Cheap flights in Europe mean Ryanair, Ryanair means tiny little airports in places you have never heard of.
Some people call that inconvenient. I call it winning!
I love hunting out the little-hidden gems of Europe, the places still waiting for the crowds to descend. If you are like me and would rather point to a random town called Konjic on a map and drive there on a whim then this list is for you!
I’m not sure how I ended up spending two nights here. Well, I am, I literally pointed at a cool looking name on the map of Bosnia & Herzegovina and drove there. What a winning decision that was!
Bosnia has a thing for beautiful bridges and this is no exception. This small town with its handful of accommodation options, beautiful churches and mosques set against the river and a laid back vibe that I found unique to Bosnia make this number one on the ‘Europe off the beaten path list 2017’ for me. Mainly because no one else I know has ever heard of its amazingness!
Credit: Hélio Ramos/Algarve Tourist Board.
Given this charming fishing village in the south of Portugal is basically my second home I really should have some better photos of it. I blame it on the fact it is just too damn relaxing and after living somewhere, you just forget to photograph it.
Around an hours drive from Faro (the airport of the Algarve), this place has grown hugely since my first visit 25 years ago but retains its charm and small town vibe. Explore the rock pools of Algar Seco by foot or kayak, settle in for some seaside fresh fish views, party the night away at the beach nightclub or simply just relax on the sand. A holiday in Carvoeiro is certainly a relaxing one.
Just a short train ride from Edinburgh and you will get to the delightful town of Linlithgow. With its vast lake for boating on and its impressive palace (which many mistakes for a castle), this is the quintessential image people have of the UK. Think cobbled streets, low doors and colourful plants hanging outside houses.
Another reason that this needs to be on your 2017 visit list is Edinburgh Festivals are celebrating their 70th birthday! If you have no clue what goes on in Edinburgh during August then let me show you.
When you mention Majorca (Mallorca) to most people, they will either be thinking of the popular spot of Palma or the drunken and shameful resort of Magaluf. But there is a whole other side to this island!
Taking the old battered train through lemon trees, rustic houses and mountains, transports you to Port Du Soller with its white washed houses, boating harbour and a small town. It is also a great starting point to trek the impressive old path through Sa Mola Mountains. If you want to know more about this quaint side of the Island, here is a handy guide to travelling in Soller, Mallorca.
So a city slipped onto the list, but when you are stood in the castle, soaking up the abbeys or exploring the in use and derelict churches you feel like you are in a small Europe town.
An easy day trip from Paris, or a ferry ride from the UK, it is also the neighbour of Bayeux and its famous tapestry and both can be done on a short trip as detailed here. Even if you just come for some crepes and wine, is France ever a bad idea?
Grab the print or e-book before you travel to Europe.
Colchester, located in Essex is actually Britain’s oldest recorded town although the newer parts of the city are a mix of shopping centres and transport hubs.
With its drawbridge castle, quaint gardens and wooden and rickety buildings its the ideal place to take a day trip from London or stay overnight in one of its old world style hotels. Somehow I can’t find my photos so here is a cheesy one courtesy of the Colchester tourist board!
Ahh, Lake Bled – you stole my heart through and through!
A short train ride from the cutest capital city ever, Ljubljana, Bled is so much more than just a lake with its pointed rooftops on the island in the middle. By summer its the perfect place for trekking or hiring a boat and by winter the snow peaked mountains are breathtaking. The castle overlooking the lake serves up a mean slice of the famous local Bled Cake and the town itself is a great place to kick back and take some down time when visiting Europe!
Whilst Prague may be one of the hottest must visit cities in Europe at the moment the historic and impressive city of Kutna Hora is the ideal day (or extended trip) from the capital.
Discover cobbled streets, grand architecture, an incredibly impressive cathedral and the unique ‘Bone Church’ and get your slice of Bohemia with less of the crowds.
