5 Underrated Gems in Europe You Won’t Want to Miss

Five of Europes Best Kept Secrets

When I first started traveling around Europe in my twenties, I was all about hitting the big cities—Paris, Rome, Berlin, the usual suspects. However, I quickly realized there was so much more to discover, often just a little off the typical tourist routes. Over the years, Cordt and I have traveled extensively all around Europe, often staying for several months in one place as part of our nomadic lifestyle. That gave us the time to really get to know the region we were in.

Getting to these places can sometimes require more planning than just hopping on a direct flight to London. But trust me, the rewards—from dramatic fjords and emerald lakes to idyllic mountain rail journeys and hidden beaches—are more than worth the effort. If you’re pressed for time, you might want to pick just one of these regions for a short trip. But if you have the flexibility, combining two or more can make for an epic European adventure.

Here’s a list of our five favourite places—all of which were surprisingly devoid of other tourists!

Map Overview

Here's a quick map overview of the five places:

1 - Senja, Norway: Where Fjords and Mountains Collide

Living on Hadseløya, an island close to the Lofoten for a while in 2023 was a dreamy experience and one of our favourite places we've lived in so far. Of course, we visited Lofoten on quite a few occasions - the islands are breathtakingly beautiful and rightfully one of the most visited places in all of Norway.

At the end of our stay we embarked on a road trip to Tromsø and this is when we happened across the island of Senja. Senja is Norway’s second-largest island and is often referred to as a “miniature Norway” due to its diverse landscapes. It boasts everything from steep mountains plunging into the ocean, calm fjords, to tiny fishing villages. We found that it can definitely rival Lofoten in terms of beauty, but it sees significantly less visitors and is almost completely unknown to tourists that come from outside of Norway.

So - if you love dramatic scenery but want fewer crowds than the famous Lofoten Islands, Senja might just steal your heart.

Things to do:

• Hike: Like on Lofoten, Senja boasts many beautiful hiking trail. Both the iconic mountain peak of Segla and the Hesten summit hike offer some of the most breathtaking panoramas in Norway (or anywhere).
• Visit Traditional Fishing Villages: Places like Husøy are perfect for soaking up local culture and indulging in fresh seafood.
• Drive the National Tourist Route: The scenic road around the island lets you witness turquoise bays, hidden coves, and mountain passes—all within a few hours.
• Northern Lights (in Winter) or Midnight Sun (in Summer): Depending on when you visit, Senja offers some of nature’s most spectacular light shows.

Getting there:

You can fly into Tromsø (a major hub in Northern Norway) and then either rent a car for a 2-3 hour drive or catch a ferry from Tromsø to Senja (Finnsnes port).

Where to stay and eat:

For a full list of recommendations, head to our Google Map. Here are a few tips:

• Polar Panorama Lodge: Clean and modern lodge with breathtaking views of the landscape arond.
• Senja By Heart Restaurant: Serves authentic Norwegian dishes (fresh fish is a must-try!).
• Vertshuset Gibostad: A tiny local place that we happened upon while exploring the island. Don't expect anything fancy, but it's food prepared with love.

2 - Slovenia: Tiny Country, Grand Adventures

Slovenia is tiny, but don’t let its size fool you. Nestled between Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia, this country is a blend of Alpine peaks, emerald rivers, and fairy-tale towns. We were lucky to discover this hidden gem when we were living across the border in Italy for a few months. After the first day trip to the Julian Alps we were hooked and spent many more days exploring the country - and discovered that there is so much more to it than the famous Lake Bled region!

What we loved so much was that it was both relatively devoid of tourists (outside of lake Bled) even in the high season (early summer) and had so much to offer for such a small country. It's becoming more famous for all types of outdoor adventures from canyoning over abseiling to paragliding. There are more cute towns than you probably have time to visit. The food is hearty and delicious. And of course there are some amazing hikes to go on!

Things to do:

• Explore Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj: These glacial lakes are surrounded by mountains and forests. Rent a boat to explore the church on Lake Bled’s island.
• Visit Ljubljana: The capital might be small, but it’s incredibly charming. Stroll along the Ljubljanica River, visit the castle, and enjoy the café culture.
• Adventure in the Soča Valley: Known for its emerald-green river, it’s a hotspot for rafting, kayaking, and hiking.
• Taste Local Wine in the Goriska Brda Region: Slovenia has some amazing vineyards and lesser-known wines.
• Go hiking in the Julian Alps: There are so many trails that you won't get bored even if you spend two weeks just hiking. I especially recommend Slemenova Špica.

Getting there:

Most people fly into Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport. From there, you can rent a car to see the rest of the country easily (Slovenia is very driver-friendly and distances are short).

Where to stay and eat:

• Restaurant Mangrt: A bit more expensive, but the food is delicious.
• Vila Istra (Lake Bled): A boutique luxury hotel right by the lake.
• Čompe (Ljubljana): A traditional Slovene restaurant specializing in potatoes, sausage, and hearty fare.

3 - Flores, Portugal: The Azores’ Unspoiled Haven

Flores is part of Portugal’s Azores archipelago, located in the North Atlantic Ocean. It’s often overlooked for more popular islands like São Miguel, but Flores’s verdant landscapes, waterfalls, and crystalline lakes make it a paradise for nature lovers.

