Best Gems In Europe: 19 Underrated Places To Visit
It might be challenging to choose which destinations in Europe are the most worthwhile. Every corner has history and culture worth learning about, and every place provides spectacular views. Here are collections of Europe’s hidden beautiful places to visit on your next vacation.
Mittenwald, Germany
Mittenwald is a fairytale-like town. Despite its proximity to Germany’s car industry, Mittenwald is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets and most underestimated destinations. Mittenwald has a lengthy violin-making legacy. Because of its many musical instruments, it’s called “The Village of a Thousand Violins.” Mittenwald’s name is elegant and rhythmic.
Piran, Slovenia
Piran is just 47 km (29 mi) long, yet it’s full of medieval charm and coastline splendor. Tartini Square and the Church of St. George overlook the port. Piran’s Walls are its main attraction. They offer beautiful views of Old Town’s red-roofed houses.
Troodos Mountains, Cyprus
Cyprus is a popular British beach getaway. A week of sunning, swimming, resting and partying. Mount Olympus, Cyprus’ highest mountain, is located in the Troodos Mountains. I consider this mountain range Europe’s best-kept secret. The Troodos Mountains are famous for skiing, hiking, and cycling.
Sistelo, Portugal
Sistelo is 90 minutes from Porto and near Penada Geres National Park. This 300-person settlement, one of Portugal’s seven wonders, is termed “the tiny Portuguese Tibet.”
As in the Douro Valley, the grassy terraces of Sistelo are farmed. The harvested grains, maize, and are kept in granaries called “Espigueiros” Riverside mills grind corn into flour.
Algarve, Portugal
This region’s craggy scenery and windswept beaches are unmatched. Whitewashed villages and towns dot sandy coves and beaches, and they’re affordable. The Algarve is a unique European destination.
Sonogno, Switzerland
Sonogno is a well-kept secret in the Verzasca Valley. This village feels like a time warp. The town’s central plaza features old stone residences, restaurants, boutiques, and a museum. Sonogno’s antique stone oven is being used today.
Bauduen, France
1h30 from Nice is a little-known paradise. Bauduen is a wonderful holiday destination in the middle of nature near the Gorges du Verdon. This quaint town attracts families who enjoy the nautical center, astronomical observatory, and “Art in toys” museum. Bauduen’s few restaurants and brasseries serve basic, good food at moderate pricing compared to Côte d’Azur establishments. Bauduen is a charming French town and a European hidden treasure.
Primosten, Croatia
Primosten, one of Europe’s most beautiful hidden jewels, should be included in every trip to Croatia. This once-fishing town’s beautiful old town has something for everyone. It’s a beautiful peninsula. Little alleys and antique buildings give this neighborhood a unique feel. Primosten’s historic center and beaches are both beautiful. This region has clear, turquoise water.
Torrevieja, Spain
Learn about the pink lake known as “Laguna Salada de Torrevieja,” which will blast your social media account and leave you with lifelong memories. This pink lake may be found in the Natural Park of the Lagunas de la Mata y Torrevieja. This lake would provide therapeutic benefits, particularly for rheumatism, and healing virtues with its saline waters in addition to having such a distinctive color. Pack your luggage, reserve your flights to Alicante, lodging, and excursions and activities in Spain like a “Sunset Catamaran Cruise,” as well as the miles of exquisite beaches that are around a freshwater lake.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Compared to the other European destinations on our list, Zermatt is more expensive. However, you can’t go wrong because of its position, which is surrounded by imposing snow-capped mountains, opulent resorts, and comfortable cottages in the heart of magnificent alpine scenery that’s worth every Swiss Franc. Zermatt is a popular choice among the wealthy socioeconomic class when it comes to ski resort communities. So if you’re seeking a famous European vacation spot and one of the top locations to visit in Europe, this is it.
Theth, Albania
Theth is a little alpine community located close to the Montenegrin border in the Albanian Alps. You feel like time has frozen because of how authentically this place is. Just a few pleasurable activities in this remote village include hiking in the adjacent mountains, eating the local food, and swimming in the nearby waterfalls. There are several hikes accessible, but some claim that the Theth-Valbona Pass ascent, which leads to Valbona, is the most attractive in the area.
Adishi, Georgia
Adishis is a genuine, little mountain village located in the Samegrelo and Upper Svaneti area of the Georgian Greater Caucasus highlands. Adishi provides authenticity and true ski experiences in the middle of nature with its 1,000-year-old churches, medieval stone cottages, defended towers, and antique paintings.
Siurana, Spain
Siurana, one of Catalonia’s most picturesque villages, may get packed during the busiest months, but the wait is well worth it. If you visit during the week, you could have the town to yourself. The excursion’s highlights include spectacular views of the deep blue reservoir below and the amazing landscapes, which feature sharp drops all around. The hamlet’s antique stone structures and cobblestone streets add to its attractiveness. Why this is one of the lesser-known finest locations to visit in Europe is not surprising.
Rio Marina, Italy
One of Tuscany’s best-kept secrets is Rio Marina. Rio Marina, which is situated on the island of Elba and is tucked between the sea and the mountains, is a place of exceptional beauty.
Rio Marina, the former mining center of the island of Elba, now draws tourists in search of pristine beaches with fine golden sand and brilliant blue water, as well as secluded coves and secret beaches like Spiaggia Luisi D’Angelo and Cala delle Alghe.
Bohinj, Slovenia
Bohinj in Slovenia, a location synonymous with nature, sustainable development, and distinctive experiences in the center of one of the most stunning national parks in Europe, was named this year’s #1 Hidden Gem in Europe. Bohinj, which is located in the Julian Alps’ Triglav National Park, is frequently honored for its dedication to the growth of tourism that respects both the environment and people. Bohinj received the EDEN award from the European Commission for being the most eco-friendly travel destination on the continent.
When it comes to Covid-19, Bohinj was chosen as not only one of the greatest sustainable places for hiking in Europe but also one of the most attractive sustainable landscapes in Europe.
San Marino
San Marino may be a small nation, but it is teeming with fascinating historical, cultural, and scenic sites. Because it is known as the oldest republic in the world, history buffs should visit there. A visit to the famous three towers atop Mount Titano and the breathtaking sunrise and sunset should not be missed.
Ohrid, North Macedonia
Macedonia is a must-see when it comes to Europe’s undiscovered natural beauty. The westernmost area of the nation, Ohrid, is a little-known jewel that is well worth your time to see. Locals frequently refer to Ohrid as the “Pearl of North Macedonia.” Two excellent activities for a day in the city are swimming and touring. One of the best places to see the region is St. John the Theologian, a medieval church with expansive views of the lake and neighboring mountains. It was built in the early 13th century and has byzantine architecture and beautiful artwork.
Agüero, Huesca, Spain
The third finest hidden treasure in Europe is this picture-postcard town in the Spanish province of Huesca, Aragon, which is encircled by enormous, 200-meter-high rock formations. Climbers like the mountains of “Los Mallos,” as do photographers and Instagram influencers seeking unusual locations.
Saas-Fee, Switzerland
The municipality of Saas-Fee, a well-known ski resort in Switzerland, is open all year round. But in the summer, it’s often quiet, making it a true hidden gem for a nature excursion. People are entranced by the stunning views from the observation platform, and you can have frothy hot chocolate in the Allalin Restaurant, thrift shops, the highest-revolving restaurant in the world. Saas-Fee should be on your list of destinations if you’re seeking one of the top locations to visit in Europe.
Elia Anderson
Visit our YouTube channel.