Looking for the best places to travel in Europe? And other parts of the world as well?
As the summer season gets into full swing across Europe, popular destinations are struggling with the influx of tourists. Iconic landmarks and locations recorded, from Venice (which has just introduced a controversial tourism tax) to Spain’s Canary Islands (where local residents are planning a major protest against overtourism) I feel nervous under the weight of the crowd.
So, the new list for 2024 is Europe’s best hidden gem Nothing beats this great moment from European Best Destinations.
A view of Primosten, Croatia, one of Europe’s 18 hidden gems, revealed in a new report.
This new ranking spotlights 18 lesser-known destinations that take travelers away from the tourist crowds and into the heart of authentic European culture. This list is based on votes from his more than 1 million travelers from 172 countries.
From remote villages nestled in the mountains to beautiful, unspoilt beach towns, these 18 hidden gems offer a glimpse into a world rarely seen by the average traveler.
View from above of Villajoyosa, Spain.
1. Villajoyosa, Spain
Experience a kaleidoscope of color in Villajoyosa (Castilian for “City of Jewels”). Here, in a nod to the town’s nautical heritage, jeweled houses line the coastline and overlook the crystal-clear Mediterranean Sea.
Ares del Maestre is a hidden gem in Castellon, Spain.
2. Ares del Maestre, Spain
Perched on a rocky hill, Ares del Maestre was built in the 1300s in the province of Castellon and offers panoramic views and centuries of Spanish history. Wander through narrow cobblestone streets and explore ancient castles.
Sandy beach in front of the old town of Primosten, Croatia.
3. Primosten, Croatia
Located on Croatia’s Dalmation Coast, Primosten has pristine beaches and deep blue waters. Taste fresh seafood, stroll along the waterfront promenade, and discover why this coastal paradise remains Croatia’s best-kept secret.
Hungarian floating village of Bokody at sunset.
4. Lake Bokody, Hungary
An hour’s drive from Budapest, Lake Bokody is home to a village of floating chalets that is an Instagrammer’s dream. Some of the chalets are privately owned (many belong to local fishermen), while others are open to visitors. Explore the winding waterways and unwind in the tranquility of this hidden Hungarian gem.
View of Moominworld park from the sea on a sunny summer day in Naantali, Finland.
5. Naantali, Finland
In Naantali, a small town in southwestern Finland, you can explore the quirky and colorful world of Moomin, a quirky character created by a Finnish author in 1945. This charming seaside town is also home to Moomimar Irma, a theme park dedicated to Moomin.
The village of Bourg on the Faroe Islands.
6. Bourg, Faroe Islands
Discover the rustic charm of Bourg, a small village on the island of Vagar in the Faroe Islands (a remote Danish island in the North Atlantic). Stroll through the lush landscape, take in panoramic views of the ocean, and soak in the timeless beauty of the area.
Lighthouse and bunker on the dunes of the beach in Bravand, Denmark.
7. Braband, Denmark
Braband is a Danish gem by the sea, a wartime bunker transformed into a sculpture of a symbol of peace. Here you can ride horses along the wide, windswept beaches or explore the coastal dunes.
A view of the city of Ulm, Germany’s hidden gem.
8. ulm, germany
In Ulm, a small city on the banks of the Danube River in Germany, historic buildings and modern amenities coexist in perfect harmony. Marvel at Gothic cathedrals, wander cobblestone streets and sample Bavarian cuisine.
A promenade leading to an observation deck on the beach of Bordeira in southwestern Alentejo, Portugal.
9. Aljezur, Portugal
Home to the rugged Algarve coastline and golden beaches, Aljezur, Portugal offers a laid-back atmosphere and quiet beauty. Don’t miss the local wines.
View of Datro village in remote Tusheti, Georgia.
Ten. Dartro, Georgia
Datro, a remote village in Georgia, is the crown jewel of the Caucasus’ pristine mountain region. Here you will find pristine nature and ancient stone towers.
Jumping into the water in Castro Urdiales, Spain.
11. Castro Urdiales, Spain
Castro Urdiales is a medieval port town in Spain’s Cantabria region with a strong maritime tradition. Stroll through the cobblestone streets, check out ancient fortifications, and sunbathe on sandy beaches.
Ljötipolur crater lake in Landmannalaugar, Iceland.
12. Landmannalaugar, Iceland
Landmannalaugar in Iceland is known for its otherworldly beauty, with its rhyolite mountains and steaming hot springs. It’s also a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its volcanic landscape.
The world’s first folk architecture reserve in Cicmani, Slovakia.
13. Cicmani, Slovakia
The town of Cicmani in Sulvoakia is a fairy-tale town, with narrow streets lined with hand-painted houses and old traditions preserved, including folk art.
Road to Mount Pico in the Azores.
14. Pico Island, Azores
Pico Island, a volcanic paradise in the Azores, offers world-class wine amidst dramatic landscapes, lava caves, and vineyard-covered hillsides.
Pont-en-Royen village in France.
15. Pont-en-Royen, France
France’s Pont-en-Royen is a beautiful cliff-top village where you can swim in crystal-clear rivers and enjoy panoramic views of the countryside.
Schwebebahn train crossing the streets of Wuppertal, Germany.
16. Wuppertal, Germany
Wuppertal is a German industrial city with a unique charm. The iconic Schwebebahn is a suspended monorail built in 1901 that offers breathtaking views of the cityscape. Fun fact: This is the world’s oldest elevated electric railway with suspended cars.
The Chapel of Saint-Michel d’Aiguille is located on a rock in Le Puy-en-Velay, France.
17. Le Puy-en-Velay, France
Located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of south-central France, Le Puy-en-Velay is steeped in history. It is the gateway to the Pilgrimage Route of Santiago de Compostela. One of his highlights is his 10th century chapel, Saint-Michel d’Aiguille, perched on volcanic rock.
Staithes is a seaside village in the Scarborough area of North Yorkshire, England.
18. Stace, UK
A former fishing center on North Yorkshire’s dramatic coastline, Staithes now attracts modern travelers seeking its charming villages, fresh seafood and natural beauty. Don’t miss North York Moors National Park, where you can search for fossils and explore coastal trails.
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