While destinations like Venice, Dubrovnik and Amsterdam have recently had to take measures to combat overtourism, there are still parts of the European continent where visitors are few and far between. There's a certain irony to destinations calling themselves 'hidden gems', but we still can – so here's a short list of some of Europe’s most beguiling towns, parks, islands and attractions that deserve a little more fanfare. Read on to discover mysterious castles, lesser-visited countries, underrated regions and more...
Lundy Island crams a lot into its tiny form, measuring just three miles (5km) north to south and half a mile (0.8km) across. Everyone who lives on Lundy (around 30 people) works here – as a shopkeeper, museum guide, farmer or conservation warden – and visitors can get a taste of remote island life with a day trip or as an overnight guest. Brave the often-choppy ferry crossing (or a helicopter in winter) from the mainland and you’ll be rewarded with incredible wildlife sightings, car-free landscapes, convivial pub dinners and unforgettable stories to take home.
The stone city of Gjirokaster, with its UNESCO-listed old town and serene mountain surroundings, is like something lifted straight from the pages of a folktale. Originating in the 4th century, the settlement is peppered with impeccably preserved Ottoman architecture and medieval features, from hilltop fortresses to open-air bazaars, set among the shale streets and slate roofs that give the city its nickname and charm. Be sure to hike a little out of town to the magnificent Ali Pasha Bridge, the sole remaining section of a 19th-century viaduct tucked within a plunging gorge.
Dating back to the times of the Romans and the Celts, the picturesque town of Cochem lies unassumingly in the Rhineland-Palatinate region of Germany. Its long life has seen the town endure plague epidemics, war and occupation; today, it is a peaceful enclave on the banks of one of the country’s most beautiful rivers. You can take a boat tour of the majestic Moselle Valley, while the famous fortress of Burg Eltz is just half an hour’s drive away. Or stick around the town to discover its own eerie castle, pristine vineyards and colourful historic houses.
The scenery of the High Tatras might be Slovakia’s best-kept secret, all yawning valleys, fragrant pines, pristine waterfalls and silver slopes. The national park and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve holds the tallest range in the Carpathian Mountains, with 25 peaks surpassing a height of 8,200 feet (2,500m). Just shy of this is Mount Krivan (8,182ft/2,494m), largely regarded as the country’s most beautiful mountain, with its curved tip and a culture of patriotic pilgrimage dating from the 19th century, revived today by passionate Slovak adventurers.
Those willing to make the journey by bus or car to Comacchio, be warned – you could easily fall in love with this sweet canalside commune. Hailed as 'Little Venice', Comacchio is tucked away in the epicurean heartland of Emilia-Romagna, a region synonymous with delicacies like Parma ham and Parmigiano Reggiano. There's no train station in this lagoon town, which sits on the Po Delta, the largest wetland area in Italy. Awash with nature reserves, archaeological museums, cathedrals, clock towers and seasonal food festivals, you’ll never be short of things to do and see.
The Tarn is a department of southwest France sandwiched between the cities of Toulouse and Montpellier. Relatively untouched by mass tourism, it’s a rare calm and peaceful corner of the world’s most-visited country, packed with history, culture and natural beauty. Visitors will want to head for Albi (pictured), the area’s largest town, home to a former episcopal palace and one of the oldest-surviving maps of the world. Elsewhere, spend a day in the fortified town of Cordes-sur-Ciel – adorning a rocky plateau like a golden crown – and get lost in the pretty, romantic streets of Castres.
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Seeking the secret of eternal youth? You might find it on Ikaria, one of the most remote, undeveloped and unusual islands in the Aegean Sea. Named after the myth of Icarus, the boy who flew too close to the sun, Ikaria is one of the world's so-called 'blue zones'; alongside Sardinia (Italy), Okinawa (Japan), Nicoya (Costa Rica) and Loma Linda (USA), the island's fiercely self-sufficient residents are notoriously long-lived, and a high percentage survive well into their nineties. While still slightly neglected by the Greek ferry network, this isolated isle, with its secret beaches, thermal springs and plant-rich diet, is worth the odyssey.
An hour's drive from Tarragona, Priorat is an unspoilt region in southern Catalonia lush with olive groves and grapevines. Base yourself at Terra Dominicata, a pin-drop-quiet boutique hotel and winery within walking distance of Cartoixa d'Escaladei (pictured), a ruined priory that once housed the monks that first cultivated the hotel's vines. The village of Escaladei is just one of many idyllic settlements set against the cliffs of Serra de Montsant, a mountainous natural park and dark-sky haven covering much of Priorat.
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The teal waters of the Uvac River weave through this canyon in a series of meandering curves and bends, creating an awesome spectacle thousands of years in the making. The gorge is a top-notch site for wildlife-watchers and geologists, home to 219 plant species, 24 kinds of fish, 187 bird species (including one of the largest nesting colonies of griffon vultures in the Balkans) and Serbia’s largest cave system. Hike through the karst landscape or take a boat or kayak trip along the river itself to observe the epic beauty of this surprising spot.