Things to do:

• Hike the Lagoa das Sete Lagoas Trail: This trail passes several beautiful lakes surrounded by lush vegetation.
• Explore Poço do Bacalhau: A stunning waterfall that plunges into a natural swimming pool—perfect for a refreshing dip.
• Visit Fajãzinha and Fajã Grande: Tiny coastal villages that feel like stepping back in time, with dramatic cliffs and ocean views.
• Whale and Dolphin Watching: The Azores are one of the best places in Europe to spot marine wildlife.

Getting there:

Flights to Flores are generally via Lisbon or Ponta Delgada (on São Miguel Island), then onward with a domestic Azores airline. Ferries between Azores islands also operate, though schedules can be limited.

Where to stay and eat:

• INATEL Flores Hotel: Great views of the ocean, with comfortable rooms.
• Restaurante Amanita: Offers traditional Azorean dishes, especially delicious seafood.
• Aldeia da Cuada: A charming collection of stone cottages turned guesthouses in a restored village.

4 - Asturias, Spain: A Green Kingdom by the Sea

Asturias is a coastal region in northern Spain. We spent four days on a roadtrip through Asturias in 2022 and were surprised by the beauty of its rugged coastline, the lush green mountains, and the hearty traditional dishes. If you eat meat, don't miss Cachopo, a dish that consists of two veal or beef steaks filled with cheese and a slice of ham. Asturias is often overlooked by international travellers that - if they even venture into the North of Spain - often favour Galicia.

Things to do:

• Hike in the Picos de Europa National Park: Jaw-dropping limestone peaks and scenic trails, perfect for day hikes or multi-day treks.
• Visit Oviedo and Gijón: Oviedo is the region’s historic capital, brimming with medieval architecture, while Gijón combines city life with beach culture.
• Try the Local Cider: Sidrerías (cider bars) are everywhere; watch the waiters pour sidra from high above their heads to aerate it.
• The coast, and its towns: Places like Cudillero are postcard-perfect fishing villages with colorful houses cascading down the hillside. I'd recommend you spend some time driving along the coast, there are so many breathtaking places, both natural and man-made. Don't miss Cabo Vidio)!

Getting there:

Asturias has its own airport (OVD) near Avilés, with flights from major Spanish cities. Alternatively, you can fly into Madrid and take a train or bus from there (about 5-6 hours), or rent a car and drive into the region.

Where to stay and eat:

For a full list of recommendations, head to our Google Map! Here are a few tips:

• Parador de Cangas de Onís: A historic monastery-turned-hotel near the Picos de Europa.
• Sidrería Tierra Astur (Oviedo): A very famous cideria, this is a must-visit for local cider and hearty regional dishes like fabada asturiana (bean stew).
• Hotel Rural la Casa Nueva Asturias: A charming rural house perfect for exploring the coast.
• **La sifoneria: This is where we ate Cachopo - it was delicious!

5 - Bernina Express & Surroundings, Switzerland

Whenever I return to my home country of Switzerland, somehow I am surprised about its beauty. Don't get me wrong, I know it's beautiful, but whenever I go back I discover so many new places that blow me away and that I somehow missed in my 14+ years of growing up there.

One such place is the Bernina Express and the region around it. If you’re into scenic train journeys, the Bernina Express is an absolute must. This UNESCO World Heritage route takes you from the Swiss town of Chur (or Davos/St. Moritz) into Tirano in northern Italy, passing through dramatic alpine landscapes—glaciers, viaducts, and turquoise lakes. I recently went there with my dad, and it blew me away. You can split the journey over several days and stop to explore the region, which I'd recommend, but it's also possible to do it on a day trip.

Things to do:

• Ride the Bernina Express: Book via the official Bernina Express site for panorama carriages that maximize the incredible views. Alternatively, you can just check the Swiss train schedule (SBB) and hop on a normal train covering the same route — just confirm you’re on the scenic tracks.
• Explore Davos and Surroundings: Consider taking a cable car up from Davos Glaris to Jatzmeder for easy hikes and mountain panoramas.
• Stop in Picturesque Towns: Towns like Pontresina and Poschiavo are perfect for a lunch break or a short exploration.
• Hiking Along the Route: There are tons of trails of varying difficulty. Even a short walk can reward you with lake views or crossing scenic valleys.

Getting there:

Fly into Zurich, Basel, or Geneva, then take the train to Chur or Davos. If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, the Bernina Express route is covered, but you need to make a seat reservation ahead of time (especially on weekends) if you want to sit in the panorama car.

Where to stay and eat:

• Jenisberger Gässälibeiz: Great for a hearty lunch stop along your hike
• Veltlinerstübli (near Davos Monstein): Another great place to stop to get food after your hike — my dad and I loved it.
• Albergo Croce Bianca (Poschiavo): A charming Italian-Swiss fusion hotel, perfect if you extend your trip into Italy.

Which Hidden Gem is Right for You?

Now you might be thinking, “They all sound amazing, but I can’t see them all!” (You could, but that might mean quitting your job and traveling for a month or two — tempting, right?) Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

• Senja, Norway: Ideal if you love dramatic fjords, fishing villages, and the chance to see the Northern Lights or Midnight Sun.
• Slovenia: A top pick if you want a bit of everything — lakes, mountains, charming cities—all in a super compact area.
• Flores, Portugal: Perfect for those craving volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and a slower island pace. It's best combined with an exploration of other islands of the Azores.
• Asturias, Spain: Go here if you’re after green mountains, rustic coastal towns, and some of Spain’s best comfort food.
• Bernina Express & Surroundings, Switzerland: If you enjoy scenic train rides, Alpine views, and easy-to-moderate hikes, this is your dream destination.