Europe has many iconic landmarks, golden beaches, bustling cities, and high-quality cuisine. But beyond the well-trodden tourist trail lie cities that offer a vacation with a difference. We explore 20 must-visit hidden gems in Europe for 2024:
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Lake Bled enjoys the backdrop of the Julian Alps and emerald waters, making it a picturesque setting for your European vacation. You can take a pletna boat to reach the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption, the centerpiece of the lake. You may not want to do much more than soak up the fantastic views but enjoy a slice of Slovenia’s famous Bled Cream Cake.
Cinque Terre, Italy
Cinque Terre is a collection of five fishing villages on the rugged cliffs along the Italian Riviera. Each village, Manarola, Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare, are car-free, making them easy to explore on food. The colorful houses that cascade down the hillsides and the vineyards on the terraced cliffs are postcard-pretty. You can indulge in fresh seafood overlooking the Mediterranean Sea with a local wine.
Matera, Italy
Another Italian gem is Matera, located in southern Italy. The Sassi di Matera cave dwellings carved into the hillside are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making this city a unique tourist destination. You can explore these historic cave homes, Altstadt, and the Belvedere Murgia Timon summit for great views across the ravine.
Saxon Switzerland National Park, Germany
Saxon Switzerland, a National Park in eastern Germany, is home to dramatic sandstone rock formations known as the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Visitors can hike through the park’s scenic trails, take a boat ride on the Elbe River, or climb Bastei Bridge for breathtaking views.
Utrecht, Netherlands
Utrecht is a picturesque Dutch city often overshadowed by Amsterdam. Tourists can explore the city’s canals and discover hidden courtyards and the colorful houses that line the canals. The Gothic Domkerk cathedral is a must-see attraction, as is the Dom Tower, the oldest church tower in the Netherlands. The city has a lively cafe scene and dozens of art galleries and museums to fill your days.
Hallstatt, Austria
Nestled amidst the Austrian Alps, Hallstatt is a picture-perfect village. Visit the Hallstatt Skywalk for panoramic views of the village and take the Hallstatt salt mine tour, the oldest salt mine in Europe.
Tourists can also take a boat ride on the lake to soak in the serene beauty of the surrounding Salzkammergut region.
Nafplio, Greece
Nafplio is a coastal town in the Peloponnese region of Greece. Its cobbled streets, neoclassical architecture, and Venetian fortress overlooking the harbor are among its attractions. The city offers a relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and a laid-back Mediterranean atmosphere for true relaxation.
Krka National Park, Croatia
Croatia is known for its picturesque coastline, but Krka National Park, located inland near Šibenik, offers different beauty. You can take the opportunity to hike through the park’s forests, swim beneath waterfalls, and tour the historic Krka Monastery.
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Another Croatian highlight is Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its cascade lakes. Explore the park’s network of wooden walkways, dip in the turquoise waters, and photograph the stunning waterfalls.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital city, and you may be lucky enough to experience the Northern Lights. Visitors can explore glaciers and waterfalls, swim in geothermal pools, and enjoy whale-watching boat trips. There’s also a collection of museums and galleries and a delicious seafood scene.
The Azores, Portugal
The Azores is an archipelago of volcanic islands in the mid-Atlantic Ocean where you can hike across volcanic landscapes. There are opportunities to spot whales and dolphins in the Ocean and relax in natural thermal pools. The Azores are a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Alberobello, Italy
Alberobello is a small town in southern Italy known for its unusual trulli houses. These cone-shaped dry stone dwellings are unique to Alberobello and have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Soaking up the charm of the old town, visiting the Museo del Trullo, and climbing to the top of the Belvedere to enjoy panoramic views are just a few things you can do in this Puglian town.
Porto, Portugal
Porto, also known as Oporto, is Portugal’s second-largest city after Lisbon. It is located along the Douro River and is known for its stately bridges, port wine production, and charming medieval streets. The city is also a highlight of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the São Francisco Church, the Ribeira district, and the Sé Cathedral.
Villajoyosa, Spain
The town is known for its brightly painted houses lining the beach and harbor, creating a picture-perfect Mediterranean atmosphere. Villajoyosa’s historic center is adorned with narrow streets, quaint squares, and remnants of its medieval past. You can also enjoy golden beaches for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
The city’s historic center boasts cobbled streets, charming Ottoman architecture, and traditional shops selling souvenirs and local crafts. Visitors can tour the mosques and the caravanserai (historical inns) and soak in the atmosphere of a bygone era. The iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a highlight of the region.
Wrocław, Poland
Often overshadowed by its larger Polish counterparts like Krakow and Warsaw, Wrocław is a hidden gem offering great culture, cuisine, and history. The city enjoys one of the largest market squares in Europe in the shape of Rynek Główny. The square is surrounded by picturesque Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings, including the unique “Painted Tenement Houses.”
Colmar, France
Colmar, France, is a charming town tucked away in the Alsace region bordering Germany that its more famous neighbor, Strasbourg, often overshadows. Visitors are struck by the abundance of colorful half-timbered houses that offer a fairytale atmosphere, especially in the “Little Venice” district.
Wuppertal, Germany
Wuppertal is home to the world’s oldest electrically powered suspension railway, the Schwebebahn. The monorail glides above the city streets, offering a unique way to navigate the city. It is a must-see if you ever visit. You can also enjoy the city’s thriving street art scene or escape to Walkmüller Mulvany Park, a hidden oasis.
Cork, Ireland
Cork’s colorful streets and vibrant culture offer an alternative to busy Dublin. Cork is a hub for creativity, with a thriving arts scene, lively music, and lots of traditional pubs where you can enjoy a Guinness. The English Market is a must-visit haven for fresh, local produce, artisan foods, and friendly banter with the vendors.
Bologna, Italy
Bologna is nicknamed “La Grassa” (the fat one) as it is the home of Italy’s food culture. Visitors can indulge in iconic dishes like tagliatelle al ragù, mortadella sausage, and tortellini. Bustling markets like Mercato delle Erbe and Quadrilatero are a haven for food lovers, and the Palazzo della Mercanzia is a place to grab a coffee and soak up the culture of this university town.
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