10 Under-the-radar European Villages to Visit

While the enormous capitals of London, Paris, and Rome are well worth a visit, the tiny villages dotting Europe's beaches, countrysides, and mountain ranges provide all the beauty and culture with a more local flavour. Every major metropolis has hundreds of quaint, hidden European towns full of family-run cafés, modest hotels, and authentic experiences – you just have to know where to look. They are ideal for day outings, overnight stays, or longer getaways. While you may know some of these locations, many are hidden treasures that provide off-the-beaten-path experiences popular with locals.

Setenil de las Bodegas, located between Sevilla and Granada, is one of the most distinctive sites in Spain and one of Andalusia's best-kept secrets. It's amazing how this village has managed to remain unnoticed for so long. Setenil de las Bodegas is approximately 18 kilometres north of Ronda, another off-the-beaten-path place worth exploring.

People decided to live here for practical reasons, believe it or not. Setenil's natural caverns proved to be excellent living quarters since, rather than constructing full homes to block out the heat in the summer and the cold in the winter, all they needed to construct was a façade. People are said to have lived here since prehistoric times. The town's name, "Setenil de las bodegas," refers to the seven times the Catholic rulers attempted to reclaim the territory from the Moors, the medieval Arab inhabitants who ruled much of Spain for several centuries. Only on the seventh try did the Catholics succeed in conquering Setenil, one of the last Muslim strongholds in Iberia. Setenil eventually began exploiting the cool spaces under the rock to store various types of local products in vast storerooms, earning the town the second part of its name, "bodegas," which means "warehouse" in Spanish.

If you want to find a nice place to stay nearby, we recommend staying at Camping Pueblo Blanco. It is located on the hills in Andalusia, in the province of Cadiz, next to the town of Olvera, described as one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. If you are looking for sunshine, spectacular views, and fun, then you have found the right camping spot. It is a family-friendly campsite where you and your family will find both entertainment and relaxation.

Perast (Пераст) sounds like a piece of Venice that has floated down the Adriatic and attached itself to the Bay of Kotor, with melancholy memories of its wealthy and powerful days. Despite only having one main street, this little town is home to 16 churches and 17 historically splendid palazzi. While some are merely fascinating ruins blooming with bougainvillaea and wild fig, others are caught up in the town's reconstruction frenzy.

Perast, a small town with less than 300 inhabitants, is located in the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. The nearest town is Kotor, less than 15 km away by road. If you continue north, you can reach Herceg Novi, another well-known seaside destination in Montenegro (30 km away). Dubrovnik (Croatia) is 80 km away, Trebinje (Bosnia and Herzegovina) is 70 km away, and Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, is 100 km away from Perast.

Brisighella, in all its enthralling beauty, is located at the foot of the Apennines, in the River Lamone valley, near Vena del Gesso Regional Park. The town's profile is defined by three hills, each crowned by a reminder of a long-gone but not-forgotten past: the magnificent Rocca Manfrediana stronghold (14th century), the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montesino (18th century), and the clock tower (19th century). Brisighella is located halfway between Ravenna and Florence, surrounded by a picturesque landscape of lush fields, vineyards, and olive groves that oozes serenity and calm. The spa centre is just outside the old town. It's the ideal spot to shake off the worries of everyday life with a wellness vacation. What more could you want than art and nature, food and wine? 

Since ancient times, people have admired the area's natural beauty and strategic location. The first residents arrived during the Stone Age, the Bronze Age, and subsequently during the Roman era when the Via Faentina was constructed in ad 13.

The Manfredi family of Faenza acquired control of the area. They constructed the stronghold around 1310. The many stages of development and the necessity to build defences created the town as it is now.

Brisighella's centre is best explored by walking through it. The town's focal point is Piazza Carducci, which is overlooked by the church of Saint Michael and John the Baptist, which has a collection of 15th and 16th-century artworks. Continue along Via Porta Fiorentina, pausing for some local food shopping, until reaching the neoclassical Piazza Marconi or Piazza del Municipio.

If you want to find a nice place to stay nearby, we recommend staying at Adriano Camping Village. It is located in the beautiful region of Emilia-Romagna in Italy, just a few metres from the amazing sandy beach in Punta Marina. It is a family-friendly campsite where you can enjoy quality relaxation and have fun at the same time. The campsite offers a huge pool area, a lot of entertainment, beach games, and competitions.

Mittenwald is a classic German town that everyone should see and enjoy. It exudes lively vitality at every step, beginning with its brilliant architecture. Many of the town's homes and businesses date back more than 250 years, although they appear to have been erected yesterday. Situated along the Germany-Austria border, Mittenwald is just 2 hours by train from Munich and 40 minutes from Innsbruck, Austria. 

When planning a trip to Mittenwald, make sure to leave enough time to wander around the Altstadt, or Old Town. Every street, notably the Obermarkt, is brimming with timeless tradition (the main street). The town's pedestrian-friendly walkways are studded with colourful residences, shops, and murals. It's a beautiful sight.

Mittenwald, interestingly, has a rich history and tradition in the skill of violin manufacture. Because of this, it is known as the "Village of a Thousand Violins." Mittenwald is an appealing and rhythmic name that fits the place wonderfully.

The Karwendel Alps, which form an amazing backdrop around the town, are another major draw. Therefore, Mittenwald is a popular destination for skiing in the winter and trekking in the summer.

