🌍 8 Off-the-Beaten-Track European Destinations Worth the Detour
If you’re craving something a little different — fewer crowds, more charm, and the feeling you’ve just uncovered a secret — these under-the-radar spots in Europe tick all the boxes. Whether it’s a beach with zero stress or a spa that feels like a tropical resort, here are 8 hidden gems that are easy to reach from the UK and full of surprises.
🏝️ La Graciosa, Canary Islands
Why go?
A tiny, car-free island just off Lanzarote with dusty tracks, golden beaches, and zero stress. It’s like stepping into another world where time slows down and shoes are optional. Perfect if you want sunshine without the tourist circus.
How to get there:
Fly direct from Manchester or Liverpool to Lanzarote, then drive or take a bus to Órzola. From there, hop on a 25-minute ferry to La Graciosa.
Top things to do:
Hike (or bike) across sandy tracks to Playa de Las Conchas – postcard-perfect and totally wild
Eat fresh seafood at a beachfront café in Caleta del Sebo
Take a boat trip around the island for snorkelling and hidden coves
Enjoy sunset with a cold drink and no schedule whatsoever
🏰 Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
Why go?
Like a fairytale that forgot to go mainstream. Think winding cobbled streets, riverside cafes, and a castle perched above town. It’s Prague’s cooler, quieter cousin.
How to get there:
Fly to Prague from Manchester, then catch a train or bus (about 3 hours) to Český Krumlov.
Top things to do:
Tour Český Krumlov Castle and climb the tower for amazing views
Float down the Vltava River in a raft or canoe
Catch a show at the open-air Baroque theatre
Wander the Old Town and sip a beer by the river
🌊 Ksamil, Albania
Why go?
Mediterranean beauty without the price tag. Ksamil has dreamy white-sand beaches, turquoise water, and cheap seafood. Think Greece vibes, Albania prices.
How to get there:
Fly to Corfu from Manchester, then take a quick ferry to Sarandë, Albania. Ksamil is a 20-minute taxi or bus from there.
Top things to do:
Chill on the beaches or rent a pedal boat to explore the nearby islands
Visit the ancient ruins of Butrint (UNESCO-listed and amazing!)
Feast on seafood pasta for under a tenner
Snorkel in crystal-clear waters
🏞️ Picos de Europa, Spain
Why go?
Epic mountain views, charming stone villages, and fewer tourists than the Pyrenees or Alps. Ideal for hikers, road-trippers, or anyone who just wants a slice of proper nature.
How to get there:
Fly to Santander or Bilbao from Manchester, then hire a car and head for the mountains.
Top things to do:
Hike the Cares Gorge trail for insane views
Take the Fuente Dé cable car for panoramic peaks
Stay in a rural guesthouse in a mountain village
Spot wolves, bears, or eagles (if you're lucky!)
🧖♀️ Therme Bucharest, Romania
Why go?
Not just a spa — a tropical resort with palm trees, thermal pools, water slides, and cocktails... just 10 minutes from the airport.
How to get there:
Fly direct from Manchester or Liverpool to Bucharest. Therme is a short taxi ride from the airport.
Top things to do:
Soak in thermal pools under a glass dome
Chill in the sauna village with themed steam rooms
Ride slides in the Galaxy zone (yes, it's a spa and a waterpark)
Sip cocktails at the swim-up bar
🧗 Saxon Switzerland, Germany
Why go?
Not actually in Switzerland — but don’t hold that against it. This national park near Dresden is full of towering rock formations, epic views, and hiking trails through otherworldly landscapes.
How to get there:
Fly to Berlin from Manchester or Liverpool, train to Dresden (2 hours), then a local train to Bad Schandau or Königstein.
Top things to do:
Hike to the iconic Bastei Bridge for surreal scenery
Climb or admire the Elbe sandstone towers
Take a riverboat along the Elbe
Explore Königstein Fortress — one of Europe’s biggest
🏄♂️ Ericeira, Portugal
Why go?
A coastal town made for surfers, sunset chasers, and anyone who loves a laid-back vibe. The cliffs are stunning, the seafood is fresh, and the coffee is strong.
How to get there:
Fly to Lisbon from Manchester or Liverpool, then hop on a bus or grab an Uber (about 45 minutes).
Top things to do:
Surf the world-class waves — or take your first lesson
Wander the old town’s tiled streets and indie shops
Watch the sunset at Praia dos Pescadores
Eat grilled octopus or sardines by the sea
🏯 Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Why go?
Famous for its stone bridge (and the locals who dive off it), Mostar is full of Ottoman charm, riverside cafés, and a fascinating East-meets-West atmosphere.
How to get there:
Fly to Dubrovnik from Manchester or Liverpool, then take a bus or drive to Mostar (around 3 hours).
Top things to do:
Watch bridge divers plunge into the Neretva River
Stroll through the Old Bazaar and shop for local crafts
Visit the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque and climb the minaret
Try Bosnian coffee and cevapi (grilled meat wraps)
Got a hidden gem to share? Tag us on Instagram or drop it in the comments — we’re always on the lookout for our next great escape ✈️
