12 Underrated Places in Europe for Weekend Getaways (From Visiting 38 Countries!)

Europe never ceases to amaze me, even after dozens of visits over the years. While tourists pack into London and Paris, I’ve found myself falling for smaller cities with just as much culture but way fewer crowds. The continent is packed with overlooked gems that deliver incredible experiences without Instagram influencers everywhere.

I’ve visited 38 countries in Europe, hopping between lesser-known European destinations that locals recommended. The best places in Europe for weekend getaways often combine rich history with modern energy. Let me share the spots that deserve your attention for that next quick European escape.

Top Must-See Destinations in Europe

Looking for the coolest places to visit in Europe? Wander through the historic streets of Kotor, Montenegro, explore the breathtaking landscapes of Ronda, Spain, and admire the fairytale charm of Český Krumlov, Czech Republic. Step back in time in Sighișoara, Romania, a beautifully preserved medieval town.

Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or stunning scenery, these are the top destinations to explore in Europe.

• Most romantic: Ravello, Italy
• Best for adventure: Rila Mountains, Bulgaria
• Prettiest coastal town: St. Ives, England
• Top historical gem: Sighișoara, Romania
• Best for relaxation: Comporta, Portugal
• Most picturesque city: Annecy, France

1. Kotor, Montenegro

Ever wondered what Venice might feel like without the crushing crowds and tourist prices? Nestled within the dramatic Bay of Kotor, this walled medieval town delivers the perfect blend of history and natural beauty.

The morning hike up to St. John’s Fortress rewards early risers with breathtaking views across terracotta rooftops to the fjord-like bay. Wander through the maze-like Old Town, where locals still outnumber tourists in marble squares. For authentic meals, skip harbor restaurants and head to Konoba Trpeza on a quiet side street for fresh seafood risotto.

Located just two hours south of Dubrovnik, Kotor offers a glimpse of Mediterranean life before mass tourism. I couldn’t believe how the sunlight transformed the limestone cliffs throughout the day. After dinner, the bay provides natural air conditioning as you stroll along the waterfront promenade. Visit soon, as word is spreading quickly about this Adriatic jewel.

2. Ronda, Spain

Want to stand on a bridge spanning a 390-foot canyon while sipping local wine as eagles soar below you? Perched dramatically atop a deep gorge in Andalusia, Ronda captivates with its impossible setting.

The star attraction, Puente Nuevo, spans the chasm with dizzying views that have inspired writers for centuries. Wine lovers should visit Bodega Doña Felisa in the surrounding countryside, where organic vineyards produce exceptional reds against a backdrop of mountains.

The town gets quiet after day-trippers leave. This makes evenings magical for exploring Plaza Duquesa de Parcent and surrounding tapas bars. Here, watching the sunset paint the whitewashed buildings gold feels like stepping into a forgotten Spain. I’ve never experienced such dramatic beauty combined with authentic village life.

Located 100km west of Málaga, Ronda is accessible as a day trip but deserves an overnight stay.

3. Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

Looking for a fairytale town with a 13th-century castle, riverside cafes, and zero crowds? This perfect horseshoe-shaped town curves around the Vltava River, with Český Krumlov Castle watching over Renaissance and Baroque architecture.

Wondering what you’ll see in Cesky Krumlov? Morning mists create an ethereal atmosphere as you cross wooden footbridges connecting the compact historic center. Duck into Krčma v Šatlavské for medieval-style feasts cooked over open flames in a 500-year-old tavern.

The town sits just 2.5 hours south of Prague yet feels worlds away from the capital’s tourist crowds. For the best views, climb the castle tower or rent a canoe to paddle the river loop around town. I’ve never seen a more perfectly preserved medieval town in all my European travels.

Visit in shoulder seasons (May or September) for ideal temperatures and minimal crowds. You’ll quickly see why this is one of my favorite spots in the Czech Republic!

4. Sighișoara, Romania

Where can you sleep in the actual birthplace of Dracula without a single vampire tour in sight? Step into a living medieval fairytale in Transylvania’s best-preserved walled city.

The UNESCO-protected citadel sits perched on a hill. Cobblestone streets wind between pastel-colored houses and defensive towers built by medieval guilds. Climb the covered wooden Scholar’s Stairs to reach the 14th-century Church on the Hill, passing beneath ancient timbers that creak with every step.

