities.

The best areas in Europe to effortlessly find the most number of underrated destinations are Eastern Europe and the Balkan Peninsula. It is commonly known that it costs a lot less to travel throughout these areas, which is primarily caused by the reason that they don’t experience an insane level of tourism. Of course, even in Eastern Europe and the Balkans, you will find touristy places (like Dubrovnik) but they’re comparatively scaled down to those of western European countries.

From our experience, traveling in Eastern Europe and the Balkan Peninsula gives you the most opportunities to discover cities, towns, and national parks where you’ll potentially be the only international visitor.

Must Visit Underrated Travel Destinations in Europe

1. Lecco, Italy

Although Lake Como is one of the most beloved destinations in all of Europe, there are still corners of it that sit out of the spotlight. Lecco is nestled at the eastern bottom of the lake and is greatly overlooked by the well known towns of Bellagio and Varenna.

Naturally, it shares the same beautiful lake and an incredible waterfront promenade, which isn’t flooded with crowds. Lecco is among the most relaxing and scenic places to enjoy Lake Como without tourists.

2. Molveno, Italy

The Dolomites receive a whole lot of love, but what most people don’t realize is that there’s more to see beyond the famous destinations of Seceda and Tre Cime. These popular sites are located on the eastern side of Bolzano, which leaves the extension of the Dolomites range located on the west side of Trento to be much quieter.

Molveno is a typical Alpine-style town with charming buildings, boutique shops, and one severely underrated lake. Lago di Molveno is astonishingly clear and still, which makes it one of the best swimming lakes in the Dolomites. It is also backed by the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites, which creates one of the most picturesque sceneries. Surrounding the lake and town, there are also countless hiking and mountain biking trails.

🇮🇹 Read More: 21 Hidden Gems & Towns in Italy

3. Gran Sasso National Park, Italy

As Italy’s third-largest national park, the Gran Sasso National Park is an oasis for outdoor lovers who aren’t keen on rubbing elbows with other hikers. The highest peak of the Gran Sasso National Park reaches 2,900 metres and is a beloved destination in Italy for mountaineering. Campo Imperatore is an Alpine meadow and a contender for one of the most picture-perfect landscapes in Europe, all while maintaining its low-key status.

🏰 Read More: Rocca Calascio Castle Near Gran Sasso National Park

4. The Trabocchi Coast, Italy

Italian coastlines are abundant, yet the Amalfi Coast is mayhem each year. Don’t be one of the tourists that pays €100 for sun beds in Positano, and instead, visit the undiscovered Trabocchi Coast in Abruzzo. The Trabocchi Coast stretches alongside the Adriatic Sea for 54 km (33 miles) and consists of beautiful beaches with turquoise waters.

Down the coastline, you’ll also find a number of historic fishing huts that are made out of wood and pulleys. Known as a trabucco, these fishing machines were built to withstand strong storms, all while being built on stilts and offshore. Today, many of the fishing huts have been transformed into impeccable seafood restaurants.

🐟 Read More: Beaches and Restaurants of The Trabocchi Coast

5. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Even though Ljubljana is the largest city in Slovenia, it still deserves to be on this list. Capital cities in Europe can be a hit or miss, but it’s almost a given that they usually feel too crowded and touristy. Ljubljana manages to escape this standard and instead, offers small town charm and a laid-back atmosphere. Thanks to its size, it’s not a massive city which makes it feel quaint rather than overwhelmingly busy.

Ljubljana is the perfect place to visit for anyone interested in culture, history, and quintessential European city character without the frenzy of tour buses. We visited during the peak of summer, and you would have never guessed, based on the lack of crowds.

6. Triglav National Park, Slovenia

Triglav National Park consists of the Julian Alps, which is an extension of the limestone mountain range from northeastern Italy. For a fraction of the price you’d spend and other tourists you’d run into in the Dolomites, you can enjoy similar peaks in Slovenia instead. The Triglav National Park is an ideal destination for a mountain road trip throughout the various rural towns, flowing rivers, valleys and swimming lakes.

Slovenia is deservingly known as the most underrated place in Europe to visit for nature. There are very few large cities in Slovenia and instead, a majority of the country is covered in forests or national parks like Triglav. Naturally, it’s an excellent choice for camping.

7. Piran, Slovenia

Slovenia is not usually known for its coastline, given that it’s comparatively small to its neighbours further south. However, its coastal town of Piran sits on a peninsula in the Gulf of Trieste and is one of the prettiest locations in Slovenia.

