Europe is filled with lesser-known destinations that offer unique experiences away from the usual tourist crowds.secret destinations, far from the crowds, Out of the Beaten Path Places, discover the hidden gems of Europe.
Secret destinations, far from the crowds, Out of the Beaten Path Places, discover the hidden gems of Europe.
From Naantali in Finland to Pico Island and its volcano in the Azores, to the colourful villages of Villajoyosa in Spain, the half-timbered houses of Ulm in Germany, the painted village of Cicmany in Slovakia, the suspended metro of Wuppertal or the houses with green roofs from Bour and the floating houses of Lake Bokod in Hungary, the most incredible secret destinations and the most beautiful hidden gems in Europe await you.
Book your flights, accommodation, activities and tours at the best price, ready to pack for the best hidden gems in Europe.
1. Villajoyosa
Alicante - Spain
This year discover the Best Hidden Gems in Europe! Add colour to your holidays and visit Villajoyosa, meaning "The jewellish town" in Castilian.
The peaks of the Sierras de Aitana shield Villajoyosa from the chilly north winds, creating a pleasant micro-climate and consistent temperature year-round.
The vibrant houses in Villajoyosa were painted by fishermen using the same colors as their boats.
Interested in baroque architecture? Explore the Church of Ntra. Sra de la Asunción. Looking to unwind? Discover three kilometers of beaches with picturesque names like Paradis Beach.
Book your flights to Alicante (40 min by car), your accommodation in Villajoyosa as well as your tours & activities in Spain such as a "Alicante Charming Villages Tour: Villajoyosa and Altea".
How to get there: Book your flights to Alicante and your transfer.
Where to stay: "Hotel Servigroup Montiboli". Set on a cliff it offers 2 outdoor pools with impressive views of the Mediterranean.
2. Ares del Maestrat
Castellon - Spain
Positioned halfway between Barcelona and Valencia, Ares del Maestrat stands out as one of Europe's finest off-the-beaten-path destinations to explore while visiting Spain.
Situated atop a rugged hill, Ares del Maestrat is a secluded spot boasting stunning vistas of the "Maestrazgo" countryside.
Meander through its winding streets, uncover its ancient castle. This 14th-century town brims with tales that the locals are eager to share. Feeling the heat? Seek solace in the "Museo de la Cueva del Castillo," a cave-like refuge carved into the rock where residents sought shelter during attacks, surviving hidden for over a year.
Make sure not to overlook its lookout tower, offering a mesmerizing panorama of the surroundings.
How to get there: Book your flights to Valencia (1h30) or Barcelona (2h30).
Where to stay: "Balcon de Ares" offering fantastic views of the surrounding countryside.
3. Primosten
Croatia
Nothing better than a holiday in Croatia to relax, enjoy the sun, crystal clear waters, rich heritage and gastronomy.
Located in Dalmatia, just 30 minutes by car from Sibenik airport, Primosten is one of Best Hidden Gems in Europe and a top destination for sun and sea lovers. Raduca Mala beach and its bars, restaurants, parasols, water activities, will be your headquarters for a successful holiday in Croatia.
It is one of the longest beaches in Croatia (2KM), so you won’t have to get up very early in the morning to find a place where to display your bath towel and enjoy a well-deserved holiday.
How to get there: Book your flights to Sibenik (30 mins).
Where to stay: "Golden Rays Luxury Villas & Apartments" are located in a quiet and peaceful bay.
4. Bokodi Floating Village
Hungary
This magnificent floating village located on Lake Bokod a few kilometres from Oroszlany and 1 hour by car from Budapest (2 hours by public transport) is one of the Best Out of the Path Places in Europe.
If you are looking for tranquility come and discover this timeless place. Peaceful and welcoming , this place is a worthwhile escape during your stay in Hungary.
While some chalets are private properties, closed to access, others are open to visitors and offer you free drinks and give you access to a roof terrace with a view of this unique place in Europe.
Book your flights to Budapest, your tours and activities in Hungary as well as your accommodation at the best price.
How to get there: Book your flights to Budapest and your transfer.
Where to stay: "The Amberlyn Suite Hotel" in Budapest.
5. Naantali
Finland
If you are over thirty, this image must awaken memories in you. Remember the characters "The Moomins". Naantali is a charming little town in southwestern Finland, not far from Turku and its airport, but also its important cultural and gastronomic offer.
