37 Gorgeous Towns In Europe You Have Never Heard Of

Europe has no shortage of beautiful travel destinations, but these 37 gorgeous towns in Europe are for travellers who like to get off the beaten path and discover unique destinations.

I have not travelled to all of these destinations. I have done research and added them to my bucket list so I thought I would write a post about my new dream destinations.

This post is all about gorgeous towns in Europe you have never heard of.

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1. Alberobello, Italy

Alberobello is located on the south east side of Italy. This UNESCO world heritage site is known for its unique architecture and trulli whitewash stone huts with conical roofs. If you are in the popular tourist destination Puglia, Italy, Alberobello is a great day trip.

More on planning your trip to Alberobello here.

2. Trogir, Croatia

Trogir, Croatia is located on the central adriatic coast which is southern Croatia. This gorgeous little town is well preserved with renaissance and romanesque buildings. You can easily do a day trip or overnight to Trogir from Split.

3. Le Mont Saint Michel, France

Le Mont Saint Michel in France is one of the more popular places on my Europe bucket list, but it is absolutely stunning. This tidal island off of Normandy France is a lovely place for a day trip or overnight from Paris. Le Mont Saint Michel is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

4. Portofino, Italy

Portofino is a fishing village in northern Italy. Located on the Riviera Coastline southeast of Genoa City, Portofino is known for there stunning pastel homes and insanely good seafood restaurants. Portofino is a great addition to your itinerary if you are travelling to Milan or Bologna.

5. Tjornuvik, Faroe Islands

Tjornuvik is the northernmost village on the Faroe Islands. The Faroe Islands are not easy to get to, but if you manage to get there be sure to visit Tjornuvik. Tjornuvik is known for there beautiful beaches and mountains. You can visit the Faroe Islands via plane and boat, but it is not cheap.

6. Deia, Spain

Located on the northern part of Mallorca, Deia is a gorgeous beach destination perfect for a relaxing vacation. This small coastal village offers crystal clear waters and delicious seafood.

7. Gangi Sicily, Italy

Located near Palermo, Gangi Sicily has become more and more popular over the years because it was recently nominated the most beautiful village in Italy. Gangi is known for their gorgeous architecture and their everlasting traditions.

8. Velika Planina, Slovenia

Located in northern Slovenia, Velika Planina is known for the hearers huts and amazing hikes and bike routes available to tourists. Velika Planina is home to the largest shepherd settlement in Europe. If you love the outdoors consider adding Velika Planina to your next europe itinerary.

9. Bagnoregio, Italy

Bagnoregio is a stunning hilltop town just north of Rome. This gorgeous village is known for the San Bonaventura Cave which is an Ancient Etruscan Chamber Tomb. Bagnoregio is inhabited by only 16 people and charges a fee to tourists to enter the village.

10. Lofoten Islands, Norway

Located just off of northern Norway, the Lofoten Islands in home to dramatic scenery, museums, and an intriguing viking history. The Lofoten Islands is a great place for any nature lovers who like to bike or hike. The best part of the Lofoten island is definitely the dramatic coastline, where the mountains meet the sea.

11. Sveti Stefan, Montenegro

Sveti Stefan is a stunning town on the Adriatic Coast of Montenegro. Just south of Budua, Sveti Stefan is a perfect place for a holiday. The waters are clear and the weather is good.

12. Rothenburg, Germany

Rothenburg is located towards the middle of germany. You will walk right into a fairy tale when you visit this amazing village. Rothenberg is known for there medieval architecture and half - timbered houses.

13. Leiden, The Netherlands

Located just north of Rotterdam is the adorable little city of Leiden. Enjoy the old architecture and delicious cafes here. Leiden is most well known for the centuries old Leiden University which dates back to the 1500s.

14. Loosdrechtse Plassen, The Netherlands

Loosdrechtse Plassen is just south of Amsterdam. Known for the lakes, Loosdrechtse is a cute village that is definitely worth a visit, especially in the summer months.

15. Ronda, Spain

Ronda is located in southern Spain near Seville. This mountaintop city offers incredible views of the surrounding landscape and the Rondas famous 15th century architecture. Ronda is most well known for the Centro de Interpretación del Puente Nuevo, which is the bridge and being a place of much activity during the spanish civil war.

16. Altea, Spain

Located on the mediterranean coast of mainland Spain, Altea is often referred to the Santorini of Spain due to its white buildings with blue roofs. Altea is home to gorgeous blue water amd a charming village with the best seafood in the world.

