In exactly 7 weeks, I’ll be getting on a plane to Africa. Counting down the days?! Who? Me?!? I have no return ticket, no idea about when I’m coming back to Europe and no plan whatsoever. I figured it was best this way, ’cause the whole time I thought I needed a plan, it was driving me nuts. The plan changed more often than my head could follow, so I threw it out the window. Now everybody else thinks I’m nuts… And me, I’ve never felt better in my whole life.
The biggest adventure of my life awaits, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t gonna miss ‘home’ at least a little bit. So today it’s time for a little tribute. Not to those super touristy spots that everybody knows already – sure most of them totally deserve the attention, but they get more than enough credit already. Nope, I want to show you the lesser-known spots, the ones you might have never even heard of before, but that will probably amaze you even more.
MY FAVORITE HIDDEN GEMS IN EUROPE
Tolmin Gorge, Slovenia
Located in the southern part of Triglav national park, Tolmin is one of those places where at some point you might start doubting that you’re actually still in Europe. The moss-covered rocks and narrow passages give it something mysterious, and the water is actually as blue as in the picture.
d
There’s several possibilities if you want to hike to the gorge, or you can just drive to the entrance and walk from there. The path inside the park is well-maintained and not very difficult, but it’s mainly stairs so probably not suitable for everybody.
d
I totally recommend combining your visit with a drive through Triglav National Park, as this place actually deserves its own spot on this list. Quiet and breathtaking, what else do you want? It’s not super far but with the winding roads and all the stopping you’re gonna want to do it does take several hours to get from the north of the park to Tolmin, so make sure to leave early to reach Tolmin well before sunset, as the light dissapears quite early in the gorge itself.
Berat, Albania
This place… Not only is it stunning, but on top of that my first moments in Berat were so memorable that they deserve a post of their own, so a little bit of patience please! OK OK I’ll give you a sneak peak… It might have involved an Albanian police officer, a way to steep and slippery road, a car with no brakes and bald tires, a Lili screaming ‘I am not moving this fucking car ever again, I’m too young to die! ‘ and a Dan Flying Solo trying to calm down the cop in his best Albanian whilst snapchatting it all…
Add a guesthouse inside a 13th century castle and a day trip to an amazing little waterfall and you know it’s gonna be a winner!
Hallerbos, Belgium
Tens of thousands of bluebells bloom every year in the Hallerbos in Belgium, transforming it into a landscape you’d only expect to find in a fairy tale. Who wouldn’t want to live happily ever after in a place like this?
Tellaro, Italy
I guess everybody’s heard of Cinque Terre by now and you’ve probably even been or at least have it written down somewhere very high on your bucket list. You’re absolutely right! If this was a top 10 of not-at-all-hidden-gems-in-Europe, Cinque Terre would be my number one. Without a shadow of a doubt. But it’s not – a top 10 of not at all hidden gems – so instead, let me introduce you to Tellaro.
Only a short journey away from Cinque Terre, I actually made a spontaneous sex sound when I first saw it. Yyyyep, it’s THAT beautiful! You can read all about that awkward moment right here.
Get ready to fall in love…
Piva Canyon and Durmitor national park, Montenegro
I don’t get it. Knowing how tiny Montenegro is, how the hell are there not more people going to the north?!? Jawdropping and barely touched, this area belongs on every bucket list. Check out my full post about Piva Canyon and Durmitor National Park and start planning!
Cútar, Spain
One of the cutest little towns I’ve ever seen! I ended up here on my way to the slightly more visited town of Comares – taking the small roads, of course! – and couldn’t help but stay a while. Cútar is small and I don’t even think there’s a hotel, but if you combine it with some of the other white villages of Málaga, it makes for an awesome day trip!
Butterfly valley of Petaloudes, Rhodes, Greece
Beautiful nature and butterflies everywhere, that’s what you get in the Valley of the Butterflies in Rhodes. Most people visit the park, which is not that unknown or hidden and has an entrance fee, but there’s a few places outside of the actual park that are just as beautiful and where you can wander around freely and – most of the time – alone. Just ask the locals, they’ll tell you where to go.