Wedged between Scandinavia and North America, and between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic, Greenland – the world's largest island – doesn’t command the same audience as Iceland or northern Canada. Though technically part of Denmark, the island is self-governing and has a very different identity to the rest of the country. It is said that Greenlanders are more likely to own a boat than a car, so the best way to discover the island is by sailing along the coastline or into its fjords. On land, shop for local Inuit-made handicrafts and sample cutting-edge gastronomy in and around the town of Ilulissat.
Deep in the Caucasus mountain range, Svaneti remains as wild and remote as it has always been. The upper part of the region, marked by striking medieval villages with stone towers backed by snow-brushed peaks, is inscribed by UNESCO. One of the most poignant cultural events in Svaneti’s calendar is Lamproba, an ancient ritual held in frozen February where people gather to remember lost loved ones and usher in a fertile spring. Hiring a local guide will ensure you’re well-informed and respectful if visiting during this time.
The waves of the distinctly-not-black Black Sea kiss the shores of Amasra, a fishing town emerging from the coastline of northern Turkey in a small spur. With quiet beaches, castle ruins, museums and mysterious islands with free-roaming rabbits (and a supposed power to heal the sick), Amasra was apparently called "the apple of the world's eye" by legendary Ottoman sultan Mehmed the Conqueror when he captured it in the 15th century. The allure of the town has never been lost on Turkish tourists, but international travellers are yet to catch on to its appeal.
Data from 2017 declared San Marino the least-visited country in Europe and its profile doesn’t seem to have grown much in the years since. But this minuscule landlocked nation, one of the oldest and smallest on the continent, is the perfect alternative to overtouristed Italy, which surrounds it. Also known as the Most Serene Republic of San Marino, it has a namesake capital city recognised by UNESCO for its historic centre, along with Mount Titano – the escarpment onto which it precariously clings. If you’re into history, food and amazing views, San Marino should be on your radar.
Far removed from the crowds that descend on the Dalmatian Coast every year, Groznjan is a small town in the northern Croatian region of Istria. Music aficionados may have already heard of it, as it's become known in creative circles as an exciting centre of the arts. Throughout July and August Groznjan literally sings, as its streets are overtaken by buskers and jazz festivals. This musical heritage first emerged during the 1960s, when musicians and artists moved into the town’s abandoned houses after the Second World War.
Reflecting the titanic peaks of the Komovi mountains in its looking-glass-like surface, Bukumirsko is a glacial lake nestled in the astonishing Montenegrin wilderness. Its waters are warm enough to bathe in during summer and were once the domain of a dragon if you believe local legend. At around 90 minutes by car from Podgorica, Montenegro’s underrated capital, Bukumirsko makes for a cool day trip if you’re planning a visit to this captivating nation. Avoid winter though, as the road to the lake can become impassable due to snowfall.
Tokaj is a historic town near the Hungarian borders with Slovakia, Ukraine and Romania that also lends its name to a UNESCO-recognised wine region. Being so far from the touristy areas of Budapest and Lake Balaton means foreign visitors seldom reach this part of Hungary, missing out on gorgeous scenery and delicious viticulture. In Tokaj town you can wander the Tisza river bank and hop between independent cafes, wineries and bistros, but you'll need to hire a car to get the most from the region. The strange structures pictured here can be found at Hercegkut – though they might look like hobbit houses, they are actually wine cellars.
This emerald island is the westernmost territory of the Azores archipelago and of the European continent, carpeted in unfathomably green vegetation interrupted only by impressive volcanic lakes, ethereal waterfalls and quaint villages paused in time. While it has worn other names in the past, ‘Flores’ derives from the yellow flowers (goldenrod) that speckle the whole island with cheerful colour. Work your way from the dramatic coast – don’t miss Faja Grande, Europe’s most westerly village – into the thick of the island’s interior, where crater lakes and undulating mountains will hit you for six.
Bialowieza Forest National Park straddles the border between Poland and Belarus and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979 thanks to its superlative biodiversity. It's the best-preserved forest ecosystem and last lowland deciduous and mixed old-growth forest in Europe, and houses the continent’s largest population of regal European bison. Aside from this, the Polish side of Bialowieza is where you’ll find Bialowieza Towarowa, an old Tsarist railway station with train carriages converted into a restaurant and hotel.
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The second largest city in Estonia after Tallinn, Tartu is a youthful hub of students, creatives and polymaths who come here to study at one of northern Europe’s oldest universities. But the city otherwise escapes the notice of many travellers who instead favour the Baltic capitals. Unmissable sights include the pastel-pink Town Hall (pictured), where the romantic Kissing Students statue stands right outside, depicting a lovers’ smooch under a shared umbrella. Designated one of three European Capitals of Culture for 2024, Tartu is about to receive more of the international attention it so richly deserves.
Sometimes called the Olympus of Romania, the Ceahlau Massif is much-loved among local people and has inspired a wealth of songs, stories and artworks over the centuries. Though not as tall as other peaks in Europe (around 6,257ft/1,907m), Ceahlau still dominates the skyline and gives its name to a national park replete with unusual rock formations and rare plants. There are a number of marked trails with which you can explore the park on foot or by bike, but be sure to stop at one of the welcoming lodges along the way to ask the hosts about the many myths and legends embedded in these mountains.