If you want to find a nice place to stay nearby, we recommend staying at Camping Tennsee.

Nestled amidst picturesque alpine scenery, this campsite offers the perfect mix of amenities to turn your caravan or motorhome into a five-star hotel!

Mostar's most iconic architectural feature is the Stari Most, or Old Bridge, which spans the Neretva River. The Ottomans created the 16th-century medieval edifice, which is a classic example of Balkan-style Islamic construction. Dine on the patio at Restoran Lagero for the greatest view of Herzegovina's cultural capital and the most exquisite meal-where local wines and beers flow, and the proprietor is known to toast with a shot of Grappa or Rakia (fruit brandy) on the house. If you're looking for souvenirs, go to Kujundiluk. Small inns, historic mosques, and the Old Bazaar with vendors selling tchotchkes, jewellery, and locally-woven rugs along the cobblestone alley.

The Viale dei Cipressi, a four-kilometre route bordered by over 2,500 cypress trees (the only plant that local buffalo do not consume), goes directly into Bolgheri, which is nestled among the vineyards of southern Tuscany's Maremma. However, this village is more than simply a spectacular entrance. Try one of Bolgheri's reds at Caffé della Posta on the main square; originally produced in the 1980s, these wines now match French Bordeaux.

Bolgheri is a charming village in Southern Tuscany that sits atop a hill overlooking the stunning Etruscan Coast.

The village is a joy to visit, and it also has a significant claim to fame: it occurs in a renowned Italian poem by Nobel Prize laureate for Literature, Gisue Carducci, who lived in the region.

If you want to find a nice place to stay nearby, we recommend staying at Camping Free Time. The pleasant seaside town of Marina Di Bibbona can be reached by a pleasant walk through the pine forest. The campsite is spacious and well cared for. The beautiful swimming pool, with a children's section and waterfall, is a feast for the eyes and a great source of entertainment for the whole family.

Dozza is a charming medieval town located just south of Bologna, the capital of Italy's Emilia-Romagna province. It's one of the Borghi piu belli d'italia, an association of Italy's best-preserved and most beautiful villages, yet it's completely unknown to most visitors. Dozza is one of the most dynamic cities in the country. That's because every alternate year, Dozza holds the Biennale del Muro Dipinto, a week-long festival in which artists are encouraged to paint the streets. In odd-numbered years, this trademark art event takes place during the third week of September. When the event is done, the valuable artwork is left behind in the form of street art and murals, transforming Dozza into an open-air art museum.

If you want to find a nice place to stay nearby, we recommend staying at Campeggio Citta di Bologna. It is located right on the outskirts of the beautiful city of Bologna, which also has a reputation as Italy's gastronomic capital. You will be fascinated by all the hiking and cycling trails around the campsite, as well as natural and historical landmarks. This holiday village is a complete tourist structure with an aquatic area, modern and convenient accommodation, an on-site restaurant, and multiple leisure activities for young and old alike.

Monschau, a charming fairy-tale town, lies close across the border from Germany. Monschau is located in the heart of the Eifel natural reserve, making it ideal for a cultural day trip during an active holiday. Whether you need a brief weekend or weekday escape, Monschau is conveniently positioned for day visits from Belgium, the Netherlands, or Germany.

The town is tiny, and it is best explored on foot through its wonderful little streets. The majority of the main attractions, stores, and restaurants are located along the river, but other places have significant elevation. Keep in mind that cobblestoned streets may be less than ideal for individuals who rely on walking assistance, especially when wet or freezing.

Alternatively, for visitors, there is a bright yellow and green Stadtbahn, or city train (which merely looks like a train and does not actually move on rails) that gently makes its way along the key landmarks in the old town. The tour lasts around 30 minutes, and the train runs every 45 minutes.

Many regard Apiranthos village as Naxos' crown treasure. Much of this conviction stems from the fact that it has managed to keep its particular authenticity over the years, which is seen in every step you take, every alley you traverse, and everywhere you look. This is due not just to the village's peculiarity in the Naxos environment but also to its almost 1100 proud people, who have maintained their own distinct dialect, which even a modestly trained ear can pick up. This exposes their real Cretan ancestry. It was built amphitheatrically on the slopes of Mount Fanari and offers spectacular views of the Naxian mountain ranges. According to the locals, there is no way to identify that you are on an island while visiting Apiranthos. The atmosphere is more reminiscent of a hamlet on the Greek mainland than of a Cycladic island. This is due in part to its architecture and stone-built dwellings, but mostly to its height, with the town centre being at around 600m above sea level.

Marsaxlokk hamlet is located in Malta's southeast and is known for its large Sunday fish market and its many beautiful "eyed" painted boats, known as Luzzus. The community has about 3200 residents, and the majority of them used to be fishermen. Marsaxlokk is derived from the Maltese words "Marsa," which means port, and "xlokk," which means south.

Marsaxlokk has been inhabited since the ninth century BC. The earliest Phoenicians to arrive in Malta settled in this harbour and established their businesses. During the Great Siege of Malta, the Turkish navy docked here.

If you want to find a nice place to stay nearby, we recommend staying at Ghajn Tuffieha Scout Campsite. You’ll have the chance to camp in the countryside, a stone’s throw away from one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Malta. The campsite is also located on a bus route and has a number of restaurants close by.