Ditch The Colosseum: 20 Underrated Travel Destinations To Visit
Skip The Crowds
Sure, the Colosseum looks epic in photos. But what's it like in real life? Full of crowds, overpriced gelato, and the constant fear of getting smacked in the head by a selfie stick. Famous spots are cool, but there's a whole world of hidden gems where you can actually enjoy the view and see something new. So, here are the most underrated destinations that are worth visiting instead.
1. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
Located near the Vltava River, this fairytale town looks like a medieval painting coming to life. The castle complex is the second largest in the country, yet it lacks the tourist overload of Prague. Meandering through cobblestone streets here, it feels quite welcoming and cozy.
2. Matera, Italy
Matera's ancient cave dwellings, or "Sassi," date back thousands of years. While Rome hogs the spotlight, this UNESCO-listed city offers a unique look at Italy's past. Staying in a cave hotel and dining by candlelight in a rock-carved trattoria makes history feel anything but boring.
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3. Nafplio, Greece
Santorini gets all the love, but Nafplio is where Greek charm shines without the chaos. Pastel-colored buildings and waterfront tavernas set the scene. Climbing the 999 steps to Palamidi Fortress rewards visitors with jaw-dropping views, and the best part? No cruise ship crowds blocking the scenery.
4. Durnstein, Austria
This tiny Wachau Valley town is a dream for those who love castles and river views. Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned in what is now the ruins of Durnstein Castle. Today's visitors are free to sip local Riesling and enjoy the scenery. The Danube might be busy, but Durnstein itself remains wonderfully peaceful.
5. Dinant, Belgium
Squeezed between steep cliffs and the Meuse River, Dinant looks almost too picturesque to be real. It's the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone, and the town celebrates its musical heritage with colorful instruments displayed along the streets. A cable car ride up to the citadel delivers sweeping views worth the trip.
6. Kotor, Montenegro
Venice meets the Balkans in this medieval town set along a fjord-like bay. Kotor's maze of orange-roofed buildings and fortress walls create a scene coming out of a fantasy novel. Climbing the steep trail to San Giovanni Fortress is a workout, but the panoramic view of the bay makes it worthwhile.
7. Hallstatt, Austria
This lakeside village is so perfect that China built a replica of it. Hallstatt has been inhabited for over 7,000 years and is where one of the world's oldest salt mines is. Visiting before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. lets you avoid day-trippers and experience the town's serene beauty without the camera-clicking crowds.
8. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mostar's famous Stari Most (Old Bridge) is a stunning piece of Ottoman architecture, and watching local divers plunge into the Neretva River is nerve-wracking entertainment. While war scars remain, the city's resilience and charm shine through. Exploring the bustling bazaar and sipping Bosnian coffee feels like stepping into another time.
9. Colmar, France
This Alsace town looks like a storybook, with half-timbered houses and cozy wine bars. It's often compared to Belle's village from Beauty and the Beast, minus the talking furniture. Wine lovers will find some of the best Rieslings here, and the Christmas market turns Colmar into a winter wonderland.
10. Sibiu, Romania
Sibiu's "eyes of the city" windows seem to watch over its pastel-colored streets, adding an eerie yet fascinating touch. Once the wealthiest city in Transylvania, it blends Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture. The Bridge of Lies supposedly creaks when someone tells a fib, so tread carefully if you have secrets.
11. Piran, Slovenia
This Slovenian seaside town packs Venetian charm into a compact space. With its terracotta rooftops and scenic walks along the Adriatic, Piran rivals Italy's coastal gems without inflated prices. Climbing the bell tower at sunset offers one of the best panoramic views on the coast.
12. Cadiz, Spain
One of Europe's oldest cities, Cadiz has over 3,000 years of history and some of Spain's best beaches. Flamenco echoes through its narrow alleys, and fresh seafood is served straight from the Atlantic. The Torre Tavira's camera obscura gives visitors a 360-degree look at this underrated Andalusian gem.
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13. Valletta, Malta
Despite being one of Europe's smallest capitals, Valletta overflows with stories. Built by the Knights of St. John, its golden-hued streets lead to baroque churches and impressive harbor views. Walking here feels like stepping through a giant outdoor museum but with far fewer tourists than in Rome or Paris.
14. Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Although the place used to be the medieval capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo is well-known for its fortress, which is perched high above the Yantra River. The city's old town is lined with artisan shops, and the light-and-sound show at Tsarevets Fortress adds a dramatic touch. History buffs will appreciate the city's deep roots and fewer crowds.
15. Korcula, Croatia
Korcula is often called "Little Dubrovnik," but it has fewer tourists and just as much charm. The place is traditionally claimed to be Marco Polo's birthplace, though historians debate this. Medieval walls and some of Croatia's best white wines are this island town’s specialties. The lack of cruise ship crowds makes wandering the historic streets much more enjoyable.
16. Gjirokaster, Albania
Nicknamed "The Stone City" for its unique Ottoman architecture, Gjirokaster feels frozen in time. The massive fortress offers sweeping views, while its cobbled streets lead to cafes serving strong Albanian coffee. History lovers will appreciate the Cold War-era tunnels, and foodies will enjoy the homemade dishes served in family-run restaurants.
17. Terschelling, Netherlands
This North Sea island is where Dutch nature lovers escape for sand dunes and the Oerol Festival (a theater and arts event) held in the wild. With more sheep than people and miles of empty beaches, it's a peaceful alternative to Amsterdam's busy streets.
18. Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber, Germany
Straight out of a fairy tale, this walled Bavarian town is all cobblestones and half-timbered houses. It's home to one of the best Christmas stores in Europe, open year-round. Walking its medieval walls or visiting the quirky Crime and Punishment Museum makes for a memorable trip.
19. Lofoten Islands, Norway
Jagged peaks and deep blue fjords make the Lofoten Islands an outdoor lover's dream. Summer brings the midnight sun, while winter offers a front-row seat to the northern lights. Unlike Norway's more famous spots, these islands remain wonderfully wild and untouched.
20. Faroe Islands (A Self-Governing Territory Of Denmark)
Perched in the North Atlantic, the Faroe Islands are nature at its most dramatic. Puffin-covered cliffs and cascading waterfalls create an otherworldly feel. The sheep outnumber the people, and the unpredictable weather keeps mass tourism at bay. It's a place for true adventurers.