Pluzine was another place that I stumbled on by pointing at a map and just driving and became one of the highlights of my Montenegro Road Trip.
Surrounded by mountains and based around a lake this tiny town is not used to many visitors… just yet. You can just about see the small bungalow we rented in the bottom of the above photo and we were greeted with a warm welcome of local liquor by our host. Conversation flowed in sign language and it was the perfect base to explore the rivers and canyons of this naturally mind blowing country.
Ok, maybe I’m getting a bit carried away but I am basically putting a whole country on this list. Yep, Liechtenstein is a country!
A tiny one that is, nestled into Switzerland and surrounded by some of the most impressive scenery this continent has to offer. The capital has a castle, great restaurants and you can even get a passport stamp from the post office (given it has no borders). If you ever find yourself in Switzerland then fall asleep on a train like I did and you might wake up in close proximity to a new country.
I’m not sure I can really call Hof a town. It’s more a collection of huts and farms in the south of Iceland but if you want to get away from it all then this is the place to come!
It’s also really close to the famous Glacier Beach which is a sight to behold at Sunrise making Hof a great pick of places to stay for the early morning wake-up call. Of, if like me, you visit during winter when the sun doesn’t appear till nearer 11 am a great spot to have a sleep in!
My time in this tiny French town can be categorised by one thing – My favourite wines!
Hermitage for anyone not in the wine know is some of the most respected, and expensive, wines you can get out of this country. Some of the land here retails at a million+ for a hectare because of the great soil conditions and prestigious nature. As you drive past the hills each winery has its names erected like a Hollywood sign.
But it’s also a beautiful place to take a few days out, eat like a king, do some wine tasting and stroll along its peaceful river by night. The Rhone Valley overall is an ideal Europe road trip.
This UNESCO listed town was one of the highlights of Albania for me.
The journey here started off patchy and with a policeman but I quickly fell in love with the wide windows that these white houses are famous for. The new town also had a great buzz to it and with a castle, you can sleep in, restaurants overlooking the river and a lady selling the best plums in the world it really should be on your list!
Gdansk has the colourful houses, the stone paved streets and the affordable prices. It also has two other cities super nearby making it a great place for a short break in Poland.
Sopot, the seaside town with is crazy long pier is perfect for cooling off during the summer months whilst Gdansk has enough charm, restaurants and history to keep you entertained for a few days. It is usually super cheap to fly here with Ryanair making it a great weekend getaway destination.
If you want to know just how much I fell in love with Camogli then read this.
The smaller and lesser known neighbour to Portofino and not far from the rugged landscape of Cinque Terre, Camogli has it all.
This traditional fisherman town with its colourful houses, long history, impressive hotels, small bakeries and laid back vibe is perhaps my favourite place in Italy and given what an amazing country it is, that is no mean feat! If you do visit Camogli then be sure to check out the historic and impressive Cenobio Dei Dogi hotel.
If you are rich, famous or own a Yacht then you will already know about Hvar – but fear not as the scene here is changing.
As Scuba Diving becomes more popular and Croatia pops up on the travel radar more, a heap of affordable guesthouses are starting to open here if you visit outside the peak season. The short ferry ride from Split is well worth it. Trek up to the top of the castle for incredible bay views, take a boat to a beach party, mingle with the stars or just swim in the clear waters. Hvar kinda ticks all the boxes!
Lastly, the German destination of Schwangau – which, if I am totally honest I only want to visit so I can see the mighty impressive Neuschwanstein Castle in person.
It’s the only place to make it on the list I haven’t been to yet but if you want to know why it still makes the cut, take a look at this beautiful guide to Neuschwanstein Castle by Christina at Happy to Wonder and I guarantee just one photo in you’ll already have it firmly on your list too!
