Visit 16 Unpopular Europe Summer Destinations This Year

Summers cannot get any better than in Europe. With warm afternoons, breezy evenings, and plenty of sunlight, it goes without a doubt that summer vacations in Europe are perhaps the best. However, when selecting from all the popular Europe summer destinations, many travelers do not look further upon the major touristy cities. By doing so, they tend to miss the entire purpose of a relaxing and refreshing vacation visiting a crowded and chaotic city.

But this summer, take my advice! To help you out plan a relaxing summer vacation, I have collaborated with 16 travel bloggers.  They have recommended some lesser-known Europe summer destinations, which should be in everyone’s summer bucket list.

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Related: Check out this Europe Packing List for practical advice on what to pack for a Europe trip!

So this summer, ditch the crowd and chaos and venture into a pristine, relaxing getaway to spend a summer break in Europe like never before!

The Slovenian Alps

By Gigi Griffis of Vicious Foodie

Avid adventurers will be glad to know that there’s a quieter, less touristy, and less expensive alternative to a summer in the Swiss Alps. For stunning mountain hikes, downhill mountain biking trails, river rafting, canyoning, and paragliding, look no farther than the tiny country of Slovenia.

Base yourself in Kobarid for hikes up to old war fortresses and charming hilltop towns, cold dunks in waterfall-fed pools, and leisurely strolls through stunning gorges cut into the rocks over millennia. On a hot day, book a half-day canyoning or rafting tour and jump into cold, clear pools and rushing white water.

Must dos: Book a spot in one of the world’s top restaurants: Hiša Franko. It’s just a short drive or cycle ride from Kobarid in the countryside near the Italian border.

Poland

By Karolina Klesta of Karolina Patryk

Poland is not the first destination that comes to mind when you think about Europe summer destinations. This is such a shame as this is the best place to get a good value vacation that comes with heart-warming hospitality. Around the country, accommodation can cost 10 to 32 Euro a night and attractions are less than 5 Euro to visit.

For a bit of Polish history, visit the Old Town of Krakow, where you will get a feel of the Polish political scene between 1038 to 1956. From the medieval structures that still stand along the cobble steps to the World War II concentration camp, a tour of Krakow is like taking a time machine to revisit its history.

In Warsaw, you will find the centre of Poland’s art scene, from trendy modern art galleries to contemporary art museums and flea markets, it offers a journey through a city of colour. Get your fill of nature as you trek through its breathtaking mountain ranges. From skiing slopes to panoramic vistas, the Tatra mountain range’s highest peak, Rysy, which is 2,500 metres above sea level, boasts of unparalleled, stunning vistas. Then, there’s also the forests and wildlife of the lesser known Bieszczady Mountains.

Must dos: In summer, when the weather is good, take cycling trip through the Baltic Sea Cycle Route and discover Świnoujście, a city that is spread out over 44 islands. Then, explore of Mazury to enjoy its unique landscape of lakes, plateaus and river valleys. Take a walk around its charming city and learn more about its interesting culture and its complicated but intriguing history.

Northern Spain

By Or Amir of My Path In The World

Spain is one of the most popular Europe summer destinations, but most people tend to overlook its northern regions. With relatively mild temperatures, rich culture and history, and the most incredible natural landscapes, visiting this part of Spain in summer is the perfect vacation for you. To make the most of your trip, you can either focus on one specific area or take a road trip through northern Spain’s different regions.

If you are looking for utter relaxation, Spain’s amazing northern coastline provides you with dreamy beaches such as Rodas and La Concha, and charming fishing villages like Cudillero and Combarro. If you feel like exploring the inland part as well, what you’ll find are picturesque small towns and wide green scenery dotted with rivers and lakes.

With so many different types of sights and activities, you can understand why northern Spain is essentially a great summer destination for every type of traveler. Whether you love beaches, nature, urban scenery, rural views or a little bit of everything, this underrated gem has you covered.

Must dos: Visit the big cultural cities like Bilbao which is an art and architecture capital, San Sebastian which is a Michelin star empire, and Santiago de Compostela which is a major pilgrimage city.

