Let me guess, you started planning your European summer and somehow ended up drowning in 67 tabs featuring the exact same five destinations: Amalfi, Santorini, Barcelona, Dubrovnik, and Florence.

Beautiful? Sure. But authentic? Not unless your idea of authenticity is queuing for a photo with 300 influencers dressed like Greek goddesses in polyester from SHEIN. And if that wasn’t enough, none of those cities want more tourists!

This post is your way out.

I’ve rounded up 15 off-the-radar summer gems across Europe for those of us who want more wild swims than pool bars, more culture than queues, and more real connection than resort bracelets. These are the places I whisper about to fellow adventurers over hot chocolate, so don’t read it out loud, we don’t want everyone to find out!

If you’re craving a summer that actually feels like freedom, start here.

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15 Underrated European Destinations To Visit This Summer

1. Spanish Pyrenees

Glacier lakes. Wild horses. Zero Wi-Fi (on purpose).

The Spanish Pyrenees are what happens when you mix postcard-perfect alpine scenery with fiery Spanish soul. Think less polished ski resort and more rugged shepherd trails, waterfall swims, and villages so charming you’ll never want to leave.

Why go:

• Hike through Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, known as the “Spanish Grand Canyon” (my favourite region).
• Spot wild horses, marmots, and vultures soaring overhead.
• End your day with wood-fired lamb and wine that doesn’t have a label but will knock your sandals off.

Where to stay:

There are so many charming rural B&Bs in the area and where you stay will depend on where you plan on walking. But if you want some inspiration check out the villages of Benasque and Aínsa. They deservedly get called “fairytale villages”. Check out all the lovely properties available on Booking.com

Pro tip:

Bring decent hiking shoes (I love these ones) and always carry snacks and water! AllTrails always lies about how long it’s actually going to take!

2. Galicia, Spain

Kayak beneath waterfalls, hike coastal trails, and eat your weight in octopus.

Galicia is the rebellious poet of Spain. Rainier, greener, and more Celtic than flamenco, it’s where you go when you want misty forests, craggy cliffs, and actual solitude.

Why go:

• Kayak the Miño River past sleepy villages and lush vineyards.
• Hike the Camiño dos Faros (Way of the Lighthouses) – a wild coastal trail that rivals anything Portugal brags about.
• Sail or ferry to the Cíes Islands, often called the “Galician Caribbean.” White sand, turquoise water, and a strict visitor cap. Bliss.

Where to stay:

Stay in Pontevedra or Muros for easy access to both river and coast. Want something extra dreamy? Glamp on a vineyard.

Pro tip:

Pack for all seasons, even in July. Bring a rain jacket, but also your swimsuit. You’ll use both.

3. Paklenica National Park, Croatia

Croatia’s limestone playground that nobody told the cruise ships about.

Just a short drive from Zadar, Paklenica feels like a secret you weren’t supposed to find. Towering canyons, ancient forests, and the kind of rock formations that make climbers cry tears of joy (or fear, it’s hard to tell).

Why go:

• Hike through Velika Paklenica Gorge, where the views just keep getting better (and so does the elevation).
• Try your hand at rock climbing, even if you’re a beginner. Local guides are used to nervous tourists clinging to rocks like startled squirrels.
• Explore WWII bunkers built deep into the mountainside. Part creepy, part cool.

Where to stay:

Starigrad Paklenica is your base camp. It’s part sleepy beach town, part mountain launchpad. Find a coastal guesthouse here.

Activities I’d recommend:

• Climbing intro course: Book a rock climbing session
• Quad Biking Adventure through the National Park!

Pro tip:

Visit early (June) or late (September) for warm weather without the mid-summer heat. Don’t forget reef shoes for river dips!

4. Northern Greece (Zagori & the Vikos Gorge)

Stone villages. Ancient trails. Europe’s deepest gorge.

Forget the Greek islands for a second. This is Greece at its wildest, where wolves still roam, mountains whisper ancient secrets, and locals will hand you a glass of homemade tsipouro before you’ve even put down your backpack.

Why go:

• Hike the Vikos Gorge, officially the deepest gorge in the world (by Guinness World Records, no less).
• Wander through Zagori’s 46 stone villages, where each house looks like it was designed by an architectural monk.
• Cool off in natural rock pools carved into the Voidomatis River.

