10 Hidden Travel Gems in Europe You Don’t Want to Miss

Utrecht, Netherlands

Modern Multi Colored houses in Houten Netherlands, hidden gems in europe
Canal In City, hidden travel gems

What to See & Do in Utrecht

Top Hotel in Utrecht

Van Der Valk Hotel Utrecht

Van der Valk Hotel Utrecht, hotel near europe hidden travel gems

Hotel Location

Rijeka, Croatia

Sailboats Moored On Sea By City Against Sky, hidden travel gems
Arch Bridge Over River In Park, travel gems in europe

What to See & Do in Rijeka

Top Hotel in Rijeka

Grand Hotel Bonavia

Grand Hotel Bonavia, hotel near europe hidden travel gems

Hotel Location

Graz, Austria

Murinsel, island in River Mur, travel gem in europe

What to See & Do in Graz

Top Hotel in Graz

Hotel Mercure Graz City

Hotel Mercure Graz City, hotel near europe travel gems

Hotel Location

Cassis, France

Calanque d'En-Vau in Calanques national park, French Riviera, France., hidden travel gems
Cassis, Harbour, travel gems in europe

What to See & Do in Cassis

  • Wander around the moored boats and admire the rows of candy-coloured houses around Cassis Port.
  • Take a boat trip from Cassis to the Calanques to explore the small inlets with incredible beaches.
  • Visit Cap Canaille to see the highest sea cliff in France that offers mesmerizing Mediterranean views.

Top Hotel in Cassis

Hôtel Les Roches Blanches

Hôtel Les Roches Blanches, hotel near europe hidden travel gems

In addition to a posh spa with a hammam, the hotel boasts multiple on-site restaurants, including the elegant Les Belles Canailles with its gourmet menu served on a terrace. Take in the sea views from the infinity pool or pull up a seat at the waterside Le Loup Bar.

Hotel Location

Bolgheri, Italy

Sunset landscape in Maremma countryside, hidden travel gems
Grapes growing in vineyard, travel gems in europe

What to See & Do in Bolgheri

  • Explore the 8th-century Castle of Bolgheri and enjoy views overlooking the city.
  • Take a scenic drive along the famous Viale dei Cipressi surrounded by majestic cypresses.
  • Enjoy the outdoors and marvel at the cascading waterfalls at Cascate di Caselli.

Top Hotel in Bolgheri

Resort Il Casale Bolgherese

Resort Il Casale Bolgherese, hotel near europe travel gems

There are only 12 suites at Resort Il Casale Bolgherese, which makes it the perfect stay for travellers who want to get away from it all. Each suite is spacious and features flat-screen TVs, kitchenettes and living rooms. Select suites have access to a private garden or boast panoramic views of the vineyards.

Hotel Location

Lavenham, England

Church of St Peter and St Paul, Lavenham, Suffolk, hidden travel gems
Half-timbered medieval cottages, Water Street, Lavenham, Suffolk, England, United Kingdom, travel gems in europe

Visiting Lavenham is like taking a step back in time, home to half-timbered houses, traditional tea rooms and narrow streets with pastel-coloured cottages. This Suffolk destination is one of the best hidden travel gems in Europe for history enthusiasts who want to soak up its medieval charm and old-fashioned atmosphere.

What to See & Do in Lavenham

  • Visit the Grade I-listed Guildhall, considered one of the best-preserved timber-framed buildings in England.
  • Step inside the 15th-century St Peter and St. Paul’s Church to admire its beautiful stained-glass windows.
  • Harry Potter fans can get a glimpse of his “birthplace” at the photo-worthy De Vere House.

Top Hotel in Lavenham

Swan Hotel & Spa

Unwind in one of the stylish rooms and suites named after charming local villages. Suffolk Bedrooms are perfect for a weekend away with king-size beds and modern furnishings, while spacious Gainsborough Bedrooms are family-friendly. Romantic Constable Suites add fireplaces, living rooms and mullioned windows.

Hotel Location

coast near Patitiri village on Alonissos island in Greece. travel gems in europe

Set in the Northern Sporades, Alonissos is a beautiful Greek island known for its unspoilt natural beauty, laid-back atmosphere and impressive beaches. From the whitewashed buildings in Chora to the largest protected marine area in Europe, this off-the-beaten-path destination is a great place to experience Greek island life without the tourist boom.

