Weekend Getaway in Europe – Why Look for Hidden Gems?
Europe has over 50 countries, hundreds of thousands of kilometers of coastline, thousands of islands, and countless towns that even seasoned travelers have never heard of. Meanwhile, millions of tourists crowd into the same ten places every year: Barcelona, Paris, Rome, Santorini, Dubrovnik. The result? Overcrowded streets, inflated prices, queues for every monument, and a feeling that you are visiting a theme park rather than a living city.
However, just an hour away from these tourist behemoths lie places that are equally beautiful – often more beautiful – that have retained their authentic character. Towns where the waiter doesn’t speak English because he doesn’t have to. Beaches where you can find a spot in August. Views that make Santorini look like a postcard from a bazaar.
This guide presents 20 such places, verified and described for a weekend trip. From Mediterranean cliffs to the Arctic aurora, from medieval walls to volcanic lakes – Europe has much more to offer than you think.
How to Find Cheap Flights?
The revolution of low-cost airlines has opened up Europe like never before. From Poland, round-trip flights to dozens of European cities start from 140–200 PLN. Ryanair offers the widest network of connections, Wizz Air dominates in Central and Eastern Europe, and EasyJet connects with the UK and Western Europe.
Here are a few proven rules:
- Flexibility with dates – flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday can be 3-4 times cheaper than on a Friday. The “Flexible Dates” tool on Skyscanner shows the cheapest days in the month.
- Book 6-8 weeks in advance – this is statistically the best time for cheap flights in Europe. Too early or too late, and prices go up.
- Travel only with hand luggage – checked baggage often costs as much as the ticket. A weekend trip means a backpack of 40x20x25 cm or a cabin bag.
- Price alerts – set notifications in Google Flights or Skyscanner for routes of interest.
- Alternative airports – flights to Tivat (Montenegro) instead of Dubrovnik, Bari instead of Naples, Faro instead of Lisbon. Often cheaper and closer to your destination.
When to Go? Best Seasons by Region
Not every region of Europe has the same tourist calendar. Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Southern Europe (Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Montenegro): April–June and September–October. Avoid July and August – temperatures above 35°C, crowds, and inflated prices.
- Central and Eastern Europe (Czech Republic, Slovenia, Bosnia, Romania): May–June and September. Pleasant temperatures, few tourists, the best colors in parks.
- Scandinavia: September–March for the northern lights, June–August for white nights and midnight sun.
- Islands (Azores, Malta, Greece, Corsica): May–June and September–October. Warm sea, fewer crowds.
- Mountains: June–September for hiking, December–March for skiing. October is golden autumn in the Alps.
Southern Europe – From Kotor to Albarracín
Kotor, Montenegro
Imagine Dubrovnik – the same Venetian walls, the same stone streets, the same azure sea – but without 15,000 tourists from cruise ships every day. That’s what Kotor looks like. This medieval town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, lies at the foot of a dramatic fjord (Boka Kotorska) surrounded by mountains reaching 1700 meters. The defensive walls stretch 4.5 km up the slope, and at the top awaits the Fortress of St. John – 1350 steps and a view that takes your breath away.
The airport in Tivat is just 8 km from the city. A weekend in Kotor (accommodation + food) costs between 200–350 euros. EasyJet flies from London in just under 3 hours.
Matera, Italy
One of the oldest continuously inhabited places on Earth – people have lived here for 9,000 years. The Sassi districts are caves carved into the canyon walls, full of rock churches with Byzantine frescoes. In 1952, Matera was evacuated as Italy's “shame” – slums without sewage. Today, it is one of the trendiest places in Italy, with hotels in caves, restaurants in grottos, and UNESCO status since 1993.
This is where Mel Gibson's “The Passion” and the latest Bond film were shot. You can reach it by bus from Bari (one hour). A cave hotel starts at 80 euros per night.
Sintra, Portugal
Just 40 minutes by train from Lisbon, and you feel like you’re in a Brothers Grimm fairy tale. Sintra is a town of colorful palaces hidden in misty, wooded hills. The Pena Palace looks like a Disney castle, except it’s real and 150 years old. Lord Byron called Sintra “the most beautiful village on Earth.”
