Top 10 Hidden Gems in Europe Off the Beaten Path

Best Hidden Gems of Europe

Think the Old Continent’s secrets are all out in the open? Not quite. Beyond the must-visit European cities that take centre stage in every travel guide, lie fairytale villages, quiet coastlines, and not-so-touristy destinations that remain delightfully undiscovered. These hidden bucket-list spots offer unforgettable discoveries for those willing to venture further. With this post, we’re sharing our favourite lesser-known European destinations! 🇪🇺

We easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over four million memories worldwide. The magic of Flytographer is both the experience and the photos. Explore the city with a fun, talented photographer and get wall-worthy photos to relive your trip forever. Today, we asked our local photographers to reveal the hidden gems they think are worth visiting in Europe. 💎 

TLDR

1. Stroll the cobbled streets and leafy riverbanks in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
2. Lose yourself in the tranquil alpine beauty of Hallstatt, Austria.
3. Breathe in the rugged coastal vibe of Bari, Italy.
4. Take in stunning views of the Atlantic from Cascais, Portugal.
5. Explore ancient ruins and temples in Samos, Greece.
6. Savour world-class pintxos with locals in San Sebastián, Spain.
7. Sip fine wine in the Alsace region of Strasbourg, France.
8. Step into a fairytale old town in charming Ghent, Belgium.
9. Trace the layered, complex past of Krakow, Poland.
10. Look beyond the gritty shell of Bucharest, Romania.

Photo: Tania in Cascais for Flytographer. Tasha and family capture memories in Cascais with a family photoshoot.

1. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Regarded as one of the greenest European cities, Ljubljana, the Slovenian capital, truly flies under the radar. 🇸🇮  Much of the Old Town is closed to car traffic, creating a peaceful setting for strolls that feel like stepping back in time. As you wander along the banks of the emerald green Ljubljanica River in search for the best Ljubljana photo spots, the charm continues, especially at Dragon Bridge, the city’s iconic symbol. Pausing for a photo with its winged guardians is practically a rite of passage. 📸

If you’re craving a bit of the countryside, Lake Bled is less than an hour away, and you’re in for a treat. Bled Castle sits atop a hill by the lakeside, and right in the middle of the crystal-clear waters is a small island with an imposing church accessible only by boat. The vistas are pure magic! 😍

Photo: Mancika in Ljubljana for Flytographer. Devyn and family capture memories in Ljubljana with a family photoshoot.

2. Hallstatt, Austria

Nestled on the shores of a serene lake and framed by the Alps, the village of Hallstatt features idyllic alpine architecture with flower boxes on nearly every window. 🇦🇹 As this is one of the most beautiful places in Europe, you’ll find plenty of magnificent Hallstatt photo spots to capture your time in Austria. If you are in the mood to shop for traditional crafts, check out the unique treasures at the Market Square — from wooden watches to vintage toys. 🚂 Along the way, cozy traditional cafes invite you in with homemade pastries and classic Austrian favourites. Schnitzel, anyone? 

In Hallstatt, nature is always just a stone’s throw away, with plenty of scenic mountain and waterfall hikes nearby. Salzwelten is the oldest salt mine in the world. Hallstatt itself is named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in part due to the mine’s long history!

Fly tip: Like the Austrians, the Swiss are true masters at preserving natural beauty. Right next door, Switzerland is filled with unspoiled alpine towns and landscapes that look straight out of a postcard. 🏔️

Photo: Kevin in Hallstatt for Flytographer. Grayson and partner celebrate their engagement in Hallstatt with a surprise proposal photoshoot.

3. Bari, Italy

Rome, Florence, and Venice are timeless Italian classics, but it’s well worth going a little beyond the usual. Bari, in Italy’s Puglia region, is a refreshing surprise. 🇮🇹 Historic yet vibrantly young, the city has that rugged coastal charm everyone loves (think Sicily, for example) but instead of crowds of tourists, you’ll find a lively student scene. The university puts the city at a pulse with happenings and exhibitions in cultural venues. 🧑‍🎓

The wonderful cobblestone streets are a joy to explore on foot or by bike, with gleaming marble plazas and impressive basilicas at every turn making finding Bari photo spots an easy task. With nearby gems like Matera and Alberobello just a quick trip away, Bari makes the perfect base for a southern Italian escape that’s full of charm and a little off the beaten path. 👍

Photo: Tania in Cascais for Flytographer. Haley and partner capture memories in Cascais with a couples photoshoot.

4. Cascais, Portugal

Tucked away on Portugal’s Atlantic coast, just beyond the spotlight of Lisbon and Porto, lies the quaint town of Cascais. 🇵🇹This once-sleepy fishing village always boasted narrow streets and tiled facades, but it now offers world-class delights: from an impressive list of spa and wellness experiences to inventive fusion cuisine, all while keeping the laid-back vibes of the Portuguese Riviera.

On weekends, Cascais comes alive with flea and farmers markets. At the latter, you can sample local delicacies like sardines at communal tables while mingling with friendly locals. Just outside town, coastal hiking trails beckon nature lovers, and the more adventurous can even set sail into the Atlantic. ⛵

Fly tip: Fancy a road trip? Both Cabo da Roca and Sintra are a short drive away. The first is the westernmost point of Europe, and the latter offers famous, awe-inspiring, mystical castles and palaces.

Photo: Tania in Cascais for Flytographer. Haley and partner capture memories in Cascais with a couples photoshoot.

