Are you looking for the best places to travel in Europe? So does the rest of the world.
With the summer season in full swing in Europe, popular destinations are grappling with an influx of visitors. From Venice (which just launched a controversial tourist tax) to the Spanish Canary Islands (where residents plan mass protests against overtourism), monuments and emblematic places are put to the test under the weight of a record crowd.
So the new list of 2024 Europe's Best Hidden Gems of the best European destinations couldn't come at a better time.
A view of Primosten, Croatia, one of 18 hidden European gems revealed in a new report.
This new ranking highlights 18 little-known destinations that will take travelers away from the tourist crowds and immerse them in the heart of authentic European culture. The list is based on votes from more than a million travelers from 172 countries.
From remote villages nestled in the mountains to charming, unspoiled seaside towns, these 18 hidden gems offer a glimpse into a world rarely seen by the average traveler.
View of Villajoyosa, Spain from above.
1. Villajoyosa, Spain
Discover a kaleidoscope of colors in Villajoyosa (meaning “the jewel city” in Castilian). Here, jewel-toned houses line the banks, a nod to the city's maritime heritage, overlooking the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean.
Ares del Maestre, a hidden gem in Castellon, Spain.
2. Ares del Maestre, Spain
Perched atop a rocky hill, Ares del Maestre, built in the 1300s in the province of Castellon, offers panoramic views and centuries of Spanish history. Wander the narrow cobbled streets and explore the ancient castles.
Sandy beach in front of the old town of Primosten in Croatia.
3. Primosten, Croatia
In Primosten, located along the Croatian Dalmatian coast, you will find pristine beaches and azure waters. You can taste fresh seafood, stroll along the waterside promenades and discover why this coastal paradise remains Croatia's best kept secret.
Bokodi floating village in Hungary at sunset.
4. Lake Bokodi, Hungary
On Lake Bokodi, an hour's drive from Budapest, there is a village of floating chalets that is an Instagrammer's dream. Some cabins are private (many owned by local fishermen), but others are open to visitors. Explore the winding waterways and relax in the serenity of this hidden Hungarian gem.
View from the sea to park at Moomin World on a sunny summer day in Naantali, Finland.
5. Naantali, Finland
In Naantali, a small town in southwest Finland, you can discover the whimsical and colorful world of Moomins, original characters created by a Finnish author in 1945. This charming seaside town even has a theme park dedicated to Moomins called Muumimaailma.
Village of Bour in the Faroe Islands.
6. Bour, Faroe Islands
Discover the rustic charm of Bour, a small village on the island of Vagar in the Faroe Islands (a remote Danish archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean). Stroll through lush green landscapes, marvel at panoramic ocean views, and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of this region.
Lighthouse and bunker in the sand dunes of Blavand Beach, Denmark.
7. Blavand, Denmark
Blavand is a Danish seaside gem where war bunkers have been transformed into sculpted symbols of peace. Here you can ride horses along the wide, windswept beaches and explore the coastal dunes.
View of the city of Ulm, a hidden gem in Germany.
8. Ulm, Germany
In Ulm, a small town on the banks of the Danube in Germany, historical monuments and modern amenities coexist in perfect harmony. Marvel at Gothic cathedrals, stroll the cobblestone streets, and grab a bite to eat in the fishermen's quarter, where restaurants and cafes are housed in half-timbered houses. Across the Danube is Neu-Ulm, part of Bavaria.
Boardwalks leading to a viewing platform on Bordeira Beach, southwest Alentejo, Portugal.
9.Aljezur, Portugal
With its rugged Algarve coastlines and golden beaches, Aljezur in Portugal exudes a laid-back vibe and quiet beauty. Don't miss the local wines.
The view of Dartlo village in Tusheti, a remote region of Georgia.
ten. Dartlo, Georgia
Dartlo, a remote Georgian village, is the jewel of the wild mountain landscape of the Caucasus. It is home to pristine wilderness and ancient stone towers.
Jump into the water in Castro Urdiales, Spain.
11. Castro Urdiales, Spain
Castro Urdiales is a medieval port town steeped in maritime tradition in the Cantabria region of Spain. Stroll the cobblestone streets, discover ancient fortresses and soak up the sun on the sandy beaches.
Ljotipollur crater lake in Landmannalaugar, Iceland.
12. Landmannalaugar, Iceland
In Iceland, Landmannalaugar is known for its otherworldly beauty, full of rhyolite mountains and steaming hot springs. It is also a paradise for outdoor lovers, thanks to its volcanic landscapes.
The world's first folk architecture reserve in Cicmany, Slovakia.
13. Cicmany, Slovakia
The Slovak town of Cicmany looks like a fairy tale, where narrow streets are lined with hand-painted houses and ancient traditions like folk art are preserved.
Road to Mount Pico in the Azores.
14. Pico Island, Azores
In the volcanic paradise of Pico Island in the Azores, you'll discover spectacular landscapes, lava caves and vineyard-covered hillsides with world-class wines.
The village of Pont-en-Royans, France.
15. Pont-en-Royans, France
In France, Pont-en-Royans is a pretty cliffside village where you can swim in the crystal-clear river and enjoy panoramic views of the countryside.
Schwebebahn train crossing a street in Wuppertal, Germany.
16. Wuppertal, Germany
Wuppertal is a German industrial city with a unique attraction: the iconic Schwebebahn, a suspended monorail built in 1901 that offers breathtaking views of the cityscape. Fun fact: This is the oldest elevated electric suspended car railway in the world.
Chapel of Saint Michel d'Aiguilhe sitting on a rock in Le Puy en Velay, France.
17. Le Puy-en-Velay, France
In the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, in south-central France, Le Puy-en-Velay is a place steeped in history: it is the gateway to the pilgrimage route of Saint-Jacques-de -Compostella. One of the highlights is St-Michel d'Aiguilhe, a 10th-century chapel perched on a volcanic rock.
Staithes, a seaside village in the borough of Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England.
18. Staithes, England
A former fishing center on North Yorkshire's spectacular coast, Staithes now attracts modern-day travelers, who come for its charming village, fresh seafood and natural beauty. Don't miss the North York Moors National Park, where you can hunt for fossils and explore coastal paths.