But the real gem is Quinta da Regaleira – an estate full of Masonic symbolism, with an underground tunnel system and the famous “Initiation Well” – a 27-meter spiral staircase leading deep into the earth. Admission after 4 PM costs 8 euros instead of 14.
Ronda, Spain
A town perched on a cliff split in half by the 100-meter deep El Tajo gorge. It is connected by the Puente Nuevo – a bridge from 1793, which once served as a prison. Hemingway immortalized Ronda in “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” It also houses the oldest bullring in Spain (1785).
Just 90 minutes from Malaga. In the evening, when the tourists from Costa del Sol leave, you have the gorge and the old town practically to yourself. A weekend starts at 180 euros.
Albarracín, Spain
Voted by Spaniards as the most beautiful town in the country (El País, 2018). Labyrinthine streets climbing a rocky promontory above the Guadalaviar River, salmon-pink houses, Moorish walls from the 10th–13th centuries. And yet – almost no one. The province of Teruel is so forgotten that a slogan “Teruel exists” (Teruel existe) was created as a campaign against the region's neglect.
One of the cheapest weekends on this list: accommodation from 40 euros, food from 15 euros per day. You can drive from Valencia (2.5 hours) or Madrid (3 hours).
Central and Eastern Europe – From Český Krumlov to Sibiu
Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
13,000 residents, UNESCO, the second largest castle in the Czech Republic (after Prague) and the Vltava River winding around the old town like a ribbon. The town looks like it was cut from a miniature model – red roofs, Gothic towers, stone bridges. Beer has been brewed here for 500 years.
Most tourists come for a day trip from Prague and leave by 5 PM. Those who stay overnight get the town without crowds, illuminated by lanterns, with music wafting from cellars. A weekend starts at 130 euros.
Bled, Slovenia
An emerald alpine lake with a fairy-tale island in the middle, home to a church with legends hanging over the wish bell. On the cliff above the lake – a castle from 1011. In the background – the snowy peaks of the Julian Alps. This is not Photoshop, this is Bled.
Traditional pletna boats (similar to Venetian gondolas) transport tourists to the island – a craft passed down through generations. On land, a must-try is kremšnita – cream cake from Café Park, made using the same recipe since 1953. A bus from Ljubljana takes 75 minutes.
Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Old Bridge (Stari Most) – an Ottoman arch from 1566 soaring over the turquoise Neretva – is one of the most beautiful monuments in the Balkans. Destroyed in 1993 during the Bosnian War, it was rebuilt in 2004 using original stones retrieved from the river, employing traditional Ottoman techniques. UNESCO status since 2005.
In summer, locals jump from the bridge into the Neretva for money collected from onlookers – a tradition dating back to the 17th century. Mostar is also one of the cheapest weekends in Europe: accommodation from 30 euros, food from 10 euros per day. A whole weekend costs 100–200 euros per person.
Sibiu, Romania
A medieval city built by Saxon settlers in the 12th century, with Gothic towers, Baroque facades, and the famous “eyes” – dormer windows on roofs that look like faces watching passersby. Forbes listed Sibiu among the most idyllic places to live in Europe.
Wizz Air flies directly from London. A weekend costs 100–200 euros. And if you have an extra day, nearby is the Transfagarasan – a road deemed by Jeremy Clarkson as “the best road in the world” (open June–October).
Scandinavia and Islands – From Tromsø to the Azores
Tromsø, Norway
The “Gateway to the Arctic” at 69° north latitude – one of the best places on Earth to observe the northern lights. But Tromsø is not just about the aurora. It is a university city with 77,000 residents, surprisingly vibrant nightlife, and the northernmost cathedral, brewery, and kebab in the world.
From September to March, nighttime excursions in search of the aurora are organized (4–6 hours by minibus for about 115 euros). From June to July, the sun doesn’t set at all – the phenomenon of the white night allows you to explore at 3 AM in full daylight. Norwegian, SAS, and Wizz Air fly directly from London (~3.5 hours).
