Europe’s Most Underrated Destinations (That We Loved!)

Planning a trip to Europe and looking to get off the beaten path? We’re here to help!

While everyone dreams of Paris, Rome, and Santorini, some of our absolute favorite places on the continent are the ones most travelers skip right past. Europe is full of underrated cities, islands, and regions that offer just as much as the big-name destinations, only without the crowds and eye-watering prices. 

So after exploring countless corners of Europe and falling in love with lesser-known spots, we’ve rounded up the best destinations to visit. From small capitals to dramatic islands, these are the places that truly surprised us, and might surprise you too!

1. Ljubljana, Slovenia

We’re kicking things off with Ljubljana, which is one of those places that feels almost too good to be true! It’s a tiny capital city, and it’s super pretty. Most travelers skip right over it in favor of Croatia or Austria, but that’s a huge mistake in our book!

The old town looks like something out of a fairytale. It boasts a gorgeous mix of Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings, and cars are banned from the center, so you can go everywhere on foot, without having to even think about traffic! We love to stroll along the river and enjoy views of the castle perched above, and there are lots of cafes to stop in along the way.

You’ll also find tons of green spaces, and Tivoli Park is perfect if you want a break from sightseeing. And the city’s small size is a definite bonus. Everything is close and easy to get to, so there’s no rushing around and no big crowds to contend with. It’s a super easy place to visit! 

If you love calm cities and exploring on foot, then you need to visit Ljubljana ASAP! It’s got all the beauty of a classic European city without the chaos that accompanies the big names. Once you’ve been, you’ll wonder why this place isn’t packed—it puzzles me, to be honest.

2. Milos, Greece

We’re heading to Milos next, aka Greece’s Goldilocks island. Everyone runs off to Santorini or Mykonos, but Milos is where you go if you want all the beauty without the chaos and the crowds. It’s not exactly unheard of, but it’s definitely the quieter little sister of the more famous islands. 

The beaches here are incredible. You’ve got stretches of golden sand, tiny little coves, and the stunning white cliffs at Sarakiniko! And it all looks even better contrasted against the water, which is super clear and a crazy shade of turquoise. For more inspiration on standout seaside spots, we dive deeper into our favorites in our blogs about the best beach destinations in Southern Europe.

One of our favorite things to do in Milos is wander through the fishing villages. We especially love walking through Klima and seeing the colorful boathouses. It’s also worth heading to Plaka Castle for amazing sunset shots, and if you’re into history, then you can explore the Catacombs and the Ancient Theatre.

Milos can get busy during the school holidays in July and August, but it doesn’t reach anywhere near the level you find in Santorini or Mykonos. For most of the year, it’s generally pretty quiet, and its villages feel super local and relaxed. We think it’s the perfect place for a romantic trip, but it also makes a good budget destination in Greece. And unlike the more famous spots, you can find pretty reasonably priced accommodation here, especially in some of the smaller fishing villages. 

3. Riga, Latvia

Next up is Riga, Latvia’s criminally underrated capital. It’s one of the prettiest cities in the Baltics, but most North Americans have never even heard of it. Riga gets just over a million visitors per year, whereas Paris gets 48 million. This is a big selling point for us because it means you can enjoy the city’s charm without the crowds! 

The old town is cobbled and beautiful, with incredible Art Nouveau architecture everywhere you look. It’s ideal for an aimless wander, and there are plenty of cute cafes around every corner. 

Best of all, Riga is super affordable. It’s an ideal pick if you want to enjoy a charming European city without blowing your budget. You can eat well, drink well, and stay in a lovely hotel for a fraction of the cost of Paris or Amsterdam! If you’re looking for more destinations that offer this kind of value, our guide to the best budget-friendly countries to visit in Europe has plenty of great options.

Some of the best things to do include checking out the quirky Cat House and exploring the iconic House of the Blackheads. We also love shopping at the Central Market, and during the summer, you can even rent a kayak and explore that way! 

If you love history, architecture, and good coffee, Riga is one of Europe’s best hidden gems to explore. It’s a great alternative to Prague or Tallinn. 

Related Read: Planning to explore Europe’s hidden gems at your own pace? Check out our guide to renting a car in Europe for everything you need to know before hitting the road.

