Hidden Gems in Europe – 15 Alternative Holiday Destinations You Need to Visit
Swap Mykonos for Milos, Alicante for Asturias and the Amalfi Coast for Puglia, we’ve got 15 hidden gems in Europe you need to add to your travel bucket list.
After more than 35 years working in the travel industry, I still get excited about discovering somewhere new. I have travelled to Spain, Italy and Greece probably close to 100 times over the years, but recent visits to Milos in Greece, Matera in Italy and Toledo in Spain reminded me just how many hidden gems in Europe I have yet to uncover, even in countries I thought I knew so well.
Ireland recorded more than 3 million visits to Spain in 2025, but instead of returning to the same resorts year after year, perhaps this is the year to discover some of Europe’s lesser known holiday destinations instead.
Like many Irish holidaymakers, I will always love the classic European hotspots, but sometimes the places that stay with you most are the ones you knew very little about before you arrived. If you want to return to Spain, why not swap the largest Canary Island of Tenerife to its lesser known neighbour La Gomera, or bustling Barcelona for the historic hilltop town of Toledo?
With the Amalfi Coast recording record visitor numbers, perhaps it is time to swap it for Puglia instead – region that is equally as beautiful. Montenegro offers the same dramatic scenery and beautiful Adriatic coastline as neighbouring Croatia, but with fewer crowds and better value for money. Even within the same island, you will find the bustling resorts on Crete’s east coast in complete contrast to the charming Venetian towns and dramatic scenery of the west coast. And trust me when I tell you that the sunset at Sarakiniko Beach in Milos is even more magical than the famous sunsets in Oia, Santorini!
Europe is full of incredible holiday destinations beyond the usual tourist trail. Whether you are looking for beautiful beaches, authentic local culture, outdoor adventure or simply somewhere new to fall in love with, I hope these hidden gems in Europe will inspire your next holiday.
Hidden Gems in Spain
1. Asturias
Asturias, in northern Spain, is known for its lush green landscapes, rugged coastline, and the dramatic Picos de Europa mountains. There are numerous scenic hiking trails, over 200 beaches, and charming quaint towns to explore along its 345km coastline. With a mild Atlantic climate, it’s an ideal coolcation – temperatures range from 19-24C in the summer months, and its mountains block out most wind.
Read: 10 Coolcations in Europe – Summer Holidays to avoid the heat
The region also lies along the Camino del Norte, one of the most scenic routes of the Camino de Santiago, passing through several Asturian coastal towns. Rich in culture and tradition, Asturias combines historic cities like Oviedo with hearty local cuisine, traditional cider, and a relaxed, authentic atmosphere that makes it perfect for travellers seeking nature and local character over crowds.
The three main cities in the region are Oviedo, Gijón and Avilés. Gijón is a city by the sea, with a wonderful seaside promenade alongside its urban beach. Avilés boasts one of the best preserved old towns in Asturias, and all three cities are within 30 minutes drive of each other.
Fun Facts:
- Asturias is home to six UNESCO World Heritage sites including the Holy Chamber of the Cathedral of Oviedo.
- Asturias is home to over 75 per cent of the mammal and bird species found in Spain.
- Asturias is known as the unofficial cider capital of the world, producing 80% of Spain’s cider.
- The new Hunger Games prequel Sunrise on the Reaping was filmed in Asturias.
- Eva Longoria was born in Asturias and filmed an episode on the region for her Searching for Spain series.
Aer Lingus fly direct to Oviedo from Dublin, twice weekly until the end of September.
2. La Gomera, Canary Island
La Gomera is one of the Spain’ hidden gems, offering dramatic mountain scenery, ancient forests and a peaceful atmosphere rarely found on the neighbouring islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Reached in a 50-minute ferry ride from Tenerife, La Gomera is ideal for travellers looking for authentic Canarian charm, stunning landscapes and outdoor adventure, with the added benefit of year-round sunshine.
The small island is best known for Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with misty laurel forests, deep ravines and scenic hiking trails, making it a paradise for walkers and nature lovers.