What to See & Do in Alonissos

  • Wander the charming streets of Chora and soak up the panoramic island views.
  • Enjoy the picturesque coastlines at Agios Dimitrios Beach and Leftos Gialos.
  • Take a boat trip to the Alonnisos National Marine Park to see the rare Mediterranean monk seal.

Top Hotel in Alonissos

Alonissos Beach Bungalows And Suites Hotel

Relax at the poolside or beach bar, then explore the private beach area or dine on traditional Greek cuisine at the buffet restaurant. Get pampered at the spa, which features massage rooms, a hammam and beauty salon or visit the game room with ping pong, billiards and table soccer.

Hotel Location

Getaria, Spain

Set in Spain’s beautiful Basque Country, Getaria is a charming fishing village beloved for its high-quality seafood, beautiful beaches and cobbled streets. About 25 kilometres west of the foodie destination of San Sebastian, a perfect day in this sleepy village includes dining on freshly-caught fish from the port accompanied by local white wine called “txakoli”.

What to See & Do in Getaria

  • Stroll through the main street of Nagusia Kalea, then stop for a pintxo or pick up local products.
  • Sample local wine straight from the source at Gaintza and Txomin Etxaniz
  • Browse exhibits highlighting one of the world’s most famous fashion designers at Museo Cristóbal Balenciaga.

Top Hotel in Getaria

Saiaz Getaria Hotela

Saiaz Getaria Hotela is set in a quiet spot in the historic centre of Getaria, boasting thick stone walls and beautiful sea views. Stylish rooms include exposed-stone walls with sea views, as well as flat-screen TVs and mini bars. Double Sea View rooms add sitting areas with bay views, while Junior Suites boast spacious living room areas.

Start your day with breakfast overlooking the Bay of Biscay, then unwind after sightseeing with light bites and drinks on its open-air terrace of the laid-back cafe/bar. Other hotel perks include free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly amenities and a 24-hour reception.

Hotel Location

Marvao, Portugal

Located in the Alto Alentejo region of Portugal, Marvao is a fairytale destination with whitewashed stone cottages, home to the towering Marvao castle. It’s considered one of the prettiest villages in the country, set on a hill that offers spectacular views of the region’s surrounding plans, lakes and Serra de Sao Mamede mountains.

What to See & Do in Marvao

  • Explore the 13th-century Marvao Castle, which features gorgeous village views and a tranquil garden.
  • Step inside the small Marvao Museum to discover quirky artefacts donated by the local community.
  • Cool off with a swim at the river beach at the foot of the hill, in a small village called Portagem.

Top Hotel in Marvao

Set on the highest village in Portugal, Dom Dinis Marvão overlooks a picturesque valley. Recently renovated, the hotel aims to preserve the town’s typical architecture while offering modern comforts, including a dining room, bar and furnished terrace. Sit by the fire in the cosy TV lounge, or soak up the gorgeous views from the outdoor Jacuzzi.

Romantic Dom Afonso rooms feature double-size beds and a balcony with castle views, while Dom Jamie rooms offer spectacular mountain vistas. For a spacious outdoor terrace with seating, king-size canopy bed and Victorian bath, stay in the luxe Dom Dinis room.

Hotel Location

Despite being Lithuania’s capital city, Vilnius is still one of the top hidden travel gems in Europe, featuring a UNESCO-listed Old Town and cobblestone streets that lead to beautiful churches, monasteries and palaces. It’s also home to a collection of quirky museums, bustling local markets and photo-worthy red-brick architecture.

What to See & Do in Vilnius

  • Stroll Vilnius Old Town to see its well-preserved historic buildings, then admire the city from above at St John’s Church.
  • Visit the Money Museum to see exhibits showcasing currencies from around the world.
  • Visit St. Anne’s Church, a masterpiece of the Gothic era with spires that date back to 1501.

Top Hotel in Vilnius

Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius

Indulge in local flavours at Restaurant Telegrafas or sip champagne at the elegant Le Salon Bar and Lounge, which also serves an elegant afternoon tea lead by a professional tea master. Kempinski the Spa boasts an indoor pool and Finnish and steam saunas, as well as signature spa treatments.

Hotel Location

Explore the Best Hidden Travel Gems in Europe