4. Puglia, Italy

I think that Puglia might have been the place that surprised us the most in Italy! We weren’t really expecting it to be on par with somewhere like Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast, but it’s just as beautiful and way more peaceful. If you want to experience la dolce vita but don’t feel like contending with a ton of tourists, Puglia is the perfect alternative.

Puglia boasts a lot of scenic, whitewashed towns, as well as golden beaches and olive groves. Plus, since the beaches aren’t overrun by tourists, they’re a lot more enjoyable to visit because you don’t have to fight for a spot on the sand. Puglia does seem to be getting more popular every year, though, so we’d recommend visiting sooner rather than later! 

Once you’re here, be sure to visit the town of Alberobello to see its trulli houses, which are fairytale-esque stone huts with conical roofs. We also loved Ostuni, which is perched on a hill and is known as “the White City”. The mixture of Gothic, Romanesque, and Byzantine architecture is really something to behold. 

And the food and wine in Puglia are just incredible. I highly recommend eating as much fresh seafood and homemade orecchiette pasta as you can, and wash it down with plenty of world-class wine. Trust me, it’s impossible not to fall in love with this magical Italian region.

5. Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade completely took us by surprise! We weren’t really expecting it to feel so vibrant and cool, especially compared to some of the more famous European capitals, but it’s got an amazing energy. If you’re looking for an edgy city break, this is the perfect spot.

We’ve often heard Belgrade compared to Berlin, and after having visited, we get it! It offers a lot of history and culture, but a ton of nightlife that revolves around gritty techno and house music. During the summer, partygoers should make a beeline for one of the city’s big floating clubs and parties along the Danube and Sava rivers. And the best part is that it all feels really authentic, with a refreshing absence of tourist traps.

During the day, the riverside areas are perfect for cafe hopping and people watching. Belgrade is serious about its coffee culture, and we drank so much espresso that we were buzzing for hours. 

There’s also plenty to keep history lovers entertained, especially when visiting the fortress and the old town. Visiting the Church of Saint Sava is also a must! 

If you love cities with personality and a touch of rebellion, Belgrade should be at the top of your list. It really exceeded our expectations, and now we can’t wait to go back!

Related Read: To stay safe while exploring, don’t miss our guide to common European tourist scams to watch out for, so you know exactly what to avoid.

6. Madeira, Portugal

Madeira completely blew us away! It’s often called “the Hawaii of Europe,” but it still feels like a hidden gem. Its landscape is lush and dramatic, and it boasts a ton of variation. You’ve got dramatic cliffs that drop straight into the ocean and waterfalls that tumble right down the mountainside. 

We think that Madeira is the ultimate destination for those who love to walk and hike. You’ve got the famous levada trails, which follow the paths alongside the island’s unique irrigation channels (the levadas themselves). These hikes are an amazing way to explore the island’s lush, diverse scenery, and they vary in difficulty, so you should be able to find one that suits you. 

One amazing way to experience the island’s beauty is to do a sunrise hike and see the cloud inversions. The Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike is spectacular but challenging, but you can always drive to a viewpoint instead!

As well as its stunning scenery, Madeira also has some really vibrant and interesting towns to explore. Ponta do Sol is a sunny town that’s a popular digital nomad hub, while the island’s capital, Funchal, is vibrant with lots to do and an interesting mix of African and European culture. We also highly recommend visiting Santana to see the colorful thatched homes and pretty waterfalls. 

If you love hiking and photography, Madeira should be at the top of your list. It feels completely different from anywhere else in Europe, and its amazing scenery is sure to leave you enchanted.

7. Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia really surprised us! It’s one of Europe’s cheapest capitals, and it has a lot to offer. Most travelers overlook it, but we really enjoyed its culture and personality. Plus, it’s very walkable, so it’s super easy to explore.

Actually, one of the things that makes Sofia special is the fact that it has mountains at its doorstep. This means you can combine a city break with easy day hikes or even a quick ski trip in winter!

And in the city itself, you’ll find a very interesting mix of architecture from Ottoman mosques to Soviet-era buildings and grand Orthodox churches. The Patriarchal Cathedral is a must-see, and we also recommend checking out the St. George rotunda church and the Central Synagogue of Sofia so that you can get a feel for what a patchwork of cultures has shaped Bulgaria’s capital city. 

The food scene is another highlight. Between hearty Bulgarian classics like banitsa to trendy cafes, we ate so well here while sticking to a pretty modest budget. We also recommend visiting the Hambara Bar, which is a super old, hidden bar that’s lit entirely by candlelight! 

