10 Underrated European Destinations For Your Next Summer Trip

Consider a vacay at one these lesser-thought-of yet equally beautiful European spots.

Amalfi Coast, Santorini, Nice… We all know the must-visit places in Europe that have tourists flocking to their shores year after year. But given the number of holidays planned to Europe in 2024 – hello Paris Olympics – wouldn’t it be nice to find somewhere a little off the beaten track for your next holiday?

Whether you're a beachgoer, nature lover, or appreciate a good nightlife, here are some of the most underrated European destinations for when you want to travel to in 2024.

1. Albanian Riviera, Albania

The Albanian Riviera is a picturesque stretch of coastline along the Ionian Sea in the southern part of Albania. Here you'll find pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque landscapes. The coastline is dotted with charming traditional villages such as Himara, Dhërmi, and Borsh – each with ts own character and history. If you're looking to dodge the craziness of more popular beachside locations, this hidden Mediterranean gem is the way to go.

2. Tossa de Mar, Spain

While swarms of people head to San Sebastian, you might want to turn your attention to this idyllic and laidback coastal town instead. Located on the Costa Brava in Catalonia, Spain, Tossa de Mar is known for its charming medieval old town, stunning beaches, and historical sites. Take a scenic walk along the cliffs in Sa Riera Park followed by a chilled afternoon indulging in the delicious flavours of Catalonia at one of the many beachside restaurants.

3. Makarska, Croatia

If you love the idea of visiting Croatia but feel deterred by the crowds that hit Dubrovnik and Split in summer, Makarska is an equally beautiful alternative. Makarska is renowned for its stunning beaches, particularly the central pebble beach known as Makarska Beach. Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters and admire the stunning Biokovo mountain range backdrop. It's also a convenient home base for day trips to nearby islands such as Brač and Hvar.

4. Montpellier, France

Imagine all the beautiful, historic sandstone streets of Aix en Provence or Avignon, the nightlife of Marseille, and the proximity to beaches you get in Nice and the rest of the Cote D’Azur – without crazy crowds. That’s what you’ll get in Montpellier, a stunning university town situated along the southern coast of France, closer to the Spanish border. As such, there’s the tantalising closeness of zipping across to Barcelona (by train!) after you’ve finished with your holiday, as well as the influence being so close to Spain has on the food, but there’s also the quintessential south of France architecture and relaxed mood, too. Day trips to Perpignan, Béziers, Avignon and Arles are all within reach. Montpellier is a hidden gem.

5. Annecy, France

From Lake Como to Lake Garda, the lakes in Italy get a love of love, but their counterparts in France are often overlooked. But Annecy in eastern France, near the border of Switzerland, is definitely one to put on your travel bucket list. There are cycle paths and hiking routes along the lake, as well as up into the nearby mountains, and the town itself features many bridges that cross the lake as it curls around. It’s simply a gorgeous destination.

6. Aeolian Islands, Italy

We’re calling it... the Aeolian Islands are about to be the next big thing. Situated just off the coast of Sicily – which is going to be overrun with tourists this year, thanks to The White Lotus – the Aeolian islands are still just that little bit under-the-radar. Enterprising travellers can combine a few, maybe hitting up the chic, Kate Moss-beloved Panarea, beautiful Salina, where the food and wine are unparalleled, or even zipping over to the more quiet Filicudi. Whichever island you book, you’re going to be blessed with sparkling blue water, incredible food, and the relaxing island holiday of your dreams. Proximity to Sicily means you can get the ferry to Palermo for a city break after your trip. Enjoy.

7. Umbria, Italy

We had to include another Italian destination – it’s one of our favourite countries, after all. And we’re not going to kid ourselves, if you’re flying all the way to Europe, you’re going to want to go to Italy, aren’t you? But our advice is to skip the crowds, whether by holing up in the Aeolian Islands or by eschewing the super popular tourist destinations and finding a region that's a little quieter. Umbria, for example, is smack bang in the middle of the country, with the same vistas as Tuscany – rolling hills, vineyards and crumbling villas – but without the crazy tourist crowds. Umbria is a famous holiday destination for Romans, given its proximity to the capital, and it boasts plenty for history lovers and foodies alike. Don't miss the walled city of Assisi, or the chance to taste some of the best porchetta you’ll ever eat. Forget Tuscany, look into Umbria for your next trip.

8. North Wales, UK

The pandemic kickstarted a trend of Brits exploring their own shores, which led to a huge resurgence in travel to Cornwall. A few years on, we predict this summer is going to see a lot of holidaymakers on the road to Wales. North Wales, in particular, boasts lush green countryside, long beaches, delicious food and plenty of activities to make a holiday unforgettable. There’s Snowdonia for hiking, islands like Anglesey for exploring, and towns like Pwhelli and Abersoch that are just so quaint and cosy.

9. Helsinki, Finland

The Scandinavian countries have been popular destinations for a while now: great food, great design, and endless summer nights. But instead of Copenhagen, Stockholm or even Oslo and Reykjavik, why not look at Helsinki in Finland for your next trip? The city is often overlooked but wrongly so in our opinion: it’s a fascinating destination for anyone interested in Scandinavian design. The iconic architect Alvar Aalto’s house and studio are still standing and have been preserved in its entirety and well worth a visit. Elsewhere, the city is full of saunas you can experience after a plunge in the cold sea. Finnish food is characterised by delish cheese and rye bread, as well as their signature reindeer dishes. There’s a lot to experience in Helsinki.

10. Piran, Slovenia

Situated on the Adriatic coast – just below Trieste and facing Venice, and nearby to the underrated Istrian coast of Croatia – Piran in Slovenia is about to become a very popular tourist destination. Like similar towns along the coast of Croatia, it has a historic beauty to its ancient, stone city, and the proximity to the deep blue water of the Adriatic Sea makes it attractive for those looking for a beach holiday without the crowds or prices of other destinations. Just outside of Piran, you can start exploring the incredible Slovenian landscape, including all the way to Lake Bled where a famous church sits on an island in the middle of calm waters. It’s so picturesque it looks like it belongs in a screensaver.