In order not to disturb the butterflies, try to be as silent as possible and keep some distance.
Konjic, Bosnia and Herzegovina
It started with a look at google maps, and one of my friends saying ‘Hey, this is a cool name for a town, let’s go there! ‘… I know exactly 2 people in the whole world who’ve heard about Konjic. They were both with me when I ended up there… They also both pronounced the words ‘I don’t think 1 night is gonna be enough ‘ at exactly the same time as me, more or less 5 seconds after we’d arrived. Here’s why…
Piran, Slovenia
You’d think you were in Italy, but no, this is Slovenia. Located at the tip of a narrow peninsula and almost completely surrounded by water, this place is what strolling-along-the-water-dreams are made of. The colorful houses, the tiny fishing harbor, the sunsets and the tiny alleys complete the picture marvelously.
Lake Komani, Albania
The road to Lake Komani is bad. In fact, most of the time, to road to Lake Komani isn’t even a road, but more like a collection of holes in what appears to have been a layer of asphalt at some point. It takes almost 3 hours coming from Shköder, which is only about 50 km away, but it’s worth every second.
Arriving at Lake Komani is one of those BAM in-your-face experiences, and the views during the boat tour are beyond amazing. Check out my full post about Lake Komani for a lot more information and plenty more pictures!
Segura de la Sierra, Andalusia, Spain
Located all the way up a hill, the drive to Segura de la Sierra alone is worth a trip to Spain. It’s literally olive-tree-heaven, and once you reach the town, the views are beyond amazing. A perfect place to spend the night after a day driving and hiking through the Sierra de Cazorla in the north-east of Andalusia.
Durbuy, Belgium
Yep, another one from my dear home country. The locals that live in Durbuy like to call their town the smallest city in Belgium and sometimes even in the world. This isn’t entirely true, but with only around 400 people living in the city center, it’s definitely tiny. And cuuuuu-hute!! Although pretty well-visited by people from Belgium and its neighboring countries, I’m pretty sure nobody else has ever heard of it, and I can assure you that that’s a shame!
I’ve visited Durbuy several times ‘back in the days’, but strangely I don’t have any pictures. But no worries, this website has got you all covered!
SO WHICH ONE'S YOUR FAVORITE?
Have you been to any of these? What did you think? Or do you know any other small European towns and places that are missing? I definitely have a few more on my bucket list, like all the little islands in Scotland or cute towns like Karlovy Vary in Czech Republic. Tell me all about it in the comments… and maybe make me want to come back for more!
133 Comments
You are absolutely right. I haven’t even heard of any of these places. These are really not the run of the mill countries that people visit ( except Italy and Belgium) so thanks for broadening the tourist map. Good luck with your adventures in Africa. I’ve only visited the typical tourist spots and that too years ago but Africa is a beautiful place.
Next time when you are in Europe let me know. You have to come and visit Poland – we have a lot of hidden gems and just wonderful places to see 🙂
Krakow (my city) is one of them 😀
best,
Kasia
[…] Istrian coast, everyone’s favourite is Piran. I’d even argue that’s one of the best hidden gems in Europe. Who could blame you for loving a day trip to Piran? The peninsular Venetian port town has pleased […]
[…] sure to check out this guide, if you are looking for other such hidden gems in […]
[…] destinations are often less popular tourist destinations and some of the hidden gems in Europe which mean more time for me to get to know locals and enjoy less crowded beaches. While I always […]
What is actual currency in albania? Do they accept euro?
Is bosnia safe for woman?
Beautiful places Lili! Glad we got to discover some of these together 🙂 Miss you!
Hi Lili
I found your blog through Pinterest, while searching information for our next roadtrip Montenegro – Albania. I was so surprised to find out that you are even from Belgium (like I am)! Last year we have done Slovenia and Cinque Terre in Italy, so I can really affirm this list. Also, a pleasure to read that many of your ‘gems’, we will visit this year. Looking forward to it!
Thank you so much for your blog
I recommend you to try visit this place in Spain located in Canary Island. It is called Gran Canaria and it is a must-visit in Spain. Me and my friends booked a flight to Spain and didnt waste any minutes to visit this island. .You must check it out for yourself. Read here more here at https://www.canaryislandsinfo.co.uk/gran-canaria/places/ for more information regarding to place.