8. Zadar, Croatia

Since Croatia joined the EU in 2013, tourism here has boomed. Dubrovnik, in particular, is very busy and expensive these days, since it was a major Game of Thrones filming location! But if you want to experience the beauty of the Dalmatian Coast without the crowds, then we have good news for you—Zadar is just as pretty and historic, but way less crowded.

Zadar is Croatia’s coastline without the chaos of Dubrovnik. There are mountains in the background and deep blue water in every direction, thanks to its peninsula location. It was founded in the 9th century, so it’s full of history, but it feels much more authentic and relaxed than its big sister.

One of the coolest things about Zadar is the Sea Organ, a unique piece of public art that plays music as waves crash through it. Meanwhile, the sunsets here are some of the best you’ll find in Europe.

Zadar also makes an excellent base for island hopping. There are so many nearby islands just waiting to be explored, each with gorgeous beaches and crystal-clear water. We also highly recommend taking a sunset cruise! 

Best of all, Zadar is much more affordable than cities like Split or Dubrovnik. If you want history, beauty, and better bang for your buck, this is the place to go in Croatia.

Related Read: If you’re planning a trip, our roundup of the best places to visit in Europe is packed with destinations worth adding to your list, along with our guide on which European country you should visit based on your travel interests to help you narrow down your top pick.

9. Valletta, Malta

​​Valletta is a tiny city, but it sure punches above its weight in terms of history and charm. In fact, Malta’s capital city is actually considered one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world! It’s full of Baroque architecture and fortified walls, but at the same time, you can walk from one side of the city to the other in just 20 minutes. 

Even though Valletta is small, it doesn’t feel cramped or crowded. Walking around is a breeze, and there are tons of little squares where you can stop for drinks and snacks while you wander the streets. It feels romantic and timeless. Oh, and it’s a coastal city too, which means you get pretty sea views everywhere you go.

Valletta is also a great base for day trips to other areas of Malta. You can head to nearby beaches and explore charming fishing villages, or access historic sites like the Three Cities and the ancient walled city of Mdina with minimal travel time involved.

All in all, we love Valletta because it delivers everything you want from a European capital without feeling crowded or rushed. Even though it’s small, you’ll probably leave wishing you could stay for longer!

10. Lyon, France

Lyon might not get the same attention as Paris or Nice, but it more than makes up for it in history and charm. Oh, yeah, and it’s considered to be France’s food capital! 

While most people have probably heard of Lyon, it doesn’t get one-tenth of the annual visitors that Paris does, so it’s the ideal place to experience a more authentic side of French culture and cuisine. Once you’ve wandered its streets and tried the local specialties, you’ll understand why this place is so special.

The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s full of narrow, cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and beautiful riverside views. Basically, it’s a postcard come to life! It’s a real pleasure to walk around, and we highly recommend eating in one of the many bouchons—traditional, family-run restaurants with rustic decor and hearty Lyonnaise food. 

Lyon also sits at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, so taking a cruise or paddleboarding is a nice way to sightsee. The Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière is also a must-see. It’s one of the most impressive churches in France, and the mosaic ceiling is so beautiful!

We think that Lyon is a must-visit for foodies, and it could also be a really nice spot for a romantic trip to France, away from the crowds. It’s the perfect place to wander around, eat, and soak up French culture without the tourist chaos of Paris.

11. Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest is a super interesting city to visit for those with an interest in history. Honestly, before I went, I was curious to learn about its Communist history, but I ended up going way farther back than that. Did you know that the Ottoman Empire had a huge impact on Romanian culture?

The Old Town area is compact and very walkable, with a strong cafe culture. There are a ton of trendy brunch spots around, as well as glamorous rooftop bars to visit in the evening. One thing we quickly noticed is that there are a ton of old and beautiful bank buildings around, which is a result of the city’s rapid development in the 19th century, when lending became very common.

To be honest, we didn’t find Bucharest to be as cheap as we expected, but one thing that really stands out here is its affordable spa culture. You can visit the huge Therme spa for around €32 for an all-access pass, or get a massage in the city for about half of what you’d pay in Western Europe.

Another really cool thing about visiting Bucharest is that it makes a great base for exploring beyond the city. It’s the gateway to Transylvania, so it’s easy to take a trip to see the region’s famed castles and mountains from here.

