5 Underrated European Destinations Worth Discovering

A European holiday can be many things, from offering famous city break destinations such as Paris, Rome or Barcelona, that always spring to mind, to busy beach resorts from the Algarve to Benidorm. While each is popular with holidaymakers every year for good reason, this does mean they can be very busy, potentially cost more, and mean plenty of other places are overlooked.

Fortunately, the continent is full of incredible places that often fly under the radar that are well worth considering, especially if you’re looking for something a little less crowded. Think charming historic towns as well as vibrant cultural cities, each just as worthwhile to visit as the more famous hotspots across Europe.

If you are looking for inspiration for your next getaway, here are five underrated European destinations that you’ll want to add to your travel list.

1: Kotor, Montenegro

What better way to start an underrated list than with a UNESCO World Heritage site on the Adriatic coast. Kotor has a wealth of history and provides a charming destination for those looking to explore, with the old Mediterranean port full of character. Set against the backdrop of the surrounding mountains, the town has ancient fortifications around it, with the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon one of the highlights in the beautiful old town. With a small population of just over thirteen thousand, you have a timeless feel that’s never overcrowded.

For those who enjoy a view, climbing the San Giovanni fortress above the town is well worth the effort, with amazing views across the bay waiting at the top. Boat trips, waterside restaurants, and nearby coastal villages also make Kotor ideal for a relaxed but memorable break, mixing history with modern amenities so that there’s always plenty to see, do, and eat.

2: Ljubljana, Slovenia

A city that quietly wins people over from the moment they arrive, Slovenia’s capital is compact and easy to explore for those wanting plenty to see and do. Ljubljana is full of charm and can provide a relaxed, more laid-back city break. It has a beautiful old town that features colourful buildings and lots of green spaces where you’ll find riverside cafés, as well as plenty of museums and galleries to explore. You can even visit the home of the architect who gave the city its distinctive appearance, Jože Plečnik, which also has a permanent exhibition.

One of Ljubljana’s biggest appeals is its focus on green living. Previously named European Green Capital in 2016, the largely car-free city centre makes sightseeing much more pleasant and helps with the city’s focus on sustainable tourism. The 900-year-old Ljubljana Castle is a must-visit, watching over the city from above and offering fantastic views, whilst the Dragon Bridge gives you photo opportunities with its iconic dragon statues.

Travel Preparation Tips Before You Book

When looking at lesser-known destinations in Europe, which can be incredibly rewarding, you’ll need careful preparation just like you would anywhere else. This should make your trip that much smoother, whilst not forgetting any of the essentials.

Research your destination to look for local transport options, opening hours for local attractions you want to visit, as well as understanding any regional travel requirements. You can do this on the government’s Travel Advice pages, giving you a quick way to find out all this information and more. This is especially important when visiting somewhere unfamiliar.

You’ll also need to arrange suitable travel insurance for the length of your trip, even if it’s just for a weekend. Having the right policy in place ensures you’re protected just in case of the unexpected, with comprehensive policies from providers like Staysure giving you peace of mind if you have a pre-existing medical condition. Coverage for trip cancellations, as well as lost baggage, can ensure you’re not left out of pocket if something happens while you’re away.

Be sure to check your passport before booking, just in case it has expired or you have misplaced it. Renewing or replacing this isn’t instant, so you’ll want to do so way before the dates you are planning to travel. Check the travel advice pages for any specifics on the passport requirements for your destination, as this can sometimes vary between countries.

3: Braga, Portugal

Braga is one of Portugal’s oldest cities, but many people overlook this in favour of Lisbon and Porto, or even the lure of the Algarve in the south. However, if you want to experience more tradition in Portugal, Braga is a great choice to enjoy history and local culture. Known for its elegant churches and the gothic Sé de Braga cathedral, which is also the country’s oldest, the city has a distinct character that feels both cultural and welcoming.

One of Braga’s most famous sights is Bom Jesus do Monte, the UNESCO World Heritage site with its striking baroque staircase and beautiful panoramic views across the city. You also have the city centre, which has plenty of streets to wander and find shops, cafés and restaurants to indulge in, with the city providing a quieter alternative to both Porto and Lisbon for those wanting a more laid-back city break with great weather.

4: Ghent, Belgium

With many tourists heading to Bruges and Brussels, it can be easy to miss out on other great Belgian cities to visit, including Ghent. The third largest city in Belgium has canals, historic buildings and a generally more relaxed feel for anyone who is looking for well-preserved history and something different.

The city is home to highlights such as the Castle of the Counts, which is fully intact and complete with a moat, the beautiful waterside architecture along the River Lys, and a fantastic mix of museums, restaurants, and cosy cafés. As well as plenty of history, the city has a youthful energy thanks to its student population, which helps give Ghent a vibrant, modern outlook. The city delivers a memorable break without the usual tourist crowds, and in the evenings, you can enjoy the Ghent Light Plan, which illuminates the various streets and monuments beautifully.

5: Timișoara, Romania

Filled with elegant buildings and spacious squares to wander, Timișoara is one of Europe’s most exciting, lesser-known destinations. Often known as Vienna’s little sister, the Romanian city has over 900 heritage buildings, making it the largest area of historical monuments in the country. Named European Capital of Culture in 2023, there is much to see and do for those who want to go beyond the usual tourist trail.

Unirii Square and Victoriei Square are among its standout sights, surrounded by beautiful baroque architecture that reflects the city’s rich past. Regina Maria Park provides the oldest wild park in the city to walk or cycle along, and there are 8 museums to visit that will provide hours of history to enjoy. The city is a great choice for those needing a European getaway that feels distinctly unique and unlike anywhere else you may have been.

Explore Lesser-Known Destinations & Transform Your Holiday

These are just some of the many hidden gems dotted across Europe that you may never have considered before. A visit to any of the above can completely change the feel of your holiday, so instead of choosing a destination known for crowded landmarks and overpriced tourist traps, you can enjoy more time and space in places like Ljubljana or Ghent.

Choosing somewhere a little less obvious can often mean better value, more authentic experiences, and memories that feel even more special. It might also give you the perfect place to recommend to friends and family when they are planning their next getaway. Who knows, you may even find a new favourite destination that you will want to return to again and again.