Summer is coming and you’re looking somewhere were you can travel to but you still have no idea where to? Wether you’re an atypical traveler that’s always looking for new places to travel to or just someone who runs away from those most known and visited destinations, here you’ll find THE European hidden gems.
Here you’ll get to know 15 amazing European destination that I picked to write about. Wether you’re looking to a big city or a small village, you’ll find it here.
1. Albania
Albania is not a destination known to everyone, but it certainly promises to surprise everyone who visits, specially if what you’re searching for is a cost-effective European destination with extraordinary natural beauty. This small mountainous country of the Balkan Peninsula, located in southeastern Europe, offers an amazing and very rich history, a meeting of cultures, and beautiful monuments. Moreover, its nature and its bath by crystal clear waters make the country a must-see destination for anyone planning to visit eastern and southeastern Albania.
2. Cyprus
In the south of Turkey, west of Syria and Lebanon, northwest of Israel, north of Egypt, and southeast of Greece, is located Cyprus, an Eastern Mediterranean island.
The beauty of Cyprus is worthy of a goddess! According to legend, Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, was born in Cyprus. The sandy beaches with crystal clear water, the welcoming people, the history, the nature and nightlife will make your vacation worth it.
3. Azores, Portugal
The European Hawaii, this European hidden gem is definitely a must if you’re a nature lover. Whether you are a sun-worshiping beach dweller or an extreme sport hiker, there are endless activities for everyone (ex.: zip-lining, hang gliding, sea kayaking, and mountain biking). The volcanic natural hot water pools, the canyoning trips, the green abundance, the mountains with a breathtaking scenery, the paradisiac beaches and the mineral and hot springs are definitely worthy of the visit.
4. Malta
Are you a lover of water activities and you want to practice your skills this summer or even learn new water activities? Malta is probably the best place for you! Malta is the best place in Europe for scuba diving and snorkeling, with locations that are suitable from beginners to experienced practicers. Kayaking and sailing are also one of the best activities to do while you visit Malta.
Even if you’re not the sport type person and just looks for a beautiful beach destination with lots of history and historic monuments this can also be the perfect destination for you.
5. Montenegro
Montenegro, a place where you can wether go to rest, have an wild/party vacation, or simply visit this place and enjoy some fine dining and shopping.
Located in the Balkans surrounded by beautiful shores and breathtaking mountains, has a lot to offer .The blue crystal water beaches, the beautiful valleys, clear lakes, and breathtaking mountains, the urban culture and it’s ancient streets plenty of local stores, and the amazing nightlife are some of the amazing things that this country offers.
6. Bosnia & Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina, the neighbor country of the previous mentioned countries, Croatia and Montenegro. Even though Croatia and Montenegro being underrated destination it has become tourist hot spots, while Bosnia and Herzegovina still remains like a hidden gem, with less tourists and its crowds. but Bosnia remains somewhat of a hidden gem.
Despite the events of the past and its very tragic history, Bosnia is still a place of ethnic and religious diversity. You will find the most beautiful Cathedrals, Mosques and historic sites all over the country. Bosnia and Herzegovina may not have beaches but it has an amazing natural beauty. The mountains, the breathtaking waterfalls, the enchanting medieval town, the beautiful views and forests. And least but not last, its’ cuisine which is amazingly delicious.
7. Monaco
Looking for a glamorous, luxurious and exotic vacation? But not forgetting to mention… very pricey? Monaco is a city that country that joints luxury, wealth, and extravagance all in one place. This tiny city-state on the French Riviera is home to some of the richest people in the world.
From the stunning architecture to the Mediterranean Sea, there’s something for everyone to admire. This place with a rich history, stunning architecture, upscale hotels, restaurants and its designer boutiques, breathtaking views, mountains, forests, and gardens, and of course the iconic Casino de Monte Carlo is some of the things you’ll have the opportunity to see in Monaco. And one of the best things about Monaco is that it is relatively small which will allow you to visit its sights without feeling overwhelmed or that you’re going to miss something.
8. Bodensee, Germany
Think about having breakfast in Germany, lunch in Lichtenstein and dinner in Switzerland, Bodensee is like the junction of there 3 countries.
This fairytale destination is the sunniest and a favorite german holiday destination area in Germany. The lake laps, the shores of picture-perfect medieval towns, the culture and history, the lopsided old towns, the pretty blue lakeshore, mountains, vineyards, and the boat rides are some of the many amazing things that Bodensee/ Lake Kontanz has to offer. The junction of cultures and cuisines makes this place a must visit.