Related Read: If you’re piecing together a multi-country trip, check out our guide on how to get around Europe here to learn exactly how to navigate the continent smoothly.

12. Verona, Italy 

Verona is a very romantic city—after all, Romeo and Juliet was set here! However, it receives far fewer visitors than Venice and Rome, so you can actually slow down and enjoy all of the beauty and charm here without being jostled by throngs of tourists! 

And believe me, Verona has all of the classic Italian beauty you could wish for. It boasts gorgeous piazzas and pastel buildings, and plenty of views of the Adige River. The city’s star attraction is the Arena, a remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheater that’s still used for concerts and opera performances today! It’s very impressive in person. 

We also loved taking slow walks along the river and crossing the little bridges to see the city from different angles. If you’re up for a bit of a climb, head up to Castel San Pietro for beautiful views over the rooftops. Go at sunset if you can! 

Verona is extremely walkable, and the whole city feels perfect for a relaxed, romantic getaway. If you’re dreaming of long lunches, drinking wine in scenic squares, and meandering aimlessly through winding side streets, you’ll fall in love with Verona instantly. It’s classic Italy, but without the chaos of the big ticket destinations.

13.  Córdoba

Córdoba is one of the most charming cities in the Andalusia region of Spain, but it’s often overshadowed by Seville and Granada. That means far fewer crowds, which is honestly a blessing because this place is absolutely magical and it really deserves to be explored at a slower pace!

The city’s star attraction is the Mezquita, which I genuinely think is one of the most incredible buildings in all of Europe. Walking inside and seeing the endless forest of red-and-white arches had my jaw on the floor. It’s a stunning blend of Islamic and Christian architecture, and the scale of it is mind-blowing.

But Córdoba has so much more going for it than just the Mezquita. The old town is a maze of whitewashed streets, with lots of pretty courtyards around and flowery patios. In fact, if you can try to visit during the Patio Festival in May. This is when the whole city bursts into color, and it’s unbelievably beautiful! 

Córdoba has that quintessentially warm and relaxed Andalusian vibe. It’s the kind of place you quickly start to visualize yourself living in—at least if you’re anything like me! It’s the perfect alternative to the region’s more popular cities, as it boasts just as much history and beauty, but far fewer crowds. It left us wondering why on Earth we didn’t visit sooner!

14. Tromsø, Norway

Last but not least, we have Tromsø, which feels very different from every other city we’ve mentioned so far. I mean, it’s the only Scandinavian city on this list, so it makes sense that it would have a different vibe!

In Tromsø, you’re way above the Arctic Circle, but the city does have a surprisingly warm and lively energy. Most people come to see the northern lights or hike under the midnight sun, but we also loved the cozy cafés and the fun student energy.

But what really makes Tromsø special is its landscapes. Fjords curl around the city, and the mountains rise straight out of the water, so you get epic views pretty much everywhere you go. Sometimes, just walking across a bridge can make you stop and stare.

And visiting Tromsø during the winter is extra special, because you can chase the northern lights. It’s located directly beneath the aurora, so while sightings can never be guaranteed, the chances here are as good as you’ll get! 

However, visiting during the summer is also pretty amazing because from late May to late July, you’ll get to experience the midnight sun! It’s crazy that it never truly gets dark. Sunset and sunrise just blend into one.

Plus, it’s so easy to get outside the city for an adventure. You can head out on a fjord cruise, go whale watching, or take the cable car up to Storsteinen for huge Arctic views. Tromsø is remote and adventurous, but also welcoming, and it will leave you in awe.

Related Read: Not sure when to plan your trip? Our guide to the best time to visit Europe breaks down the seasons so you can pick the perfect month.

Thanks for reading!

Europe may be famous for its big-name cities, but some of its most memorable moments happen in the places travelers often skip. Whether you’re strolling through Ljubljana, island-hopping around Milos, road-tripping in Puglia, or chasing the northern lights in Tromsø, these underrated destinations prove the continent’s magic goes far beyond the usual highlights.

Before you head off to plan your trip, make sure to browse our other Europe guides here. We’ve put together itineraries, where-to-stay breakdowns, seasonal tips, transportation guides, and more to help you build your dream European adventure from start to finish. Or check out a few of our favorites below to get started. Happy exploring!

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