Secret destinations, far from the crowds, discover the hidden gems of Europe.

From Naantali in Finland to Pico Island and its volcano in the Azores, to the colourful villages of Villajoyosa in Spain, the half-timbered houses of Ulm in Germany, the painted village of Cicmany in Slovakia, the suspended metro of Wuppertal or the houses with green roofs from Bour and the floating houses of Lake Bokod in Hungary, the most incredible secret destinations and the most beautiful hidden gems in Europe await you. 

Book your flights, accommodation, activities and tours at the best price, ready to pack for the best hidden gems in Europe.

1. Villajoyosa

Alicante - Spain

Add colour to your holidays and visit Villajoyosa, meaning  "The  jewellish town" in Castilian. 

Protected from the cool north winds by the peaks of the Sierras de Aitana, Villajoyosa enjoys a pleasant micro-climate and temperature throughout the year.

The colourful houses of Villajoyosa were painted by fishermen in the same colours as their boats.

Fancy baroque? Visit the Church of Ntra. Sra de la Asunción. Want to rest? Three kilometres of beaches with dream names, such as Paradis Beach await you.

During your stay do not miss to visit the most beautiful beaches in Spain, Best Secret Destinations in Spain, Most Beautiful Castles and Best Things to Do in Spain.

Book your flights to Alicante (40 min by car), your accommodation in Villajoyosa as well as your tours & activities in Spain such as a "Alicante Charming Villages Tour: Villajoyosa and Altea". 

 How to get there: Book your flights to Alicante and your transfer.

 Where to stay: "Hotel Servigroup Montiboli". Set on a cliff it offers 2 outdoor pools with impressive views of the Mediterranean.

2. Ares del Maestre

Castellon - Spain

Halfway between Barcelona and Valencia, Ares del Maestre is a secret destination to discover during your stay in Spain.

Located on top of a rocky hill, Ares del Maestre is an enclave that offers magnificent views of the "Maestrazgo" landscape.

Stroll through its narrow streets, discover its historic castle. This 14th century city is full of anecdotes that the locals can share with you. Is it a bit hot outside? Come and take refuge in the "Museo de la Cueva del Castillo", a place dug in the rock which allowed the inhabitants to shelter from the assaults and to survive more than a year hidden.

Do not miss its watchtower which offers a breathtaking view of the region.

During your stay discover the best hidden gems in Spain, Best Castles in Spain as well as the Most beautiful beaches in Spain and Best things to do in Spain.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Valencia (1h30) or Barcelona (2h30).

 Where to stay: "Balcon de Ares" offering fantastic views of the surrounding countryside.

3. Primosten

Croatia

Nothing better than a holiday in Croatia to relax, enjoy the sun, crystal clear waters, rich heritage and gastronomy.

Located in Dalmatia, just 30 minutes by car from Sibenik airport, Primosten is a top destination for sun and sea lovers. Raduca Mala beach and its bars, restaurants, parasols, water activities, will be your headquarters for a successful holiday in Croatia.

It is one of the longest beaches in Croatia (2KM), so you won’t have to get up very early in the morning to find a place where to display your bath towel and enjoy a well-deserved holiday.

Need inspiration? Discover the most beautiful beaches in Croatia, the Best Hidden Gems in Croatia and Best Nature Wonders in Croatia.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Sibenik (30 mins).

 Where to stay:  "Golden Rays Luxury Villas & Apartments" are located in a quiet and peaceful bay.

4. Bokodi Floating Village

Hungary

This magnificent floating village is located on Lake Bokod a few kilometres from Oroszlany and 1 hour by car from Budapest (2 hours by public transport).

If you are looking for tranquility come and discover this timeless place. Peaceful and welcoming , this place is a worthwhile escape during your stay in Hungary.

While some chalets are private properties, closed to access, others are open to visitors and offer you free drinks and give you access to a roof terrace with a view of this unique place in Europe.

Book your flights to Budapest, your tours and activities in Hungary as well as your accommodation at the best price.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Budapest and your transfer.

 Where to stay: "The Amberlyn Suite Hotel" in Budapest.