The lining waterfront promenade around Piran’s history town centre is a gathering place for bathers and swimmers under the summer sun. Piran’s cityscape is defined by traditional terracotta-coloured roofs and the watchtower of Duomo di San Giorgio.

Additonally, the medieval port city of Koper is also worth seeing and just 30 minutes north of Piran.

8. The Bavarian Alps, Germany

Europe has no shortage of mountainous landscapes and Alpine destinations to choose from. But still, tourists continue to crawl the slopes of hot spots in Switzerland like Zermatt. To set the record straight – the Alps are a huge mountain range that extends through eight different countries and not just Switzerland. One of the most overlooked places in Europe to enjoy the Alps is Germany, particularly in Bavaria.

Germany’s Bavarian Alps are on the border with Austria but equally as beautiful as what you’d see in Switzerland or Austria. Berchtesgaden, a quintessential mountain town in the Bavarian Alps, is the centre of the Berchtesgaden National Park which is largely known for Königssee (lake) and the Eagle’s Nest historic landmark.

🏔 Read More: Road Trip Through the Bavarian Alps

9. Görlitz, Germany

This small town in the German state of Saxony has once earned the title of “The Hollywood of Europe.” Görlitz has been a filming location for numerous movies, including international box office hits like Inglourious Basterds and The Grand Budapest Hotel. Why? Görlitz is literally picture perfect enough to be a set for movies.

The town itself is humble in size, but it has been impeccably preserved and its historic details are intact, which makes it an appealing place to shoot films. Undoubtedly, it’s one of the most charming and fairytale-like places in Europe that luckily still flies off the radar for most tourists.

🇩🇪 Read More: Görlitz, Germany Travel Guide

10. South Moravian Region, Czech Republic

When most people tell us they’ve visited the Czech Republic, it means they went to Prague. Undeniably, Prague is magical and a must-see, but it can get unbelievably crowded to a point where it’s no longer enjoyable. Meanwhile, there are other incredible places to visit in the Czech Republic that are much more authentic and lesser known like the South Moravian region in the south.

The Czech Republic takes a great deal of pride in their beer, but the South Moravian region changes the game. South Moravia is most famously known for its wine production and makes 90% of the country’s wine. Whether you’re a connoisseur or not, this is one of the most underrated places in Europe for a wine tasting!

In South Moravia, you’ll also find the historically preserved town of Mikulov and the chateau estate of Lednice Castle.

🇨🇿 Read More: Places to Visit in the Czech Republic Other Than Prague

11. Tarragona, Spain

Tarragona sits just one hour south of the world-famous Barcelona but feels like a ghost town compared to the Catalan capital. The port city is home to several preserved ancient ruins, including a 2nd-century amphitheater with views of the Mediterranean. Part Alta is the historic old quarter of Tarragona, where you’ll find cute restaurants and narrow streets that rival those of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter.

Surrounding Tarragona in each direction are fabulous beaches, some of which are sandwiched between scenic cliff sides. Tarragona is the ideal underrated destination in Europe for those looking to experience a laid back and picturesque coastal city in Spain without the congestion of Barcelona.

→ 🛌 Find a place to stay in Tarragona ←

12. Avignon, France

For those who are over Paris, Avignon is a must-see alternative without the crowds and €1 keychains. Set on the Rhône River and about one hour from the coast, Avignon is often overlooked by travelers flocking to the southern France’s coastal towns.

While Avignon is absent of mass tourism, it allows the city to feel vastly more authentic than many of its counterparts. Once the capital for the Popes in the 15th-century, Avignon is drenched in medieval history which is reflected on each picturesque corner of its town centre. Avignon provides a quintessential romantic feel of France, dramatic architecture and energetic atmosphere all mixed into one metropolis.

13. Cap Corse Peninsula, France

Located at the top of the Corsica island, the Cap Corse Peninsula is the most secluded area of this Mediterranean paradise. It is vastly underdeveloped in comparison to Porto-Vecchio in the south and unfrequented by most tourists visiting the island. The coastal port of Bastia is the last major town before you’re only met with the small villages of the island’s north peninsula.

The beaches are exquisite, unspoiled, and greatly underrated compared to the popular island of Sardinia, just below Corsica.

