There are hundreds of hidden gems in Europe to explore that will get you away from the typical tourist spots like Venice, Rome, and Barcelona and into the more charming and authentic parts of Europe. We love exploring these hidden gems and have found it to be much more rewarding of an experience. Once you get out into the countryside a little more you’ll gain a much bigger appreciation for the beauty that surrounds you in Europe. You won’t believe how gorgeous some of these places are.
Ronda, Spain
Perched atop a dramatic cliff, Ronda is famous for its breathtaking views and the stunning Puente Nuevo bridge that spans a deep gorge. This Andalusian town boasts a rich history, with ancient bullrings and charming plazas to explore. Ronda’s unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage makes it a perfect hidden gem for travelers seeking authenticity.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Lake Bled can be found in Slovenia and is one of the most picturesque destinations to visit in eastern Europe. Perfect for honeymooners, backpackers, hikers, and more, you can visit this gorgeous lake and take in the stunning views on offer. In the middle of this 2-kilometer lake is an islet with a church, and a medieval castle clinging to a nearby cliff. Due to its amazing scenery, Lake Bled is super popular with tourists so make sure you book your flights and hotel well in advance.
Visby, Sweden
On the island of Gotland, Visby is a charming medieval town surrounded by ancient city walls. Known for its cobblestone streets and beautifully preserved buildings, it offers a glimpse into the past with its historical sites and vibrant flower-filled gardens. Visit during the annual Medieval Week in August for a truly immersive experience.
Colmar, France
A fairytale town in Alsace, Colmar looks like it was pulled from a storybook, with colorful half-timbered houses, winding canals, and cobblestone streets. The region is known for incredible wines, Alsatian cuisine (think tarte flambée), and Christmas markets in winter. It’s a quieter, more charming alternative to Strasbourg.
Albarracín, Spain
Often called Spain’s most beautiful village, Albarracín is a medieval town in the hills of Aragón. Its pink-hued buildings, ancient fortress walls, and winding streets make it feel untouched by time. Despite its beauty, it remains off the beaten path, making it perfect for history lovers and photographers.
Piran, Slovenia
A stunning coastal town on the Adriatic Sea, Piran combines Venetian architecture with Mediterranean charm. With seafood restaurants, medieval squares, and breathtaking sunsets, it’s a quieter alternative to Croatia’s Dubrovnik or Italy’s Cinque Terre.
San Marino
San Marino is a small landlocked country surrounded by Italy. Found in the north central area of Italy, it’s large mountains and beautiful historic sites are what make this country special. The capitol city, also called San Marino, sits immediately west of the largest mountain in the country. Monte Titano is a sight you need to see if you go to San Marino. It’s right next to the capitol, is a beautiful place to hike, run, and climb, and it is home to three hills with medieval castles on top. If you like history, castles, cobblestone streets, hiking, and mountains this is the place for you.
Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber, Germany
In northern Bavaria sits the city, Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber. It’s known for its preserved medieval architecture, which makes the city memorable and beautiful. There’s plenty of places to explore. The city is home to a bunch of medieval towers that are open to tour. If you’re looking for nature you can walk through the Castle Garden, a garden full of plants and statues, and has multiple viewing platforms where you can look out on the Tauber Valley. Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber is also home to many seasonal festivals, such as the Imperial City Festival, the Rothenburg Wine Festival, and the Taubertal Festival.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt, Switzerland is a prominent skiing town because of its placement. It’s right next to the picturesque triangular peak, the Matterhorn. It’s elevation also makes it perfect for skiing due to the mountains and snowy weather. Although skiing and other outdoor activities are what draws most travelers, skiing is not the only thing to do in this city. The city is great to wander, it has plenty of shopping and good food. The main street, Bahnhofstrasse, is full of nice shops, and places to eat.
Sardinia, Italy
The majestic island of Sardinia is located off the west coast of Italy just below the island of Corsica. The second largest island in the Mediterranean, the landscape of this stunning island is incredibly varied, from white sandy beaches to the mountainous terrain in the central parts of the island. From cities like Cagliari in the south to old coastal towns like Alghero in the north, you will find a varied array of architecture and culture. In the region of Nuoro, at the heart of Sardinia, you will find villages and towns that have been completely untouched by the course of time.
Annecy, France
Located in southeastern France in the foothills of the French Alps, the charming city of Annecy is not only stunning, but a perfect destination for food lovers who love to sample the local cuisine and discover local products. Annecy’s beauty increases dramatically when the flowers bloom and the liveliness and laughter around the lake ramps up with summer fun. The city is full of charming cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and medieval architecture. Everywhere you turn, there is a surprise waiting – down a narrow alley or around a bend of the canal.
Matera, Italy
Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, known for its Sassi cave dwellings, which have been transformed into hotels, restaurants, and boutique shops. This dramatic stone city in southern Italy feels almost otherworldly and remains far less crowded than Rome or Florence.
Kotor, Montenegro
Often overshadowed by Dubrovnik, Kotor is a spectacular medieval town set against the Bay of Kotor, which looks like a Norwegian fjord. Its well-preserved Old Town, stunning hikes up the fortress walls, and beautiful coastal views make it one of Europe’s best-kept secrets.
Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
A smaller, quieter version of Prague, Český Krumlov is a UNESCO-listed medieval town with a stunning castle, Baroque gardens, and winding river views. It’s perfect for visitors who love history, bohemian charm, and small-town magic.
Dürnstein, Austria
A hidden treasure along the Danube River, Dürnstein is famous for its vineyards, castle ruins (where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned), and blue church tower. It’s a must-visit for wine lovers, offering some of the best Austrian white wines in a breathtaking valley setting.
Gjirokastër, Albania
A stone-built Ottoman city with a stunning mountainside location, Gjirokastër is a UNESCO World Heritage site full of cobblestone alleys, historic mansions, and delicious Albanian cuisine. It’s an off-the-radar destination that offers a taste of authentic Balkan culture.
Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.