17. Iseltwald, Switzerland

Located near Bern, Iseltwald is a gorgeous village in the Interlaken region of Switzerland. Iseltwald is perfect if you enjoy hiking, biking, or being in the outdoors. Iseltwald is considered a must see village while in this part of Switzerland.

18. Tropea, Italy

Tropea is located on top of a cliff in southern Italy, which makes it a stunning village. Known for being built on top of a former Byzantine cemetery this east coast town is definitely worth a visit.

19. Castle Combe, England

Castle Combe is a picturesque English village located just west of London. This fairytale village is known for its medieval architecture. Castel Comb is a perfect place to enjoy a cuppa tea and experience the English culture.

20. Foroglio, Switzerland

Located in southern Switzerland, Foroglio is a lovely destination is you are a fellow nature lover. Most well known for the Foroglio waterfall this adorable little village is a great place to escape reality.

21. Albarracin, Spain

Located on the hills of eastern Spain Albarracin is known for its medieval architecture and 10th century Anador Tower. Albarracin is a great stop if you are heading from Madrid to the mediterranean coast.

22. Nazare, Portugal

Located just north of Lisbon, Nazare is a adorable fishing village known for having the biggest waves in the world. Surfers flock to Nazare every winter to conquer these 70 foot waves. I went to Nazare in the summer and loved it!

23. Birgi, Turkey

Located just south of Istanbul, Birgi is the perfect european destination for any history lovers. Birgi has Macedonian, Roman, Phrygian, Persian, and Lydian roots. The architure in this village is a melting pot of all of these cultures.

24. Averio, Portugal

Averio is located just south of Porto. Known as the "Venice of Portugal", Averio has canals through the streets and gondolas to take you on a ride through them. Averio is truly one of the most unique towns in Europe.

25. Poznan, Poland

Poznan is located in western Poland on the Warta River, near the German border. Poznan is on my europe bucket list because of the Renaissance - style and colorful buildings.

26. Isle of Lewis, Scotland

The Isle of Lewis is an island off of northern Scotland, most well-known for the history, landscape, and endless nature to enjoy. Tourist usually visit the Isle of Lewis to see the Calanais Standing Stones.

27. Helsingor, Denmark

Only about 50 minutes from Copenhagen is the lovely town of Helsingor. Helsinger is most well known for the Kronborg Castle, where Hamlet too place, and it's picturesque downtown.

28. Meteora, Greece

Meteora is located in northern Greece. This world heritage site is known for its stunning rocks and gorgeous hikes. Meteora is worth a visit if you are a fellow nature lover.

29. Gothenburg, Sweden

Gothenburg is located in southern Sweden. Known for its beautiful architecture and amazing bakeries, Gothenburg is a great addition to a Copenhagen, Stockholm, or Oslo trip.

30. Mechelen, Belgium

Mechelen is the perfect little european town situated between Brussels and Antwerp, Belgium. This Belgium gem is home to stunning Flemish architecture that is still well preserved. Mechelen is worth a visit, especially if you are already in Belgium.

31. Tallinn, Estonia

I know that this is a post all about europe's hidden gems, but Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, does not get enough credit. Tallinn is a great place to visit for the holidays because of the christmas markets. The city looks like a fairy village, and it is easy to travel to from Helsinki, Finland with a quick ferry ride.

32. Cavtat, Croatia

Cavtat is located just south of Dubrovnik. Most recognizable for the stunning beaches and the renaissance architecture. Cavtat is the perfect place to relax.

33. Bergan, Norway

Bergan is surrounded by mountains and fjords, the homes and shops are colorful and homey, Bergan is the perfect Nordic escape. Located on the west coast of southern Norway, it is best to fly directly to Bergen because the train from Oslo is about 7 hours.

34. Guernesey, UK

Located off the coast of Normandy, France, Guernesey is a British governed island. Guernesey is an interesting island because of its history and beautiful landscape.

35. Azores Islands, Portugal

The Azores Islands are in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and are considered apart of Portugal. These Islands are known for their unmatched natural beauty. The Azores are actually pretty easy and inexpensive to get to considering there remoteness. You can fly there directly from the USA.

36. Tromso, Norway

Tromso is located in northern Norway and is known for its stunning nature and Viking history. If you are looking to see the northern lights then Tromso could be a great destination for you as the lights are a common occurrence in this part of the world.

37. Antiparos, Greece

Antiparos is a lesser known greek island that offers light crowds and fair prices during the tourist season, especially compared to the nearby Santorini and Mykonos. It is very similar to the other greek islands, blue water and white buildings, but less crowds and hassle.