When most travelers think about Europe, the same places come to mind: Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, and Barcelona. While these cities are iconic for a reason, they’re also crowded, expensive, and increasingly overwhelming, especially during the holiday season. That’s why more travelers – including you, maybe? – are looking for underrated destinations in Europe that don’t have long lines of tourists and scream the word ‘authentic’.
Our TripLeaders, locals in Europe or travelers who have roamed around Europe like a pro, have listed their recommendations for underrated European destinations. Check out the list if 2026 is your year of traveling differently.
Underrated Destinations in Europe – Summary
- Montenegro
- Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Malta
- Andorra
- Peschici, Italy
- Umbria, Italy
- Kos, Greece
- Meteora, Greece
- Terceira Island, Portugal
- Montesinho Natural Park, Portugal
- Riga, Latvia
- Vrnacka Banja, Serbia
- Moldova
- Albanian Riviera
- Theth, Albania
- Kiruna, Sweden
1. Montenegro
TripLeader Balsa, a tourism graduate from Montenegro, mentioned that the country is ‘The Miami of Europe’. Everyone’s talking about Greece, but Montenegro’s Adriatic Coast spoils travelers with golden beaches, sapphire-colored waters, and serene coves to swim. However, Montenegro offers more than beautiful beaches. It is packed with dramatic mountains, medieval towns, and national parks that will make every nature lover happy. You can explore the old city of Budva, marvel at the Bay of Kotor’s beauty, or hike along Lovcen National Park.
What’s Montenegro in a nutshell? Think about Croatia, but without the crowds and extra mountains to hike. It is still on the list of underrated European destinations, which explains its untouched beauty and dreamy summer feels.
Best time to visit: Summer (May – June; September)
2. Bosnia & Herzegovina
Bosnia is one of the most emotionally powerful and visually striking underrated destinations in Europe. TripLeader Paul, a student from Germany who enjoys obscure places around Europe, mentioned that Sarajevo looks like a living history book. It has Ottoman alleys, Austro-Hungarian architecture, and cozy coffee houses that invite you to slow down and just take it all in. Moreover, smaller towns like Banja Luka offers a slow local life and Balkan hospitality. Love nature? Bosnia will stun you with waterfalls, rivers, and lush mountains.
Best time to visit: Spring (April – June) and Autumn (September – October)
3. Malta
Malta often gets overlooked in favor of Greece or Italy, but it is an underrated Mediterranean destination you should scribble into your bucket list. TripLeader Katy, a local who has hosted group trips for over four years, describes that Malta blends history, culture, and delicious flavors. It is home to Baroque old towns like Mdina, Valletta, and Vittoriosa, also to prehistoric temples older than the pyramids. Moreover, Malta captivates with its crystal-clear swimming spots, a ‘dupe’ for Blue Grotto, and sun-soaked beaches.
Best time to visit: Spring (April – early June)
4. Andorra
Tucked between France and Spain, Andorra is a paradise for outdoor lovers. In winter, it’s a ski destination with great value compared to the Alps. TripLeader Gabriel, who works in an Andorran ski lodge during the winter, mentioned that Andorra has slopes that are beginner-friendly but also challenge experts and nice apres-ski culture. Meanwhile, in the summer, it turns into a hiking and mountain-lake hotspot. Despite its location, it remains one of the most underrated destinations in Europe for non-ski travelers.
Best time to visit: Winter (December – March)
5. Peschici, Italy
If you are looking for a zen or ‘back to nonna’s house’-type of vacation in Italy, Italian TripLeader Nicole has a good idea. Head to Peschici, a coastal town nestled in Puglia’s Gargano Peninsula. The small and compact size of the city, accompanied by its unique location on the top of the mountain, makes Peschici a dreamy destination. The white-washed city takes you traveling back to old Italy, where locals mingle over coffee, open antique shops, and greet each other. It will briefly remind you of the Amalfi Coast, but without overtourism and with more connection.