Hey! I’m Dan and I am a little bit obsessed with exploring the world, meeting people on the road and can usually be found lost and attached to a camera. I’ve been lucky enough to visit 50+ countries and aim to share the best travel tips, stories and guides here on the blog. If you want to be kept up to date every month + get access to the latest deals and competitions sign up on the form just down there or feel free to stalk me a bit more if you need help planning a trip, click here to get in touch!
Safe Travels, Dan
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Agree with your list of most affordable destinations in 2017. Croatia ,England are going to be in any list of cheap travel destinations……I have been to these places and I can’t forget the wonderful experiences I had…..some countries with unique cultures, amazing nature and exceptional food (very cheap yet delicious)
Dan a great list of which I have visited a number. I went to Hvar from Australia for the first time 16 years ago, it has always had great affordable high quality B&B accommodation. I have been back to Croatia three times since then as it is my favourite summer destination in Europe and Hvar now has more 4 & 5 star hotels and the B&B places are more expensive but are still the main source of accommodation in all of Croatia. Everybody does this and is most peoples major source of income. Some rooms are superb and have views and all for 100 dollars night.It is however a very popular place as is Lake Bled. Another few gem in Croatia that I will let you in on are the town of Betina on the island of Murter and the town of Komiza on the island of Vis. Popular but not over busy. Check them out on Google
Thanks for the tips Dan. I’m really hoping to get back to Croatia this summer and explore more of the Islands so will add these to my list. It’s such a beautiful country to explore.
Another good Spanish town would be Lekeitio, Spain up in Basque country. An adorable little town with a beautiful beach surrounded by those massive cliffs that are sprinkled all over the Basque coastal area, plus this awesome little island right inside the bay that you can walk out to and explore. And pintxos everywhere :) We rented a car and drove all along that coast, there are so many awesome little villages and towns up there it was hard to pick one to stop at!
This places sounds beautiful, I really need to spend some more time in Spain. Thanks for the tips :)
Ahhh Kutna Hora was such a weird and cool town! That bone church was unreal, and I think it was still low season because I felt like I was the only person in town so the whole trip gave me a badass, kind of eery vibe. And Hvar is totally not just for rich people with yachts! My boyfriend and I brought camping gear and camped out by the water for three nights on Hvar and it was gorgeous (getting all glammed up for a night out at a nice restaurant in a tent was a fun little first for me too!). Great post Dan! I can’t wait to see some of these other towns in my future travels :)
Haha, yeah it does have a very forgotten about eiry feel to it. Haha, I loved that you camped in Hvar, people always assume its for the rich and famous but think you proved them wrong :D
So many beautiful places to visit! So little time… ;-) I need to finally get to Gdańsk – it would such a nice weekend trip, as I live just 3h by train from it. Some of those photos are just unbelievably beautiful! Thank you for making this list!
Ahh you really should, and head over to Sopot whilst you are there (especially in summer). Thanks for reading :)
You’ve 100% fuelled my list of “must visit’s” this year. As a side note. I once fell asleep on a train in Liechtenstein and seemingly did the opposite of what you did! I then had to sneak back on a train (platform in the middle of nowhere. With no ticket office) and back into the country (with a “slight” wait in the freezing cold snow.)
Haha, it must be something about the trains there! Who knew it would be so hard to find the country properly ;)
I like this list very much! I was so schocked to see Colchester on there (or Colch as it is locally known). It’s a town I visit sometimes and is only an hour away from me so I never really saw it as a tourist spot before!
Good old Colch. Had to through a few of my home favourites on there :)
Hi, glad to see the list they are all really awesome places. I like to travel to hidden places like you. Here is one, I think you would like it. “Blooming cherry tree street”, Bonn, Germany. It’s not that well known to people but it is one beautiful street. The city Bonn is okay, but this street grabed my attention. It’s best to go in the fall around August and September to get the view of the cherry trees.
This sounds beautiful, just had a quick Google. Germany is somewhere I really owe a longer visit. Safe travels :)
Glad to see Kutna Hora on your list – doesn’t get much mention and the town itself is often overshadowed by the bone church (which is honestly not fair, it’s a great little town).