14. Korçë, Albania

While many new travelers discover Albania’s beaches and UNESCO-listed towns of Berat and Gjirokaster, there is still so much that hasn’t been discovered by tourists like the city of Korçë. Korçë is located on the far east side of Albania, which is perhaps why it’s still kept out of the spotlight. It is one of the least touristy places we’ve visited in the Balkans and definitely a must for those looking to get off the beaten path in Europe.

Korçë is widely known for being located on a plateau, almost 1,300 metres above sea level. The feel of Korçë is vibrant and dynamic as you stroll through the pedestrian-only promenades lined with cafes. Its Old Bazaar is Korçë’s most beloved attraction and atmospheric enough to make you feel like you are walking through a movie set.

15. Përmet, Albania

Recognized as the “greenest city in Albania,” Përmet is beaming with natural beauty in every corner. Featuring the Vjosa River National Park, Europe’s last wild river, a major highlight of Përmet and a popular destination for rafting or simply floating from point A to B.

Above the hills of Përmet, hikers and off-roading vehicles can reach the secret village of Leusa, which is practically deserted with the exception of summer guesthouses, local farms, and a church with 300-year-old fresco paintings. The stone streets and historic houses embody Albania’s heritage and will make you feel like you’re experiencing an entirely different century.

Located at the base of the Lengarica Canyon is perhaps the most intriguing attraction near Përmet – the Bënja Thermal Baths (also known as Llixhat e Bënjës). The site consists of sulfur springs that are available to bathers in the form of a handful of natural pools. Standing above the thermal baths is the Kadiut Bridge, tying the picturesque scene all together.

🇦🇱 Read More: Përmet, Albania Travel Guide

16. Ohrid, North Macedonia

The city of Ohrid sits on the waterfront of the oldest natural lake in Europe, Lake Ohrid. While the lake has been a generationally frequented destination for nearby Europeans, it is still free of international tourists. The lake itself is Ohrid’s biggest attraction and rightfully so – the water is crystal clear, calm, and ideal for boat excursions. Lake Ohrid is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the scene of ancient settlements dating back 8,500 years ago.

The town of Ohrid is charmingly rustic, lined with cobblestone streets, boutique shops and grand churches like the Church of Saint John the Theologian. If we’re being honest, this is one underrated place in Europe that we hope never gets too discovered.

🇲🇰 Read More: Wonderful Things to Do in Ohrid, North Macedonia

17. Kruševo, North Macedonia

Hidden between the hills of North Macedonia, Kruševo is the highest town in the country and one of the tallest in the Balkans region. It is a frequented destination for paragliding and home to one of the most unique war monuments we’ve ever seen – the Makedonium. There is little to no sense of tourism when wandering the delightful streets of Kruševo’s town centre, which makes it a true gem off the beaten path in Europe.

With numerous trails and panoramic viewpoints to reach, Kruševo is the perfect place to visit for outdoor lovers and anyone looking to truly experience an undiscovered corner of Europe.

18. Mavrovo National Park, North Macedonia

The marvelous landscape of Mavrovo National Park isn’t this destination’s only claim to fame. It is also known as the largest and among the oldest national parks in the Balkans region. Within the national park, fifty mountain peaks surpass an altitude of 2,000 metres which make up three different mountain systems, all within one park.

Clearly, it is the ideal underrated place to visit in Europe for outdoor enthusiasts, year-round. Mavrovo National Park is as easily beloved in the summer as it is in the winter time. Skiers favour Mavrovo as one of the most affordable places for winter sports in Europe.

A half-submerged Old Mavrovo Church famously sits in Mavrovo Lake and can only be visited a few months a year at low tide.

Up the mountain and over the plateau is the mysterious and secluded village of Galichnik (Galičnik), which is now world renowned for its unique summer wedding tradition that extends over the course of multiple days.

→ ⛰ Read More: Visiting Mavrovo National Park ←

19. Sofia, Bulgaria

The capital city of Bulgaria doesn’t receive anywhere near the amount of hype as it should, but I suppose that’s why we quickly fell in love with it. Its diverse history can be seen through remaining beacons from Roman, Greek, Ottoman and most recently, the USSR occupation.

With such a complex past, it has managed to transform into a personality of its own, brilliantly mixing a young and vibrant population with Bulgaria’s strong heritage. Among the Soviet-era buildings, you’ll also be surrounded by countless pedestrian-only boulevards filled with sidewalk cafes, and nostalgic outdoor markets.

What particularly struck us (in a good way) about Bulgaria is that we didn’t experience one bad meal. Any restaurant that we tried, whether it was Bulgarian food or not, was shockingly excellent.