Best time to visit: Summer (June – September)
6. Umbria, Italy
Often overshadowed by Tuscany, Umbria delivers just as much beauty, comprising rolling hills, medieval towns, and vineyards. Head to the town of Assisi, which is shrouded in UNESCO World Heritage sites like the majestic Basilica di San Francesco d’Asissi. Then, towns like Orvieto and Spello take you back to the 16th century, giving glimpses of how the locals preserve their culture and traditions.Then, TripLeader Monica, who was raised in Umbria, highlighted that visiting Umbria is about celebrating local food. You can enjoy wine and dishes like prosciutto served fresh and authentic.
Best time to visit: Autumn (September – October)
7. Kos, Greece
“Kos is undoubtedly one of the best Greek islands for beaches, thanks to its long stretches of fine, powdery sand. And as a bonus, it’s really easy to get around,” said TripLeader Marie, who has been traveling around the world for over four years. As Marie said, Kos has gorgeous beaches that can be explored in one go, but without Greece’s usual crowds. You can cycle around the island, visit archaeological sites, or hop on a boat to nearby islands and Turkey.
Best time to visit: Summer (May – September)
8. Meteora, Greece
While travelers flock to Santorini or Mykonos, TripLeader Lama chose to head to Meteora and put it into our list of the best underrated destinations in Europe. It comprises beautiful rock structures that look unreal, containing Orthodox monasteries. While it’s known as a day trip, spending more time here reveals hiking trails, viewpoints, and small villages.
Best time to visit: Spring (April – May)
9. Terceira Island, Portugal
Terceira is one of the Azores’ best-kept secrets. Volcanic landscapes, lava caves, natural pools, and colorful towns define the island. TripLeader Sonia from Portugal mentioned that Terceira is welcoming, accessible, and full of tradition. One of the highlights of Terceira is wine and cheese tasting, which offers different profiles from those you can get in other parts of Portugal. Besides that, you can indulge in Terceira’s outdoor wonders like Monte Brasil and Algar do Carvão cave.
Best time to visit: Summer (May – September)
10. Montesinho Natural Park, Portugal
Near the Spanish border, Montesinho Natural Park feels like a step back in time. TripLeader Pedro, a local hiking enthusiast, described that Montesinho is lined with castles and historic villages, such as Bragança and Rio de Onor. It accompanies Northern Portugal’s mesmerizing nature, packed with rocky heights, winding rivers, and lush forests. You can discover them by hiking, which includes a lot of stops to marvel at the natural beauty.
Best time to visit: Spring and Summer (May – June; September)
11. Riga, Latvia
Riga blends medieval architecture with Art Nouveau facades and a growing food and nightlife scene. It’s affordable, walkable, and culturally rich, making it a smart city break alternative to Western Europe’s capital cities.
Best time to visit: Summer (May – August); Winter (December)
12. Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia
Vrnjačka Banja is Serbia’s most famous spa town, known for its thermal springs, elegant parks, and relaxed, old-school European atmosphere. Unlike crowded wellness resorts in Western Europe, this town feels local and authentic, with grand 19th-century villas, leafy promenades, and riverside cafés. Beyond spa culture, it’s a great base for exploring central Serbia, including monasteries, wineries, and rolling countryside—making it a quiet yet rewarding addition to any Balkans itinerary.
Best time to visit: Summer (May – September)
13. Moldova
Moldova is raw, authentic, and fascinating. Known for its massive underground wine cellars and rural traditions, it’s a destination for curious travelers who want something genuinely different. If you’re collecting underrated destinations in Europe, Moldova belongs on the list.
14. Albanian Riviera
Stretching along the Ionian Sea, the Albanian Riviera offers turquoise waters, mountain backdrops, and relaxed beach towns like Himarë and Dhermi. It’s often compared to Greece, but at a fraction of the cost.
Best time to visit: Summer (June – September)
15. Theth, Albania
Hidden in the Albanian Alps, Theth is a dream for hikers and nature lovers. Stone houses, waterfalls, and dramatic peaks make it one of the most breathtaking, underrated destinations in Europe for outdoor travel.
Best time to visit: Summer (June – September)
16. Kiruna, Sweden
Kiruna offers something completely different: Northern Lights, midnight sun, Arctic landscapes, and Sámi culture. It’s remote, yes, but incredibly rewarding, especially for travelers from the US looking for a once-in-a-lifetime European experience.
Best time to visit: Winter (December – March)