5. Naantali

Finland

If you are over thirty, this image must awaken memories in you. Remember the characters "The Moomins". Naantali is a charming little town in southwestern Finland, not far from Turku and its airport, but also its important cultural and gastronomic offer.

What particularly interests us in Naantali is the "Muumimaailma" the theme park dedicated to Moomins, these characters created by the Finnish author Tove Jansson in 1945 and who are a kind of hippopotamus, living on the Gulf of Finland.

Known through books but especially comic strips illustrated by the author's brother, the Moomins enjoyed international success with the cartoon of the same name. Muumimaailma, "The world of Moomins" awaits you on the island of Kailo to immerse yourself in your childhood.

Book your flights to Turku, your accommodation in Finland as well as your tours and activities in Finland.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Turku (30 min by car).

 Where to stay: "Hotel Amandis". Set by Naantali Harbour in the Archipelago.

6. Bour

Vagar Island - Feroe Islands

With its wooden houses with green roofs, its breathtaking view of landscapes as chaotic as they are fascinating, Bour is definitely one of the Best Hidden Gems in Europe.

This tiny village of 70 inhabitants is the place you need for a stay surrounded by nature.

Almost a millennium old, Bour, located on the West-Side of Vagar Island, has amazing view over the ocean and the impressive "Tindholmur" an incredible rock that rises from the water.

Book your flights to Vagar as well as your accommodation in Vagar and your tours & activities in the Faroe Islands.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Vagar (8 min by car).

 Where to stay: "The View" provides accommodation with a terrace and sea views.

7. Blavand

Danemark

Blavand is a seaside destination located not far from the German border, in the east of Denmark, just 30 minutes from Esbjerg airport and 3 hours by car from Copenhagen and its little mermaid.

Here, the bunkers built on the beaches during the Second World War have been artistically transformed, in this case into horses, symbols of peace.

The best way to discover its incredible sculptures is certainly to go horse riding on Blavand beach.

Houses with private swimming pool, sauna, hot tub or hotels, the best accommodations await you in Blavand for a relaxing stay by the sea.

Book your flights to Esbjerg, Copenhagen or Hamburg (3h), as well as your tours and activities in Denmark and your accommodation.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Esbjerg (30 min by car) or Copenhagen (3h).

 Where to stay: "Holiday home Nordslugen Blavand V" featuring a sauna.

8. Ulm

Baden-Wurttemberg - Germany

On the border with Bavaria, Ulm is a charming city that has achieved the perfect marriage of modernity and tradition.

The old town of Ulm is sublime with its historical monuments and architecture of rare beauty. Do not miss the town hall and its colourful facade, or the Saint-Nicolas chapel dating from the 13th century. Do you prefer modern architecture? Visit the cultural centre of Ulm. Want to grab a bite? Discover the fishermen's and craftsmen's quarter and its many bars and restaurants. Cross the Danube and discover "Neu-Ulm" the Bavarian little sister of Ulm.

During your stay do not miss to visit the Most Beautiful Castles in Germany and Best Secret Destinations in Germany.

Book your flights to Memmingen Airport (40 min) or Stuttgart (1h) as well as your accommodation in Ulm and your tours and activities in Germany.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Memmingen Airport (40 min) or Stuttgart (1h). 

 Where to stay: "NYCE Hotel Ulm" offers 4-star accommodation in Ulm.

9. Aljezur

Algarve - Portugal

Aljezur is a sanctuary with protected nature, a unique destination, concentrating the best of Portugal, history, gastronomy, beaches, natural parks... Aljezur straddles the Algarve and the Alentejo. Did you know that its historic castle dominating  the old town is represented on the flag of Portugal? 

 Aljezur  is full of trendy restaurants and bars; it has a high quality of life, long beaches such as Bordeira beach or the very famous Arrifana beach and Monte Clérigo where surfers train.

It is known worldwide that Aljezur has one of the purest airs in Europe because this place is surrounded by eucalyptus and pine trees and that Aljezur is facing the ocean.

Forget the giant nightclubs, soulless restaurants for tourists, here everything is authenticity, simplicity in the image of its farmers, fishermen, inhabitants who warmly welcome  the travellers from all over the world who have fallen under the spell of this unique destination in the world. Do not miss a visit at the "Ponte a Pé" restaurant, probably the best restaurant in town.