Trento, Italy

By Arzo Nayel of Arzo Travels

Me spending up a few days in Trento, Trentino, was a coincidence. There was no real plan to stay a few days in this unknown city in Northern Italy but all I can say now: Luckily, I ended up there because Trento is a beautiful hidden gem and absolutely worth a trip.

Located in the region of Trentino the city has many beautiful attractions, is laid-back and the perfect, authentic Italian city that is absolutely gorgeous.
If you stay in official accommodation in the city you will get a Guest Card, allowing you to use public transportation for free and also visit some great attractions without paying any money.

And it is as wonderful as it sounds – the attractions you can visit for free include the top sights like Castel del Buonconsiglio, the Cable Car to Sardegna or the Castel Beseno. This meant, I hardly spent any money though I did quite a lot in two days – and the good news is that Trento is a budget-friendly destination when it comes to accommodation and food (as far as you can say it about an Italian destination).

Must dos: While the city is absolutely beautiful, its great location allows for some fun day trip – either head to Lake Garda or the Dolomites which can be visited within one or two hours of driving.

Ah, I cannot understand why Trento is still a hidden gem – and I am sure once you visit this Europe summer destination, you will be in love as much as i am.

Wexford, Ireland

By Ann Marie of Eco Conscious Traveller

Ireland is an incredibly popular tourist destination with many reasons – great people, beautiful scenery and coastlines and fantastic pubs. But I find that a lot of travelers to Ireland often head to the same places such as the west of Ireland or Dublin.

Wexford definitely deserves more attention. The Wexford Town is a great place to hang out. There are some great pubs with a real local feel such as the Skye and the Ground. The town itself is picturesque and gives a beautiful view of the River Slaney.

The beaches are also amazing. What is great about them is that they’re often isolated, except for on nice warm summers’ days. Some of my favorite beaches include Curracloe beach with its incredible soft sand as well as Rosslare Strand, Cullenstown and Kilmore Quay.

Must dos: There are many excursions around the county such as visiting the beautiful Hook Lighthouse or learning about John F. Kennedy and his family who emigrated from the area in the Kennedy Homestead. You can also visit the Saltee Islands which are beautiful, uninhabited islands off the coast off of Kilmore Quay.

With so much to do in Wexford, I definitely recommend you visit. This is one of those Europe summer destinations which will be never disappoint you.

Vilnius, Lithuania

By Mary Charie of A Mary Road

I’ve travelled and lived in Lithuania solo for three whole months. It’s one of my favourite destinations; from affordable places to stay, things to do, and food to eat – Lithuania is a hidden gem in Eastern Europe. A very less travelled place, you will get the great European vibe with spending too much.

If you are worried about travelling alone, hostels are full of young people from everywhere in the world. The locals didn’t bother me when I walk around the cities and the small town of Lithuania. Many young people speak very well English, therefore, going around and communicating shouldn’t be a problem. In the beginning, locals can be a little shy, but once you get to know them, you will see how easy it is to get along with them.

One of my favourite things to do in Lithuania is to check out their local bar and try out their local ciders – for as cheap as 2 Euros, I get to enjoy a 500ml of fresh and unique cider that you cannot find anywhere in Europe. If you like Europe summer destinations capital cities, I highly recommend Vilnius.

I felt very safe walking by myself, there are no catcallers or people looking at you strangely. I have taken buses and walked at night alone and no one bothered me.

Must dos: If it’s your first time and you don’t know what to do in Vilnius, simply join a free walking tour or have a chat with the locals in a bar in the Old Town – they will be more than happy to give you insider tips.

Bulgaria

By Maria & Rui of Two Find A Way

Bulgaria is one of Europe’s most underrated Europe summer destinations. The country has everything you could ask for a Summer holiday break: loads of sun, bustling cities, charming towns, staggering mountains, and a beautiful coast. To add to all of this, it’s still unknown to most people, which means you’ll mostly only cross paths with tourists from the region. Even though Summer is the high season, it is incredibly less crowded than most European destinations.