5. Samos, Greece

Just over a kilometre from the Turkish coast, Samos has been called “the finest Greek island many people have never heard of.” 🇬🇷 This North Aegean gem has everything you’d expect from its more famous cousins but with a calmer vibe and beautiful beaches of clear waters that feel like your own private escape. It’s one of the most relaxing hidden gems in Europe.

The island’s capital, Vathy, will win you over with its neoclassical buildings and red-tiled roofs. Around its port, there’s a beautiful boardwalk by the water that’s a great place to soak in that Mediterranean vibe. There are many breathtaking Samos photo spots to tick off your itinerary on a trip to this lesser-known Greek Island. Couple all this with ancient wonders like the city of Pythagoreion and the Temple of Hera, and you’ve got history and atmosphere to spare. 🏛️

Photo: Kimon and Alexandra in Samos for Flytographer. Thomas and partner capture memories in Samos with a couples photoshoot.

6. San Sebastián, Spain

Surrounded by hills and with beautiful beaches within easy reach, the resort town of San Sebastián serves up both natural beauty and urban charm. 🇪🇸 There are beautiful San Sebastián photo spots at every turn to discover! This might be one of our hidden gems in Europe, but the city is anything but sleepy: its grand Belle époque architecture and vibrant traditions showcase the very best of the Basque identity, and the cultural calendar is bursting with festivals and events all year round. 🗓️

When nighttime falls, the city’s restaurants and cafes are always abuzz. It’s your perfect excuse for delicious pintxos (small bites) hopping, a delightfully social experience that’s bound to spark a few conversations with friendly locals. 😀

Fly tip: San Sebastián pairs perfectly with a day trip to Bilbao, just an hour away by car. The city’s Guggenheim Museum is one of the most iconic buildings not just in Spain, but in the world.

Photo: Patricia in San Sebastián for Flytographer. Jamie and family capture memories in San Sebastián with a family photoshoot.

7. Strasbourg, France

Just under two hours from Paris by train, Strasbourg is a world of its own. 🇫🇷 The city boasts stunning half-timbered homes and a unique Alsatian culture that reflects both France and Germany. The city’s historic centre, Grande-Île, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can hop between museums or soak up the views on a scenic boat tour, but the best vantage point might just be from the rooftop of the towering Gothic cathedral. Fun fact: it was the world’s tallest building for 200 years. 😮

As the capital of Alsace, one of France’s most important wine regions, Strasbourg puts excellent vineyards within easy reach and offers superb wines with a more off-the-beaten-path charm compared to Bordeaux or Burgundy. Let’s be honest: wine is half the reason you go to France, right? Definitely one of our favourite hidden gems in Europe! 🍷

Photo: Chloe in Strasbourg for Flytographer. Christian and partner capture memories in Strasbourg with a couples photoshoot.

8. Ghent, Belgium

In Belgium, Ghent offers a great alternative to Brussels and Antwerp for a city break — and even to Amsterdam in the neighbouring Netherlands. 🇧🇪 It’s impossible not to fall in love with the medieval Flemish charm of this university town. Steeply pitched roofs, church spires, and gabled houses line the streets and canals, and at the heart of it all stands Gravensteen Castle — a picture-perfect fortress that looks straight out of a fairy tale. 🏰

Still, with almost half its population made up of students, Ghent boasts a fresh, young vibe. This also means there are plenty of fantastic cafes where you can taste some of the best Belgian beer you’ll have in your life. Certainly one of our favourite hidden gems in Europe for this reason. Proost! 🍻

Photo: Mariska in Ghent for Flytographer. James and family capture memories in Ghent with a family photoshoot.

9. Krakow, Poland

Krakow, Poland’s second city after Warsaw, has a history stretching back thousands of years, with triumphs and tragedies. 🇵🇱 The Main Market Square, the largest medieval town square in Europe, is the perfect starting point for exploring the city’s walkable Old Town. As you wander, keep an eye out for the amazing street art here and there, and you’ll eventually arrive at Planty Park, a lush green belt where the old city walls once stood. A city full of unique Krakow photo spots just waiting to be discovered.

Past the park, Wawel Castle offers a striking mix of Baroque and Renaissance architecture, while the historic Jewish quarter of Kazimierz and nearby Podgórze provide deep insight into over 500 years of Jewish culture. 

Photo: Marta in Krakow for Flytographer. Annie and partner capture memories in Krakow with a couples photoshoot.

10. Bucharest, Romania

Last, though by no means least, Bucharest is one of the most underrated hidden gems in Europe. 🇷🇴 The city holds plenty of hidden gems and it makes for a great getaway, especially if you’re heading toward the medieval towns of Transylvania.

Bucharest boasts great museums, surprisingly trendy cafes, and some truly impressive architecture, including Orthodox churches, Art nouveau palaces, and a few peculiar structures from the communist era, like the larger-than-life Palace of Parliament — not exactly pretty, but undeniably impressive in scale. 🤯 From dancing all night in a flashy nightclub to visiting a museum dedicated to peasant life, Bucharest is sure to surprise you.

Photo: Madalina in Bucharest for Flytographer. Laura and partner capture memories in Bucharest with a couples photoshoot.

Capturing memories in Europe

There are so many more beautiful places we could have mentioned, like the lush green spaces of Iceland, Ireland and Scotland, hidden gems in the Czech Republic and Hungary, and even secret beaches in Croatia. The real adventure lies in discovering them for yourself. 🗺️

Finding new, amazing places is a great way to beat overtourism, but let’s keep their magic intact by treading lightly. From small towns to peaceful national parks, hidden gems stay special when we treat them with care. 💙

An epic journey calls for equally unforgettable photos. With our photographers in over 350 dreamy destinations, we’re here to help you relive the magic forever.