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Europe’s best hidden gems 2024
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.
Ares del Maestre
Halfway between Barcelona and Valencia, Ares del Maestre is a one of the Best Out of the Path Destinations in Europe to discover during your stay in Spain.
Located on top of a rocky hill, Ares del Maestre is an enclave that offers magnificent views of the “Maestrazgo” landscape.
Stroll through its narrow streets and discover its historic castle. This 14th-century city is full of anecdotes that the locals can share with you. Is it a bit hot outside? Come and take refuge in the “Museo de la Cueva del Castillo”, a place dug in the rock which allowed the inhabitants to shelter from the assaults and to survive more than a year hidden.
Do not miss its watchtower, which offers a breathtaking region view.
How to get there: Book your flights to Valencia (1h30) or Barcelona (2h30).
Where to stay: “Balcon de Ares” offers fantastic views of the surrounding countryside.
During your stay, discover the best-hidden gems, Castles, the most beautiful beaches, and things to do in Spain.
Primosten
There is nothing better than a holiday in Croatia to relax and 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 the best-hidden gems in Europe and a top destination for sun and sea lovers. Raduca Mala beach and its bars, restaurants, parasols, and 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 bay.
Need inspiration? Discover the most beautiful beaches in Croatia, the Best Hidden Gems in Croatia, and the Best Nature Wonders in Croatia.
We have covered many special events such as fireworks, fairs, parades, races, walks, awards ceremonies, fashion shows, sporting events, and even a memorial service
4. Bokodi Floating Village
Hungary
This magnificent floating village is located on Lake Bokod, a few kilometers from Oroszlany and one hour by car from Budapest (two hours by public transport). It is one of the Best off-the-beaten-path places in Europe.
If you are looking for tranquility, come and discover this timeless place. Peaceful and welcoming, it is a worthwhile escape during your stay in Hungary.
While some chalets are private properties, closed to visitors, others are open to visitors, offering free drinks and access to a roof terrace with a view of this unique place in Europe.
Book your flights to Budapest, tours and activities in Hungary, and 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,” a theme park dedicated to the Moomins, a kind of hippopotamus living on the Gulf of Finland. The characters were created by the Finnish author Tove Jansson in 1945.
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 and breathtaking views of landscapes that are 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 an amazing view over the ocean and the impressive “Tindholmur,” an incredible rock that rises from the water.
Book your flights to Vagar, 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 in the east of Denmark, not far from the German border. It is 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 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 pools, saunas, hot tubs, and hotels are the best accommodations in Blavand for a relaxing stay by the sea.
Book your flights to Esbjerg, Copenhagen, or Hamburg (3h), 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 rare beauty architecture. 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), 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.
During your stay do not miss visiting the most beautiful castles in Germany and the best secret destinations in Germany.
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 and 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 it is surrounded by eucalyptus and pine trees and that Aljezur is facing the ocean.
Forget the giant nightclubs and soulless restaurants for tourists. Here, everything is authenticity and simplicity in the image of its farmers, fishermen, and inhabitants who warmly welcome travelers 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 and your transfer.
Where to stay: “Villa Sound of the Sea” with heated swimming pool, gym, and jacuzzi or “Praia do Canal Resort”.
During your stay make sure to discover the Most Beautiful Beaches in Portugal!
10. Dartlo
Georgia
This year escape to the mountains of Georgia, arguably one of the most beautiful places in the world.
You may have already seen this village in a calendar or a major travel report because Dartlo is considered the most beautiful village in Georgia.
Its defensive towers, church, and historic stone houses form a unique ensemble in the world and are classified among Georgia’s most beautiful monuments.
Dartlo is the starting or ending point for many hikes. Climb to an altitude of 2000 meters and discover one of the best-hidden gems in Europe.
During your stay, do not miss to visit Batumi, probably one of the most incredible cities in Europe, with its beaches, Ferris wheel, skyscrapers, and botanical garden, as well as the capital, Tbilisi, and its great architectural and heritage wealth.
This year, put Georgia at the top of your top travel wishlist.
How to get there: Book your flights to Tbilisi (5h by car), transfer, tours, and activities.
Where to stay: “Guesthouse Pirimze” features a garden and a bar. All rooms have a balcony with a mountain view.
Need more inspiration? Discover Batumi, also awarded among the Best Hidden Gems in Europe!