Where to stay:

Papingo is the star of the show, but Monodendri is a quieter alternative with direct access to hiking trails. Check cozy guesthouses in the area→ Look here!

Don’t miss out:

• Guided gorge hike: Book here
• Easy rafting experience on the Voidomatis River: Great for families and beginner! Check it out!
• Canyoning and rappelling for the more adventurous! Available on GetYourGuide.

Pro tip:

Don’t skip the food. Zagori pies are not your average spanakopita. Think wild greens, feta, and handmade crusts passed down through generations.

5. Nevidio Canyon, Montenegro

The adrenaline punch you didn’t know your summer needed.

Nevidio Canyon is one of Europe’s last “discovered” canyons, literally. No one managed to pass through it until 1965. So yes, it’s narrow, it’s cold, and it’s full of wild waterfalls… and yes, you’ll absolutely love it.

Why go:

• Full-day canyoning adventure through narrow limestone crevices and natural pools.
• Cliff jumps, rope sections, and cold water that will make you feel very, very alive.
• Surrounded by Durmitor National Park, so there’s plenty to hike, kayak, or explore after you dry off.

Where to stay:

Base yourself in Žabljak, Montenegro’s high-altitude playground. There are cozy mountain cabins, eco-lodges, and hostels run by actual adventurers. Browse stays → Booking.com

Don’t travel without

• Waterproof gear (dry bag)
• Action camera (Go Pro!)

Pro tip:

You must go with a certified guide. This isn’t a “just follow the trail” kind of place. And yes, you’ll need a wetsuit and nerves of steel.

6. Cilento Coast, Italy

Amalfi’s cooler, quieter, cheaper cousin.

You know those scenes in Italian films where an old man plays the accordion while someone brings out homemade limoncello and everyone’s skin is golden and glowing? That’s Cilento. Except it’s real. And the limoncello is stronger than you’d think.

Why go:

• Swim in hidden coves with no beach clubs in sight.
• Walk the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) without the selfie brigade.
• Eat buffalo mozzarella at the source, not off a pizza in Naples.

Where to stay:

Castellabate is picture-perfect, while Acciaroli has a fishing village vibe that Ernest Hemingway himself once adored. Find sea-view stays

Must do activity:

• Learn how to make pasta from scratch!
• Buffalo mozzarella farm tour: Book it here.

Get Around

• Give yourself flexibility with a hire car. I’m a huge fan of a having my own wheels so I can get lost on purpose and find the best hidden gems. And Italy is no exception! There are two companies I use to book my hire cars. RentalCars and Discover Cars. They are both very similar in that they scan the international, national and local providers and provide you with the best deals as well as the ratings for each company. I tend to lean more towards Discover Cars as they seem to have the better deals, but both companies are great!

Pro tip:

Locals holiday here for a reason. It’s laid-back, authentic, and still genuinely Italian. Try to learn a few phrases, they’ll love you for it.

7. The Albanian Alps (Valbona to Theth)

Hike all day. Eat like royalty. Sleep in a wooden chalet under the stars.

The Albanian Alps, also known as the Accursed Mountains, sound ominous, but don’t worry. The only thing you’ll be cursed with is a lifelong urge to return. Towering peaks, flower-filled meadows, and the kind of hospitality that makes you question your entire Airbnb rating system.

Why go:

• Trek the Valbona to Theth trail, one of Europe’s most beautiful one-day hikes.
• Explore waterfalls, natural pools, and a lock-in tower once used to settle blood feuds. You know… casual.
• Feast on farm-to-table meals where the cheese was milked that morning and the raki was likely distilled by someone’s nan.

Where to stay:

Stay in traditional guesthouses run by mountain families. They’ll feed you until you burst and send you off with a packed lunch bigger than your daypack. I stayed at Shpija Ujevara e Vogel when I was ion Theth. A little bit excessive since it has 4 bedrooms, but the location and price was unbeatable. So… just bring friends!

Plan Ahead:

• Book transfers + ferry from Shkodër to Valbona unless you plan on walking back.

Pro tip:

There’s no cash machine in Theth or Valbona. Bring cash, a sense of humour, and an extra stomach. And if you are planning on renting a car in Albania, read this driving guide first!