For authentic Romanian cuisine, Casa Georgius Krauss serves incredible mămăligă in a 400-year-old merchant’s house. The historic center feels suspended in time, especially at dusk when street lamps cast golden light across the square.

Located midway between Brașov and Cluj-Napoca in central Romania, Sighișoara offers an uncrowded glimpse into Transylvanian heritage. I could almost hear the echoes of medieval life in these ancient stones.

• Read Next: 12 Best Places to Visit in Bucharest
• Read Next: 12 Best Things to Do in Transylvania

5. Ravello, Italy

Tired of battling selfie sticks along the Amalfi Coast? Float 1,200 feet above the Mediterranean in this village that offers respite from the crowds below without sacrificing the views.

Its aristocratic past lives on in two spectacular villas: Villa Rufolo, with gardens that inspired Wagner, and Villa Cimbrone, home to the “Terrace of Infinity,” where blue horizon meets sky. The pedestrian-only town center revolves around the 11th-century Duomo di Ravello, where marble mosaics showcase medieval craftsmanship.

Located 6 miles from Amalfi proper, the easiest access is via SITA bus or private transfer from Salerno. Each bend in the winding coastal road reveals increasingly spectacular vistas. I’ve never experienced such perfect harmony between human architecture and natural setting.

The refined atmosphere keeps most day-trippers away, making Ravello the perfect base for experiencing the Amalfi Coast.

6. Piran, Slovenia

How about experiencing Mediterranean glamour for half the price and double the authenticity? This miniature Venice on Slovenia’s 29-mile coastline packs Adriatic charm into a peninsula barely half a mile wide. Piran is one of my favorite destinations imaginable, and it’s truly a hidden vacation spot you won’t want to miss.

The bell tower of St. George’s Church dominates the skyline, rewarding climbers with panoramic views stretching from Italy to Croatia. The symmetrical Tartini Square below feels like an elegant outdoor living room paved in white marble. Morning risers should head to the town walls for sunrise over the bay.

Follow the scent of fresh bread to Café Teater for breakfast with local sea salt. Slovenia’s strategic location means Italian and Balkan influences merge deliciously in local cuisine. I’ve rarely found such crystalline swimming spots so uncrowded in the Mediterranean.

Just 90 minutes from Ljubljana and two hours from Trieste, Piran offers Mediterranean climate without Mediterranean prices.

• Read next: 12 Most Beautiful Destinations in Slovenia

7. Annecy, France

Finding a French lakeside town with crystal-clear waters, mountain views, and food that will ruin you for life? Known as the “Venice of the Alps,” this town blends French sophistication with fairytale charm just 35 minutes south of Geneva.

Crystal-clear waters of Lake Annecy reflect snow-capped mountains. The medieval Old Town is threaded with flower-lined canals and pastel-painted houses. The 12th-century Palais de l’Isle sits photogenically mid-canal, having served as everything from courthouse to prison.

Rent bikes to follow the 26-mile lakeside path for swimming access at secluded beaches. For dinner, L’Étage serves mountain specialties like tartiflette in a converted townhouse with canal views. I couldn’t believe the contrast between alpine peaks and Mediterranean-feeling waterfront.

Visit during Tuesday’s Old Town Market when producers from surrounding Alpine farms transform the streets into a gastronomic showcase.

8. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Want to witness history, resilience, and the exact spot where East meets West? Divided by the emerald Neretva River and united by its iconic bridge, Mostar embodies resilience just two hours from Dubrovnik.

The reconstructed Stari Most arches gracefully between medieval towers. Local divers continue a 400-year tradition of plunging 78 feet into cold waters below for visitors’ tips. The Ottoman influence remains strong in the Old Bazaar, where copper artisans hammer traditional coffee sets using ancient techniques.

For authentic Bosnian cuisine, Restaurant Šadrvan serves incredible ćevapi in a traditional courtyard setting. The scars of the 1990s conflict remain visible on some buildings. I was moved by how this crossroads of cultures has survived centuries of upheaval.

Cross between East and West by zigzagging across the city’s many bridges, each offering different perspectives on this complex city where minarets and church bells share the skyline.

• Read Next: 12 Best Things to Do in Sarajevo
• Read Next: 12 Fun Things to Do in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Read Next: 12 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina

9. Comporta, Portugal

Imagine a place where billionaires and fishermen share the same beachfront bars, and nobody dresses up for dinner. Just an hour south of Lisbon, this former fishing village has transformed into Europe’s most understated luxury escape.

