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Looking for the best places to travel in Europe? So is the rest of the world.
As the summer season kicks into high gear across Europe, popular destinations are grappling with an influx of visitors. From Venice (which just started a controversial tourist tax) to Spain’s Canary Islands (where the locals are planning mass protests against overtourism), iconic landmarks and locations are straining under the weight of record-breaking crowds.
So the new list of 2024’s Best Hidden Gems in Europe from European Best Destinations couldn’t come at a better moment.
This new ranking shines a spotlight on 18 under-the-radar destinations that will whisk travelers away from the tourist throngs and into the heart of authentic European culture. The list is based on votes by more than one million travelers from 172 countries.
From secluded villages tucked away in the mountains to lovely untouched beach towns, these 18 hidden gems offer a glimpse into a world rarely seen by the average traveler.
1. Villajoyosa, Spain
Experience a kaleidoscope of colors in Villajoyosa (which means “the jewellish town” in the Castilian language). Here, jewel-toned houses line the shores in a nod to the town’s seafaring heritage, overlooking crystal-clear Mediterranean waters.
2. Ares del Maestre, Spain
Perched atop a rocky hill, Ares del Maestre—built in the 1300s in the province of Castellon—offers panoramic views and centuries of Spanish history. Wander through narrow cobblestone streets and explore ancient castles.
3. Primosten, Croatia
In Primosten—set along Croatia’s Dalmation coast—you’ll find pristine beaches and azure waters. You can indulge in fresh seafood, stroll along waterfront promenades and discover why this coastal paradise is still Croatia’s best-kept secret.
4. Lake Bokodi, Hungary
On Lake Bokodi, an hour drive from Budapest, there’s a village of floating chalets that’s an Instagrammer’s dream. Some of the chalets are private (many belong to local fishermen), but others are open to visitors. Explore the winding waterways and unwind in the serenity of this hidden Hungarian gem.
5. Naantali, Finland
In Naantali, a little town in southwestern Finland, you can experience the whimsical, colorful world of the Moomins—quirky characters created by a Finnish author in 1945. This enchanting seaside town even has a theme park dedicated to the Moomins called Muumimaailma.
6. Bour, Faroe Islands
Discover the rustic charm of Bour, a tiny village on Vagar Island in the Faroe Islands (a remote Danish archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean). Wander through verdant landscapes, marvel at panoramic ocean views and immerse yourself in this area’s timeless beauty.
7. Blavand, Denmark
Blavand is a seaside Danish gem where wartime bunkers have been transformed into sculpted symbols of peace. Here, you can ride horseback along the wide, windswept beaches and explore coastal dunes.
8. Ulm, Germany
In Ulm—a small city on the banks of Germany’s Danube River—historic landmarks and modern amenities coexist in perfect harmony. Marvel at Gothic cathedrals, stroll along cobblestone streets and grab a bite to eat in the Fishermen’s Quarter, where restaurants and cafes are set in half-timbered houses. Just across the Danube is Neu-Ulm, which is part of Bavaria.
9. Aljezur, Portugal
With its rugged Algarve coastlines and golden beaches, Portugal’s Aljezur has a laid-back vibe and a tranquil beauty. Don’t miss the local wines.
10. Dartlo, Georgia
Dartlo—a remote Georgian village—is the crown jewel in the untamed mountainous Caucasus landscape. It’s home to pristine wilderness and ancient stone towers.
11. Castro Urdiales, Spain
Castro Urdiales is a medieval port town steeped in maritime tradition in the Cantabria region of Spain. Wander through cobblestone streets, check out the ancient fortresses and soak up the sun on sandy beaches.
12. Landmannalaugar, Iceland
In Iceland, Landmannalaugar is recognized for its otherworldly beauty, full of rhyolite mountains and steaming hot springs. It’s also a haven for outdoors lovers, thanks to its volcanic landscapes.
13. Cicmany, Slovakia
The Slvoakian town of Cicmany is like a fairytale, where narrow streets are lined with hand-painted houses and ancient traditions like folk art are being preserved.
14. Pico Island, Azores
In the volcanic paradise of Pico Island in the Azzores, you’ll find dramatic landscapes, lava caves and vineyard-covered hillsides with world-class wines.
15. Pont-en-Royans, France
In France, Pont-en-Royans is a pretty cliffside village where you can swim in the crystal-clear river and soak up panoramic views of the countryside.
16. Wuppertal, Germany
Wuppertal is an industrial German city with a unique attraction: the iconic Schwebebahn, a suspended monorail built in 1901 that offers breathtaking views of the urban landscape. Fun fact: This is the oldest electric elevated railway with hanging cars in the world.
17. Le Puy-en-Velay, France
In the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of south-central France, Le Puy-en-Velay is a place that’s steeped in history: It’s the gateway to the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route. One of the highlights is St-Michel d’Aiguilhe, a 10th century chapel perched on a volcanic rock.
18. Staithes, England
A former fishing center on North Yorkshire’s dramatic coastline, Staithes now attracts modern-day travelers, who come for the charming village, fresh seafood and natural beauty. Don’t miss the North York Moors National Park, where you can hunt for fossils and explore coastal trails.