Hidden gems in Europe | 19 treasures from secret beach towns to unknown national parks

Located in the Zadar region of Dalmatia, this island pearl is probably one of the best-kept secrets for a vacation. So Ugljan Island in Croatia is definitely a hidden gem in Europe. You can easily reach the island by ferry from the opposite coastal town of Zadar, but this authentic place is still far away from mass tourism.
What makes it special, is the calm flair but also the intact nature, with the many Mediterranean forests and the numerous beautiful bays for swimming. Another wonderful thing are the romantic fishing villages, which are located along the east coast and provide unforgettable days by the sea.

Probably the place most worth seeing in Ugljan is the village Preko, where a beautiful Dalmatian old town invites you to stay and linger. Here you can also find the offshore monastery island Galovac, one of the main attractions of the island. A fisherman takes guests across for little money. Once arrived, you will be amazed at the mini-island with its many romantic spots.

Another highlight of the island of Ugljan is the fortress of St. Michael. It dates back to the 6th century and sits majestically on a mountain above the island. A visit is worthwhile especially at sunset because from here you can experience the most stunning panorama.

Worth a visit is also the beautiful harbor town of Kukljica. With its colorful houses it’s really picturesque and thanks to the many good restaurants a perfect place for an unforgettable dinner. Especially recommended is Konoba Udica, which serves delicious Croatian dishes from the grill!

Where to stay in Ugljan?

On the island of Ugljan you can find mainly privately run vacation apartments. However, there are also some small hotels for soft tourism. Recommended is the Dunatovi Dvori, a dreamlike heritage hotel with a pool and directly at the sea.

Contributed by Martina | Places of Juma

Where to stay in Tossa de Mar?

As a total contrast to the usual resorts and hotel bunkers, Hotel Diana is a beautiful small family-run hotel. At the same time it doesn’t lack a charming sea view terrace and direct beach access.

Almost always overlooked when planning a vacation in Italy, is the beautiful Marche region – a true hidden gem in Europe. The mainly agricultural area is located in the middle of Italy, between the Adriatic Sea and the Apennines mountains. It offers gorgeous, wide sandy beaches along the 180 km long coastline, a beautiful hilly countryside with typical and authentic villages and high mountains, with up to 2500 meters of altitude in the west. 

Ancona, the capital of Le Marche, is beautifully situated on the Adriatic Sea and has one of the largest ports in Italy. Many take advantage of the ferry connections to Croatia and Greece without taking another look at the beautiful city. It offers many historical monuments that date back to Roman times. From the cathedral, which is located on a hill above the large harbor, you have fantastic views of the city and the sea.

About an hour southeast of Ancona hides one of the largest cave systems in Europe. In the Frassasi Caves, visitors can go 1.5 km deep into the vast underworld and admire the impressive stalactite caves with their bizarre rock formations.

The town of Loreto is another highlight of the unknown region. The mighty basilica is the second most important place of pilgrimage in Italy, as the house of Mary is located within it.

The hilly hinterland is perfect for a road trip. Narrow roads lead through beautiful, ancient villages that wind their way up the hills. About 30 scenic villages have been awarded the most beautiful villages in Italy (“I borghi piu belli d’Italia”).

And if you want to admire this beautiful landscape from high above, visit the Monti Sibillini National Park. 20 peaks are higher than 2000 m. From its highest peak, Monte Vettore, you have gorgeous 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains, hills, and even as far as the Adriatic coast, 70 km away.

Contributed by Linda | Hiking the Alps

Where to stay in Le Marche?

Agriturismo La Curtis is a lovely guesthouse to relax, set in the beautiful landscape of Montalto delle Marche. With their biological garden and homemade meals you feel like you’re in heaven.

For veggie lovers – check out Agriturismo Coroncina, a stunningly beautiful Italian guesthouse with lots of vegan treats for a divine stay.

Where to stay in Amersfoort?

Right in the heart of Amersfoort, but still in a quiet neighborhood, Saya Boutique Hotel offers beautiful rooms with a cute garden and terrace.

Acebuchal is a tiny town located in Andalusia in southern Spain. It sits in the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama National Park making it the perfect spot to go for hikes.