Along the coast, colourful villages such as Valle Gran Rey and San Sebastián offer black sand beaches, fresh seafood restaurants and relaxed seaside living. Unlike some of the more developed Canary Islands, La Gomera has a slower pace and a more untouched feel, which is all part of its appeal.
Ryanair fly direct to Tenerife from Dublin, Cork, Shannon and Knock. Aer Lingus fly to Tenerife from Dublin and Cork.
Hidden Gems in Portugal
3. Madeira
Often described as the Hawaii of Europe, the volcanic island of Madeira rarely sees temperatures rise above 27 degrees – despite its location off the African coast.
This tropical Portuguese island is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, due to its many hiking trails, dramatic viewpoints, natural pools and adventure activities – canyoning, rafting and tobogganing are just some of the activities available. Make sure to check out its black sand beaches and natural swimming pools too, and pre-book a whale and dolphin watching excursion.
Its vibrant capital, Funchal, is a waterfront city with a huge choice of shops, bars and restaurants. It is home to botanical gardens and stylish restaurants, in fact it is often called a top foodie location.
Ryanair fly twice weekly to Madeira from Dublin and Shannon.
4. Tavira, Algarve
Tavira is one of the Algarve’s prettiest and most traditional towns, located on Portugal’s quieter eastern coast close to the Spanish border, and just 35 minutes drive from Faro. Divided by the Gilão River and linked by an elegant Roman-style bridge, Tavira is known for its cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings, tiled churches and relaxed atmosphere.
Unlike some of the busier Algarve resorts, it has retained an authentic Portuguese charm, with excellent seafood restaurants, lively squares and a slower pace of life.
Its stunning beaches are another major draw, particularly Ilha de Tavira, an island where you will find a 11km long sandy beach, that is reached by ferry or water taxi during the summer months. The surrounding Ria Formosa Natural Park is ideal for boat trips, birdwatching and nature lovers, while golf courses and nearby fishing villages add to the appeal.
Tavira is a superb choice for couples and anyone looking for a more laid-back Algarve holiday with beautiful scenery and traditional character.
Read: Where to stay on the Algarve – Ultimate Guide to Top Holiday Resorts
There are daily flights to the Algarve from most Irish airports.
Hidden Gems in Greece
5. Milos
Part of the Cyclades, Milos is one of the most beautiful islands I have visited. It is famous for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, colourful fishing villages and stunning beaches. There are more than 70 beaches on the island, with everything from long sandy beaches to hidden coves only accessible by boat. You can skipper your own small boat for a half or full day, without a licence for about €250 for the day.
Milos island may not have the chic resorts that Mykonos and Santorini have, but its stunning fishing villages certainly make up for it. Mandrakia, Klima and Firopotamos are have Milos signature Syrmata or boat houses. You will find some great seafood restaurants here as well as stunning sea views.
Top Tip: Make sure to plan a visit Medusa Restaurant in Mandrakia. They don’t take reservations so the wait time in the evening is often long, but you can get lucky with short wait times during the day.
Read: 20 Top tips for Island Hopping in Greece
I will never forget watching the sunset on Sarakiniko, or Moon beach. This incredible beach looks like a lunar landscape, with layers of white rocks and caves in striking formations, formed by erosion and fossil layering of volcanic rock by wind and waves. The way the light when the sunset hit the white rocks was spectacular. When it comes to destination dupes, I would swap Santorini for Milos any day!
Fun Fact: Milos is one of two volcanic islands in the Cyclades, Santorini being the second, and it was the discovery site of the Venus de Milo statue, now displayed in the Louvre Museum.
Flights available daily to Milos via Athens, or it can be combined with a wider island hopping trip by ferry.
6. Chania, Crete
Chania is located on the north-west coast of Crete, and is worlds apart from the lively commercial resorts on the east coast. Chania’s Old Town is famous for its 14th century Venetian harbour and waterfront restaurants. It still has an Italian feel, but without the crowds. While the harbour is the main focal point, don’t miss the narrow side streets, home to some great local and international shops.