Bulgaria truly has something for everybody, and even though we traveled quite a bit during our 10 days in the country, we still feel we have so much to see when we go back! There are so many amazing options that it may be hard to come up with your own Bulgaria itinerary.

The country is also a surprisingly affordable destination, and you can expect a significant difference in prices when compared to most Western European countries. If you’re looking to splurge and not to save, don’t worry! There are also plenty of luxury options for travelers in this Balkan country.

Must dos: One thing we truly advise you not to miss is a trip to the Rila mountains, more specifically to see the Seven Rila Lakes. You can either spend a couple of days exploring or do it as a day trip from Sofia like we did.

Malta

By Lyubomira of Bulgarian On The Go

Malta is not your typical Europe summer destination, and definitely not tourists’ first choice when deciding on where to go for the summer holidays. However, this little Mediterranean island has so much more to offer than you might think. First things first, the weather here is fantastic – high temperatures keep the Maltese people warm almost all year around.

The language barrier would also be of little to no concern, as English is the second official language on the island. Malta offers a huge variety of things to do for its visitors – from gorgeous beaches and beautiful Baroque architecture, to numerous events and sport and leisure activities, such as scuba diving, paragliding, windsurfing, mountain biking and more.

One of the main attractions is The Blue Lagoon – a small bay with crystal-blue water, or in other words, a piece of paradise. It is located on the coast of Comino and it’s easily accessible by boat or ferry from the main island of Malta.

Must dos: The old capital Mdina is another must-see place. Not only is it a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it’s also the set of the popular series Game of Thrones. Many of the scenes were filmed exactly there and you won’t have a hard time finding these spots as Mdina is less than 1 km²  big.

Cornwall, UK

By Danni Lawson of Live In 10 Countries

If you’re not English, the thought of a summer holiday in the South West of England is not the first thing to come to mind. The UK’s known for its rain and just a quick ferry or plane ride would take you to the Med for far more tropical temps. So why would you choose a short break in Cornwall?

Well, Cornwall’s pretty unique! If you’re planning to visit Cornwall for the first time – know that this is that Europe summer destinations that have its own language, a more relaxed pace of life, and eclectic culture. It’s a total must-see in the summer because the climate is far more temperate than the rest of the UK. Balmy, delicious days with bright blue skies are run of the mill in June, July, and August – plus many other times of the year.

That all makes it a hotspot for water sports, with Newquay known as absolute heaven for surfers thanks to its great waves. Then there are the beaches, which offer silky sand and bright blue seas. Check out St Ives and Marazion Beach for great sun lounging.

Must dos: If you want to see something Cornish that you could never be found in any other location, the Eden Project is your spot. It’s an indoor rainforest paradise that captivates visitors. It’s the largest in the world!

Mostar, Bosnia Herzegovina

By Bradley Williams of Dream Big, Travel Far

Of all the places we visited last year, Mostar had to be the biggest surprise we had along the way! This wonderful Europe summer destination lies in Bosnia Herzegovina, one of the least touristy places we’ve ever been to. This is because of a few reasons, but ultimately it has hardly any coastline like neighboring Croatia and is very underdeveloped.

As such few people really seem to go here, and it’s a massive shame! Though the roads aren’t yet that great, there are so many interesting and exciting places to visit in Bosnia, most notably being Mostar. It is here that you find the famous Stari Most bridge. It was rebuilt more than 2 decades ago following the Yugoslavian War which saw it being destroyed.

Before that, it had stood for more than a hundred years and is a beautiful piece of architecture. Nowadays, perhaps the most exciting reason to visit is to jump from the bridge! Which is what I did! Though we drove there, flights to Mostar are very cheap and so are hotels and restaurants!

Must dos: You’ll get much more for your money in Mostar that in other parts of Europe. Whilst in Mostar, there are plenty of other things to do as well, such as kayaking, visiting their temple and picking up some really cool gifts and souvenirs from all of the arsenal stalls and markets.

