Discovering Europe’s Hidden Gems: 10 Alternatives to Popular Tourist Destinations
Tartu, European Capital of Culture 2024
Estonia is often associated with Tallinn, but few venture to Tartu, the oldest city in the Baltic countries and the true cultural capital of Estonia. In 2024, Tartu becomes one of the European Capitals of Culture, bringing in increased investments and visitors, thereby alleviating some pressure on the country’s capital already affected by mass tourism.
Tartu traces its origins back to the 5th century when Estonia was a pagan wilderness. Solid wooden fortifications were erected on Mount Toome, where the University of Tartu stands today. With phases of Russian, Swedish, Polish, German, and Soviet rule, the city boasts 18th-century buildings and cobblestone streets, a student atmosphere, and an increasing number of cultural attractions. Notable among them is Aparaaditehas, a center for independent creators and bars housed in a former factory.
With good transportation, reasonable prices, and quality accommodations and restaurants, Tartu deserves to be discovered. It’s about 200 kilometers from Tallinn, with regular trains and buses making the journey in just over two hours.
Treviso, a Serene City near Crowded Venice
For centuries, Treviso has lived in the shadow of its famous neighbor, Venice. However, while Venice struggles with floods, invasive cruise ships, and over eight million annual tourists, only about 350,000 travelers visit Treviso, another gem in the rich Veneto region. A stroll from the grand Piazza dei Signori to the ancient city gates reveals stately Renaissance and Baroque palaces, romantic canals, and tranquil museums showcasing works by Titian, Tintoretto, and Tiepolo.
Treviso remains relaxed most of the year, with crowds mainly appearing during the evening aperitivo, when everyone gathers for a spritz or a glass of the famous local sparkling wine, Prosecco. Like Milan, Treviso is also known for fashion, being home to brands like Benetton, Diesel, Replay, and Geox. It serves as an excellent base for visiting Venice, the tourist resorts of the Jesolo and Lignano coastlines, the ski slopes of Cortina and the Dolomites, or the vineyards and villas of the vibrant wine region.
Just a half-hour train ride from Venice, Treviso can even be an alternative for lodging or dining, offering more reasonable prices. The city itself is intriguing, with a historic center featuring medieval arcaded streets like Calmaggiore and a lively nightlife scene.
Kufstein, the Alternative to Salzburg
Dreaming of Salzburg without the crowds? Look no further than Kufstein, in the Tyrol region of the Bavarian Alps, just an hour west of Salzburg by train. Picture-perfect with pastel-colored houses and steep-roofed streets, Kufstein resembles something out of a Grimm fairytale. A medieval castle overlooks the town, boasting the world’s largest organ. The Römerhofgasse, romantically lit with lanterns, exudes medieval charm, and the Auracher Löchl tavern serves up käsespätzle (cheese pasta) and enormous schnitzels under 600-year-old beams.
Kufstein’s old town is a delightful mix of history and rusticity, surrounded by fir forests and meadows with cows and snow-capped mountains. It’s a perfect destination for lovers of fairytale castles, hiking, skiing, or adventure sports.
The city’s accessibility and natural beauty make it an ideal escape from the crowds of Salzburg, offering a peaceful Alpine experience.
Utsjoki, Escaping Santa Claus in Finnish Lapland
While everyone flocks to Rovaniemi to find Santa Claus’s cabin, year-round, it’s possible to avoid the crowds in Finland’s Lapland. In the Utsjoki region, the true charm of Lapland awaits, with dreamy landscapes covered in snow in winter and bathed in the golden light of the midnight sun in summer. Here, you’ll find the true Finnish wilderness: remote and sparsely populated, with lichen-covered landscapes and towering mountains, three of which are considered sacred by the Sámi people.
Utsjoki, located at the 70th parallel north of the Arctic Circle, feels like the road to nowhere. In winter, the region becomes a pure Narnia, with temperatures dropping to -20°C and snow blanketing the land. Its inaccessibility preserves its pristine beauty and tranquility, offering a genuine Arctic experience.
Visitors can immerse themselves in Sámi culture, enjoying reindeer sledding, ice fishing on the Teno River under the midnight sun, snowshoeing through snowy forests, witnessing the Northern Lights on clear winter nights, or hiking the Utsjoki trail, a 35-kilometer circular route offering breathtaking views of Norway’s peaks.
Freiburg, an Eco-Friendly City in the Black Forest
When one thinks of the Black Forest, Bavaria usually comes to mind. However, just next door lies Freiburg, a city leading the way in eco-friendliness. Located in the Black Forest’s national park, Freiburg boasts dense forests, picturesque villages, and glacial lakes. Visitors can enjoy unique experiences like sunrise hikes in the forest, snowshoeing in winter, or cycling along diligently marked trails.
Freiburg is a vibrant university city, characterized by medieval alleyways and a commitment to sustainability. It’s Germany’s sunniest city, known for its extensive use of solar panels and even boasting the world’s first carbon-neutral neighborhood in the Vauban district.
