UPDATED FEB 2020. Planning a trip to Europe can be overwhelming. There are just so many countries to visit – sometimes it can feel like ‘where do I even start?’ We all know the heavy hitters like Venice, Paris, and London and, while they are all certainly worth a visit, there are also some lesser-known places that are worth adding to your itinerary if your schedule allows. Today I’m sharing 11 of my favorite underrated European destinations. At these destinations, you can avoid the tourist crowds, save a little money and still have memorable travel experiences. I’ve also added the links to my blog posts for each if you’d like more information or tips for a place.
11 Underrated European Destinations That Need To Be On Your Radar
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1. Tallinn, Estonia
I hadn’t heard of Tallinn before I visited and afterward, I was so surprised because it really is a gem.
The city has a medieval charm that feels a little like walking around in a movie set.
Make sure you feast at the medieval-themed Olde Hansa restaurant, search for the L shape cobblestone in Town Hall Square, visit the Maiden Tower, and take a day trip out to the Jagala and Keila waterfalls.
To plan your trip: Check out my post on things to do in Tallinn.
Where to stay: Von Stackelberg Hotel
Perhaps my favorite of the underrated destinations in Europe is Tallinn, Estonia.
2. Dhermi, Albania
If you are looking for somewhere to experience a summer getaway in Europe, then I suggest checking out Dhermi.
It’s got all the sparkling water to swim in without the price tag and crowds of the more well-known places in southern Italy or Croatia.
Dhermi Beach is lined with beach chairs, umbrellas, and the boardwalk is lined with restaurants where you can pick up a meal and a cocktail with a gorgeous view of the water without breaking the bank.
To plan your trip: Check out my post on how to plan a Balkans road trip.
Where to stay: Augustus Hotel
Plan a visit to Dhermi before it gets too crowded.
3. Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina
I just adored Mostar.
It’s another place that I didn’t know much about before visiting and was surprised by how cool it was.
Be sure to visit the eye-opening Museum of War and Genocide Victims, stroll around the city to look through the market stalls near the Stari Most Bridge.
If you’re brave enough you can jump off the bridge too, but you need to pay a small fee and get a quick safety lesson from the divers there first.
I also recommend that you take a drive out to swim with snakes at the Kravica waterfalls. The outdoor scenery out there is simply gorgeous.
To plan your trip: Check out my post on planning a Balkans road trip post.
Where to stay: River Camp – Half Island if a great camping spot.
The Stari Most Bridge in Mostar.
4. The Dolomites, Italy
Italy is typically known for big cities like Venice, Pisa, or Rome but, for me, The Dolomites is the best place to visit.
Everywhere you look the views are breathtaking, as if you are looking at a flawless painting.
The whole area is filled with rugged mountains, peaceful lakes, and more outdoor activities than you can poke a stick at.
It’s best if you have a rental car and, once there, you can hike the well-marked trails for all fitness levels, mountain bike, ski, or even just drive around to soak in the views.
As with anywhere in Italy, you can stop for a mouth-watering meal and any Trattoria will have delicious Italian meals.
To plan your trip: Check out my post on the best day trips in the Dolomites.
Where to stay: It’s a huge area so there are many accommodation options to choose from.
If you stay longer than a day trip, I recommended staying in an Agriturismo – just Google search ‘Agriturismo’ then the town you will stay in.
My favorite agriturismo in the Dolomites is Berry House.
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5. Berchtesgaden, Germany
I visited Berchtesgaden to see Hitler’s Eagles Nest which is a popular attraction that has amazing 360-degree panoramic views from high up in the mountains.
The Dokumentationszentrum Obersalzberg museum at the bottom of the mountain was also an interesting place to visit.
My favorite place in Berchtesgaden though was Lake Königssee.
You can take a quick swim in the cold water, walk past the stalls for some really delicious food (think giant pretzels or bratwurst buns), or even take a boat ride across the lake to see the views up close.
