Hidden Gems: Five Underrated European Destinations to Visit This Year

While Paris, Rome, and Barcelona continue to dominate European travel itineraries, savvy travelers are increasingly seeking alternatives to these overcrowded destinations. For those looking to experience authentic European charm without battling hordes of tourists, these five underrated gems offer culture, cuisine, and scenery that rivals their more famous counterparts. **1. Kotor, Montenegro** Nestled in a secluded bay with dramatic mountains plunging into azure waters, Kotor offers the Mediterranean beauty of the Croatian coast but with fewer crowds and lower prices. The UNESCO-protected Old Town is a maze of medieval streets and squares, while ambitious hikers can climb the 1,350 steps to San Giovanni Fortress for panoramic views of the bay. Local seafood restaurants serve fresh catch with influences from Italian, Turkish, and Balkan cuisines. "Kotor feels like what Dubrovnik might have been twenty years ago," says travel writer Elena Mihova. "It has all the beauty but retains its authentic local character." **2. Ghent, Belgium** Often overshadowed by Bruges and Brussels, Ghent combines stunning medieval architecture with a vibrant university town atmosphere. The city center is largely car-free, making it perfect for exploring on foot or by bicycle. Must-sees include the 12th-century Gravensteen Castle and the famous Ghent Altarpiece at St. Bavo's Cathedral. The city is also developing a reputation as Belgium's vegetarian capital, with innovative plant-based restaurants alongside traditional Belgian beer bars. **3. Olomouc, Czech Republic** Prague's beauty without Prague's crowds can be found in Olomouc, a university city about two hours east of the capital. Its UNESCO-listed Holy Trinity Column dominates the main square, surrounded by baroque fountains and the astronomical clock. The city boasts six stunning fountains, each with mythological themes, and a vibrant café culture fueled by the large student population. Don't miss trying Olomoucké tvarůžky, the city's famously pungent cheese. **4. Matera, Italy** This ancient city in southern Italy's Basilicata region features unique cave dwellings (sassi) carved into limestone cliffs. Once considered "the shame of Italy" for its poverty, Matera has undergone a remarkable transformation and was named a European Capital of Culture in 2019. Visitors can stay in boutique hotels converted from cave homes, explore ancient rock churches with Byzantine frescoes, and dine in restaurants built into the mountainside. **5. Setenil de las Bodegas, Spain** Perhaps the most unusual town on this list, Setenil in Andalusia is built directly under a rocky overhang. Many houses are carved into the cliff face, with the rock itself forming natural roofs. Wander the narrow streets to discover tapas bars and small shops tucked into the rock, selling local specialties like chorizo and olive oil. The surrounding countryside offers excellent hiking opportunities and nearby white villages make for perfect day trips. The best time to visit these destinations is during shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) when weather remains pleasant but summer crowds have dispersed. All are accessible by public transportation, though renting a car provides more flexibility for exploring surrounding areas. As overtourism continues to strain popular European destinations, these alternatives offer not just respite from crowds, but opportunities to experience European culture in settings that feel more authentic and less commercialized.