Europe's best hidden gems
Part 4/9
Secret destinations, far from the crowds, Out of the Beaten Path Places, discover the hidden gems of Europe.
More than ever, you want to travel far from cities, away from crowds and stress. You long for freedom, nature, wide open spaces; you want to taste new flavors, meet new faces, discover new landscapes.
In contrast to globalization, you seek unique experiences in places free from mass tourism. Your next holiday will give you a chance to reconnect with nature and with yourself by staying in the best hidden gems in Europe.
Book your hotel, apartment, B&B, villa at the best price guaranteed and your best activities in Europe for a perfect holiday in the most beautiful secret destinations in Europe.
Need more inspiration? Discover the Best Secret Destinations in Spain, the Most Amazing Hidden Gems in Italy, The Best Kept Secret Destinations in Greece, the Most Beautiful Hidden Gems in Portugal, The Best Kept Secret Destination in France!
1. Bohinj
Slovenia
Bohinj is exactly what you need now: one of the Best Out of the Path Destinations in Europe, a destination synonymous with nature, sustainable development, authenticity, unique experiences in the heart of one of the most beautiful national parks in Europe. Nestled in the heart of the Julian Alps, in the Triglav National Park, Bohinj is a destination regularly rewarded for its commitment to the development of tourism which respects both nature and people.
In fact, the European Commission has awarded Bohinj the EDEN prize for best sustainable tourism destination in Europe.
Bohinj is also one of the best sustainable destinations for hiking in Europe, one of the most beautiful sustainable landscapes in Europe and one of the safest destinations to visit in Europe (Covid-19). Seeking even more? Imagine yourself in the sun, a gentle breeze cools your back and face; imagine a place where clouds travel above you and sometimes you are above them. Silence is all around….and then… everything changes: a farmer mows grass and chops wood, children play joyfully outside, pine trees sway gently in the wind, marmots whistle, ibex, chamois and mouflons tramp.
The Alpine background of the Triglav mountain constantly changes and offers new timeless views. A final argument? There are 7000 animal species and 1600 plant species present in the UNESCO biosphere reserve of the Triglav National Park. Here, man and nature cohabit happily and tourist infrastructure follows the trends of sustainable mobility with minimum impact on the natural environment.
Come hiking in the mountains, hills and pastures in Bohinj. Bohinj is also perfect for cycling, water sports, horse riding or simply to savour home made products and enjoy a wellness and relaxing stay, perfect for boosting your immune system.
Do you want to wait a little longer before traveling? The Bohinj ski resort is one of the best in Europe, it is also awarded among the Best value ski resorts in Europe.
Make yourself a promise, treat yourself to an unforgettable stay in the heart of nature and discover one of the best hidden gems in Europe, a destination that will leave you with memories of a lifetime.
How to get there: Book your flights to Ljubljana (1h by car / 2h by train), your accommodation in Bohinj and your tours and activities in Slovenia.
Where to stay: "Bohinj Eco Hotel" is an oasis of peace and comfort at the edge of the Triglav National Park.
During your stay make sure to visit Ljubljana, the Slovenian Capital!
2. Ilha das Flores
The Azores - Portugal
The Azores are a perfect destination if you need to reconnect with nature. If you like hiking, flora and fauna, dolphins & whales watching, tasting local products, living real experiences, the Azores are perfect for a holiday.
Did you know that the Azores have been awarded by the European Commission for their commitment to sustainable tourism (EDEN Award)?
The island of Flores is located in the northernmost part of the Azores archipelago. For this reason the island is less visited by tourists and is a real paradise on earth for nature lovers and hikers.
Flores is a perfect destination for diving enthusiasts, cetacean watching or canyoning. With its many rivers and waterfalls, Flores is a paradise for both lovers of nature and adrenaline junkies. Flores from the sea is fantastic too: it’s the best way to see the incredible beauty of its coasts.
Enjoy the natural pools of Santa Cruz, the beaches of Lajes das Flores and Faja Grande or swim at the foot of the Poco de Bacalhau and Ribeira Grande waterfalls.
Avoid big cities this year, connect with nature to reconnect yourself and discover the Azores. Do not miss to taste the guava jam: the microclimate of Flores Island is perfect for the guava.