This area is stunningly beautiful with impressive mountain ranges and lots of trails to choose from. Lots of it is slightly difficult to access, so these trails are surely very quiet even during the high season.

It’s definitely advisable to have a four-wheel drive if you plan to go deeper into the natural park. However, for the basic hikes a regular car will be fine. Acebuchal is a fantastic place to start many hikes in the area. Parking is available and there is a nice restaurant which is perfect for a drink or quick lunch after your hike.

Acebuchal itself is a tiny village and quite beautiful so make sure to spend a bit of time here to look around. One of the best hikes is to the Rio Torrox which is a nice river close by. It takes around 2 hours in total and is great even for beginners.

You could also hike to Frigiliana which is a larger town so you’ll encounter more tourists here, although the trail is still fairly quiet most of the time.
If you’re up for more of a challenge, head to the Puero Blancillo which is a local mountain peak. This hike will take at least six hours in total and is more suitable for experienced hikers.

Contributed by Victoria | Guide Your Travel

Where to stay in Acebuchal?

ON Acebuchal 23 is a great quiet place to stay with stunning views from their rooms overlooking the lagoon. If you’re planning to go for a hike in this hidden gem in Europe, this guesthouse is a perfect base to visit the national park.

The Kingdom of Belgium is often overlooked in favor of European starlets like Italy, France, and even Switzerland. Relegated to the “just passing through” section of many travelers’ itineraries as they take the highspeed train between Paris and Amsterdam.

Yet the little Kingdom has a lot to offer, most of which is a convenient day trip from Brussels away. Few people outside of Belgium realize that the southern part of the country is carpeted with thick forests and undulating hills, punctuated by a sprinkling of cities and villages and topped off with the prettiest castles in the country. Welcome to the Belgian Ardennes, a true hidden gem in Europe.

If you are looking for a relaxing getaway then may a beeline for Spa, a city whose name is eponymous with the main reason to visit: A day in the spa floating in the curative waters that have made this city so famous since Roman times.

If outdoor sports are more your jive, then head to Dinant, the epicenter for kayaking/mountain biking and hiking in Belgium. This colorful city has made quite a splash on social media lately thanks to its storybook waterfront, the Namur castle perched atop a protruding rock overlooking the Notre Dame de Namur cathedral. Pick up your hiking map at the tourist office and head for the hills surrounding the city. Alternatively, rent a kayak or book a kayaking tour from one of the many local vendors around the river. This is a very popular activity to undertake for families with kids. A short drive away from Dinant lie two of the prettiest castles in all of Belgium, Château de Vêves (which is open to the public for visits) and Château de Walzin (privately owned).

Where to stay in the Ardennes?

Really looking to splurge? Book a night in the Manoir des Lebioles, a sumptuous spa hotel with castle-like ambitions on the outskirts of town.

Contributed by Caroline | Veggie Wayfarer

Flores island is one of those amazing and unbelievable places that leaves you speechless. This small remote island, situated in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, is part of the Azores archipelago (Portugal). It is completely covered with green, lush vegetation, beautiful turquoise natural pools, and countless waterfalls. 

Prepare your hiking boots, as Flores is a place to enjoy on foot: admire its 7 crater lakes, visit Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro – a magical place where several waterfalls culminate on a big lagoon surrounded by all kinds of lush vegetation with an incredible variety of green colors, all reflected by the lagoon which acts like a mirror. You will feel you are inside Jurassic Park and that a dinosaur might appear somewhere, anytime, take a refreshing bath in Fajã Grande, where you can swim in the ocean with views of more amazing waterfalls like Cascata do Poço do Bacalhau, and stay there to watch the incredible sunset while you enjoy dinner at Maresia which is an experience itself.  

Save some time to visit the smaller and even more isolated neighboring island, Corvo, where less than 400 people live nowadays and where you can admire its huge and amazingly beautiful volcanic crater, right in the middle of the island. Fun fact: although Flores and Corvo islands are part of the Azores (Portugal) and therefore Europe, they are both situated over the North American tectonic plate, which means they are traveling a few millimeters away from the European continent every year. 