Book your flights to Faro (1h15 by car), your transfer, your activities and tours as well as your accommodation in Aljezur.

 How to get there:  Book your flights to Faro as well as your transfer.

 Where to stay: “Villa sound of the Sea” with heated swimming pool, gym and jacuzzi or “Praia do Canal Resort”.

10. Dartlo

Georgia

This year escape to the mountains of Georgia, arguably one of the most beautiful places in the world.

You may have already seen this village in a calendar or a major travel report because Dartlo is considered the most beautiful village in Georgia.

Its defensive towers, its church and its historic stone houses form a unique ensemble in the world, classified among the most beautiful monuments of Georgia.

Dartlo is the starting or ending point for many hikes. Climb to an altitude of 2000 metres and discover one of the best hidden gems in Europe.

During your stay, do not miss to visit Batumi, probably one of the most incredible cities in Europe with its beaches, its Ferris wheel, its skyscrapers, botanical garden, as well as the capital Tbilisi and its great architectural and heritage wealth. 

This year, put Georgia at the top of your top travel wishlist. 

 How to get there: Book your flights to Tbilisi (5h by car) as well as your transfer, tours & activities.

 Where to stay:  "Guesthouse Pirimze" featuring a garden and a bar, all rooms are equipped with a balcony with mountain view.

11. Castro Urdiales

Cantabria - Spain

A fishing port, a medieval castle, the sun of Cantabria, Castro Urdiales is truly one of the best hidden gems in Europe and Most Beautiful Secret Destinations in Spain.

Once immensely wealthy thanks to trade with Flanders, Castro Urdiales experienced its golden age in the Middle Ages.

As improbable as it may seem you will find in Castro Urdiales, which is also known for its beaches, the beach of "Ostende", which is named after the Belgian seaside resort then world famous. Another curiosity of Castro Urdiales is that its Templar castle was slightly modified to add a lighthouse in the 19th century. Thousands of stories and adventures await you in Castro Urdiales.

During your stay do not miss to visit the Most beautiful beaches in Spain, Best Castles in Spain and Best Places to Visit in Spain.

Book your flights to Bilbao (30 min by car) as well as your accommodation in Bilbao or Castro Urdiales and your tours and activities in Cantabria and the Basque Country such as a "Bilbao Food Tour".

 How to get there: Book your flights to Bilbao (30 min by car).

 Where to stay:  "Hotel Gran Bilbao". This hotel was highly rated for its very comfortable beds.

12. Landmannalaugar 

Iceland 

You may have guessed it if you are a linguist or perfectly bilingual in Icelandic, "Landmannalaugar" means "The hot baths of the locals".

The localities near this place of rare beauty such as "Myrdalsjökull" and "Vatnajökull" seem to have names of furniture from the Swedish giant Ikea; but they will be the starting point for your adventures in Iceland.

The colourful Ryholite mountains are a hiker's paradise. You can book your flights to Reykjavik, your accommodation and go to Landmannalaugar by rental car (3 hours) or book your activities & tours in Iceland  such as a "Iceland: Landmannalaugar and Hekla Volcano Hiking Experience".

 How to get there: Book your flights to Reykjavík.

 Where to stay: "House of the Snowbird". Set in a preserved historic house in Reykjavík.

13. Cicmany

Slovakia

How about discovering one of Slovakia's hidden gems? Cicmany is known for its "popular" architecture, which reminds us of the painted villages of Romania, including that of Zalipie which features floral motifs.

Located in the North of Slovakia, Cicmany is worth the detour for its cultural heritage. You will be enchanted by its very contrasting paintings which look like hieroglyphs.

 How to get there:  Book your flights to Bratislava (2h by car).

 Where to stay: "Mal'ovana drevenicka v Cicmanoch" if you don't understand what that means, click on the link you will be seduced.

14. Pico Island 

 Azores

Volcanic island, located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, halfway between Europe and the USA, Pico is part of a triptych of extraordinary islands with Sao Jorge and Faial. Beyond breathtaking landscapes(your plane will certainly fly over the volcano), Pico is worth discovering for the geological richness (visit the lava flow caves) but above all for its incredible vines.

