Unearth Europe’s Top 5 Best Hidden Gems, from the fairy-tale village of Hallstatt to the scenic Plitvice Lakes. Explore these lesser-known wonders for a unique and unforgettable European adventure beyond the tourist trails.
Europe’s Top 5 Best Hidden Gems
Club TravelScape excels at staying underappreciated, disregarded, and off the beaten path.
Nothing makes us happier than discovering a hidden gem, whether it’s a little eatery that only the locals know about or a whole area that never makes the news.
They make you feel as though you’ve stumbled upon something exceptional and are more sedate and quiet. These are the Top 5 Best Undiscovered Treasures in Europe that are largely still unknown.
Secret Europe Destinations
Secret Trails of Medieval Spain
Why is it secret?
The heartlands have remained relatively unknown, with well-known destinations like the Spanish Pyrenees or the Camino de Santiago grabbing the headlines.
As our Product Manager Marta Marinelli puts it, this is a sort of unofficial Camino de Santiago, a “secret pilgrimage.” Each building in this region, characterized by winding ridges and deep wooded gorges, narrates its rich religious legacy.
Go past modest, old hermitages, find peace in the intricately carved cloister museum, and visit the neighborhood bodega (winery) to experience Spanish culture.
The Albanian Alps
Why is it secret?
Albania was kept off the traveler’s map and cut off from outside influences for a long time by communism. Though things have gradually begun to change since the 1990s, the enduring customs remain.
The Albanian Alps have a lot to offer the passionate hill walker, including mountains, monasteries, folklore, and fairy tales. You need look no further if you’re looking for culture while you’re wandering around Kosovo. From ancient mosques and Ottoman bazaars to feuding families throughout history, this underappreciated Mediterranean jewel’s rich legacy is best explored on foot.
Baltic Beauty
Why is it secret?
When one imagines a landscape dotted with massive, shimmering lakes, crowned with castles dating back to the 14th century, and blanketed in cool, shaded forests, they typically picture western Europe, possibly Switzerland or Germany.
It makes sense that the Baltics receive less air time given these big names taking center stage, but we believe these days are coming to an end. With an added bonus of peace and quiet that is difficult to come by elsewhere, the stunning Baltics provide all of this in spades. Cycling on these nearly level back roads is a joy.
Slovenian Sunshine
Why is it secret?
To be honest, we don’t know. Slovenia is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, but despite its breathtaking scenery, it doesn’t seem to get as much attention as it deserves. We’re not complaining though. The “Sunny Side of the Alps” is a tangle of meandering paths suitable for hikers of all skill levels, ranging from lakeside strolls to harnessed scrambles.
A bewildering array of twisting roads leads cyclists past cool lakes resembling jewels and deep into the dramatic limestone gorges. Why no one else is here is the only thing that defies logic.
Romania’s Carpathian Mountains
Why is it kept under wraps?
Romania is charming all year round; it’s just that not many people talk about it. One of the last strongholds for European brown bears, grey wolves, and even the elusive lynx, the mountains provide a safe haven for wildlife.
Our top recommendation? Ensure you indulge in the locally produced honey daily—it’s truly exceptional. Moreover, summertime presents the perfect opportunity to venture into the breathtaking gorges and agricultural hills. Here, amidst the chirping birds and occasional shepherd, you can truly find solace.
When the bears curl up and hibernate in the winter, snow is all that glitters. Winter markets, sleigh rides, and their potentially fatal homemade schnapps help the locals stay warm. The true allure of a Carpathian winter, however, lies in their amazing Icehotel, which is just as opulent and thrilling as the Swedish original but much more affordable.
