10 Secret Places in Europe Untouched by the Tourists

Meteora, Greece

Meteora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in central Greece.

Famous for its monasteries perched atop towering rock formations, it is often overshadowed by other Greek destinations such as Santorini or Athens. While some tourists visit the area, it is far less crowded than other popular Greek locations.

Meteora offers stunning views, ancient history, and a peaceful atmosphere, making it ideal for those seeking solitude and adventure.

Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy

Civita di Bagnoregio is a small, medieval hilltop town in central Italy. It’s often called “the dying city” because its dramatic hilltop position is slowly eroding.

Only accessible by a pedestrian bridge, Civita di Bagnoregio is charming, with narrow streets, beautiful stone buildings, and breathtaking views. Few tourists journey to this tiny town, giving it a calm, almost magical feel.

Ronda, Spain

Ronda, located in the Andalusian region of Spain, is a picturesque town perched on a dramatic cliff.

While it is known to some travelers, it remains far less crowded than other Spanish cities, such as Barcelona or Madrid.  Ronda is famous for its breathtaking views, ancient bridges, and whitewashed buildings. The Puente Nuevo, a stone bridge that spans a deep gorge, is one of the town’s most iconic landmarks.

Colmar, France

Nestled in the Alsace region of northeastern France, Colmar is a fairy-tale town that looks straight out of a storybook.

The town’s colorful timber-framed houses, cobbled streets, and canals make it a charming destination, yet it remains under the radar for many tourists. Colmar is often quieter than other French destinations like Paris or Nice, and its old-world charm is a delightful escape from the bustle of city life.

The Lake District, England

The Lake District in northern England is known for its stunning landscapes of lakes, mountains, and charming villages. While it is a popular destination for hiking and nature lovers, it remains much less crowded than other parts of the UK, especially compared to tourist hotspots like London.

The Lake District offers serene beauty, with places like Ullswater, Derwentwater, and Windermere providing some of the most picturesque views in England.

Isle of Skye, Scotland

The Isle of Skye is one of Scotland’s most scenic and remote islands, off the country’s northwest coast.

Its rugged landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and enchanting castles make it feel like a world apart. While Skye is gaining popularity, it remains much less commercialized than many other Scottish tourist spots. You can explore natural wonders like the Old Man of Storr, the Fairy Pools, and the Quiraing.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Although Croatia has become a popular tourist destination, Plitvice Lakes National Park is still one of its hidden treasures. The park is known for its stunning turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and lush forests. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a tranquil escape from Croatia’s more crowded coastal areas.

The park has well-maintained walking trails and wooden boardwalks that allow you to explore its natural beauty at your own pace.

Alberobello, Italy

Alberobello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its unique trulli houses in the Puglia region of southern Italy.

These traditional limestone dwellings with conical roofs are unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere in Europe. Alberobello remains relatively quiet compared to other Italian cities, allowing visitors to wander its narrow streets and marvel at the charming architecture.

Saariselkä, Finland

Saariselkä is a small village in northern Finland, in the Lapland region. It is known for its winter-wonderland atmosphere, where visitors can enjoy activities such as dog sledding, skiing, and reindeer safaris.

While it’s a popular spot for winter sports enthusiasts, it remains far less crowded than Finland’s larger cities. The village is surrounded by untouched nature.

Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor is a beautiful coastal town in Montenegro, known for its medieval old town, surrounded by dramatic mountains and the Bay of Kotor.

Despite its stunning beauty, Kotor is less crowded than other Mediterranean destinations like Dubrovnik or Venice. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its narrow streets, historic buildings, and picturesque harbor make it a hidden gem in Europe.