Although the church is interesting I agree, the town itself deserves a lot more credit. It’s a great spot. Safe travels :)
The walk up to Saint Barbara’s church with all the statues lining the street was so pretty, and a little spooky in a fun sort of way because it was foggy and it the sun was starting to go down. Loved Kutna Hora :)
All of these places sound fantastic,I have visited many european countries but I see you don’t mention Greece! So much to discover there. You must visit Kalavrita. It can be reached by a narrow gauge railway as its at the top of a mountain.The train takes you through natrow gorges snd beautiful scenery until you reach the top. It’s history during world war 2 is tragic but I’ll leave you to gen up on that.
I really do need to get back to Greece. I have only been to Athens and Corfu so I have a lot more to explore there. I will certainly be sure to visit Kalavrita next time, sounds like the scenery is a must visit.
Love your list. The big attractions often lose to small hiden gems like this. For next edition maybe add Bohinj, Biograd na moru and Postojna.
They sound like places I would love to visit :)
Neuschwanstein in Schwangeau is not really a town. The only thing there are the two castles, which are amazing. But the actual town is called Fussen, which is one of the most beautiful and quaint towns I’ve ever been to. It’s surrounded by amazing mountains and trees. Just make sure to get there early enough during the day because they will sell out of tickets, and close fairly early. I was only able to tour one of the castles because they sold out. But Fussen is incredible. The train ride there from Munich isn’t that long. I think it was about an hour and a half, and the ride is as equally beautiful and relaxing. It was definitely a great day trip.
You should also check out many of the small towns in Turkey. It’s one of my favorite countries (I’ve been to 16 so far). On the Mediterranean there is a town called Bodrum. There is a really cool castle there I spent the whole day exploring it. My boyfriend has a house in the town next to Bodrum, called Turgetreis. It’s a small town, but so beautiful. All along the Mediterranean. You can see the Greek islands from pretty much anywhere in the town. We rode scooters around the town and through the sidewalk, ate ice cream and drank fresh squeezed grapefruit juice and ate fresh bread, walked through the bizarre. It’s the place I always think of when I want to escape life. You can take a ferry ride to any of the Greek islands. You can take a bus ride to fehtiye (the Turkish dead sea). There are also small towns next to Turgetreis that are just so small, but beautiful. With little bracelet stands and homemade dishes and locally done paintings. All the beaches along these towns are great for relaxing. You’ll never want to leave, some tourists never do.
Ahhhh, I was misled into thinking Schwangau was a proper town – great to know, thank you. I’m all about castles so if there are two I’ll be a happy man.
Turkey is somewhere I really do need to explore more, three visits to Istanbul and still not made it out of the city. I think I’ll take your scooter tip and go for an explore along the coast, it sounds incredible. Safe travels :)
Great list! Love your top tip for Hof in Iceland, and interestingly I’ve been to Hvar years ago and thought it was incredible too. However friends went this year and thought it was over crowded now
Yeah, I bet most of Croatia is much busier than I remember it being. Hof is a must if you head to Iceland!
I did a Euro Trip in May-June and you hit the description of Bled and Ljubljana spot on – both amazing cities and Bled is a hidden gem. I have been to the Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles and I stayed in the adorable little town of Fussen, Germany. It was only a short, inexpensive local bus ride away. I don’t recommend paying to see the inside of the Neuschwanstein because they don’t give you very much access and the beautiful views outside are well-worth it. I HIGHLY recommend walking around the lake (Alpsee) because it is absolutely incredible. Enjoy!
THANK YOU! Love more tips like this, will have a google and try to fit them in :) Safe travels in 2017!
I love that you have Carvoeiro in this list. I stayed in Carvoiero for a few days this summer and I just did not want to leave. I loved Port De Soller too but Pollenca in Mallorca is equally gorgeous and hidden.