Cultivating this volcanic soil and planting vines by the ocean required a lot of audacity and courage from the inhabitants of Pico. It was necessary to shelter the vines with stone walls, which crisscross the island and form constructions that you can only see in this corner of the world. This delicious wine can be tasted on site, in a museum or directly from the producers.

Book your flights to the main island (Ponta Delgada) + a domestic flight to Pico as well as your accommodation in the Azores and your tours and activities in the Azores such as a "Whale and Dolphin Watching trip".

 How to get there: Book your flights to Ponta Delgada airport + a domestic flight to Pico.

 Where to stay:  "Azores Wine Company". Guest can enjoy a garden, a terrace and a restaurant.

15. Pont en Royan

Auvergne Rhône Alpes

This year get off the beaten track and discover one of the most beautiful villages in France and Best Hidden Gems in France, Pont en Royans. With its houses built on the edge of the cliff, it reminds us of Bonifacio in Corsica (France).

Fall under the spell of the suspended houses of Pont en Royans, built high up to maximize space saving in this narrow village.

Take your picnic and your bathing suits and dive into the river to enjoy the most beautiful view of Pont-en-Royans. Do not miss to visit the belvedere of the three castles which offers a wide Panorama on the region.

Need more inspiration? Discover the most beautiful beaches in France and Best Places to visit in France.

 How to get there:  Book your flights to Lyon (1h by car).

 Where to stay: "Hotel du Musée de l'Eau", facing Pont-en-Royans suspended houses.

16. Wuppertal

Germany

Just 30 minutes by car or train from Düsseldorf Airport, Wuppertal may be less well known than other German towns but. well worth the trip.

120 years ago, this industrial city was the first to make the futuristic choice of a subway suspended in the air. Still in operation, this 13-kilometre monorail is one of the symbols of Wuppertal.

You will feel like you are in an amusement park, flying over the rivers and parks of Wuppertal on board this original and very rare form of public transport in Europe. Ask the locals to tell you about the incredible story of Tuffy the elephant who had been  transported in this sky train and had thrown herself into the river (and survived and lived until she was 36).

Book your flights to Dusseldorf as well as your accommodation at the best price and your tours and activities in Dusseldorf or book your accommodation directly in Wuppertal.

During your stay do not miss to visit the Most beautiful places in Germany, Best Hidden Gems in Germany, Most Amazing Castles in Germany.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Dusseldorf (30 min by car).

 Where to stay: "Park Villa", is a 4-star hotel located in the historic heart of the city.

17. Le Puy en Velay 

Auvergne Rhône-Alpes - France

The Saint-Michel rock on which culminates the church of Puy en Velay is one of the symbols of Puy En Velay, one of the best hidden gems in France.

A land of spirituality, Puy-en-Velay attracts pilgrims from all over the world but also lovers of lace, an ancestral know-how still mastered by a few lacemakers who create refined and 100% artisanal lace.

With its magical heritage, Le Puy-en-Velay attracts history buffs, travellers in search of spirituality but also hiking enthusiasts since it is on the GR65 route. Water sports but also the discovery of Street & Land Art await you in Le Puy-en-Velay.

Passionate about history? Do not miss the Renaissance celebrations of the King of the Bird which take place every year in mid-September.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Lyon Airport (2h by car).

 Where to stay:  "The House of Lake Fugeres". Situated in the best rated area in Le Puy en Velay.

18. Staithes

North Yorkshire - England

Discover one of North Yorkshire's best hidden gems. Staithes is a beautiful seaside village just 1.5 hours from Newcastle and Leeds.

Considered one of the largest fishing ports in the North East, this hillside village is one of Yorkshire's treasures. It's a perfect destination if you're a geologist or want to go fossil hunting with your kids or just want a foodie getaway in England.

During your stay, be sure to visit the Best Hidden Gems in England, Best Beaches in England and Most beautiful Castles in England.

Book your flights to Leeds or Newcastle (1h30 by car) as well as your accommodation and your tours & activities in England such as a "York: River City Cruise".

 How to get there: Book your flights to Newcastle or Leeds (1h30 by car).

 Where to stay: "Endeavor Staithes". This bed and breakfast offers a full English/Irish breakfast.