While neighboring Bavaria has the famous Romantic Road, the Black Forest offers the lesser-known Schwarzwald Hochstrasse (Black Forest High Road), a 60-kilometer route winding through forested mountains and moors from Baden-Baden to Freudenstadt. Travelers can immerse themselves in the heart of the national park, enjoying stunning views of the Mummelsee, a sapphire-blue glacial lake surrounded by forest.
Andros, Hiking in the Cyclades Instead of Sun and Beach
Andros stands out among the Greek islands. As the second largest of the Cyclades, it has remained largely untouched by mass tourism, with visitors mainly consisting of Athenians. Traditionally a hub for shipbuilding, Andros retains its charm with sparkling Aegean beaches, archaeological sites, and mountainous regions.
Andros is a hiker’s paradise, boasting a network of 170 kilometers of marked trails, including a 100-kilometer continuous route following ancient paths and rural roads. This initiative, called Andros Routes, aims to revive the island’s cultural heritage and support its communities, making it one of Greece’s premier hiking destinations.
Visitors can explore the island’s mountains, valleys, and ancient ruins, savoring local cuisine in seaside tavernas and enjoying the island’s tranquility away from the tourist crowds.
Delft, a Discreet Alternative to Amsterdam with More Canals than People
Delft, Johannes Vermeer’s birthplace and ceramics capital, offers a charming alternative to the bustling streets of Amsterdam. With only about 5% of the tourists visiting Amsterdam, Delft provides a quieter, more authentic Dutch experience. Its canals wind through streets surrounding a central market square dominated by
the 17th-century Nieuwe Kerk and the Renaissance-style town hall.
In Delft, visitors can immerse themselves in Vermeer’s world, exploring the Vermeer Centrum and admiring his iconic “Girl with a Pearl Earring” painting. The Royal Delft pottery factory, established in the 17th century, offers guided tours, allowing visitors to witness the craftsmanship behind the iconic blue-and-white Delftware.
Despite its proximity to Amsterdam, Delft remains unspoiled by mass tourism, with fewer crowds and more intimate experiences. Travelers can enjoy leisurely walks along the canals, explore historic sites, and relax in cozy cafes, savoring the city’s peaceful atmosphere.
Guimarães, the Birthplace of Portugal
While Porto and Lisbon lure visitors with their charm, Guimarães remains Portugal’s best-kept secret. Known as the “cradle of the nation,” Guimarães is where Portugal was born in the 12th century, with its historic center designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Guimarães boasts a well-preserved medieval old town, characterized by narrow cobblestone streets, historic squares, and picturesque plazas. The iconic Castle of Guimarães, perched atop a hill, offers panoramic views of the city, while the Ducal Palace showcases medieval architecture and decorative arts.
Despite its historical significance, Guimarães remains off the beaten path, offering an authentic Portuguese experience away from the crowds. Visitors can wander through the city’s charming streets, sample traditional cuisine in local tavernas, and soak up the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Eger, the Hidden Gem of Hungary’s Wine Region
While Budapest attracts millions of visitors each year, Eger remains a hidden gem in Hungary’s wine region. Nestled in the Bükk Mountains, Eger is famous for its Baroque architecture, thermal baths, and historic wine cellars. The city’s compact old town features charming cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings, historic churches, and bustling squares.
Eger is renowned for its wine culture, with vineyards dotting the surrounding hillsides and wine cellars carved into the limestone rock. Visitors can sample the region’s famous Bull’s Blood wine, explore underground wine cellars, and enjoy wine tastings at local wineries.
In addition to its wine culture, Eger boasts a rich history and cultural heritage, with attractions like the Eger Castle, the Cathedral of St. John the Apostle, and the Dobó Square. Despite its cultural significance, Eger remains relatively undiscovered by tourists, offering an authentic Hungarian experience away from the crowds.
Cadiz, Spain’s Oldest City and the Hidden Gem of Andalusia
Cadiz, located on Spain’s southwestern coast, is one of the country’s oldest cities and a hidden gem of Andalusia. Founded by the Phoenicians over 3,000 years ago, Cadiz boasts a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning coastline.
The city’s historic center is a labyrinth of narrow streets, ancient squares, and whitewashed buildings adorned with colorful balconies. Highlights include the 18th-century Cadiz Cathedral, the iconic Torre Tavira, and the lively Mercado Central de Abastos.
Cadiz is also known for its beautiful beaches, including the popular Playa de la Victoria and Playa de la Caleta. Visitors can relax on the golden sands, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or enjoy water sports like surfing and sailing.
Despite its historical and cultural significance, Cadiz remains relatively undiscovered by tourists, offering an authentic Spanish experience away from the crowds of larger cities like Seville and Granada.
These hidden gems offer unique experiences and authentic cultural encounters away from the crowds of popular tourist destinations. Whether you’re seeking historic charm, natural beauty, or culinary delights, these alternative destinations have something to offer every traveler.