→ 🛌 Find places to stay in Sofia, Bulgaria ←

20. Makarska Riviera, Croatia

Island hopping in Croatia seems to be the latest craze. Meanwhile, other gorgeous places like the Makarska Riviera are quieter and among the most underrated places in Europe to visit for beaches. Its shoreline consists of numerous small coves with small pebble beaches and stunning turquoise water. If you’re yearning to experience a beach holiday in Croatia, there is really no need to venture off to the islands, which can frankly get crowded in the summer.

The Makarska Riviera is also an excellent lesser-known destination for waterfront camping.

→ 🏖 Find beachfront hotels on the Makarska Riviera ←

21. Durmitor National Park, Montenegro

Montenegro’s pride and joy lies in the Durmitor National Park, which also happens to be one of the country’s few UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Consisting of mostly untamed pastures, meadows, forests, glacial lakes and mountains, it is the heart of Montenegro’s “raw” and free natural beauty.

Unlike many famous national parks in Europe, Durmitor is not developed as a tourist destination. You will not find lakeside hotels, glamping sites, or cable car rides to mountain summits because it is nationally protected as one of the most significant ecosystems in the country.

→ 🎒 Book a day trip to Durmitor National Park ←

22. Kythira, Greece

As a member of the Ionian Islands, the Greek island of Kythira (also known as Kythera) sits in the shadow of its counterparts, including Zakynthos and Corfu. Comparatively, very few people have even heard about Kythira. So naturally, it’s one of our favorite hidden gems of all time.

During our visit, we were told that Kythira is less frequented by international tourists because they have their eyes on the more glamorous Greek islands like Crete, Mykonos, and Santorini. Instead, Kythira has been known as a place where Greek people escape to. It’s like an unspoken code – either you know or you don’t know about this magical island.

The island has no real major city but consists of a number of small villages and, most importantly, breathtaking beaches that aren’t touristy. Kythira feels, looks, and provides the experience of one of the best unexplored places in Europe.

→ ⛴ Find ferries to Kythira Island ←

23. Meteora, Greece

At first glance, the scene of Meteora is not what you’d expect to find in Greece. With so much attention on Greek islands and its ancient capital of Athens, it’s often forgotten that there’s an entirely different side of Greece filled with mountains.

Meteora is actually a rock formation in the Greek city of Kalabaka. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Meteora is known for its suspending monasteries that are built on top of stone pillars. While there were originally 24 monasteries in the peak of the 16th century, only six are fully functional in present day. It is truly one of the most memorable and distinct landscapes we’ve ever witnessed in Europe and maybe even the world.

How to Visit Underrated Places in Europe

By Plane

Hidden gems in Europe aren’t always hidden; they’re just overlooked but usually accessible. First, find the underrated place you want to visit in Europe on Google Maps. Then, while you’re zoomed in on the area, search for “international airport,” which will then display the nearest airports surrounding your low-key destination. You’ll want to prioritize flying into a major international airport because flights will be much more affordable.

✈️ How we always find cheap flights in Europe

Public Transportation and On Foot

If you’re exploring underrated places in western Europe, it’s easy to get around by train, buses and on foot. Backpacking in Europe has been a trend for decades, but we don’t really think it counts if you’re just hopping from one big city to another. The train system in most European countries will easily get you from major destinations in addition to the countryside, small villages and national parks, so take advantage of it!

🚉 Browse train schedules and cheap tickets in Europe

Long haul bus transportation is really popular in Europe and often used by students. It’s more affordable than taking the train and you can purchase bus tickets for next to nothing. If you’re travelling throughout Europe by public transportation, don’t be set on just taking the train. It’s always worth it to look into bus routes for comparison.

🚏 How we find super cheap bus tickets in Europe

By Car

To venture off the beaten path in Europe, there’s no better method than by driving. Unless you are an avid trekker, there are some undiscovered destinations in Europe that you just won’t be able to get to without a car. Driving also saves you a lot of time and allows you to explore on your own schedule.

Driving to underrated places in Europe is also a hundred times less stressful than driving in a major tourist destination because it’s going to be significantly calmer.

Particularly if you’re traveling in a pair or group, a road trip to discover Europe’s hidden gems is ideal when you have a driver and someone else to help you navigate.

→ 🚘 Find affordable rental cars in Europe ←

Travel Resources for Visiting Undiscovered Europe

TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage

FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com

CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com

TRAINS, BUSES, FERRIES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio

ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago

ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo

TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator

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