Book your flights and accommodation at the best price as well as your tours and activities in The Azores
How to get there: Book your flights to Ponta Delgada, the capital of the island of Sao Miguel and take a direct flight that will take you to Flores in 1 hour (from 60 euros).
Where to stay: If you stay in Flores: "Casa Pedras Brancas" featuring garden and sea views. If you want to stay in Sao Miguel, the main island of The Azores, book at the "White Exclusive Suites & Villas" probably one of the best hotels in the Azores.
Need more inspiration? Discover the Most Beautiful Beaches in Portugal!
3. Agüero - Huesca
Spain
This incredible village surrounded by gigantic 200m high rock formations is one of the Best Out of the Path Places in Europe and one of the best hidden gems in Spain.
The mountains of "Los Mallos" are appreciated by climbers but also by photographers and instagramers looking for unique places in the world.
Be sure to visit the 12th century Santiago church and marvel at its magnificent stained glass windows depicting scenes from the bible.
Stroll through the village to discover the best spots to take photos of this exceptional place. Stay in Aguero in mid-August and join in the city festival with street entertainment, theatre, music, good food and good wine.
How to get there: Book your flights for Huesca Airport (50 min by car from Agüero)
Where to stay: “Hotel Sancho Abarca”. The hotel offers massage services and a spa.
During your stay in Spain make sure to visit the Best Secret Destinations in Spain!
4. Cefalu
Sicily - Italy
Cefalu is the perfect destination for travellers looking for authenticity. Come discover its medieval fishing port ranked among the Best Hidden Gems in Europe, its old town, its cathedral and the beach which is certainly the most beautiful beaches in Sicily.
Book your holidays in Sicily today at the best price. If you want to stay in Céfalu we recommend the B&B Olas de Mar; it is just 1 minute walk from the beach and sea views.
How to get there: Book your flights to Palermo (1hby car) and your accommodation at the best price in Cefalu.
Where to stay: "Hotel Kalura" with panoramic views of Caldura Bay.
5. Sistelo
Portugal
Located near the "Penada Geres" national park, 1.5 hours by car from Porto, Sistelo is one the best hidden gems in Europe. This village of 300 inhabitants, considered one of the 7 wonders of Portugal is also called "The little Portuguese Tibet".
Like in the Douro Valley, the green terraces of Sistelo have been shaped by human hands: the flat parts are used for cultivation, a.o. corn. The harvested grains are stored in "Espigueiros" granaries, raised from the ground so that rodents can’t eat the precious harvest. The corn is then ground into flour thanks in the mills that run along the river.
During your stay in Sistelo, don't miss the "Cha da Armada" viewpoint which offers the best views of Sistelo. Walk up the M1289 to Padrao and Porta Cova and enjoy exceptional views of the village of Sistelo, one of the Best Out of the Path Places in Europe.
If you like hiking in nature, Sistelo is the destination for you. "Brandas de Sistelo" is a small 11km trail that starts in the village and takes you to the most beautiful natural places of this incredible region. History buffs can visit Sistelo Castle. This cultural heritage and its exceptional landscapes are now protected since Sistelo has been classified among the national monuments and cultural landscapes of Portugal.
How to get there: Book your flights to Porto (1h30 by car) and your accommodation at the best price in Porto.
Where to stay: If you want to wake up surrounded by nature, book 2 nights at "Casa do Ramiscal - Eido do Pomar". Its large windows offer magnificent views of the entire region.
During your stay in Portugal make sure to discover the Best Places to Visit in Portugal!
6. Sirmione
Lombardia - Italy
Sirmione, located in Lombardy, (1.30 drive from Milan), is one of the best hidden gems in Europe. Located on a peninsula on Lake Garda, Sirmione is one of the most beautiful secret destinations in Europe.
Book your accommodation today at the best price in Milan and enjoy an excursion to Sirmione or book your guesthouse, B&B or hotel at the best price guaranteed directly in Sirmione. We recommend the incredibly beautiful "Villa Cortine Palace Hotel". Stroll arond its gardens, on its pier and swim in Lake Garda.
How to get there: Book your flights to Verona Airport (30 min by car).
