Underrated European towns to add to your list
Our favorite hidden gem destinations in Europe
Millions of people flock to Europe a year, crowding the prime locations. Although those destinations are a must-see, we wanted to uncover the lesser-known areas that europe had to offer. If you are looking for small villages, historic stories, and cobblestone streets, look no further. We traveled through Europe for about three years, putting together photographs and stories to tailor our favorite locations.
Mazzin, Italy (Trentino region)
This small town hidden in the Dolomites might not come up in conversation. Tucked away in the Val di fassa you will find this gem of a place. Walking and bike trails weave through the mountains in spring, in summer, and in winter, they turn into ski runs. In Mazzin you will have a more intimate relationship with the mountains. slower pace than surrounding towns like Oritsei.
Best time to visit:
Fall ( fewer crowds, changing leaves.)
Winter ( busy , ski season)
Spring( lively , vibrant , flowers)
Gouda, Netherlands
Gouda is put on the map for the creation of Gouda cheese. Although that may bring in some tourism in the spring, you will find Gouda to be a local town. Not many tourists choose Gouda to go to when they think of the Netherlands. They chose Amsterdam, Utrecht, and maybe small villages like Alkmaar, which is closer to Amsterdam. Gouda is full of history and a quaint, small-town feel.
Best time to visit:
Spring ( for more atmospheres and lively)
Christmas (for the famous window candle lighting)
Bandol, France
Bandol, France, is located in the south between Marseille and Toulon. Bandol is a part of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and sits on the coast of the Mediterranean. It's an overlooked town but offers amazing food, hiking, crystal clear water, and even surfing.
Best time to visit:
May - June (less crowds)
September (for warmer weather)
Old Perithia
If you are into history and abandoned towns, Old Perthia is for you. Old Perthia, often referred to as the “ghost town,” is located in the northeast of corfu Greece. You can drive to Old Perithia in about an hour from Corfu town, and it sits in the slopes of Mount Pantokrator. Old Perthia was built in this location to be far away from the pirates that took over the coast. Dating back to the 14th centuray later abandoned in the mid 1900s.
Best time to visit:
Spring & fall for less visitors or early morning in the heat of summer.
Agios Mattheos, Corfu
Agios Matheos is a small village on the hillside Mount Gámilos. Colorful houses line the narrow streets that lead to the beach of Halikounas. One street in and one street out, you will experience authentic Greek cuisine and locals. Agios Mattheos is located close to the village of Chlomos. Agios Mattheos also takes wildlife conservation seriously and has various hiking trails leading to Birds Eye views.
Best time to visit:
(Summer, for the beach and local restaurants and shops will be open)
Menton France
Menton, France, is a colorful coastal town rich in history. Menton borders Italy and is rich in history. Menton used to be controlled by Italy and didn't change to French territory until 1861. The pastel building came from the Italian influence, and the building stood through wars, including WWII.
Best time to visit:
Summer for swimming or feb- march for the (lemon festival)
Although Europe has many amazing bustling cities. Taking it slow and uncovering small villages can be very rewarding. Authentic architecture and rich history fills these places at every corner offering travelers places to uncover.
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