10 underrated travel destinations in Europe 2026

10 underrated travel destinations in Europe — off the beaten track

Dubrovnik, Santorini, Barcelona — beautiful, no doubt. But also: overcrowded, overpriced, and now on every other Instagram feed. Europe has so much more to offer than the top 10 hits that everyone knows. And the hidden gems are often not only less crowded, but also cheaper and more authentic.

Over the past few years, I've traveled to more than 30 European countries and repeatedly discovered places that captivated me more than the big-name destinations. Here are my 10 favorites for 2020 — places where you can still travel like an explorer, not like the 47,000th tourist of the day.

Northern Europe — Rugged, wild and underestimated

1. Faroe Islands
Eighteen islands in the North Atlantic, somewhere between Scotland and Iceland. Green cliffs that plunge vertically into the sea. Sheep that outnumber people (50,000 sheep vs. 52,000 inhabitants). And a silence that is almost unsettling. The Faroe Islands offer the most epic landscape experience Europe has to offer—and nobody goes there. My tip: Múlafossur waterfall on Vágar. A waterfall that cascades directly from a cliff into the sea. Filmed from above with a drone, it looks surreal.

Arrival: Direct flight from Copenhagen (2 hours). A rental car is essential — there is practically no public transport. Budget: approximately €80–120 per day (expensive, but worth it for 4–5 days).

2. North Jutland, Denmark
While everyone else heads to Copenhagen, northern Denmark is deserted and dramatic. Skagen, where the North Sea and the Baltic Sea meet—you literally see two seas colliding. Råbjerg Mile, a migrating dune that looks like a Sahara scene in the heart of Scandinavia. And the light art in the World War II bunkers at Tirpitz is one of the most impressive museums I know.

Southern Europe — Mediterranean, but without mass tourism

3. Albania — Europe's last secret
Albania is what Croatia was 15 years ago. Turquoise beaches on the Riviera that rival those of Greece. Historic cities like Berat (the city of a thousand windows) and Gjirokastra (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). And prices that remind you of the 90s: double rooms from €15, dinner for €5, espresso for 40 cents. I was there for two weeks and spent a total of €600—for everything.

4. Alentejo, Portugal
While the Algarve and Lisbon are bursting at the seams, the Alentejo region in between remains almost forgotten. Endless cork oak forests, medieval hilltop villages, and some of Portugal's best wines (Herdade do Esporão is a must-try) await. The Costa Vicentina boasts wild, deserted beaches that are a dream for surfers and photographers. Accommodation starts at €30 for charming agritourism fincas.

5. Matera, Southern Italy
A city built entirely of caves carved into the cliff face. The Sassi di Matera are so surreal that they've served as a backdrop for biblical films. Matera was a European Capital of Culture in 2019—and yet, compared to Rome or Florence, it remains a hidden gem. In the evenings, when the cave dwellings are illuminated, the city looks like a movie set. Getting there: 2.5 hours by car from Bari (or a flight to Bari for €30–50).

Eastern Europe — Affordable, authentic, surprising

6. Transylvania, Romania
Forget the Dracula kitsch. Transylvania is one of the most beautiful natural areas in Europe: Carpathian hikes where you can see bears in the wild; medieval fortified churches that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites; and Sibiu, one of the most charming small towns I've visited in Europe. Best of all: Romania is incredibly cheap. Hostels start at €8, and a full dinner costs €6–8.

7. Kotor, Montenegro
Yes, Kotor is slowly becoming more well-known thanks to cruise ships. But if you're in the old town at 7 a.m. or after 6 p.m. (when the ships have left), you'll practically have the Venetian architecture to yourself. The hike to the San Giovanni fortress (1,350 steps!) rewards you with the best view of the bay. And the hinterland—Lovćen National Park, Durmitor—is almost unknown.

8. Lviv (Lemberg), Ukraine
Before 2020, this was one of the most exciting city breaks in Europe: Habsburg architecture, a coffeehouse culture that rivals Vienna, and a nightlife that surprised me. And absurdly cheap—dinner for €4, cocktails for €2, hostel for €5. The chocolate factory tour is a highlight you won't find anywhere else.

Surprises in Western Europe

9. Asturias, Spain
Green Spain – it sounds like a contradiction, but it's reality. Asturias on the north coast boasts emerald-green mountains that plunge directly into the sea, picture-perfect fishing villages, and the Picos de Europa, a mountain range that rivals the Alps. Add to that: the best cheese in Spain (Cabrales) and cider that you have to pour into the glass from a meter high. It's not overly touristy because the weather is unpredictable – but that's precisely what makes it so appealing.

10. Jura & Vosges Mountains, France
While everyone flocks to Provence or the Côte d'Azur, the Jura Mountains and the Vosges are almost forgotten. Turquoise lakes (Lac de Vouglans looks like a Norwegian fjord), medieval villages, Comté cheese straight from the farm, and virtually no tourists. In winter: a cross-country skiing paradise. In summer: hiking and canoeing. My insider tip for van life: the campsites by the lakes are idyllic and free.

Practical tips for off-the-beaten-path Europe

Pro tip: Set up cheap flight alerts on Skyscanner. I snagged flights to Bari (for Matera) for €19 and to Tirana (Albania) for €29. The cheapest flights are on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

FAQ — Frequently asked questions about alternative travel destinations in Europe

Are these places really still hidden gems?

Some are slowly becoming more well-known (Kotor, Albania), while others are still truly under the radar (North Jutland, Jura, Asturias). My rule of thumb: If you don't see a place on the first screen of Instagram's Explore page, it's still a hidden gem. Go now, not in five years.

How do I find such unknown places?

Switch Google Maps to satellite view and zoom in on coastlines and mountains where there are no markers. Read local travel blogs instead of international ones. And: ask locals. The barista in Lisbon recommended the Alentejo region to me—not from a travel blog.

Are these destinations also suitable for families?

Most are suitable, especially Alentejo, North Jutland, Asturias, and the Jura region. Albania and Transylvania are doable with children, but the infrastructure (roads, medical care) is simpler in remote areas. For families, a rental car is preferable to public transport.

Do you want to travel through Europe in a campervan? Then read my Europe Camping Guide — many of the mentioned destinations are perfect for campers. And if you want to optimize your travel budget, check out my Van Life Cost Breakdown to.