There are numerous boat trips departing from the harbour too, from glass bottom boat rides to full day trips to Santorini, which takes about 2 hours each way.
Rethymno is another beautiful medieval Greek town which also preserves much of its Venetian appearance.. There is a wonderful mix of architecture, rich history and culture, with Greek Orthodox and Catholic churches, Mosques, and a must-see Fortress (Fortezza).
The harbour is the focal point and is crammed with restaurants and bars offering great views of the port, but there is also a long sandy beach, so it is a great place if you want to mix some beach time with sightseeing.
Crete’s famous Elafonsi or Pink Beach was relatively unknown until tripadvisor named it as one of the world’s top 10 beaches. It gets its name from tiny pink corals in the sand, but its pink appearance is not always visible to the naked eye – it depends on wind, tide and the time of your visit.
Read: Greek Island holiday guide – Favourite destinations, hidden gems and which island to choose
Elafonisi is actually an island, separated with a sandbar and you will find that temperatures are a few degrees cooler depending on which side you bathe. Make sure you arrive early or late to avoid the crowds. You can take the ferry from Kissamos port or drive – but you will need a 4WD vehicle, and parking is about 1km away from the beach.
Georgioupolis is a charming Greek town that has a traditional centre, but also some modern hotels and restaurants at the beach. Try to arrive close to sunset and walk out to the church of Aghios Nikoloas. It is a picture postcard Greek Orthodox church that sits on a peninsula about 300 meters off the shore.
The longest gorge in Europe (16km), the Samaria Gorge is one of Crete’s top attractions and is located in the White Mountains National Park, the only national park in Crete. Temperatures tend to be cooler there as you are in the mountains, but you will still need to be fit for the 8km hike at an altitude of 1,200 meters. It takes between 6-8 hours but is mostly downhill.
Ryanair fly three times weekly from Dublin to Chania until end of October.
7. Paxos
Paxos remains one of the lesser known hidden gems in Europe, loved for its laid back and authentic Greek feel. This tiny island in the Ionian sea is home to quaint villages, crystal clear turquoise waters, dramatic limestone cliffs and ancient olive groves, making it the perfect peaceful escape. It is also known as the setting for the Netflix series Maestro in Blue.
Just a short boat trip away, Antipaxos is famous for its stunning beaches and shallow turquoise waters. Free from the crowds of mass tourism, Paxos is ideal for unwinding and soaking up some natural beauty.
Gaios is the island’s main hub, with plenty of bars and restaurants, while Lakka in the north offers a quieter atmosphere with a spectacular harbour surrounded by pine trees and sparkling waters.
Read: Greek Island holiday guide – Favourite destinations, hidden gems and which island to choose
To reach the island of Paxos you can fly direct from Dublin or Shannon to Corfu and take a ferry from there.
Hidden Gems in Europe
8. Puglia and Matera, Italy
Puglia is home to 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, beautiful beaches and some of Italy’s prettiest old towns. I went to Puglia a few years ago and have been vowing to return ever since!
There are numerous cities and smaller towns to visit (I’ve listed a few below), so I suggest getting a car and flying into Bari and out of Brindisi or vice versa. Neighbouring Basilicata is where Matera is – many people assume it is in Puglia, but it is an hours drive from Bari making it ideal to combine it with a holiday in Puglia.
Alberobello is one of the most well known towns in Puglia. Packed with over 1000 trulli – the white-washed stone houses with conical roofs, it looks straight out of a fairytale. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the trulli are full of locals selling hand-made crafts.
The white city, Ostuni is perched on top of a hill and, as the name suggests, is a city where almost all the buildings, streets and archways are white.
Polignano a Mare is a famous seaside town known for its dramatic clifftop setting, whitewashed streets and stunning cove beach with crystal-clear aquamarine water. One of Italy’s most famous restaurants is located here, Grota Palazzese. It is located inside a cliff, with gorgeous sea views – but make sure to prebook well in advance.