Faroe Islands, Denmark
18 volcanic islands in the North Atlantic, where sheep outnumber people (80,000 vs. 54,000). Rugged, dramatic beauty: sea cliffs rising 600 meters, winding mountain roads, villages with grass roofs, and puffin colonies. One of the last truly wild places in Europe.
You must see Sørvágsvatn (Leitisvatn) – it looks like it’s hanging over the ocean because its edge ends at the brink of a 30-meter cliff. And Múlafossur waterfall near the village of Gásadalur – plunging straight into the sea. The Faroe Islands are not in the Schengen zone – check visa requirements. A rental car is essential (~60 euros/day).
Azores (São Miguel), Portugal
A volcanic archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic, often called the “European Hawaii.” Crater lakes in emerald and sapphire colors (Sete Cidades – one blue, the other green), hot springs in Furnas, whale watching (24 species!), and cuisine cooked underground.
Cozido das Furnas is a local specialty: a pot of meat and vegetables buried for 5–7 hours in volcanic soil, cooking with heat from the Earth’s interior. The Azores deliberately limit tourism development – it is one of the few places in Europe where this model truly works. Ryanair flies from Lisbon in 2.5 hours.
Gozo, Malta
The quieter, greener sister of the main Maltese island. The megalithic temples of Ġgantija (3600 BC) are over a thousand years older than the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge – UNESCO since 1980. On the island, you’ll also find the red sandy beach of Ramla l-Ħamra with Calypso's Cave above it (according to legend, Odysseus was imprisoned here for 7 years).
The ferry from the main island takes 20–25 minutes. The best accommodation is traditional Maltese stone farmhouses with pools, starting from 50 euros per night. A weekend in Gozo (with a flight to Malta via Ryanair/Wizz Air) costs 180–300 euros.
Milos, Greece
Anti-Santorini: a volcanic island in the Cyclades with 74 beaches (more than any other Cycladic island), surreal white rock formations, and sea caves. This is where the Venus de Milo was found in 1820.
Sarakiniko Beach looks like a lunar landscape – smooth white volcanic rocks surround a turquoise cove. Kleftiko is an old pirate hideout accessible only by sea – by boat from Adamas. Daily trips cost about 40 euros. Milos does not have direct international flights, but the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) takes 3–7 hours depending on the type.
Bonifacio, Corsica (France)
A medieval citadel perched atop vertical white limestone cliffs in southern Corsica. Buildings literally hang over the abyss – the sea has eroded the rock beneath them, creating an overhang. The most dramatically situated town in the Mediterranean.
King of Aragon's Steps – 187 steps carved into the cliff wall, which, according to legend, were hewn in one night during a siege in 1420. By boat from the port, you can see the cliffs and sea caves from the sea, and the Lavezzi Islands offer crystal-clear snorkeling. Flights to Figari (20 km) from Paris or Marseille.
Mountains and Coast – From Grindelwald to Rovinj
Grindelwald, Switzerland
A classic alpine village at the foot of the north face of the Eiger (3967 m) – one of the most famous and dangerous walls in mountaineering, first climbed in 1938. From here, the train to Jungfraujoch – the “Top of Europe” (3454 m), the highest railway station on the continent, with a view of the Aletsch Glacier (23 km – the longest in the Alps).
The construction of the railway took 16 years (1896–1912) – the tunnel pierces the Eiger all the way through. Round-trip tickets cost about 200 CHF, but the view is worth every franc. At Bachalpsee (accessible by gondola from First + 50 min on foot), the mountains reflect like in a mirror. Switzerland is expensive (weekend 420–840 euros), but a youth hostel from 50 CHF and shopping at Coop help.
Ortisei (Val Gardena), Italy
A Ladin village in the heart of the Dolomites – mountains listed as UNESCO for their “exceptional beauty and geological significance.” Three languages: Ladin (Romance), German, and Italian. The tradition of wood carving goes back centuries – workshops and carving galleries can be found on every corner.
Taking the cable car to Seceda gives you the iconic view: jagged Dolomite ridges rising from green alpine meadows like dinosaur teeth. The panoramic walk Passeggiata Luis Trenker runs along an old railway path above the town. You can reach it from Innsbruck (1.5 hours) or Verona (2.5 hours).
