20 Underrated European Getaways Waiting To Be Discovered
Most travelers flock to Paris, Rome, and Barcelona, but Europe hides countless magical spots that rarely make it onto Instagram feeds.
Beyond the crowded tourist traps lie charming towns, stunning coastlines, and historic cities where you can actually hear yourself think.
Get ready to explore twenty incredible destinations that offer authentic experiences, fewer crowds, and memories that will last forever.
1. Tarragona, Spain
Ancient Roman ruins meet golden beaches in this Catalan gem that most tourists skip on their way to Barcelona.
Wander through amphitheaters where gladiators once battled, then grab fresh seafood at the bustling market.
Your wallet will thank you here – prices are refreshingly reasonable compared to its famous neighbor. Kids love exploring the medieval streets while parents enjoy excellent local wines.
2. Perast, Montenegro
Picture a tiny baroque village frozen in time, surrounded by dramatic mountains and shimmering bay waters. Only seventeen palaces and two charming islands make up this pint-sized paradise.
Boat rides to Our Lady of the Rocks island take just five minutes but feel like traveling back centuries. Without cars buzzing around, you’ll actually hear church bells echoing across the water.
3. Trieste, Italy
Coffee culture reaches legendary status in this port city where Italian passion meets Austrian elegance.
Historic cafes have served intellectuals and writers for over two hundred years, and the tradition continues today.
Walking along the waterfront feels like discovering Italy’s best-kept secret. Castle ruins perch above the city while fresh Adriatic breezes sweep through elegant squares.
4. Pécs, Hungary
Vibrant ceramic tiles decorate buildings throughout this southern Hungarian treasure, creating a rainbow of architectural eye candy.
UNESCO recognized the early Christian tombs here, but the lively arts scene steals the show.
University students fill cozy wine bars where local Villány wines flow generously. Surprisingly mild weather makes exploring the Turkish-era mosques and museums comfortable year-round.
5. Kutná Hora, Czech Republic
Silver mines once made this medieval town richer than Prague itself, funding spectacular Gothic churches that still dominate the skyline. St. Barbara’s Cathedral rivals any famous European landmark you’ve seen.
Yes, there’s also that famous bone church decorated with forty thousand human skeletons—definitely not your average tourist attraction! Day-trippers from Prague miss the evening magic when crowds disappear.
6. Mons, Belgium
Belgian charm oozes from every cobblestone in this compact city crowned by a quirky monkey statue everyone rubs for good luck. Impressive museums showcase everything from fine arts to military history.
When UNESCO named it a cultural capital, locals just shrugged – they’ve always known their hometown rocks. Fantastic restaurants serve Belgian classics without the Brussels price tags or tourist traps.
7. Inverness, Scotland
Gateway to the Highlands, this riverside city offers castle views, legendary monster hunts, and pubs serving hearty Scottish fare. Loch Ness sits just a short drive away, perfect for afternoon adventures.
Bagpipe music drifts through streets lined with Victorian buildings and modern shops. Friendly locals share stories over drams of whisky, making visitors feel instantly welcome in Scotland’s northern capital.
8. Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city blends Roman theaters with colorful Revival-era houses perched on ancient hills. Artists and musicians have transformed old quarters into creative hubs buzzing with energy.
Incredible restaurants serve traditional Bulgarian dishes for pocket change compared to Western Europe. Perfectly preserved ruins sit casually in the middle of pedestrian streets – history literally surrounds you here.
9. Kaunas, Lithuania
Lithuania’s second city surprises visitors with its interwar modernist architecture and thriving contemporary art scene. Quirky museums celebrate everything from devils to vintage arcade games.
Riverside parks provide peaceful escapes while the old town serves up medieval charm by the bucketload.
Young creatives have opened hip cafes and galleries, breathing fresh life into historic buildings without losing their character.
10. Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sunshine bathes this southern gem nearly year-round, warming stone bridges and Ottoman-era architecture. Locals sip coffee for hours in riverside cafes, practicing the art of doing absolutely nothing.