Read: Best Places to Visit in Puglia
Matera is one of the most remarkable cities I have ever visited – I couldn’t recommend it highly enough. It was inhabited for over 9000 years and is the third oldest continually inhabited settlement in the world (after Aleppo & Jericho). Up to 70 years ago, thousands of poor families lived side by side with animals in tiny caves, without electricity, water, or sewage facilities. Riddled with malaria and other infectious diseases, Matera was labelled the ‘shame of Italy’.
Finally in 1953 the Italian government decided to re-house its population in the new part of the city, or the ‘new Matera’ as it is now known. Matera was practically deserted until 1993, when UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site. Ten years later investors started buying these caves and transformed them into hotels, shops and restaurants.
It has literally gone from ‘rags to riches’ in seventy years – it was the European Capital of Culture of 2019. It was also the location for the opening scene of the James Bond movie – No Time To Die. It is not exactly one of Europe’s hidden gem anymore, but still rarely visited by Irish tourists.
Read: A magical weekend in Matera – Italy’s best kept secret
Ryanair fly twice weekly from Dublin to Bari, and three times weekly to Brindisi. Aer Lingus fly twice weekly from Dublin to Brindisi.
9. Île de Ré, France
Île de Ré is a chic yet laid-back French island on the Atlantic coast, just off La Rochelle and connected to the mainland by a long bridge. Known for its whitewashed villages with colourful shutters, sandy beaches and relaxed cycling culture, it has long been a favourite summer escape for French holidaymakers and celebrities alike, and is one of our best European hidden gems.
The island has an understated elegance, with charming harbour towns such as Saint-Martin-de-Ré offering boutique shops, seafood restaurants and lively cafés overlooking the marina. Much of Île de Ré is best explored by bike, with hundreds of kilometres of cycling paths winding through salt marshes, vineyards, pine forests and sleepy villages.
Its beaches range from long wild Atlantic stretches popular with surfers to sheltered family-friendly coves, while local markets are filled with fresh oysters, seafood and regional produce. Despite its popularity, Île de Ré has retained an authentic and peaceful atmosphere, making it ideal for couples, families and anyone looking for a stylish but relaxed French coastal holiday.
Ryanair fly to La Rochelle, four times weekly from Dublin and twice weekly from Cork. Île de Ré is 25 mins drive from the airport.
10. Slovenia
Slovenia a relatively small country, ( its about a third of the size of Ireland ), but it certainly punches above its weight in turns of beauty. While Lake Bled might be a household name, Slovenia is often considered one of the most underrated and unique places in Europe.
Although there are regular flights to the capital Ljubljana, Trieste in Italy is the closest and most convenient gateway from many of the top holiday resorts, of Lake Bled, Piran and Portorož. You will find a wonderful mix of lakes, mountains, charming cities and Adriatic coastline all within a relatively small and easy-to-explore country.
One of its most famous attractions is Lake Bled, known for its emerald-green lake, fairytale island church and dramatic mountain backdrop. Nearby, Lake Bohinj offers a quieter alpine escape ideal for hiking, swimming and nature lovers. The Julian Alps and Triglav National Park are perfect for walking holidays, cycling, rafting and skiing in winter.
Slovenia also has a small but beautiful Adriatic coastline, with towns such as Piran offering Venetian-style architecture, seafood restaurants and lovely sea views.
Food and wine are another highlight, influenced by neighbouring Italy and Austria, while thermal spas, vineyard stays and scenic road trips add even more appeal. Holidays in Slovenia suit everyone from couples and outdoor enthusiasts to families looking for a varied European holiday with fewer crowds than many neighbouring countries.
Ryanair fly twice weekly from Dublin to Trieste (Italy). Slovenia is approximately 90 minutes away by car.
11. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mostar was a real highlight of my travels last year. Even though I was only there on a day trip from Dubrovnik, it made a lasting impression on me and I loved exploring this gorgeous country. I visited the old town of Mostar and saw the famous Stari Most bridge while enjoying a walking tour and some lunch. I then visited the amazing Kravica Waterfall, which is worth a trip to Mostar in itself.
The city is the perfect blend of East and West, and is a culture vulture’s dream. Mosques stand beside medieval churches and the city’s winding cobbled streets are a delight to explore. The country feels untouched and almost like you have gone back in time, so it is definitely one of the real hidden gems in Europe.
