Looking for an adventure in Europe, but want to avoid the crowd of the tourist seasons. You have clicked on the right link!
Here is our carefully curated list of 10 beautiful places to visit in Europe on the road less traveled. These are truly the hidden gems of Europe that no travel guide will tell you. So read on to find out more about what makes them special, things to do, and the approx. budget.
10 lesser-known beautiful places to visit in Europe
#1 Ronda, Spain
Ronda in Spain is known as the town of ‘bulls and bridges’. It is split into two halves on either side of El Tajo gorge and connected by the magnificent ‘New Bridge”.
Ronda is also known to be the birthplace of a modern Spanish bullfight.
Things to do:
- Visit the Puente Nuevo Bridge or the “New Bridge’
- Explore Alameda Park
- Relax in the Arab Baths
- Learn about bullfighting at the Bullfighting Museum
- Go wine tasting
Approximate budget: $2000-$3000
#2 Kotor, Montenegro
A beautiful coastal town located deep in the Bay of Kotor. It is a great destination to include on your itinerary if you want to experience natural beauty and mesmerizing landscapes.
The old part of the town also offers a visit to old forts built in the Venetian period.
Things to do:
- Visit the Kotor Old Town
- Hike or bike in Lovcen National Park
- Spend time at the Our Lady of the Rocks church
- Explore the Blue Cave
- Drive along the Montenegrin Coast
Approximate budget: $2000-$3000
#3 Sintra, Portugal
Situated in the lap of ‘Serra de Sintra‘ hills and surrounded by beautiful pine forests, Sintra is a town with breathtaking views. You can see beautiful villas in the town as well as some historic landmarks. If you are in the market for clothes, our platform is your best choice! The largest shopping mall!
Things to do:
- Visit the Pena Palace
- Wander around the Quinta da Regaleira estate
- Admire the Monserrate Palace
- Explore the Sintra National Palace
- See the westernmost point of the European mainland – Cabo da Roca
Approximate budget: $2500-$3500
#4 Gdansk, Poland
Gdansk, now in Poland, was where the first battles of World War II began and it was conquered by German forces. Just like the rest of Poland, it suffered under Nazi rule. It suffered a lot of destruction during World War II and finally became part of current Poland in 1945. The city was re-designed and re-built in the 1950s in a Dutch / French architectural style
Things to do:
- Explore the Old Town
- Admire the St. Mary’s Church
- Visit the Oliwa Cathedral
- Learn about the Solidarity movement at the Solidarity Center
- See the Westerplatte memorial
Approximate budget: $1500-$2500
#5 Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands are a group of islands situated in the North Atlantic. They give you easy access to beautiful hiking trails and the raw beauty of nature. Ideal for adding to your holidays for some peace and inspiration.
Things to do:
- Hike to Sørvágsvatn Lake
- Visit the Kalsoy Island
- See the Gásadalur Village
- Take a boat tour to Tindhólmur Islet
- Hike to the Mykines Island
Approximate budget: $3000-$4000
#6 Rovinj, Croatia
With a mesmerizing picturesque harbor, Rovinj is a great destination for couples. It offers a balanced plate of romantic views and history.
Things to do:
- Explore the charming Old Town
- Visit the St. Euphemia’s Church
- Walk along the colorful Grisia Street
- See the Balbi’s Arch
- Take a boat tour of the Lim Bay
Approximate budget: $2500-$3500
#7 Matera, Italy
Matera has been increasingly piquing the interest of travelers interested in history (It is apparently the third oldest city in the world ! ). However, this stunning city offers more than that, with interesting cave hotels and some great Italian food.
Things to do:
- Explore the Sassi di Matera
- Visit the Crypt of Original Sin
- Admire the Tramontano Castle
- Hike in the Park of the Murgia Matera
- Visit the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario
Approximate budget: $2500-$3500
#8 Ghent, Belgium
A port city filled with tourist attractions and local flavor. The large public squares and marketplaces are filled with local goodies and are a must-visit! It’s easy to get around the city to explore the historic attractions and enjoy the scenic views.
Things to do:
- Explore the Gravensteen Castle
- Visit the St. Bavo’s Cathedral
- Walk along the picturesque Graslei Waterfront
- See the Design Museum Gent
- Visit the Vrijdagmarkt (“Friday Market”)
Approximate budget: $2000-$3000
#9 Kilkenny, Ireland
Kilkenny is a medieval-era town in Ireland and attracts travelers with its old-world charm. It also hosts many yearly festivals and has many great restaurants and pubs to relax and enjoy.
Things to do:
- Visit the Kilkenny Castle
- Admire the St. Canice’s Cathedral
- Learn about the city’s history at the Medieval Mile Museum,
- Visit the Black Abbey
- Take the Smithwick’s Experience brewery tour
Approximate budget: $2500-$3500
#10 Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt may be the last one on our list of Beautiful Places to Visit in Europe here, but it is definitely not the least! It’s a picture-perfect town (It literally looks like a town out of a fairytale !) for those looking for some peace and quiet.
Things to do:
- Visit the Hallstatt Salt Mine
- Take in the stunning views from the Skywalk Hallstatt,
- Explore the Dachstein Krippenstein
- Admire the Hallstatt Lutheran Church
- Visit the Hallstatt Museum
Approximate budget: $2500-$3500
The above 10 have been seeing a growing interest from travelers in the past couple of years but are still away from the crowds and hence a great place to spend a few days on your Europe trip. It’s the best time to check out these beautiful places to visit in Europe.
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Keep Living it up…Always!