Ideally, save 5 days to explore Flores (7 if you also would like to include Corvo island in your itinerary and stay there for a couple of nights, which is an absolute must), and bear in mind that the best time to visit this hidden gem in Europe is during summer months (June to September). 

Where to stay in Flores?

The best area to stay is on the west of the island where the sun sets to sleep in the ocean as far west as Europe gets. Aldeia da Cuada, a small village abandoned in the 60s, is now a peaceful rural accommodation with 17 beautiful renovated houses of different sizes, each of them named after the last person that lived in it.

If you decide to visit Corvo, there is only one family-owned accommodation, Hotel Comodoro.

Take into account that accommodation and car rental options are scarce in small Flores and summer is peak season, so try to book everything asap.

Contributed by Chris | RandomTrip

Paros is a hidden gem in Europe, found in the Greek Islands. Situated right in between Santorini and Mykonos, this Cycladic island has all the same whitewashed buildings, charm, and delicious food you expect in Greece… but just a fraction of the crowds!

Paros lacks the mass tourism found on many islands in Greece, but the island is also worth visiting for its gorgeous beaches, quaint villages, and the chance to see the surrounding islands through boat tours or even renting your own boat! Plus, Paros is so small that it’s easy to see and do everything in just a few days!

City beaches like Marcello beach, Kolymbithres Beach, and Santa Maria are really beautiful but can get crowded in the peak of summer. Travelers can find less touristy beaches, like Kalogeros Beach & Golden Beach, along the southeast coast of Paros.

The mountains are also rich in beauty. For instance, the mountain village of Lefkes has narrow winding streets with shops and cafes, hiking through ancient marble quarries, and a panoramic view of the ocean stretching to the neighboring island of Naxos.

Additionally, boat trips to the surrounding islands in Paros are easy to find. From well-known islands like Delos and Milos to remote uninhabited places, such as Irakleia or Schoinousa! Don’t forget to take the short ferry ride to Antiparos, too!

The best time to visit Paros is between April – September, but do your best to avoid August for extra peace and quiet. The most ‘touristy’ area in Paros is the cosmopolitan town of Naoussa. This is also where the majority of people stay.

Where to stay in Paros?

For a more authentic experience in Paros, try booking a hotel in the port town of Paroikia, just 10 minutes away. Pelican Paros is a wonderful boutique hotel right in the center of town.

Contributed by Celeb & Sarah | Pazook Travel Journal

One of the best-hidden gems in Europe is the GOT town of Osuna in Andalusia, Spain. Sitting easily visible from the A92 between Seville and Malaga, it is one of the most underrated day trips from either and is often overlooked by tourists. However, it is a wonderful town with a lot of incredible things to do and see.

The town is divided into the upper and lower part. On the upper part, you find the Collegiate Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, which is the building you will see towering over the whitewashed town from the highway. Right next to it is the Old University of Osuna which is incredibly beautiful with an impressive Andalusian courtyard lined with columns and arches, and its own little chapel.

In the same area, you can also go on a guided tour of the Monasterio de la Encarnación. A few minutes drive from there, you can explore Osuna’s historical sites that are situated right outside the town. There is a Roman Theater and Necropolis you can see, but the most impressive of the sites is the Coto de las Canteras reminiscing an Egyptian temple – in fact, it is referred to as the Petra of Spain. It is quite incredible that this hidden gem in Europe still doesn’t hit the guidebooks.

The lower part of Osuna is the town’s historical center, and there are so many impressive buildings to see that you can spend a day or two just exploring them all. Osuna was a Game of Thrones filming location and some fans made it to the town after this, but you will still experience that Osuna is pretty much tourist-free no matter what time of the year you visit. The Osuna Museum features a GOT room with artifacts from the filming.

Where to stay in Osuna?

Calle de San Pedro was declared one of the most beautiful streets in Europe with a multitude of impressive palaces, among them, the number one place to stay in Osuna: Palace of the Marques of La Gomera. The hotel boasts an exceptional baroque façade and an interior courtyard that will leave you in awe!

Contributed by Linn | Amused by Andalucia

There is no doubting the fact that Theth National Park remains one of the best hidden gems in Europe. This is because, despite being founded in 1966, most tourists don’t consider exploring it. If you have been visiting national parks in other countries, this one will change your mentality. For example, it has bears and other wild animals that you can come across. You will also discover high terrain which have natural features such as rock formations, dense forests, waterfalls, rivers, and valleys. Its sharp, steep mountains are worth exploring.