Overall, Berchtesgaden combined history, nature, and good food and was a charming place to visit.
To plan your trip: Check out my post with a 2-day itinerary for Berchtesgaden and surrounding areas.
Where to stay: Hotel Frauenschuh in nearby Salzburg.
Lake Königsee is just gorgeous!
6. Bovec, Slovenia
If you enjoy being in nature, you will love Bovec.
In Bovec, you can see waterfalls, hike nature trails, kayak along the river or even go canyoning.
The Tolmin and Vintgar Gorges are both nearby day trips with equally gorgeous surroundings and easy walking trails.
There’s something for everyone and you can be as relaxed or extreme as you want. Get into this natural gem before the crowds do.
To plan your trip: Here’s my guide on how to go glamping in Slovenia.
Where to stay: I recommend Adrenaline Check for glamping or camping.
Slovenia is a great place to go glamping.
7. Mdina, Malta
Though Valetta is the capital, I found it to be a little overrated and lacking character.
Mdina, however, was more unique and felt like stepping back in time and is perfect for a day trip.
It’s easy to take the public transportation bus here from Valletta.
Once you’re there you can stroll around listening to the sound of horses hooves echo against the tall walls of the maze-like streets, take a walking tour, stop in at a cafe, and learn more at the Knights of Malta museum.
To plan your trip: Check out my guide on how to plan a visit to Malta.
Where to stay: Stay by the sea at Corinthia Hotel St Georges Bay and take the day trip to Mdina.
Mdina is like a maze and has a lot more character than Valetta in my opinion.
8. Kvalsund, Norway
If you want to experience staying in a cozy cabin and see the northern lights in Norway, this is the place to do it.
It’s remote enough to be away from city lights which means you have the best opportunity to see the northern lights without a tour.
Here you can take a trip to the northernmost point of Europe, hike, or simply relax and enjoy the quiet time in nature.
I stayed in the most perfect cabin that came complete with jacuzzi and sauna.
To plan your trip: Check out my full review on how to plan a cabin stay in Norway or watch my vlog for a cabin tour.
This cabin in northern Norway is an incredible place to stay.
9. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest should be on your travel radar especially if you need a relaxing getaway.
There are plenty of thermal pools to relax in and you can even soak in a beer spa! Yep, you can sit in a tub of beer.
At each of the thermal pools, you can usually add on a massage or spa treatment, and they are fantastic places to relax.
Aside from soaking in the healing waters, make sure you also check out the unique Ruin Pubs, Invisible Exhibition, and take a river cruise during your cityscape in this loveable city.
To plan your trip: Check out my Hungary travel guides.
Where to stay: I stayed at both Hotel Palazzo Zichy and Hotel Parlament and I recommend them both. My full review is here.
Budapest is a fantastic choice for a city break and deserves a lot more hype.
10. Bayeux, France
We all know about Paris, and it is a magical place to visit, but I also have a soft spot for the areas around Bayeux in France.
This medieval city is quiet, full of history, and surrounded by scenic countryside landscapes.
Because of its location, Bayeux is a great base for visiting the WWII landing beaches and you can also take day trips to the Castle of William the Conqueror and Mont St-Michel.
I stayed in a cozy farmhouse just outside of the city center and it is so good that I went back for a second visit.
To plan your trip: Check out my post on planning a visit to the Normandy landing beaches.
Where to stay: Here is more information for the Airbnb farmhouse in Bayeux.
If you’re interested in WWII history or countryside France, Bayeux is a great spot.
11. Brugge, Belgium
It’s got chocolate, it’s got loaded waffles, it’s got fries at street vendors with any sauce you could want – what’s not to like?
As delicious as that all is, Brugge is more than just food though.
It’s a fairytale-like city with cobblestone roads, winding canals, and picturesque architecture. Brugge is another top spot for a cityscape, especially if you want to experience dreamy, romantic city vibes.
Where to stay: I stayed at Martin’s Relais Hotel and it was fantastic.
Brugge by night.
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