While there are no direct flights from Ireland to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the closest airport is Dubrovnik in Croatia and it is super easy to visit on a day trip from there. Otherwise you can fly via the UK to reach Bosnia.
12. Kaş, Turkey
Want to experience a laidback traditional Turkish town. Kaş perfectly balances charm and culture on the Turkish Riviera. The town has a laidback atmosphere with cobbled streets, boutique shops and some of the best scuba diving spots in Turkey.
Visitors can enjoy scenic waterfront restaurants, traditional markets and easy access to beautiful beaches and ancient Lycian ruins nearby. Kaş is also a great base for boat trips, island hopping and exploring hidden coves along the coast.
Read: The Ultimate Turkish Riviera Resort Guide – The Best Resorts To Choose For Holidays to Turkey
The easiest way to reach Kaş is by flying into Dalaman Airport, which is the nearest airport. The drive from Dalaman Airport to Kaş takes around 2 to 2.5 hours and follows a scenic coastal route.
13. Bergen, Norway
Bergen is Norway’s second largest city, but I’m told it feels like a small town. It is renowned for being the capital of the Fjords and for its UNESCO World Heritage site Bryggen – a colourful wharf with museums, shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Bergen is also UNESCO city of gastronomy, and has a famous outdoor fish market that is a real treat for seafood lovers. It is also a lively city, with plenty of concerts and live music venues.
Bergen is called ‘the city between the seven mountains’ so it is popular with hikers. The most easily accessible summit can be reached on a six-minute funicular ride from the city centre, while the highest of the seven mountains is 643 metres above sea level, which can be reached by cable car, and offers panoramic views of the city, the islands and fjords.
Most visitors tend to book a tour of the fjords as Bergen is located between two of Norway’s biggest. A trip on the Bergen Railway (voted one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys ) is also another one of the hidden gems of Europe.
Read: Top Things To Do In Bergen And Where to Stay – Bergen Travel Guide
Widerøe fly direct from Dublin to Bergen four times weekly.
14. Montenegro
Montenegro is quickly becoming one of the most popular hidden gems in Europe and has really grown in popularity over the last year or two. Even so, with it not being the easiest destination to reach from Ireland, I still feel like it remains slightly under the radar.
I have visited Kotor twice in the past year, first on my Balkans trip as a day trip from Dubrovnik and then again this year as a port of call on my first ever cruise. Arriving into Kotor by bus or boat is such a special experience, with the dramatic mountain backdrop, crystal clear water and the beautiful old town in the distance.
Kotor Old Town is quaint, walkable and easy to explore, with a beach nearby for relaxing. If you want to venture further, Perast is well worth visiting for the famous Our Lady of the Rocks island, while Budva offers more of a lively beach holiday atmosphere.
While there are no direct flights from Ireland to Montenegro, the closest airport is Dubrovnik in Croatia. Otherwise you can fly via the UK to reach Montenegro.
15. Albania
With the new direct flight from Dublin to Tirana, Albania might not remain one of the hidden gems in Europe for much longer. It is also easily reached by ferry from Corfu, making it simple to explore the Albanian Riviera. For those who enjoy hiking, the Albanian Alps are a must, while Tirana has quickly become a popular choice for a city break, meaning the country offers a real mix of experiences.
If you are spending time along the coast in Sarandë or Ksamil, it is easy to take local transport or take day trips to nearby highlights such as the Blue Eye or the historic town of Gjirokastër, whose old town is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Read: Top 10 things to do in Albania
Ryanair fly from Dublin to Tirana. However, if you want to spend most of your time along the beaches on south coast, it is best to take a ferry from Corfu, than travel down from Tirana. There are flights from Dublin or Shannon to Corfu.
I hope this post on Europe hidden gems will help you plan a trip away soon. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, accommodation facilities and attractions are subject to change.
Note some of the links in this post contain affiliate links, where I receive a small commission if a booking is made, but at no additional cost to you.