Where to stay: "Hotel Marolda" 20 m from Lake Garda.
During your stay in Italy make sure to discover the Best Places to Visit in Italy!
7. Adishi
Georgia
Adishi is a small, isolated village in the mountains of Georgia ranked among the Best Out of the Path Destinations in Europe.
Discover authenticity and live real ski experiences in the heart of nature. Adishi is the perfect place for beaten tracks opponents (there are no ski lifts or marking outs).
How to get there: Book your flights to Batumi (6h by car) or Tbilisi (9h by car).
Where to stay: We recommend "Panorama guesthouse Mata C." Couples particularly like the location.
During your stay in Georgia make sure to visit Batumi, one of the Best Hidden Gems in Europe.
8. Torquay
Devon
Torquay is a bit like Cannes or Nice on the French Riviera. It is one of the Best Kept Secret Destinations in Europe and one of the most beautiful destinations of the English Riviera with a pleasant climate, healthy air and warm winds favorable to the development of tropical plants.
How to get there: Book your flights to Plymouth (1 hour by car, 1 hour 30 by train) and your accommodation at the best price in Torquay.
Where to stay: "The Osborne Apartments" located 2 minutes from the beach with pool and restaurant.
During your stay make sure to visit the Most Beautiful Beaches in England!
9. Crovie
Aberdeenshire - Scotland
Crovie is a small village in the North of Scotland in the Aberbeenshire region and one of your Best Hidden Gems in Europe. There is only one road and 50 houses facing the sea. The road is so narrow that the inhabitants have to park their car outside the village.
Why are they all gathered on this narrow strip of land facing the sea? The reason is hard to imagine: the wealthy landowner of Crovie had once decided to drive all the inhabitants out of his property because he loved to see his sheep graze on his meadows! The inhabitants had had to take refuge on this small strip of land facing the sea. Some inhabitants still live there although a certain number of houses are now holiday homes.
Book your flights to Aberdeen as well as your accommodation at the best price and discover Crovie, one of the most amazing villages in Scotland.
How to get there: Book your flights to Aberdeen (1h by car, 3h by train).
Where to stay: "49 Crovie Village". Stay in the heart of the village.
Need more inspiration? Discover the Best Places to Visit in Scotland!
10. Islet of Vila Franca do Campo
Sao Miguel - Azores - Portugal
Facing the island of Sao Miguel, the main island of the Azores Archipelago, the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo is one of the Most Amazing Hidden Gems in Europe. It will be the icing on the cake of your stay in the Azores.
Only 1 kilometre from the coast, this small island is actually the visible part of an incredible underwater volcano. Crystal clear waters and a small beach await you in this unique little corner of paradise.
How to get there: Book your flights to Ponta Delgada and your accommodation at the best price on the island of Sao Miguel. Also book your tours and activities in The Azores such as a whale and dolphin watching tour with Vila Franca Islet visit..
Where to stay: If you want to stay near this Islet, book your room at the best price in Vila Franca do Campo.
During your stay make sure to discover the Best Places to Visit in Portugal!
11. Procida Island
Italy
Located in the Bay of Naples, Procida is one of the Best Secret Destinations in Europe; it is famous for its beautiful, colourful houses, painted at the time by fishermen in the same colour as their fishing boats.
How to get there: Come discover this incredible island by booking your flight tickets to Naples as well as your accommodation in Naples at the best price. Once in Naples you can buy your ferry tickets to Procida at the Port of Naples and enjoy a beautiful discovery day of the colourful island.
Where to stay: "Sirene e Kallos". Guests love its top location.
12. Sami
Kefalonia - Greece
Melissani Cave is one of the best hidden gems in Europe, located on the beautiful Kefalonia Island. This magical place is worth the trip: you will have memories for a lifetime. The visit to this cave with its well of light piercing the vault and opening onto a wild forest is unforgettable.
The tour is quite short, 15-20 minutes, but it's breathtakingly beautiful, certainly one of the most beautiful places in Greece. We recommend a visit at 2pm when the sun rays are just above this well of light.
Book your flights to Agrostoli aiport and your accommodation at the best price as well as your best experiences on the island of Kefalonia.
