If you’re looking for lesser-known holiday destinations to escape the crowds and discover something new, Europe is full of hidden gems waiting to be explored.
One of the best ways to see these underappreciated locations is by car because many of them are a little bit off the beaten path and more difficult to get to.
Below, Ed Sharp, Head of Car Hire at TravelSupermarket, shares some of the most underrated European holiday destinations that are well worth adding to your bucket list this year:
1. Picos de Europa, Spain
For a unique getaway far from the crowds and bustling cities, Picos de Europa in northern Spain is a fantastic option. Spanning Asturias, Cantabria, and León, the National Park offers dramatic limestone peaks, deep gorges, and remote villages, making it a perfect option for adventure lovers.
Public transport in the area is limited, and the region is vast, so hiring a car is an ideal way to navigate the winding mountain roads that lead to breathtaking hikes and charming villages.
How to get there: Fly directly to Santander Airport from most major UK airports, then drive 1.5 hours to Picos de Europa.
2. Alentejo, Portugal
With rolling hills, historic towns, and Roman ruins, the Alentejo region in southern Portugal is an underrated and picturesque holiday destination. You can explore cultural sites, wineries, and the stunning Atlantic coastline at your own pace.
The vast countryside is difficult to navigate without a car, making it the best way to visit highlights such as Évora, Monsaraz, Estremoz, and the Alentejo coast.
How to get there: Fly directly to Lisbon Airport, then drive just over 1 hour to Évora, the heart of the region.
3. Peloponnese, Greece
One of Greece’s best-kept secrets is the Peloponnese peninsula, a destination that is truly on everyone’s bucket list. Connected to the mainland via the Corinth Canal and the Rio-Antirrio Bridge, this scenic region is packed with ancient ruins, hidden beaches, and mountain villages.
Public transport in the area is sparse, and the best sites, such as the ancient ruins, hidden beaches, and mountain villages, are spread out and best explored at your own leisure.
How to get there: Fly to Athens Airport, then drive 1.5 hours to Nafplio — an ideal base for your trip.
4. Dordogne, France
If you want to feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale, a road trip through Dordogne is a must. This southwest France region, named after its winding river, is home to mediaeval castles, charming châteaux, and enchanting villages.
How to get there: Fly to Bergerac Airport (50-minute drive) or Bordeaux Airport (1 hour 45 minutes drive).
5. Apuseni Mountains, Romania
The Apuseni Mountains are located in a remote region of Transylvania, Romania. The best time of year to visit is between late May and September, when the weather is the most pleasant for hiking and other outdoor activities.
The landscape boasts karst formations, caves, and traditional villages, with highlights including Scărișoara Ice Cave, Padiș Plateau, and the wooden churches of Maramureș.
How to get there: Fly to Cluj-Napoca Airport, then drive 2 hours into the mountains.
6. Western Fjords, Norway
For breathtaking natural beauty, the Western Fjords of Norway offer towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and glacial landscapes. The isolation of this region makes a road trip the best way to explore, especially along the scenic Atlantic Road.
How to get there: Fly to Ålesund Airport, then drive 2.5 hours to Geiranger, one of the most spectacular fjord towns.
7. The Azores, Portugal
The Azores archipelago, located in the North Atlantic Ocean, is made up of nine volcanic islands offering geothermal wonders, lush greenery, and dramatic coastlines. São Miguel is the largest island and known as the “Green Island” due to its rolling hills and vibrant landscapes. With minimal tourist crowds, it’s a perfect summer escape.
How to get there: Fly to Ponta Delgada Airport on São Miguel Island, then rent a car to explore the island.
8. Carinthia, Austria
Carinthia, Austria’s southernmost and least densely populated state, is a paradise of gentle mountain peaks, pristine lakes, and alpine villages. It’s home to over 1,200 lakes, 200 of which are swimmable — making it an idyllic summer retreat.
How to get there: Fly to Klagenfurt Airport, then drive 30 minutes to the region’s stunning lakes and mountains.