Belarus

By Iris of Mind of a Hitchhiker

It’s one of the hardest-to-access countries in Europe for many passports, but the rewards of visiting Belarus are bountiful. Belarus is a country in Eastern Europe, squished between Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Russia, and Ukraine. Most passport holders will need to obtain a visa beforehand for land borders, or a visa on arrival via the airport in the capital city Minsk.

Now you may already be wondering why the hell you would pick such a difficult country for your summer holidays? But if you’ve ever spent the holidays in a European country before, you might remember crowdedness due to unsustainable levels of tourism. Belarus, on the other hand, is a beacon of tranquility.

Best of all, it doesn’t really matter what you’re into; spend your days in the capital Minsk or Brest with all the comforts of city life. Head into the ancient forest (Belavezhskaya Pushcha) or lake areas (Braslaw or Narach) for hiking, biking, and kayaking.

On top of that, once you’re in, it’s a real money-saver. The three biggest expenses – accommodation, (delicious!) food, and transportation – aren’t just ‘affordable’, they’re dirt-cheap. Pick up a few Belarusian or Russian phrases to make life easier when talking to the friendly locals, and you’re in for an unforgettable time with many stories to tell.

Must dos: Enjoy spa tourism by booking a few nights at one of the many sanatoria. Or just roam about the country in 30 days by hitchhiking, train, bus, or rental, and sample it all.

Want to explore more of Eastern Europe? See what Georgia the country has to offer

South Moravia, Czech Republic

By Tereza of Czick On The Road

Except for a weekend trip to Prague, you’ve probably never thought of the Czech Republic as a Europe summer destination. Yet, there are many places you would surely fall in love with while spending there a week or two. One of such places is also South Moravia, more specifically Lednice-Valtice cultural landscape in Breclav region – my beautiful home.

If you are a fan of rich cultural heritage, active holidays, fun aqua parks and relaxing in spas while sipping good wine, this is the region you have to discover. The region is fairly easy to discover even if you don’t come by a car– the public transportation is frequent and easy too orientate or you can opt for a bike rental and discover this beautiful area on two wheels, just like many local people do in the summer months. Thanks to wide network of bike paths, and almost no hills, it couldn’t be easier.

And where to go while you are on the bike? The whole area of Lednice-Valtice cultural landscape is on the UNESCO heritage list. There are numerous beautiful castles built by the Lichtensteins, as well as wonderful nature for trekking.

Visit the castle in Lednice and its grand garden with Minaret tower, walk in the halls of the castle in Valtice and don’t forget the hundreds years old and still functioning wine cellar – yes, including wine tasting, or head to the city of Mikulov, to admire the castle build on a rock and the picturesque city centre. For nature lovers, there is a Pallava protected area, the only hill in this region, with two castle ruins and wonderful views on the vineyards around.

Must dos: Once you are all tired of discovering, head to the Spa resort in Lednice or Aqualand Moravia with geothermal water.

Carlingford, Ireland

By Conor of Your Irish Adventure

Carlingford sits halfway between Dublin and Belfast. You might think that this would make it a prime tourist location, but the fact that Ireland is such a small island works against this gem of a town.

People visiting Ireland tend to make the same mistake in trying to cram as much in as possible, either renting a car and driving for days on end, or spending their days packed on tour buses going to the main tourist sites. Most would be much better off picking a small town like Carlingford and really getting into all it has to offer, and this Europe summer destinations has an awful lot to offer!

You can hike up Slieve Foye mountain, get into the Irish sea in a Kayak or on a Stand-up paddleboard, or get up high at the high ropes Skypark.

Carlingford is also one of the best foodie destinations in Ireland and specialises in seafood. It even has its own oyster festival which showcases the oysters caught in the Carlingford Bay. If you can’t visit during the August festival, places like Pj. O’Hare’s and Kingfisher Bistro have amazing food all year round.

Must dos: The one thing that every cute Irish town needs is an ancient castle, and Carlingford doesn’t disappoint. The coastline is dominated by the 12th century King John’s Castle, which is open to visitors. It has recently been renovated and is amazing for all ages!