Oooh Pollenca, I missed that one but it looks lovely. And yes, it is such a beautiful places – I used to live there and worked at Mungos Bar (if you had a chance to visit) – very overdue a return trip!
Meteora, Greece – beautiful monasteries – 5 or 6 of them. Easily accessible by train from Athens (4 hours). Quaint towns with fabulous restaurants, friendly people and great/inexpensive places to stay.
YES! This is so high on my list, I am sure once I finally visit it will make it onto next years copy :)
Armona island. A ferry ride from Olhao in Portugal. A taste of paradise. No cars!
WOW. Looks beautiful, thanks for the tip. Will see if I can fit it into my Portugal plans for next year :)
These are such great tips for when we don’t have too much time to jet around the world.
I grew up close to Bled and even remember ice-skating on the lake in winter, too bad it doesn’t really freeze anymore. Grmada is my favorite dessert there, a bit different and messier than the famous kremsnita ☺ Bohinj is another beautiful little area close to Bled, even wilder and perfect for a (cold) swim, while the Soča Valley is just completely stunning.
Safe travels!
Maya | londondamsel.co.uk
Oh no, I missed a dessert?!?! Haha. Thank you, Bled is just so special I can’t wait to return and travel much more of the country.
Thanks and happy travels :)
Slovenia (and Lake Bled) is one of my most favorite places in Europe and is highly underrated.
I think that is going to change pretty quickly, it is getting a lot of attention now!
I would recommend the Alsacian region in France, particularly the town of Eguisheim, but also Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé and Obernai. While Equisheim, Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé are beautiful but very crowded with tourists in the high season, Obernai is a bustling market town, with many nice restaurants, wine bars and little shops, as well as nice architecture.
Thank you for such different suggestions. They have gone on the list :)
Beautiful! :) Pluzine from Montenegro is my favorite. All country Montenegro have beautiful nature.
Montenegro really surprised me at just how incredible the landscape was, especially around Pluzine :)
I love visiting smaller towns! Gdansk is high on my list — was just daydreaming about a (hopeful) 2017 trip to Poland. I’d also add Lviv in Ukraine — coffee and chocolate capital of the country! It also has a military themed bar and a secret Masonic restaurant. It’s on the western side of Ukraine, easily accessible from Poland and Hungary.
Gdansk is fantastic cause you have Sopot nearby too. I haven’t made it to Ukraine yet but hear a lot of positives about Lviv. – will check it out. Thanks :)
What a fantastic list! I want to go to them all ha ha! I’m hoping we can do a Scandinavia/Arctic trip maybe next year, and Iceland will most definitely be on that list so Glacier Beach looks incredible. Love your photos – stunning & inspiring.
I love Bled! The cake is a must see! Well, eat. I also recommend Beilstein in Germany – tiny and adorable and enticing. I went to Schwangau last month – book a tour so you can make sure you get in to the castle!
Ahhh the cake, ate far too much haha. Thanks for the tip, will check it out. Safe travels :)
Could definitely make a great European road trip of this list! So much fun would that be! Even though I was born and raised in Europe, this continent knows to surprise in the most wonderful ways each and every time
It is one of those continents that just keeps giving for sure! AND wow, what an epic road trip that would be.
Hi Dan, great list! I have been lucky enough to have been to a few of these myself. I have mapped the list out and shared it on my website, check it out if you like … http://www.thetravelblogs.com/europe/southern-europe
Keep up the amazing work and happy travels!
Hey Matt, Thanks so much – safe travels :)
Love this list! Of all the towns that I’ve visited on this list, I can definitely confirm that they are worth a visit! Especially Bled!! This list also gets top marks for including Colchester – I live so close by!
Haha, Colchester needs a little more internet loving I figured. Bled is just magical right? :)
OMG these photos…incredible!
Thank you Tamara :) Such beautiful places to visit!
Amazing list!
Thank you! Love all these spots :)