Excellent local wines from nearby vineyards cost less than bottled water elsewhere. Historic monasteries perch on hillsides while plane trees shade the main square where time moves deliciously slowly.
11. Ericeira, Portugal
World-class surf breaks roll into this whitewashed fishing village designated as a World Surfing Reserve. Cobbled streets wind past seafood restaurants where grilled fish arrives impossibly fresh.
Even non-surfers fall for the laid-back vibe and dramatic clifftop views. Sunsets paint the Atlantic in fiery colors while locals gather at beach bars sharing stories and cold Super Bock beers.
12. Görlitz, Germany
Hollywood directors love filming here because every architectural style from Gothic to Art Nouveau remains perfectly intact. Straddling the German-Polish border, this city escaped wartime destruction miraculously.
Wander through squares that feel like movie sets because they literally are – major films shoot here regularly. Gorgeous details decorate every building, rewarding those who look up while strolling through town.
13. Sighișoara, Romania
Dracula was born in this fairytale citadel where medieval towers pierce the sky and cobblestones echo with centuries of history. Pastel-painted houses climb steep streets inside perfectly preserved fortification walls.
Climbing the covered wooden staircase to the hilltop church rewards you with spectacular views. Artisan workshops and cozy restaurants fill historic buildings, keeping traditional crafts and recipes alive today.
14. Aosta, Italy
Roman ruins stand guard in an Alpine valley surrounded by Europe’s highest peaks, creating an unexpected blend of ancient history and mountain majesty.
Skiers use it as a budget-friendly base for accessing world-class resorts nearby. Fontina cheese and hearty mountain cuisine fuel adventures through archaeological sites and hiking trails alike.
15. Bergen op Zoom, Netherlands
Carnival fever grips this Dutch border town every spring, but year-round it charms visitors with medieval architecture and peaceful canals.
Impressive fortifications tell stories of strategic importance throughout European history.
Local markets overflow with Dutch treats while nearby beaches offer seaside escapes.
Friendly locals proudly share their Brabant heritage, making visitors feel like temporary residents rather than passing tourists.
16. Nida, Lithuania
Towering sand dunes stretch along this slender peninsula where brightly painted fishermen’s cottages line quiet streets.
Thomas Mann built his summer house here, drawn by the otherworldly landscape and peaceful atmosphere.
Cycling paths wind through fragrant pine forests between the Baltic Sea and Curonian Lagoon. Amber hunting on pristine beaches becomes addictive when golden treasures wash ashore regularly.
17. Mosteiros, Azores
Volcanic rocks jut dramatically from the Atlantic creating natural swimming pools in this remote Azorean village. Black sand beaches contrast brilliantly with impossibly green hillsides dotted with grazing cows.
Whales and dolphins regularly pass offshore while locals maintain centuries-old traditions. Fresh seafood tastes even better when enjoyed with ocean views and the sound of crashing waves as background music.
18. Maribor, Slovenia
Slovenia’s second-largest city guards the world’s oldest grapevine, still producing wine after four hundred years of growth.
Riverside cafes and student energy create a youthful vibe in surprisingly affordable surroundings.
Nearby Pohorje mountains offer skiing in winter and hiking in summer, all within minutes of downtown. Wine roads wind through surrounding hills where family wineries pour generous tastings.
19. Visby, Sweden
Medieval magic lives on inside remarkably intact city walls encircling this island capital. Roses climb stone ruins while church spires punctuate skylines straight from storybooks.
Summer brings medieval festivals where residents dress in period costumes and the whole town time-travels backward.
Baltic breezes carry scents of sea salt and blooming flowers through narrow alleys perfect for getting lost.
20. Dürnstein, Austria
Vineyards cascade down to the Danube in this storybook village crowned by castle ruins where Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned.
Blue-and-white church towers provide perfect photo opportunities from every angle.
River cruises stop here specifically because it’s ridiculously photogenic and serves exceptional wines. Apricot everything – from brandy to pastries – celebrates the valley’s most famous crop deliciously.
