Top 15 Underrated Places To Visit In Europe

Europe is certainly a fairy-tale destination: world-famous historical landmarks, the most unforgettable (and authentic) foods you will ever taste, incredible natural wonders, world-famous cities, and so on. However, while Paris and Rome are perhaps the most popular places, the continent has much more to offer. If you enjoy visiting unusual locations or have previously visited all of the popular ones and want to experience something new, this list is for you! Keep reading, because here you will find the top 15 underrated places to visit in Europe (plus recommended campsites) to help you easily plan your next camping holiday. 

It is a classic storybook hilltop village, enclosed within a full circle of defended walls and presided over by a great castle of medieval grandeur, which lies to the south of Siena. The lovely community of Montalcino, located west of Pienza, is a lovely community nestled in the gorgeous Val d'Orcia Natural Park, famous for the production of its prized Brunello red wine. Since the 16th century, the town's appearance has hardly changed. Once you arrive in town, you will be treated to a breathtaking sight: rolling sunny hills adorned with yellow and red flowers; ancient oak trees; charming olive groves; scenic rural roads flowing through immaculate vineyards; and isolated cypress trees atop hills.

Stay at Podere il Casale (30 km).

Santorini and Mykonos attract sun-seekers from all over the world, but Naxos is the true gem of the Cyclades. Why? Because so many tourists choose to visit the neighbouring islands, Naxos has fewer visitors, giving the island a more relaxed and calm vibe. It is one of the best aspects of visiting Europe's lesser-known destinations. Furthermore, the views that make Greece such a dreamy resort are abundant on Naxos. It only takes one visit to the beach to realise this! To get to the Palatia Islet, walk down the beach causeway and see the Portara, a marble entryway part of Apollo's incomplete Temple. Thus, do not miss visiting Kastro, a hilltop castle dating to the 13th-century that houses an archaeological museum. 

Stay at Camping Surfing Beach Paros (52 km).

San Sebastián is a tourist town in Spain's mountainous Basque Country, located on the Bay of Biscay. It's known for the beaches of Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta, which are framed by a stunning bayfront promenade and world-renowned restaurants run by cutting-edge chefs. Upmarket stores and vibrant pintxo bars line the cobblestoned old town (Parte Vieja), which serves local wines and regional delicacies. It is one of the most lovely cities on the Cantabrian coast, with fishermen's houses, a fashionable neighbourhood, and modern districts. San Telmo's Museum, Peine del Viento (Wind Comb), and Kursaal are examples of how the city combines modern and traditional elements. Meanwhile, the province of Guipuzcoa, whose seat is San Sebastian, merges sea and mountains, offering visitors scenic views, sports, and food, as well as interesting landmarks. 

Stay at Camping Larrouleta (30 km). 

The Maremma countryside is a one-of-a-kind Tuscan region where time seems to have stood still and the region's traditional, centuries-old culture is still alive. Meeting Tuscan cowboys, known as ‘butteri’, and visiting their ranches is an everyday occurrence here. The charming medieval hamlets that dot this region are more than just pretty to look at; they embody Tuscany's rustic and lengthy heritage. Hiking from Sovana to Pitigliano is one of the greatest ways to discover the Maremma. Matera is a must-visit place in your list of the top lesser-known destinations to visit in Europe.

Stay at Vallicella Glamping Resort (45 km). 

While North Macedonia shares a name and a history with its southern neighbour, Greece, it is a separate country. It is perhaps one of the most undervalued and attractive Balkan countries, thanks in large part to Lake Ohrid. This UNESCO-listed lake is not only Europe's oldest but also one of the world's oldest. First, climb to the top of Kaneo's cliff-top Church of Saint John for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Then take a lovely cruise on the water. Coastal views and a fascinating past? It is no wonder that this is among the most unusual places to visit.

Stay at Camping Sunrise (17 km).

Latvia's capital, Riga, is located on the Baltic Sea at the mouth of the Daugava River. It is regarded as a cultural centre, with numerous museums and performance halls. Wooden buildings, art nouveau architecture, and the medieval Old Town are among notable features of the city. The pedestrian-only Old Town is home to many stores and restaurants, as well as Livu Square, which is bustling with bars and nightclubs. Riga is definitely one of Europe's most underappreciated cities, with so much to offer. The city centre, for example, has the world's highest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture. 

Stay at Riga City Camping (4 km). 

The Verdon Gorge is known as the Grand Canyon of Europe for a reason. While Paris and Bordeaux may get all the attention, the Verdon River's towering canyon is not to be missed—and with a name like that, you know it's worth the trip. It's right in the heart of Provence, not far from the purple-hued lavender fields that bloom in the summer. While the gorge itself is one of Europe's lesser-known destinations, the region it calls home has been attracting visitors for decades. The Verdon Gorge is France's deepest gorge and is ideal for visitors wishing to experience the country's natural side.

Stay at Camping Gorges Du Verdon - Huttopia (20 km).