Miles of pristine Pego Beach stretch uninterrupted, backed by protected dunes and rice fields where storks nest atop wooden poles. The unassuming village center conceals design-forward shops and restaurants like Cavalariça, where farm-to-table dining happens in a converted stable with sand floors.

Nearby, abandoned fishermen’s huts have evolved into rustic-chic beach bars serving local wines and fresh seafood. Comporta sits within the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve. This creates natural limitations to development. I’ve never found anywhere that combines such natural beauty with sophisticated simplicity.

Dolphins frequent the estuary waters while flamingos feed in the rice paddies, creating a unique coastal ecosystem.

10. Rila Mountains, Bulgaria

Looking for pristine alpine lakes, ancient monasteries, and hikes where you’ll meet more shepherds than selfie sticks? These mountains harbor Bulgaria’s spiritual heart, just 90 minutes from Sofia.

The Rila Monastery stands in a forested valley, its striped arches and vibrant frescoes forming Bulgaria’s most significant cultural treasure. Adventurous hikers should tackle the path to Musala Peak, the Balkans’ highest point. The more accessible Seven Lakes Circuit rewards with electric-blue glacial pools reflecting surrounding peaks.

Stay overnight in mountain huts to experience traditional bean soups and herb-infused rakia shared around communal tables with local hikers. Unlike the manicured Alpine experience, Rila offers untamed nature at a fraction of the cost. I was stunned by the contrast between Orthodox spirituality below and pagan-feeling wilderness above.

Best visited June through September when mountain flowers carpet the higher elevations.

11. St. Ives, England

Ready to surf in the morning, eat fresh seafood for lunch, and explore world-class art galleries by afternoon? This former fishing village on Cornwall’s northern coast has reinvented itself as an artist’s haven without losing its maritime soul.

The quality of light here has attracted artists for generations, now showcased in the striking seaside Tate St. Ives gallery. When the tide recedes, Porthmeor Beach reveals broad sands perfect for surfing. Hidden Porthgwidden Beach offers sheltered swimming in an almost Mediterranean microclimate.

Wander the narrow “downalong” streets between whitewashed fishermen’s cottages. For the authentic Cornish experience, grab a handmade pasty from St. Ives Bakery and eat it overlooking the harbor. I could happily spend weeks exploring the artistic heritage and coastal walks that radiate from this compact town.

Located five hours from London by train along England’s most scenic coastal railway.

12. Trogir, Croatia

What if you could experience all the beauty of Dubrovnik with none of the cruise ship crowds? Set on its own island, this perfectly preserved medieval town packs 2,300 years of urban development into a space you can walk across in ten minutes.

The Cathedral of St. Lawrence features a 13th-century portal depicting Adam and Eve that ranks among Europe’s finest Romanesque sculptures. Wander the polished limestone streets of the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Buildings from Venetian palaces to Baroque townhouses compete for attention yet create perfect harmony.

For sunset drinks, climb to the rooftop of Capo Restaurant, where Adriatic views stretch toward nearby Split. Located just three miles from Split Airport, Trogir offers an easier alternative to Dubrovnik with equally impressive walls. I was amazed by how compact yet complete this island town feels.

Local fishermen offer affordable boat excursions to secluded beaches that remain delightfully uncrowded.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about hidden gem getaways in europe

Dreaming of a unique European adventure? Our FAQs have all the answers! Explore hidden gem getaways, uncover local treasures, and plan your perfect trip.

What is the most underrated place in Europe?

Sighișoara, Romania, is one of the most underrated places in Europe. This charming medieval town offers rich history, vibrant festivals, and stunning architecture, all without the crowds.

Where in Europe is not touristy?

Comporta, Portugal, is a hidden gem that’s not touristy. With pristine beaches, peaceful rice fields, and a relaxed vibe, it’s perfect for a tranquil getaway.

What is the prettiest part of Europe?

The Amalfi Coast in Italy is often considered the prettiest part of Europe. With its dramatic cliffs, colorful villages, and sparkling blue waters, it’s a paradise!

What is the most picturesque city in Europe?

Annecy, France, is the most picturesque city in Europe. Known as the “Venice of the Alps,” its canals, lakeside views, and charming streets make it a photographer’s dream.