Hey Liesbeth, i’m wondering why you haven’t traveled to Iran yet? The diverse landscapes of Iran and its culture is more attractive and rich than any you’ve seen! can’t wait to see you in Iran.
Thanks
I like your list of hidden gems. Last year we visited Montenegro (Durmitor and Kotor), Slovenia (Piran) and plans for Albania this year.
Serbia should be your next destination next time you are in Europe. Friendly people and beautiful nature are the best reason to visit Serbia – Tara National park, Zlatibor, Kopaonik, etc..
Stunning your all pictures and article too really nice thanks for sharing n keep it up thanks a lot !
It’s amazing that you’ve visited these not-so-popular places in Europe, I love doing that too. I need to explore Balkan countries like Slovenia, Montenegro or Bosnia more myself. I’ve been there for a short (waaay to short) road trip and I need to go back! 🙂
Great Post, Thanks for sharing
Amazing blog. Thanks for sharing.
Regards
http://www.getzdestinations.com/
I discovered a very similar Hidden Gem when I was touring Europe myself! Thank you so much for writing about this and filling my head with beautiful ideas of places to check out next.
Awesome Picture and well said ! thanks for sharing the information.
Lovely article on hidden gems of Europe loved reading it… After reading your article I have to make plans to visit Tellaro Italy..
Europe is a magnificent place.
Wow! Great place! Will definitely visit those places whehn in europe! Thanks!!
Thanks for sharing the post
Such a great post! You captured awesome spots in your travel trip.
Thanks for sharing this post!!
Regards
http://www.getzdestinations.com
Amazing places. Will definitely try to visit one of these places. Thanks for sharing
Great post, thanks for sharing!
How awesome post!
I will definitely add the national park in Montenegro to my Balkan bucket list! Looks so beautiful.
Great post Lili. some of these cities arent known very well but they are worth a visit. I would love to go Berat in Albania.
Beautiful places. I love nature and I’m sure to meet these places someday.
I am a big fun of bosnia & herzegovina and i was really astonished by the Mostar bridge!
It is true, that nobody writes about these beautiful places, except you:)
Keep on going, and safe travels !
Beatiful Places . Nice post , thanks for your article.
Tellaro, Italy
You’re right. It looks like a place where you would fall in love.
Lake Komani, Albania. They all look great to be honest and I just wish for time and money to be able to visit them all 🙂
Wow! Amazing amazing photos. Europe is truly beautiful and magical!
Amazing post! I have to admit that I have never heard of most of these places. So, new European places to add on my bucket list. Thanks! 🙂 I think Lake Komani would be my favorite of these places because your photo of it is just gorgeous 🙂
The first time I visited Europe my plane landed in Paris, the second time was Milan, can’t stop thinking about the those places among many other cities in Europe, you’re article gave me inspiration to start writing about those cities again.
Hey! Thank You So much for the good information, its very helpful. i really enjoyed your article.
HEY ITS QUITE GREAT TO READ YOUR BLOGS…I REALLY LOVE IT……..I HAVE LEARNT A LOT…
Great post and such nice information. Europe is such a nice place to visit with some wonderful attractions and nice places to visit.
Really!!! So charismatic, Europe just fascinated me…
This blog is awesome very well written with info accordingly.
Awesome place.
Thank you for sharing this.
These all look amazing! I went to Berat with my family and we spent a big portion of the day white water rafting. Such a fun experience!
Great travel article! Keep on sharing, Thanks for he nice tips.
I really love Europe and I definitely miss this amazing place! I haven’t been through some of these places so maybe on my next European getaway I will add this on my to go place!
Damn you found some seriously beautiful places I’d never heard of. Adding to my bucketlist! Some would be insane photos with our VW bus.
OMG yes I can totally imagine how awesome that would look! Kinda jealous haha
I love Montenegro and have been there roughly 6 times now and it is somewhere that seems to be off many people’s radar as it were. Great to see you included it! Love your blog by the way. Paul
I agree that most of East-Europe is highly underrated. People have not seen Bosnia and Albania as premium travel destinations before 2015ish…however, they are excellent places to travel these days. Beautiful, sunny and CHEAP!