Rovinj, Croatia
A Venetian fishing port on a peninsula in Istria – pastel houses, cobbled streets, the baroque church of St. Euphemia atop a hill, and some of the best restaurants in Croatia (Istria is the gastronomic capital of the country, with truffles rivaling those from Alba). Often compared to a smaller, quieter Dubrovnik.
Until 1763, Rovinj was an island – the canal separating it from the mainland was filled in. Ryanair flies from London to Pula (40 min drive). Zlatni Rt Forest Park offers pines, hidden rocky coves, and crystal-clear swimming spots. A weekend starts at 200 euros.
Benagil Caves, Algarve, Portugal
Algar de Benagil – a sea cave with a collapsed ceiling creating a natural skylight over a hidden beach – is one of the most photographed natural wonders in Europe. But the cave is just the beginning: the Algarve coast features dozens of grottos, rock arches, and secret beaches in golden limestone cliffs.
It is not safe to swim to the cave – the only access is by boat (26–57 euros) or kayak. Walking the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail (Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos) is worth it – a 6 km cliff path with views that make every beach in photos look like a postcard. Ryanair and EasyJet fly to Faro, and Benagil is a 45 min drive.
Hallstatt, Austria
A pastel village by a lake wedged between the water's surface and the Dachstein mountains. A salt mine operating for 7000 years (the oldest in the world), the Bone House (Beinhaus) with over 1200 painted skulls, and a landscape so perfect that China built a full-size replica in Guangdong province.
The tradition of painting skulls dates back to the 17th century – when there was no more room in the cemetery, bones were exhumed after 10–20 years, and skulls were decorated and displayed. Hallstatt is popular, but the secret is in the timing: arrive before 9 AM or after 5 PM, or in October when golden autumn and silence replace the crowds. An hour's drive from Salzburg.
How Much Does It Cost? Weekend Budget Comparison
The price range is enormous. Here are approximate costs per person for a weekend (2 nights + food + attractions, excluding flights):
- Cheapest (100–200 euros): Mostar, Sibiu, Albarracín
- Moderate (200–350 euros): Kotor, Matera, Sintra, Český Krumlov, Bled, Azores, Gozo, Milos, Rovinj, Benagil
- More Expensive (300–500 euros): Ronda, Ortisei, Hallstatt, Bonifacio, Tromsø
- Luxury (400–800+ euros): Grindelwald, Faroe Islands
Remember that a low-cost flight from Poland usually adds 140–400 PLN (30–90 euros) to the overall budget.
Practical Tips for a Weekend Trip
- Only hand luggage. For 2–3 days, a small backpack is sufficient. Low-cost airlines charge 30–50 euros for checked baggage – this can double the ticket price.
- Layers instead of one jacket. European weather can change within an hour. A thin rain jacket + fleece + t-shirt works in 90% of situations.
- Comfortable walking shoes. Cobblestones, cliffs, mountain paths – this is not a place for flip-flops or high heels.
- Offline maps. Google Maps allows you to download a map of the region to your phone. In many hidden gems, cell phone coverage is weak.
- Cash just in case. Mostar, Hallstatt, smaller Greek islands – cards do not work everywhere.
The Instagram Effect – A Double-Edged Sword
Instagram has changed tourism. One viral photo can turn a forgotten village into a pilgrimage destination. Hallstatt receives millions of visitors annually – after photos circulated online. Sarakiniko on Milos, the Initiation Well in Sintra, Múlafossur waterfall in the Faroe Islands – all have become “Instagrammable” and attracted crowds.
The paradox is that promoting hidden gems destroys them. Therefore, more and more places are introducing restrictions: visitor limits, online reservations, trail fees, and even “tourist taxes.” The Faroe Islands deliberately do not build mass tourism infrastructure. The Azores limit flights. Hallstatt asks people not to visit on summer weekends.
What can you do? Travel off-season. Stay overnight instead of just a day trip. Spend money locally. And not every beautiful place needs to make it to Instagram.
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first!