November 14, 2024, 6:34 am | Read time: 5 minutes
Vacation away from the crowds? This is possible in the most underrated travel destinations in Europe for 2025. TRAVELBOOK presents the list from “Time Out” magazine and gives a more detailed overview of what three of them have to offer.
Viral tiktok hotspots, cities where Netflix series have been filmed, or famous capital cities – there are many reasons why a place can become a trendy travel destination. But popularity often has its downsides. Large crowds of people everywhere are usually the result, much to the chagrin of the locals. In many places, they are already fed up with mass tourism; in Barcelona or the Canary Islands, they have even taken to the streets to protest against it, as TRAVELBOOK reported. To get around all this, it’s worth taking a look at the lesser-known but no less beautiful places in the world. “Time Out’s” new list of the most underrated destinations in Europe could perhaps serve as inspiration for your vacation next year.
The most underrated destinations in Europe
1. Ulcinj, Montenegro
Montenegro’s coastline is known for its miles of sandy beaches, as well as cultural diversity. The town of Ulcinj also has plenty of space for bathing fun with its Velika Plaža beach. Thanks to the constant winds, this is also a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, especially kite surfers and windsurfers. This underrated destination also impresses with its historic old town and cultural diversity. The stone fortress walls and medieval alleyways of Ulcinj tell of an eventful history.
Located at the southern tip of the country, Ulcinj is the cultural center of the Albanian community in Montenegro and exudes a charm all of its own compared to the better-known destinations in the north. Especially in summer, the town is full of life and offers numerous festivals and music events. Another highlight is the olive grove of Valdanos with centuries-old olive trees and the mineral-rich beaches, which are prized for their healing mud springs. Ulcinj thus combines Mediterranean flair with cultural diversity and is an ideal destination for anyone looking for relaxation and variety.
2. Aarhus, Denmark
Aarhus is the second-largest city in Denmark and, if you believe the Happy City Index, the happiest city in the world. If that’s not enough of an argument for a trip to this underrated European destination, you might be won over by the unique mix of modern and historical architecture. The charming old town with its stores and cafés invites you to stroll around, while museums such as the ARoS Art Museum or the Moesgaard Museum provide deep insights into Danish art and history.
Surrounded by beautiful nature, the city offers numerous parks, as well as beaches that invite you to relax. As a university city with a dynamic student scene, Aarhus is a creative place with numerous festivals and events throughout the year.
3. Gerês, Portugal
The stunning and largely untouched Peneda-Gerês National Park in northern Portugal is part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves, which is dedicated to protecting and also promoting the natural heritage of global regions. The park impresses with its spectacular landscape, characterized by steep mountains and deep valleys. Thousands of animal species live here, including deer, wild ponies, wolves, as well as various birds of prey. There are numerous natural lakes with crystal-clear water that are perfect for swimming in the warmer months. You can find some of the best restaurants in the region in the remote villages. They mainly serve traditional dishes prepared with local produce. Peneda-Gerês is the ideal place for a weekend getaway or a longer stay.
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An overview of the most underrated travel destinations in Europe
- Ulcinj, Montenegro
- Aarhus, Denmark
- Gerês, Portugal
- Gozo, Malta
- Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland
- Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Levi, Finland
- Bergen, Norway
- Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Emilia-Romagna, Italy
- Tartu, Estonia
- Extremadura, Spain
- Faroe Islands
- Vilnius, Lithuania
- Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Imotski Lakes, Croatia
- Dordrecht, Netherlands
- Landes, France
- Sicilian Islands, UK
- Pamukkale, Turkey
- Ponza, Italy