Theth National Park in Albania has two notable features that you will hardly find in other national parks. These are the Albanian Alps and Shala Valley. Do you enjoy activities like climbing and hiking? This is the best place to engage in them. While hiking, you will start from the valleys and then reach the mountains’ highest points. It is also worthy of note to point out that there are lots of caves in Theth National Park. The magnificent area will lead you to black mountains. Again, there are steep slopes that have been formed due to temperature changes.

Over the years, steep mountains have been formed as a result of poor weather conditions. Also, there are oak trees and different animal species to discover. In general, Theth National Park gives you the chance to explore nature firsthand. The scenes are beautiful and memorable too.

Where to stay in Theth?

The hotels around Theth National Park are quite affordable. For instance, a 5-star hotel can cost you around $40 per night. If you are on a low budget, you can check into a 3-star hotel that cost $23 per night, such as Guesthouse Marashi – a perfectly located guesthouse right by the river with an incredible view to wake up in the morning.

Contributed by Phil | JOURNICATION Travel Blog

Viterbo is a city in central Italy that stands halfway between Rome and Tuscany. The presence of these “big” neighbors has always eclipsed the city’s beauty in the eyes of international travelers. Locals, on the other hand, are very familiar with all of Viterbo’s attractions.

First, there are the thermal baths, fed by the various hot springs that surround Viterbo. The Terme dei Papi is one of the most popular spas, with a 2,000-square-meter pool and a cave with natural thermal steam. Local people have used these natural gifts to cure themselves of skin, circulatory and respiratory diseases for thousands of years. There are also luxury thermal baths such as Terme Salus and totally free admission pools such as Piscine Carletti and the Bullicame pool. Viterbo’s thermal water gushes out very hot out of the spring. After a long bath, the best thing to do is to refresh yourself at one of the restaurants in the city’s historic center.

One of Viterbo’s many qualities is that it offers exquisite food at modest prices. In this region of Italy, you will find sheep’s milk cheeses, EVO oil, wine, porcini mushrooms, and plenty of vegetables. One of the typical dishes is “lombrichelli”, homemade pasta made with water and flour and topped with ragout, mushrooms, and pecorino cheese.

The historic center of Viterbo is a perfectly preserved medieval jewel. The ancient defensive walls run all around the city. For a scenic walk through the historic center, enter from one of the ancient gates, such as Porta Romana, and reach the San Pellegrino District.

Walk to Piazza San Lorenzo, which is one of the most picturesque squares in Italy, with all the ancient buildings made from the dark local stone called “pepper stone”. Here you will find the Cathedral of San Lorenzo (12th century) and the Palace of the Popes (13th century), fine examples of medieval Romanesque architecture.

From there, proceed to Piazza della Morte, which houses one of Viterbo’s typical fountains and a couple of small restaurants where you can dine or enjoy a glass of wine with appetizers, such as the “Gargolo”.

Continue exploring the historic center, which hides many fountains and small churches. On Via Roma, you will find stores and boutiques to do some shopping. Before saying goodbye to this relaxing city rich in history, have a coffee at Bistrot del Teatro. This cozy café decorated in vintage style was developed around a theater that is still in operation.

Where to stay in Viterbo?

If you want to sleep in Viterbo, choose an elegant B&B in an old house in the historic center, such as La Lanterna. It’s the perfect location to explore this hidden gem in Europe.

Contributed by Lisa | Travel Connect Experience

Nestled between mountain peaks and the Atlantic Ocean, the town of Dingle is a bastion of Irish culture and one of Ireland’s many hidden gems in Europe. Dingle is an epicenter for traditional Irish music and nightly “trad” sessions are one of the many reasons to base yourself here. The town also boasts great dining and serves as the ideal jumping-off point for scenic drives, boat trips, and hiking on the eponymous peninsula. Visitors to Dingle will delight in the lively music and pub scene, appreciate the colorful storefronts and houses, and enjoy some of the most scenic natural beauty on the Emerald Isle.