8. Kayaking Sweden’s Bohuslän Coast

Salt-sprayed freedom, floating saunas, and seafood that changed my life.

Forget sunbeds, summer in Sweden is all about kayaking from island to island, eating fresh seafood with your bare hands, and sleeping in lighthouses or eco-cabins that smell faintly of pine and adventure.

Why go:

• Paddle through the Bohuslän Archipelago, one of Europe’s best sea kayaking destinations.
• Forage for mussels, cook over open fire, and watch the midnight sun turn the water gold.
• Sleep in sea cabins or pitch a tent. Wild camping is legal here! Just remember: leave no trace!

Where to stay:

Use Fjällbacka or Grebbestad as a base, or book an overnight kayak tour with tent-inclusive stays on wild islands.

Or if you are staying in Stockholm, you can still enjoy a nice 2 hour kayak tour!

Pro tip:

Bring layers, bug spray, and your sense of calm. This is slow travel at its finest.

9. Soča Valley, Slovenia

Turquoise rivers, WWI trails, and adventure with a side of schnitzel.

The Soča Valley looks like someone turned the saturation up in Photoshop. The river is bluer than a Bondi smoothie bowl, and it slices through the Julian Alps like a ribbon of ice and possibility.

Why go:

• Go white water rafting, ziplining, paragliding, or all three in one reckless weekend.
• Walk peaceful WWI trails once trodden by soldiers (and later by Tolkien!).
• Picnic next to waterfalls and feel smug knowing you’ve avoided Dubrovnik entirely.

Where to stay:

Bovec is the adventure capital of the region, full of mountain lodges, quirky hostels, and outdoor-loving locals. Browse places to stay in Bovec → Best Budget Rentals!

Check Out:

If you are going to, kayak, white water raft, or jump off cliffs (nutter!), then check out Ultimate Alps! The duo that run it are brilliant, and you have an awesome time!

And while I’m at it, I also highly recommend getting travel insurance that covers adrenaline sports: Get covered!

Pro tip:

The water’s cold year-round, so wear a wetsuit and bring a GoPro, unless you enjoy shivering without evidence.

10. The Cévennes, France

Starry skies, secret gorges, and wild swimming à la française.

Tucked away in southern France, the Cévennes feel like the cool cousin of Provence, only less manicured and more rebellious. Think chestnut forests, medieval villages, and sheep that outnumber humans.

Why go:

• Swim in wild rivers like the Tarn Gorge, where kayakers glide below limestone cliffs.
• Hike through Mont Aigoual and the Stevenson Trail, once walked by the man himself (and his donkey).
• Visit underground wonders like Aven Armand or get lost in lavender fields without the Instagram circus.

Where to stay:

Stay in Florac or a nearby stone farmhouse with shutters, silence, and stars. Check out this incredible guest house in Cevennes!

How to pass your time:

• Rent a canoe or strap on your hiking boots.

Pro tip:

This is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Be respectful, take your litter, and try the local cheese, even though it smells like regret.

11. Serra da Estrela, Portugal

Snowy in winter, dreamy in summer, and almost completely tourist-free.

Portugal’s only ski resort is even better when the snow melts. In Serra da Estrela, you’ll find glacial valleys, ancient shepherd trails, and cheese so good it should come with a warning.

Why go:

• Hike to the summit of Torre, the highest point in mainland Portugal.
• Swim in crystal-clear mountain lakes like Covão dos Conchos (that famous sinkhole lake you’ve seen but didn’t know where it was).
• Explore villages like Linhares da Beira, with cobbled streets and castles but no busloads of tourists.

Where to stay:

Eco-lodges and mountain guesthouses near Manteigas or Seia make the perfect escape base. Browse off-grid stays here.

Great options to pass the time:

• For something completely different, go for a hike with a shepherd!
• Other alternatives include cheese tasting tours or renting ebikes!

Pro tip:

Try Serra da Estrela cheese warm, gooey, and with a spoon. Locals know what’s up.

12. Lofoten Islands, Norway

Red cabins, jagged peaks, and sunlight that never sets.

There’s something about Lofoten that doesn’t feel real. Mountains shoot up straight from the sea. Tiny fishing villages cling to cliffs. And the sun? It just refuses to leave.