This southern Italian resort was named the European Capital of Culture for 2019. The Sassi di Matera districts are notable for their 9,000-year-old cave houses, and the Subterranean City is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Visiting the dwellings and ‘chiese rupestri’, or rock churches, provides insight into how inhabitants of the city lived over time. Being in the caves also gives you the feeling of being in one of Europe's most remote locations. Fun fact: the architecture is environmentally friendly! The structures are naturally cool in the summer and warm in the winter, and they are created in tune with the natural elements of the location. UNESCO named Sassi di Matera a World Heritage Site in 1993, and a growing tourism movement has helped preserve and share these unique underground buildings with the world. It even served as the backdrop for the 2017 Wonder Woman movie.

Stay at Agriturismo Masseria Del Pantaleone (3,5 km).

This region hugs the Atlantic coast and offers rough landscapes and windswept beaches unique to the region. In between sandy coves and beaches are whitewashed villages and towns where you won't have to rob the bank to stay. The Algarve is significantly less expensive and well-known than its Mediterranean counterparts. However, because the region is less developed for tourism, you are better off visiting those aforementioned places if you are looking for touristic enclaves of beach resorts, clubs, and restaurants all throughout. The Algarve is 250 km south of Lisbon. Some other towns and cities you may want to visit include Lagos, Faro, Tavira, and Albufeira.

Stay at Camping Albufeira (44 km).

Looking to add something more to your bucket list? Look at this. Perast is a little beach village located just north of Kotor, one of Europe's most beautiful cities. It is inexpensive, charming, and appears to be unspoiled. As a result, it is one of the top European hidden jewels to see. Perast's mixture of churches, royal palaces, and adjacent islets attracts more and more travellers. Perast arguably has the most churches per capita in the world, with 16 in total. St. Nikola Church, a Baroque masterpiece from the 17th century, is the most impressive of them all. The town is also flanked by beautiful mountains that look out over the bay. 

Stay at Camping Zlokovic (18 km).

Brisighella, situated south of Bologna, is a medieval fairytale village. It is really lovely and adorable, yet it is managed to maintain a low profile. You have probably never heard of it, which is why it belongs among Europe's best-kept secrets. Brisighella is a hidden gem with a rich history and genuine culture. It is nestled between three gorgeous hills that house a castle (La Rocca), a clock tower (La Torre), and a church (La Chiesa). These constructions date from the fourteenth, sixteenth, and eighteenth centuries, respectively. Hiking is a common activity in this area, especially during the summer. Each of the aforementioned sights can be reached on foot from the settlement. Brisighella is a place where you can roam freely and never get bored of its charming and colourful streets. However, there are plenty of world-class wines, olive oils, and gelato to sample at the city's restaurants and cafés too.

Stay at Campeggio Citta di Bologna - Club del Sole (66 km).

Mittenwald is a peaceful village that looks like it belongs in a Grimm's story. Given its proximity to Germany's thriving automobile industry, it may come as a surprise that Mittenwald has remained one of Europe's best-hidden jewels and most underestimated destinations. Mittenwald is one of those classic German towns that everyone should visit and enjoy. It exudes brilliant energy at every turn, starting with its bright architecture. Many of the town's homes and shops are over 250 years old, but they appear to have been erected yesterday. The Karwendel Alps, which create an incredible backdrop around the town, are another great draw. Mittenwald is, therefore, a popular destination for skiing in the winter and trekking in the summer. The flowing stream that runs through the middle of town is likely to be the loudest noise you will hear on any given day, absent the large hordes of tourists that generally accompany Europe's attractive towns.

Stay at Camping Resort Zugspitze (22 km).

Varna is a cosmopolitan European city rather than a small town. Despite this, it has managed to avoid the spotlight thus far. Here are some of the reasons why you should go to Varna, one of Europe's best-kept secrets and underrated cities: Varna is a seaside resort town with lovely beaches and a vibrant cultural scene. Locals refer to it as the Black Sea's Jewel, yet most people outside of Bulgaria have never heard of it. In addition to its beach appeal, Varna is rich in historical and cultural attractions. A vast Roman bath complex and an archaeological museum, as well as several unique restaurants, cafés, and pubs, straddle the city centre. Varna is known for its nightlife, as well as its lovely beach attractions and cultural centre.

Stay at Camping Zora (60 km).

San Marino is a micro-state set atop a mountain with sweeping views of the Italian countryside below. You will see beautiful sloping hills and vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see from here. It has the same enchanting attraction as Tuscany but without the crowds, making it one of Europe's best-kept secrets. The historic centre of San Marino is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside, you will find yourself in a maze of little alleys dotted with charming cafés and stores. When you look up at Monte Titano, you will notice three towers rising tall. There are numerous squares and palaces around town where time has stood still since the Middle Ages. It is easy to see why this has been the site of many a royal palace and castle for centuries as you stroll through its charming alleyways. 

Stay at Camping Centro Vacanze San Marino (3 km).

Throughout the year, St. Gilgen offers a pleasant environment. Austrians flock here to ski in the winter. The town and nearby lake are seen from Zwölferhorn Mountain, which provides an amazing view of the winter wonderland below. The mountain attracts a large number of hikers throughout the summer months. The ride to the top via cable car is an adventure in itself. The endless greenery and Alpine lakes dotting the landscape below will take your breath away. St. Gilgen's bright residences and shops, in addition to the landscapes, put you in a cheerful mood. Wooden balconies, modest guesthouses, and family-run restaurants may all be found here. 

Stay at Camping Berau am Wolfgangsee (17 km).