What sets Dingle apart from other small Irish towns is its rich musical heritage. The main street and waterfront are lined with pubs offering live music every night. Neligan’s Bar on Main Street and O’Flaherty’s Bar on Bridge Street are especially notable for their intimate and characteristic settings. Dingle’s music scene is such that you never know who from the crowd may join in and wow the other patrons with their musical talents (or if you’re lucky, their Irish dancing abilities).

While nights in Dingle are filled with great meals and music, the town offers visitors a range of daytime activities. Boat tours are a great way to get out and see some of the natural beauty of Dingle Bay. Choose between a fishing trawler or inflatable zodiac for your excursion, then enjoy getting up close to the dramatic coastal cliffs. You may even have a few wildlife encounters with dolphins.

No visit to Dingle is complete without a day exploring Slea Head Drive. One of Ireland’s most scenic drives, Slea Head is a loop road hugging the cliffs of the Dingle Peninsula. One of its more notable sights is the Gallarus Oratory, an early Christian stone church dating back to at least the 12th century. Photogenic Dunquin Pier is another requisite stop with its dramatic views across the water to the nearby Blasket Islands.

With its many pubs, lively music scene, and charming atmosphere, Dingle is an authentic hidden gem in Europe that will enchant visitors with a taste of genuine Irish culture.

Contributed by Tamar | World By Weekend

Where to stay in Dingle?

For a great location, close to many hiking opportunities, check out An Capall Dubh B&B in Dingle.

If you’re visiting Poland, a hidden gem that you won’t want to miss out on exploring is the charming town of Zakopane. This cozy highland village is located in the Tatra Mountains near the Southern Polish Border and provides visitors the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

And while the town is definitely on the smaller side, it has a lot to offer visitors. For example, as you make your way to Zakopane, you’ll likely notice that there is an excessive amount of wooden chalets everywhere. This type of architecture is referred to as Zakopane-style architecture and is something that the quaint town is especially known for. In fact, many of the buildings that feature it date back hundreds of years ago, so it’s definitely worth taking some time to admire.

But if you’re looking for more specific activities to do, Zakopane has plenty of options. One popular attraction is the thermal baths, which are known for their healing micronutrients and inviting warm waters. People from all over the nearby towns and cities come to the thermal baths to relax, enjoy the spa services, and take in the beautiful mountain scenery.

Of course, if you’re up for an adventure and want to fully immerse yourself in the great outdoors, consider going hiking. There are lots of hiking trails that wind along the Tatra Mountains. Or, if you’re visiting during the wintertime, the city is a popular destination for skiing enthusiasts!

So, if you’re looking for an easy excursion from Krakow or simply want to spend time in the Tatra Mountains, consider visiting Zakopane.

Where to stay in Zakopane?

For those interested in truly experiencing the local culture and exploring at a slower pace, stay in Tatrzańskie Echo Domki Regionalne. It’s a local wooden cabin that is near all the best sights and attractions.

Contributed by Kristin | Global Travel Escapades

Where to stay in La Gomera?

Hotel Rural Casa Lugo, in Agulo, located close to some of the best restaurants in the area, is one of the best places to stay on the island.

Contributed by Pilar | Travel The World Pages

Where to stay in Mostar?

If you’d like to spend more time in this magical town, you can’t go wrong by booking a room at Villa Cardak. Centrally located only steps from the Old Town, this highly-rated accommodation offers the perfect base for sightseeing in Mostar.

Contributed by Ann | The Road Is Life

Where to stay in Piran?

For accommodation, you can find wonderful and cozy guesthouses in the cobbled streets of Piran which are far better than the regular hotels because they have a homely vibe and are often run by locals. For example, take a look at Memento B&B, s small hotel in a historic alley right in the heart of Piran.

Contributed by Shireen | The Happy Days Travels

Where to stay in Ascona?

For accommodation, a personal recommendation is to stay at the boutique Art Hotel Riposo. They have comfortable rooms, a pretty rooftop breakfast/dinner area, and a perfect relaxation area for enjoying a slow pace of travel. It’s also only a 2-minute walk from the lakeside promenade, perfect for an early fresh morning or evening stroll before bedtime.

Contributed by Zoe | Together In Switzerland