9. Cote d'Azur
Glamour, celebrities, parties, oversized yachts, and stunning scenery is the synonymous of Côte d’Azur.
Côte d’Azur, located in the south of France, is a glamorous and very elegant destination with tree-lined colorful boulevards, chic chic boutiques, upscale restaurants, trendy beach clubs, nightlife, the contemporary arts and culture scene, provencal markets, beautiful beaches with warm turquoise waters, the stunning coastline, the cliffs, and not to forget Monaco which is a few miles away from this beautiful destination.
10. Puglia, Italy
Located in the south of Italy and surrounded by crystal-clear waters coastline, Puglia, an unspoiled beauty and home to the brightest blue seas is a must go destination if you’re traveling to Italy.
If you’re looking for a destination where you can relax in the beach and at the same time explore, you’ll not regret coming to Puglia. The beaches with warm crystalline water, pristine sand, and plenty of food, bars and clubs will give you a little bit the feeling of the Caribbean and Mexican beaches but with a glamorous European touch. The olive groves, cycling jaunts, ancient vineyards, medieval castles, mouth-watering food, beach clubs and nightlife, celebs, historic little towns, diverse architecture, colorful folk traditions, and welcoming people all of this awaits for you that’s coming to Puglia.
11. Valencia, Spain
A relaxing, away from the crowds urban beach destination, Valencia. This is a combination between modern and historic city, beaches and nature. This is also the city of arts and science, so if you’re into it, this city offers you plenty of monuments and museums where you can explore its’ ancient architecture, modern art museums as well as lots of beautiful graffiti and street art. Despite being a modern city, it’s also a very historic one, founded by the Romans in 130 BC, Valencia is one of Spain’s oldest settlements so the history here can be felt everywhere.
12. Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is a beautiful medieval small city in north Europe famous for its charming cobbled squares and narrow streets, markets, dreamy canals, boat trips, gabled houses and gothic buildings, mouth-watering chocolates, excellent beer and traditional lace. This is the perfect city for every romantic traveller. Bruges has a very rich artistic and historic heritage, home to many museums, churches and historic sights and buildings.
If you’re looking for a typical medieval European city short trip, Bruges should be on your list.
13. Crete, Greece
Right between Europe and Africa is the largest Greece’s island, Crete. There’s much to explore, so wether you’re looking to spend the days relaxing on the beach or exploring the medieval cities, shopping, discovering its’ amazing cuisine, discovering secret beaches, hiking,… this can be the best destination for you. This island not only has paradisiac beaches, delicious cuisine, beautiful ancient and history sites, breathtaking landscapes and hiking paths and wild nightlife to offer, if you’re looking to run away from the Santorini, or Mykonos crowd and its overpriced stays, this can be right place for you, as it also offers you the possibility to travel on a budget and away from those crowds.
14. Algarve, Portugal
Algarve, the southernmost coastal region of Portugal famous for its beaches and climate that has one of the best beaches and caves in Europe. If spending the whole day on the beach isn’t for you don’t worry, Algarve has something for everyone, from surfers to families with children to retirees looking for a little peace and quiet.
The colorful cliffs and the sea of crystal clear water, the water sports, dolphins spotting, the traditional and historic villages, the amazing resorts, golf clubs, shopping, the mouthwatering traditional dishes, and the nightlife are some of the most amazing things that Algarve has to offer you.
15. Bergen, Norway
Surrounded by 7 mountains and the gateway to the fjords is Bergen, an amazingly beautiful city in Norway. When you think of Norway the first thing that might come into your mind is – ice cold, and consequently you’d never think of it as a summer destination, but… if you knew the beauty and activities this city has to offer you, you’d definitely think about it.
If you’re an explorer this is a hidden-gem destination for you. The mountains that surrounds this city has hundreds of hiking paths with magnificent and great city views. The scenic fjord landscape characterized by mountains, small villages, colorful wooden houses, restaurants, bars, cafes and souvenir shops, bird life, farms, nightlife, boat rides, sun that almost never sets, world-class food, road trips, are some of the amazing things this city has to offer.
16. Croatia
Croatia, situated in the southeast of Europe is one of the hottest summer destinations in Europe with beautiful beaches, picturesque towns, and many islands.
Despite of being known for its’ beaches, Croatia is also known as being the Croatian Switzerland for its’ nature, its’ national parks with breathtaking waterfalls, lagoons, and natural pools. But not only this, the Croatian Cuisine, the historic sites, the architecture, the festivals and nightlife and the water sports are also some of many reasons to visit this country. And not to forget, Croatia is also a very budget-friendly destination.