Beautiful places , Glad we got to discover some of these together !
Beautiful places. I love nature.
Butterfly valley of Petaloudes, Rhodes, Greece, what an amazing place and experience. So incredible to find such a green place on the Edge of the Aegean Sea. Thank you for posting this!
Great article. I love it!
Get free flights. Click this link http://bit.ly/2vG7JJK
Oh boy… All of these places make me want to kick myself for being more of a “beaten-path” traveler. Thanks for the suggestions and keep enjoying the wonderful world!
Truly amazing photos. Should be at least a week to discover the impressive Budapest with these awesome Free Tours Budapest
I love travels.
Try travel with less hassle
click here https://bit.ly/30LV6el
It helps us do more stuffs and travel with no worries
Italy is my favourite place all day long. Coffee, Wine, Ice Cream, Sunshine and so much history.
I love reading this list! You’ve been to some really great, not so standard places in Europe. I’ve just returned from travelling through Slovenia en I could not agree with you more. It’s just amazing!!
In word you can’t explain the Europe beauty…Europe is always famous for their amazing places and for natural beauty. Cutar, Spain is one of my favorite place…..
I’ll definitely visit in the future.I’ll put in my bucket list.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Great destination Spain, one can also meditteranean ocean islands on route to spain
Lovely post, Thank you so much for sharing!
Hey,
All the pics are absolutely splendid!!!!! Can’t believe that there can be a place like this.
It reminds me of the movie “Narnia”.
Europe is heaven just you need to have the extra money in your pocket
Wow, I’ve got itchy feet!
All of these places look so beautiful. They are all on my list. Thanks for sharing.
Wow, these places look absolutely stunning. A perfect glimpse of Europe
I have to visit Europe – it has a lot of hidden gems and just wonderful places to see!
Thank you for sharing this info with us…
Is it safe to visit Europe in December ? We are making a plan to go there in December vacations.
very beautiful images for travelers.I always look for blog like this on the internet with which I can enhance my skills. You shared very well about travel we also describe our opinion about Travel. I read your full blog and it was very informative, and helped me a lot. I always look for blog like this on the internet with which I can enhance my skills.
great blog, i love it.
thanks for sharing.
Regards
https://www.lgarvindgupta.com/
Very Nice Article. Keep up the good job.
Regard.
https://www.thevillatent.com
Beautiful place and what a lovely blog post you have written…very informative and interesting. I loved the images which you shared in the blog post. Please visit our blog also for the travel deals to India from USA.
Great Post such good information about best-hidden gems visit in Europe. Thanks for sharing very helpful information.
Thanks for sharing, Lili! You have a massic knack for photography!
Many days ago, I was searching for hidden destinations of Europe to visit. then i came to this post and found it so interesting and informative. I loved the idea of presentation of information of different places. Moreover, If you want some best flight deals to India then please visit at our website.
The Eiffel Tower is a stunning sight during the day, but special views are offered at different times during the night.
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic structures in the world, so naturally it’s a must-see for visitors to Paris. In fact, an estimated 7 million people visit the Iron Lady each year.https://www.ladieshabits.com/post/Why-1-A.M.-Is-The-Best-Time-To-See-The-Eiffel-Tower/0
I love the way that how you write a content and explain on it. I just love to read all your comments. thank you so much for sharing with us. thanks.
Warm greeting,
Regards: http://www.acevisiontreks.com/
great work bro
thanks for sharing
thanks this for article
i want know about more info
awesome and great article post. Thanks for giving this awesome information. Thank you.
you only go to wonderful places,
Can we go there in march month?
Great list. Really wonderful places in Europe. My favorite country in Europe is Slovenia, I am glad that it is on your list. Thanks for sharing!
Hi really nice blog , everything was explained in a proper way.
I really enjoyed reading your post, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and wisdom.
Great Stuff! Just brilliant, I enjoyed visiting here.
Gret information, Thankyou for sharing.