How to get there: Book your flights to Agrostoli Airport and drive to Melissani Cave (50 min).
Where to stay: If you want to stay near the cave, book your accommodation in the village of Sami.
Need more inspiration? Discover the Most Beautiful Beaches in Greece!
13. Portoferraio
Livorno - Elba Island - Italy
Portoferraio, located in Tuscany, Italy, is one of your Best Hidden Gems in Europe. The Port of this magnificent destination is designed in such a way that it protects the city of Portoferraiao from the wind; the climate is perfect all year long.
Come discover the beautiful town, its colourful fishermen's houses. Book your accommodation at the best price in Portoferraio.
How to get there: Book your flights to Elba Island's airport (20 min by car).
Where to stay: "Hotel Mare" is one of our top picks in Portoferraio.
During your stay make sure to visit the Best Hidden Gems in Italy!
14. L'ile Louet
Carantec - Morlaix - Brittany - France
This magnificent and tiny island is located in Carantec, Morlaix bay, in Brittany and it is one of the Most Beautiful Secret Destinations in Europe.
The name of this island is not its first owner’s, Charles Cornic, but his best friend’s, Monsieur Louët.
It is now possible to stay overnight on this tiny island managed by the Carantec tourist office, but the place is often fully booked; we advise you to keep that in mind and book in advance.
Book your accommodation at the best price in Carantec or elsewhere in Brittany and discover one of the best hidden gems in France.
How to get there: Book your flights to Brest-Bretagne Airport ( 40 min by car).
Where to stay: "Hôtel de Carantec" facing the beachfront.
During your stay make sure to visit the Best Natural Wonders in France!
15. Portovenere
Liguria - Italy
Portovenere is one of the most beautiful villages of the "Cinque Terre" in Liguria, Italy, and one of the Most Beautiful Hidden Gems in Europe.
As part of UNESCO World Heritage, Portovenere is a perfect destination for hidden gems lovers in Italy.
Discover this small fishing village and book your hotel, guesthouse, B&B, apartment today at the best price.
How to get there: Book your flights to Pisa Airport (1H10 min by car).
Where to stay: For an unforgettable holiday, book your stay at the "Grand Hotel Portovenere", the best hotel in Portovenere.
16. Foix
Ariege - France
This beautiful city of 10,000 inhabitants, located at the foot of the Pyrenees is a great destination and one of the Best Hidden Gems in Europe!
Come discover Foix and visit its medieval castle. Book your accommodation at the best price in Foix and take the opportunity to discover another wonder of the region: Carcassonne, ranked among one the most beautiful fortified cities in Europe!
How to get there: Book your flights to Toulouse-Blagnac (1h by car).
Where to stay: "L'Arche des Chapeliers". Couples particularly like the location.
During your stay make sure to discover the Most Beautiful Castles in France!
17. Skiathos Island
Greece
Come breathe the fresh air of the sea and the scented smell of pines in one of the Best Secret Destinations in Europe. The southwestern part of the island is very wooded, perfect for a walk.
From Athens you can reach Skiathos by plane in just 30 minutes. If you prefer the ferry to the plane, the crossing from the port of Volos or Agios Konstantinos will take two hours (there is no direct connection from the port of Athens).
Book your flights to Skiathos, your hotel at the best price and your tours in Greece such as a "Full-day sailing trip around Skiathos Island".
How to get there: Join Skiathos via Athens (one hour domestic flight).
Where to stay: "The Water" 200 m from Skiathos Plakes Beach.
During your stay make sure to discover the Best Places to Visit in Greece!
18. Sorano
Tuscany - Italy
Come discover the culinary specialties of Sorano, one of the Best Hidden Gems in Europe, and taste its wines and discover its local crafts.
Sorano is one of the hidden gems of Italy; it is perfect for curious travellers looking for something different from big cities like Florence, Rome and Milan.
How to get there: Book your flights to Rome (3H30 by car).
Where to stay: We recommend the authentic "Agriturismo Biologico Sant Egle", a charming eco-friendly property that grows its own organic products. Book your stay now at the best price in Italy and your best activities.
Need more inspiration? Discover the Most Beautiful Beaches in Italy!
