Unique Tourist Spots in Europe You Probably Haven’t Heard Of

When people think of Slovenia, most immediately think of Lake Bled, but just an hour away from Ljubljana lies a hidden gem tucked away in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps: Velika Planina.

This alpine pasture is home to one of the last remaining traditional shepherd’s settlements in Europe, and wandering through the rolling green meadows feels like stepping back in time.

I remember hiking up to the plateau in late spring, where the snow was melting, revealing lush grasslands dotted with traditional wooden huts, or "koča." The shepherds still live here during the summer months, tending to their herds, and if you’re lucky, you can catch them making traditional trnič cheese—something you won’t experience in any city. The views of the surrounding Alps were unreal, and I felt like I had discovered Slovenia’s best-kept secret.

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Berat is one of Albania’s oldest cities and feels like a step back into history. Known as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” Berat’s white Ottoman houses cling to the hillside, overlooking the Osum River. I visited Berat while road-tripping through the Balkans, and I was blown away by how untouched it felt—far removed from Europe’s usual tourist traps.

What makes Berat so special is the seamless blend of Byzantine, Ottoman, and Albanian architecture. The Kala, or ancient fortress, is still inhabited today, and wandering through its stone streets is like walking through history. I stayed in one of the old Ottoman houses that had been turned into a guesthouse, and the hospitality of the locals was unmatched.

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While Cinque Terre has gained popularity over the years, Manarola remains a quieter alternative to the more crowded villages like Monterosso. I spent a few days here, soaking in the beautiful pastel-colored houses that spill down the hillside toward the Ligurian Sea. But what made Manarola stand out was the peace—you can still find little hideaways to sit, read, or just enjoy the sound of the waves.

This is where I discovered the "Via dell'Amore" (Lover's Lane), a cliffside path that connects Manarola with Riomaggiore, offering panoramic views of the sea. Unlike its more famous neighbors, Manarola feels less commercialized—an ideal escape for travelers looking to experience Cinque Terre’s beauty without the crowds.

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Skip Dubrovnik and Split—Korčula is the Adriatic island getaway you didn’t know you needed. I took a ferry from Dubrovnik to Korčula, and the moment I arrived, I knew I had found a hidden gem. The island is covered in dense pine forests, vineyards, and olive groves, with a charming old town that’s often compared to a mini-Dubrovnik.

I spent my days cycling through quiet villages, wine-tasting at local family-run vineyards, and kayaking along the calm waters of the Adriatic. Unlike other Croatian islands, Korčula remains blissfully low-key. You won’t find the flashy yachts and crowded beaches here—just stunning scenery and a slower pace of life.

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If you’re looking for turquoise waters and white sandy beaches that rival the Greek islands, look no further than Ksamil in southern Albania. This tiny village is part of the Albanian Riviera, but it feels worlds away from the tourist-heavy spots you’ll find across the Ionian Sea.

When I visited Ksamil, I was shocked by how untouched it felt—there were only a handful of beachgoers, and the prices were a fraction of what you’d pay in Corfu or Santorini.

I rented a kayak and paddled out to the three small Ksamil islands just offshore, where I spent the day snorkeling and sunbathing with barely anyone else around. The water here is impossibly blue, and the laid-back vibe makes it feel like a hidden paradise.

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While many people have started to catch on to the beauty of the Faroe Islands, the tiny village of Gjógv remains an untouched slice of paradise. Tucked away on the island of Eysturoy, Gjógv is home to fewer than 50 people, and its stunning landscapes are as raw and rugged as you can imagine.

I arrived here after a long drive through the misty mountains, and as I walked through the village, I felt like I had reached the end of the world. Gjógv is named after its natural harbor, a steep, rocky gorge that cuts into the coastline, and standing at the edge of the cliffs, looking out over the North Atlantic, was one of the most humbling experiences I’ve had.

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Tuscany gets all the love when it comes to European wine regions, but Goriška Brda in Slovenia is a hidden gem that gives it a serious run for its money. Known as “Slovenia’s Tuscany,” this hilly region near the Italian border is home to rolling vineyards, hilltop villages, and family-run wineries.

I spent a few days here sipping on local wines (the Rebula is a must-try), cycling between picturesque villages, and soaking in the peaceful countryside. The best part? Almost no tourists. In the tiny village of Šmartno, I wandered through cobblestone streets with barely anyone in sight, feeling like I had the place to myself.

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