Why go:

• Hike Ryten or Reinebringen for views that will break your brain.
• Kayak through fjords, or better yet, try cold-water surfing if you dare.
• Chase the midnight sun. Golden hour here lasts all night.

Where to stay:

Book a traditional rorbu (fisherman’s cabin) in Reine or Henningsvær. If you would like your very own cosy cottage on your very own peninsula, then check out Villa Sollheim Lofoten.

Don’t miss:

• If you want one of the most magical kayaking experiences, take a midnight tour!

Pro tip:

Trains don’t go here. Fly to Bodø and take a ferry. The journey is part of the magic.

13. The Carpathian Mountains, Romania

Fairy tales, bear hides, and horseback through forgotten forests.

The Carpathians are Europe’s last great wilderness, where you can still find wolves, wildflowers, and villages where haystacks outnumber humans. It’s a land of myth, and honestly, it feels like you might stumble upon a witch (or a very wise grandmother with plum brandy).

Why go:

• Stay with Travel Carpathia, a conservation-minded initiative offering horse riding holidays, bear hides, and mountain hikes through rewilded land.
• Spot bears, lynx, and boar from safe (and ethical) viewing platforms.
• Ride on horseback through alpine meadows and ancient oak forests with no phone signal in sight.

Where to stay:

Travel Carpathia provides restored village houses and log cabins that put “off-grid” on the map. Explore their experiences.

Pro tip:

Romania is seriously underrated. You’ll get Swiss Alps beauty without Swiss Alps prices, and way more pickles.

14. Rhodope Mountains, Bulgaria

Bagpipes, wild horses, and one very famous cave.

The Rhodope Mountains are Bulgaria’s soulful south, a place of folklore, music, and misty pine forests where the ghosts of Thracian kings still linger (if you believe the locals… and honestly, why wouldn’t you?).

Why go:

• Hike through Shiroka Laka, Trigrad Gorge, and Devil’s Throat Cave, said to be the mythical entrance to the underworld.
• Catch a local bagpipe festival (yes, really, and it’s glorious).
• See wild horses roam free on high plateaus, with barely another person in sight.

Where to stay:

Stay in Smolyan or a traditional Rhodope stone house in a small village like Gela. If you want somewhere cheap and charming, check out Lilium Inn Guest House

Activities you shouldn’t miss:

• Cave tours, hikes, and folklore experiences: You can book day trips that include them all!

Pro tip:

Vegetarians rejoice! Bulgarian mountain food is veggie-friendly and addictive. Try patatnik, a potato and egg pie that’s practically a food hug.

15. Cres Island, Croatia

No resorts. No rush. Just dolphins, olives, and old-world charm.

While Split sweats under the weight of a thousand stag dos, Cres Island floats calmly in the Adriatic, quietly minding its own business. It’s rugged, peaceful, and proof that slow travel still exists in Croatia.

Why go:

• Swim in hidden coves only accessible by boat (or brave hiking).
• Watch wild dolphins from a kayak or boat tour. Cres is a protected marine zone.
• Wander through Lubenice, a 4,000-year-old village perched on a cliff with sea views that feel divine.

Where to stay:

Go local: stone houses, family-run inns, and eco-lodges. Search Cres stays here

Pro tip:

There are no big resorts here, and that’s exactly the point. Pack light, travel slow, and bring a book you’ll actually finish.

Final Thoughts: Choose Wild. Choose Wonder.

You don’t have to settle for €20 sunbeds, lukewarm sangria, and overcrowded squares just because it’s summer. Europe is full of secret corners and soulful places that still feel undiscovered, and still feel real.

Whether you’re paddling through Swedish fjords or feasting with shepherds in the Albanian Alps, your summer doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.

It can be bold. It can be barefoot. It can be yours.

Ready to Plan Your Summer That Feels Like Summer? (INSERT)

Here’s everything you need to turn curiosity into a plane ticket:

• Accommodation: Find stays in every destination → Booking.com
• Car hire & transport: Compare options here → DiscoverCars.com
• Adventure tours & activities: Book the good stuff → GetYourGuide and Viator
• Travel Luggage that is built to last! → Level8 Luggage (you can read my review here)
• Need help planning? Join a Bea-led tour or ask me anything → Leave a comment!