You may have heard of Malta’s Blue Lagoon, the crystalline expanse of seawater that lies between the islands of Comino and Cominotto. But what about the Coral Lagoon? Located in the north of Malta’s eponymous main island, the Coral Lagoon (or Dragonara Cave) is a sea cave with a collapsed ceiling, which creates a fabulous open-air natural pool. Due to its off-the-beaten-track location, which you can either drive or kayak to from Little Armier Bay, this spot has remained somewhat hidden from the majority of tourists.
Kosovo is Europe’s newest country, having declared its hard-won independence from Serbia in 2008 – a move recognised by some nations but not others. While the 1990s were marred with unrest and war, Kosovo has since moved on, ready to welcome open-minded travellers willing to give it a chance. Landlocked and bordered by four other Balkan countries, it may lack the coastal credentials of Albania or Montenegro, but Kosovo does have other tricks up its sleeve. Prizren (pictured), for instance, is a delightful city combining Roman and Ottoman influences, punctuated by both minarets and church bell towers. Avoid the northern borderlands with Serbia, where tensions still linger.
The mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, you might expect Kythira to be overrun with star-crossed lovers and forlorn souls seeking blessings and redemption from the goddess of love herself. Instead, the island is one of the most secluded in all of Greece – Instagrammers, international flights and package holidays have thus far eluded it. It’s part of the Ionian group of islands, but is a fair distance from the others, so ferries and domestic airlines are your only tickets in. Once here, you’ll be abundantly remunerated for your efforts in unblemished beaches, whitewashed streets and the freshest food.
Just a short ferry journey from Alicante lies the islet of Nueva Tabarca (often known simply as Tabarca). A strategic base for North African pirates under the Ottoman Empire, the island was fortified in the 18th century at the command of King Carlos III, and a settlement was created. The town – first used to rehome liberated Genoese families who had been enslaved by Turkish invaders – is now a hotbed of seafood restaurants and cultural attractions. In 1986, the island became Spain's first Marine Reserve, where turtles, octopuses, lobsters and fish frolic in the many coves and sea caves.
The Flemish city of Mechelen may be small, but its compact size belies all of the brilliant attractions it manages to pack in. From its main square overlooked by St Rumbold’s Cathedral and surrounded by swoon-worthy baroque facades, to its botanical gardens, breweries and boat trips, Mechelen gives the likes of Brussels and Bruges a run for their money. There are also museums dedicated to science and technology, Burgundian history and the Holocaust and human rights, so your visit promises to be eye-opening in more ways than one.
Built along a natural barricade of jagged peaks to protect against enemy invasion between the 6th and 5th century BC, Castelmezzano is the epitome of a fairytale village. Its smattering of earth-toned houses is part of the Lucanian Dolomites in the province of Potenza, located at the ankle of Italy's 'boot'. While you're here, there are rock-chiselled stairways to traverse, traditional regional delicacies to sample, Norman castle ruins to discover and peaceful piazzas to unwind in. The drive to Castelmezzano is a scenic two-hour journey from Naples and Bari.
This eerie Bohemian fortress in Czechia (the Czech Republic) doesn't just look foreboding – it's steeped in terrifying folklore. Built in the 13th century, deep in isolated forest and far from the closest town, trade route or water source, Houska Castle was seemingly without purpose; no residents, no strategic position. But legend holds that Houska was constructed to block a bottomless pit leading to Hell, with a chapel poised directly atop the chasm. In the years since, the mysterious castle has supposedly played host to practitioners of black magic, as well as Nazi worshippers of the occult.
This walled medieval town on the island of Gotland is a Disney lover’s dream – you can almost see Belle drifting down the streets of Visby with her nose buried in a book, or Olaf the snowman gallivanting about with his reindeer pal. Nestled in the chilly Baltic, Visby was founded in the 12th century and was an important merchant town during the era of the Hanseatic League. These days it is a World Heritage Site with more than 200 buildings hailing back to the 12th, 13th and 14th centuries. Come in November if the cold doesn’t phase you, as it's peak truffle-hunting season.
You'll struggle to find a flight to transport you to Andorra. This tiny sliver of a country, forming part of the border between France and Spain, sits in such a hidden, high-altitude location in the Pyrenees that it has no airport. Most people (if they come at all) arrive by plane or train into southern France and then take a road trip. Full of surprises, Andorra is more than just a ski resort. At least 90% of the terrain is mountains (with only 4% of the land built on), and you can cross most of the country on foot, as there are 100-plus walking trails stitched through it.
From the forests of Cannock Chase, Tolkien-inspired trails and the rock dwellings of Kinver Edge, to the stunning folly at Mow Cop (pictured) and the ceramic heritage of Stoke-on-Trent, there’s so much more to this underrated Midlands county than the much-visited Alton Towers theme park. An exciting culinary scene awaits: Little Seeds, in the canalside town of Stone, was one of the Michelin Guide's favourite new restaurants in 2022, while the Peak District's Duncombe Arms and Lichfield's Boat Inn are among the top gastropubs in the UK.
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