Amazing piece of content all images are really good thanks for sharing
Europe is magic, there are so many gems there. I can’t wait to visit the places you wrote about. I use TheHotelPrice.com to find the best hotel deals.
Sorry, The links above are wrong, this is the right one http://thehotelprice.com
This is the article I was looking for .Thankyou for such wonderful information.
Thanks for the Information, Lovely Content
Thanks for the article and information
Lovely Content
xshbafd
dbzs dksahnzsjgn
vjenba
techfused.in
vzgfsjand
Didn’t know Montenegro was such a beautiful country. It’s definitely worth a visit!
Thanks for sharing Helpful information
awesome article thanks for sharing
What a beautiful piece of content. blockchain
Europe is not only a place it is the most beautiful place on this planet.Europe itself has some many places to roam in the whole world.Thanks for sharing this .
Hi Lili I like your story. Do that make you happy and you are on this track. Keep on moving. Wish you Good luck.
Create your own custom and unique QR Codes. This QR Code tool or QR Code generator creates free vector formats like eps, svg and png.
visit : QR Codes Gen
Thanks for sharing Helpful information mike tyson net worth
awesome article thanks for sharing Routing number checker
Great content thanks for this you are try to do some best of peoples I will share this content with my friends once again thank you so much
First off, the photos look astoundingly surreal and out of this world! It’s like the sceneries were only captured to be viewed in a movie screen! Beautiful art of nature plus great photography equals these masterpieces! Thank you for sharing these beautiful places with us even though its only through virtual but you made us inspired and motivated to work our asses off to even just visit one out of these many wonderful places!
Thanks for sharing Helpful information steve jobs net worth
I need to reseacrh more on this
Thanks for this wonderful article. I’m view lover so I find this blog helpful and planning to travel these places like Segura de la siera, Spain. However, If you’re also travel lovers, you will need to buy tickets. Here is a beautiful website of BD that will do the tasks for you. link: https://airlinesbd.com/
Looks quite detailed guide on Europe travelling. Thank You very much.
I was supposed to be travelling to Europe for Christmas but that is not happening now with Co-vid. Such a shame for me as there are some great recommendations here.
Thanks For Sharing This Great Article Also See This http://www.visionhindi.com
Great article about places to visit in Europe, lovely review! You have to visit luxury villas also. It’s a great option to stay.
amazing! I love exploring and travelling around the world but, because of the pandemic, I can’t do that. be safe stay at home.
Thanks for sharing Helpful information Antler’s Solution
Hi Lili, This is such an awesome article. Thank so much for providing us these information. Especially Berat, Albania that’s a gem of a place. Looking forward to travel once this covid is over.
Europe is really amazing place lots of beautiful hill I really gone this place.
amazing blog! you mention all the places to visit in Europe thankyou for sharing.
https://www.expresscouriercars.co.uk/
Hey,
Excellent post. https://dmoat.com/
I also love Albania and Montenegro!! I know it is a little selfish, but I love that most people don’t know about them yet 😀
Hey, one of the most popular national dishes of Finland is karjalanpaisti. Other national dishes include mämmi, sautéed reindeer. But thanks for sharing.
yes, my relatives visited Africa before covid. Their words are really amazing to hear, Complete adventure tour they did, Bad luck for me that I was not a part of the trip. I will plan a trip to visit Africa. Info motivates me to backpack for africa.
Good article, but it would be better if in future you can share more about this subject. Keep posting.
The work I am doing is very hard but articles like this make it much easier. Thank you for doing my research for me. Death Stranding Fragile Express Jacket
Piva canyon is gorgeous! Would love to visit someday. Maybe organize trips there as well.
The article has some good and serviceable information. It was very well authored and easy to understand. Polo Ralph Lauren Jacket
Thank you for the fantastic blog you have been doing.
Awesome! Congratulations on a great blog. Johnny Silverhand Vest
Very helpful and informative. Keep up the good work. Well-compiled and laid out
It’s so refreshing to always learn new and fresh information from this blog
Great so valuable for a frequent traveller like me. You so make information readily available. Thank you
Your blog is very descriptive and informative at the time. Hope to receive more such blogs from you.