Moscow, Russia

By Yulia of That’s What She Had

Moscow, and Russia in general, tend to be in the bottom of every must-visit-this-year list imaginable. Being Russian myself, I always find it frustrating how rarely my country makes appearance when big travel channels (like Lonely Planet or Condé Nast) recommend where to spend your next vacation. So here’s my two cents: visiting Moscow in summer is an incredible idea! 

First of all, if you’ve been delaying visiting Russia because you are scared of cold weather, summer is the time to go. Unlike what some people think, Russia is not cold all year round (and there were people who actually asked me this question). The temperate in Moscow from June to August is at 25-27°C (77-80°F). 

Moscow is an extremely walkable city, with many beautifully decorated pedestrian streets closed off to traffic. It’s also a green city, with open spaces and parks where you’ll find events and concerts all summer long.

Summer is the time when fountains at Alexandrovsky garden, VDNKH and near Bolshoi theatre are alive, restaurants open up patios and you can enjoy a meal alfresco, and people are out and about taking advantage of warm days.

Must dos: One of my favorites is Usadba Jazz, one of the biggest music festivals in the country with a great lineup of performers from Russia and all over the world.

Skopje, Macedonia

By Alice of Teacake Travels

For a truly unique and great introduction to the Balkans, you must head to Skopje Macedonia. Known for its incredibly quirky and copious amounts of statues throughout its streets, Skopje has appeared in the media as a little bit of an ‘oddity’; alongside grumbles and bewilderment from locals about just how much money has gone into erecting these monuments.

There is so much more to Skopje than this though. Skopje is one of the best Europe Summer destinations because of its locals, its food and the surrounding mountains and nature.

Macedonia is a beautiful country and Skopje is the perfect place to head out on a road trip to really see what this country has to offer!

In Skopje, I recommend heading straight to the main square to start statue spotting (you can’t miss Alexander the Great). From here, visit the birth place of Mother Teresa, cross the river to experience the Old Bazaar, pop into the old train station hit by the earthquake, and hang out in Debar Maalo with coffees and beers (and plenty of hipsters).

Food wise, you cannot miss eating Skopje’s shopska salad, tavce gravce beans and burek, alongside a drink of yoghurt!

Must dos: With such good weather in the Summer, don’t miss being active! The hike up to Mount Vodno is perfect and once you are at the top, I highly encourage you to walk all the way to Matka Canyon and visit Vrelo Cave: the deepest underwater cave in the world.

Isle of Wight, UK

By Clare Dewey of Epic Road Ride

The Isle of Wight is a small island, around 23 miles from east to west, and 13 miles from north to south. It sits just off the south coast of the UK; a ferry over takes around 45 minutes.

It’s not very famous – and that is part of its charm. Its most popular beach resorts get busy in the height of summer, but outside of those few weeks, it’s a mellow, relaxed place that offers something for the whole family.

The beaches are the island’s main draw: you’ll find everything from deserted long sandy beaches such as Compton Bay to rocky coves, like Steephill Cove, and classic pleasure beaches such as Sandown and Shanklin. There are also tonnes of other attractions – from organised tree climbing to boat trips, Carisbrooke Castle, St Catherine’s Lighthouse, Dinosaur Isle and the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

And finally, it may be less mainstream, but we are keen road cyclists and we absolutely love cycling here. The quiet, wind-blown roads of the southwest of the island are fantastic – but there’s something for everyone here, from fantastic mountain biking to wonderful traffic-free cycle paths too.

Must dos: If you’re into food, Ventnor, in the south of the Island, has become a bit foodie hotspot. It’s one of our favorite towns on the island due to its Victorian villas and Art Deco architecture – but also its excellent restaurants. Two of our favorites are The Ale and Oyster and Cantina. Visit! You won’t regret it.

Feeling inspired, right? I am sure these fascinating unpopular Europe summer destinations surely must have intrigued you to add them in your summer bucket list! Let me know in the comments which Europe summer destination you’re most likely to visit this summer. If you know any other European hidden summer destination, write it out in the comments for others to know it about too!

Have a Happy Summer!

Not visiting Europe this summer break? Check out these Underrated Summer Break Destinations from around the world.

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