Top 15 Hidden European Gems To Visit This Summer

3. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

A charming historic town in South Bohemia, Cesky Krumlov is known for its stunning castle and old town architecture. It is also relatively close to Prague.

• Things to do: Visit Cesky Krumlov Castle, watch a performance at the revolving theatre, and raft on the Vltava River.
• For those who: Seek a romantic backdrop with cultural and outdoor activities.
• Best time to visit: May, June, September. The weather is pleasant, and there are fewer tourists than in peak summer.

4. The Azores, Portugal

A group of nine volcanic islands in the mid-Atlantic, known for lush landscapes and marine life. São Miguel, the largest island, serves as a gateway to the archipelago.

• Things to do: Whale watching, visiting volcanoes and thermal springs, and hiking.
• For those who: Love nature and adventure in remote, unspoiled settings.
• Best time to visit: May, June, September. Ideal for mild weather and outdoor activities without the peak season crowds.

5. Colmar, France

Situated in the Alsace region, Colmar is famed for its well-preserved medieval architecture and proximity to the Vosges Mountains.

• Things to do: Explore the “Little Venice” district, visit the Unterlinden Museum, and try local Alsace wines.
• For those who: Enjoy exploring enchanting towns rich in history and culinary delights.
• Best time to visit: April, May, June, September, October. Avoid the crowds and experience the local wine harvest.

6. Lofoten Islands, Norway

This stunning archipelago lies within the Arctic Circle and is celebrated for its dramatic peaks and traditional fishing villages.

• Things to do: View the Northern Lights or enjoy the midnight sun, kayak between the islands, and visit the Lofotr Viking Museum.
• For those who: Are passionate about breath-taking natural environments and cultural history.
• Best time to visit: May, June, July. Experience the phenomenon of the midnight sun and enjoy outdoor activities in the Arctic light.

7. Alberobello, Italy

Located in Puglia, Southern Italy, Alberobello is renowned for its trulli, traditional drystone huts with conical roofs. It’s a unique example of Italian folk architecture.

• Things to do: Tour the trulli, visit the Trullo Sovrano, and taste local olive oil.
• For those who: Are fascinated by traditional architecture and Italian rural culture.
• Best time to visit: May, June, September, October. Enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

8. Piran, Slovenia

This seaside town on the Slovenian coast of the Adriatic Sea is known for its medieval architecture and maritime history. It’s close to both Trieste in Italy and Rovinj in Croatia.

• Things to do: Stroll through the town’s historic streets, visit St. George’s Church, and relax at a seaside café.
• For those who: Appreciate historical towns with beautiful sea views and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Best time to visit: May, June, September. The weather is pleasant, and it’s less crowded than the high summer months.

9. Ronda, Spain

Perched in the mountains of Andalusia, Ronda is famous for its dramatic views and deep historical roots, including the oldest bullring in Spain.

• Things to do: Walk the Puente Nuevo bridge, explore the old town and the bullring, and enjoy local wines.
• For those who: Love scenic, historic towns with a sense of adventure.
• Best time to visit: April, May, September, October. These months offer mild weather and smaller crowds.

10. Bled, Slovenia

Located in the Julian Alps, Bled is best known for its iconic lake, island church and medieval castle.

• Things to do: Row out to Bled Island, visit Bled Castle and try the famous Bled cream cake.
• For those who: Are drawn to picturesque natural beauty with a rich historical setting.
• Best time to visit: May, June, September. Enjoy pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

11. Tavira, Portugal

Located on the southern coast of Portugal in the Algarve, Tavira is known for its preserved Roman architecture and beautiful river setting. It offers a more authentic and quiet side of the Algarve.

• Things to do: Explore ancient churches and the castle ruins, take a ferry to Tavira Island with its unspoiled beaches, and enjoy the local cuisine in riverside restaurants.
• For those who: Prefer less commercialised beach destinations with a rich historical background.
• Best time to visit: May, June, September. The weather is warm but not overly hot, perfect for beach activities and sightseeing without the crowds.

12. Hallstatt, Austria

This picturesque village is nestled between the dramatic Dachstein Alps and the serene Hallstätter See in Austria. Known for its production of salt, dating back to prehistoric times, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

• Things to do: Take a boat on the lake, explore the ancient salt mines, and walk the Skywalk offering stunning views over the town.
• For those who: Are interested in picturesque landscapes and historical exploration.
• Best time to visit: May, June, September. These months offer comfortable weather and fewer visitors, allowing for a more relaxed experience.

13. Ghent, Belgium

Situated in Flanders, Ghent blends medieval architecture with a vibrant contemporary cultural scene. It’s less touristy than Bruges but equally rich in history and charm.

• Things to do: Visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral to see the Van Eyck brothers’ altarpiece, enjoy a boat tour on the canals, and explore the bustling Friday Market.
• For those who: Enjoy arts and culture in a lively, historic setting.
• Best time to visit: May, June, September. The weather is pleasant, and cultural events fill the city, offering an immersive experience without the peak season crowds.

14. Kotor, Montenegro

This fortified town on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast is famous for its stunning fjord-like bay, medieval architecture, and dramatic mountain backdrop. It’s a blend of natural beauty and historical depth.

• Things to do: Climb the fortress for breath-taking views, explore the Old Town’s labyrinthine streets and historic churches, and enjoy a boat tour to the nearby Blue Cave.
• For those who: Are fans of historical sites combined with spectacular natural scenery.
• Best time to visit: May, June, September, October. The weather is ideal, and the absence of summer crowds makes it easier to enjoy all that Kotor has to offer.

15. Visby, Sweden

Visby, located on the island of Gotland, is known for its well-preserved medieval town walls and rich Viking history. It serves as a living museum with its cobblestone streets and ancient buildings.

• Things to do: Walk the medieval walls, visit the Gotland Museum to learn about the island’s Viking past, and enjoy the local festivals, especially the Medieval Week.
• For those who: Are interested in medieval history and festivals in a picturesque island setting.
• Best time to visit: June, July, August. The summer months are warm, making it perfect for enjoying the outdoor activities and festivals, particularly the vibrant Medieval Week in August.

By reading this blog and getting this far, we assume you’re a keen adventurer looking to explore Europe (that’s what we like to see). You’ll know it’s more than packing a bag and setting an itinerary.

You might be considering visiting multiple destinations in one trip, or visiting a few throughout the year. If that’s you, there is something that we strongly suggest you consider getting: multi-trip, annual travel insurance.

An annual travel insurance policy will cover you for any of the holidays you go on for the year – no matter how many times you go. By going on multiple holidays, it is much more cost effective than a single trip insurance policy, not forgetting the additional benefits you’ll get for travelling in the UK all year around too!

By discussing your travel plans with us, we can advise which policy is suited to you and gives you the best level of cover.

If you enjoyed this article, you may also like our Guide to Travel Insurance.