What particularly interests us in Naantali is the "Muumimaailma" the theme park dedicated to Moomins, these characters created by the Finnish author Tove Jansson in 1945 and who are a kind of hippopotamus, living on the Gulf of Finland.
Known through books but especially comic strips illustrated by the author's brother, the Moomins enjoyed international success with the cartoon of the same name. Muumimaailma, "The world of Moomins" awaits you on the island of Kailo to immerse yourself in your childhood. This summer discover one of the Best Hidden Gems in Europe!
Book your flights to Turku, your accommodation in Finland as well as your tours and activities in Finland.
How to get there: Book your flights to Turku (30 min by car).
Where to stay: "Hotel Amandis". Set by Naantali Harbour in the Archipelago.
6. Bour
Vagar Island - Feroe Islands
With its wooden houses with green roofs, its breathtaking view of landscapes as chaotic as they are fascinating, Bour is definitely one of the Best Hidden Gems in Europe.
This tiny village of 70 inhabitants is the place you need for a stay surrounded by nature.
Almost a millennium old, Bour, located on the West-Side of Vagar Island, has amazing view over the ocean and the impressive "Tindholmur" an incredible rock that rises from the water.
Book your flights to Vagar as well as your accommodation in Vagar and your tours & activities in the Faroe Islands.
How to get there: Book your flights to Vagar (8 min by car).
Where to stay: "The View" provides accommodation with a terrace and sea views.
7. Blavand
Danemark
Blavand is a seaside destination located not far from the German border, in the east of Denmark, just 30 minutes from Esbjerg airport and 3 hours by car from Copenhagen and its little mermaid.
Here, the bunkers built on the beaches during the Second World War have been artistically transformed, in this case into horses, symbols of peace.
The best way to discover this Hidden Gem in Europe is certainly to go horse riding on Blavand beach.
Houses with private swimming pool, sauna, hot tub or hotels, the best accommodations await you in Blavand for a relaxing stay by the sea.
Book your flights to Esbjerg, Copenhagen or Hamburg (3h), as well as your tours and activities in Denmark and your accommodation.
How to get there: Book your flights to Esbjerg (30 min by car) or Copenhagen (3h).
Where to stay: "Holiday home Nordslugen Blavand V" featuring a sauna.
8. Ulm
Baden-Wurttemberg - Germany
On the border with Bavaria, Ulm is one of the Best Out of the Path Destinations in Europe that has achieved the perfect marriage of modernity and tradition.
The old town of Ulm is sublime with its historical monuments and architecture of rare beauty. Do not miss the town hall and its colourful facade, or the Saint-Nicolas chapel dating from the 13th century. Do you prefer modern architecture? Visit the cultural centre of Ulm. Want to grab a bite? Discover the fishermen's and craftsmen's quarter and its many bars and restaurants. Cross the Danube and discover "Neu-Ulm" the Bavarian little sister of Ulm.
Book your flights to Memmingen Airport (40 min) or Stuttgart (1h) as well as your accommodation in Ulm and your tours and activities in Germany.
How to get there: Book your flights to Memmingen Airport (40 min) or Stuttgart (1h).
Where to stay: "NYCE Hotel Ulm" offers 4-star accommodation in Ulm.
9. Aljezur
Algarve - Portugal
Aljezur is one of the Best Out of the Path Places in Europe. It is a sanctuary with protected nature, a unique destination, concentrating the best of Portugal, history, gastronomy, beaches, natural parks... Aljezur straddles the Algarve and the Alentejo. Did you know that its historic castle dominating the old town is represented on the flag of Portugal?
Aljezur is full of trendy restaurants and bars; it has a high quality of life, long beaches such as Bordeira beach or the very famous Arrifana beach and Monte Clérigo where surfers train.
It is known worldwide that Aljezur has one of the purest airs in Europe because this place is surrounded by eucalyptus and pine trees and that Aljezur is facing the ocean.
Forget the giant nightclubs, soulless restaurants for tourists, here everything is authenticity, simplicity in the image of its farmers, fishermen, inhabitants who warmly welcome the travellers from all over the world who have fallen under the spell of this unique destination in the world. Do not miss a visit at the "Ponte a Pé" restaurant, probably the best restaurant in town.
Book your flights to Faro (1h15 by car), your transfer, your activities and tours as well as your accommodation in Aljezur.
How to get there: Book your flights to Faro as well as your transfer.
Where to stay: “Villa sound of the Sea” with heated swimming pool, gym and jacuzzi or “Praia do Canal Resort”.
10. Dartlo
Georgia
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