Monday, July 14, 2025
If you want to avoid a Spain trip this summer, then Germany, Portugal, Croatia, Italy, Czech Republic, Greece, and France might just be your ticket to something extraordinary. Imagine stepping away from the familiar beaches and plazas of Spain, only to find yourself swept into an entirely new world—one that hums with hidden cities, ancient secrets, and landscapes that feel plucked from a dream.
This could be a completely new experience. Picture Germany’s vine-covered valleys whispering stories of resilience. Envision Portugal’s cobblestone streets echoing with the footsteps of knights and poets. Croatia dazzles with sapphire waters and medieval walls that guard centuries of tales. Meanwhile, Italy calls you into the Dolomites, where peaks slice the sky and silence speaks volumes.
And that’s not all. The Czech Republic, with Prague at its heart, weaves magic through Gothic spires and alleys where history lingers. Greece glows under a volcanic sun, offering whitewashed villages and sunsets that paint the horizon in wild colours. Even France reveals new secrets, from walled cities to islands rising like visions from the sea.
So, why stick to a Spain trip this summer when Germany, Portugal, Croatia, Italy, Czech Republic, Greece, and France wait with open arms? Each promises to be a completely new experience. Yet, what exactly makes these countries so tempting right now? What hidden gems, flavours, and moments lie waiting just beyond Spain’s borders? Stay with us—and discover the Europe you never knew you were missing.
As Spain basks in its perennial popularity with sunseekers and culture-lovers alike, many travellers are beginning to look further afield for fresh European adventures. From the icy peaks of the Dolomites to the sun-bleached streets of Tomar in Portugal, Europe offers a tapestry of destinations equally rich in beauty, heritage, and authentic local experiences. A closer look reveals why some places are fast emerging as the new “must-visits”—and why they might deserve a spot on your next itinerary.
The Adriatic Jewel: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Long before Game of Thrones fans began flocking to Dubrovnik’s medieval walls, this Adriatic city was famed for its opulent architecture and strategic maritime history. Its Old Town, encircled by formidable stone ramparts, appears almost too pristine to be real. Yet step inside the gates, and the city pulses with life: artisans selling local crafts, restaurants serving black risotto and grilled octopus, and alleyways echoing with street musicians.
Beyond the city, the turquoise Adriatic beckons. Day cruises whisk visitors to the Elaphiti Islands, where pine forests shade hidden coves. Despite rising tourist numbers, Dubrovnik retains a sense of dignity—a blend of history and hospitality that continues to seduce even seasoned travellers.
The Dolomites, Italy: Where Nature Meets Grandeur
Italy has no shortage of breathtaking landscapes, but the Dolomites stand apart. These jagged limestone peaks, part of the Southern Alps, slice dramatically into the sky, creating an almost otherworldly spectacle. In summer, wildflowers flood alpine meadows with vibrant colour. Come winter, snow transforms the region into a wonderland for skiers and snowboarders.
But the Dolomites aren’t merely beautiful; they’re also culturally rich. Germanic and Italian influences intertwine here, evident in the multilingual signage and culinary mashups like speck-studded pasta. For many, the true reward lies in hiking trails such as the famed Tre Cime di Lavaredo circuit, offering vistas that humble even the most experienced mountaineer.
Prague, Czech Republic: City of a Hundred Spires
Prague has often been overshadowed by its flashier European counterparts, yet those who linger find a city layered with complexity. Its skyline is a tapestry of Gothic spires, Baroque domes, and Art Nouveau façades. Walking through Old Town Square is akin to stepping back centuries, where the astronomical clock still performs its mechanical show every hour.
Beyond the tourist routes, Prague’s modern cultural pulse beats strong. Indie art galleries sprout in former factories, microbreweries experiment with age-old recipes, and a thriving music scene embraces everything from jazz to electronica. Despite its popularity, Prague retains an authenticity that rewards deeper exploration.
Santorini, Greece: A Volcano’s Stunning Legacy
Few places conjure up images of Europe quite like Santorini, with its whitewashed cliffside villages perched above a caldera filled with azure water. Born of volcanic fury millennia ago, the island’s dramatic geology gives it a unique allure. Every sunset transforms the island into a canvas of reds, oranges, and purples—an experience that feels almost theatrical.
Yet Santorini is more than just a photogenic backdrop. Ancient ruins like Akrotiri whisper stories of the Minoan civilisation, while vineyards thrive in the volcanic soil, producing crisp Assyrtiko wines. Though crowded during peak summer, the island’s timeless beauty keeps it firmly on any list of Europe’s finest.
Germany’s Ahr Valley: A Rising Star
While Germany is better known for the Rhine and Bavarian Alps, the Ahr Valley is quietly making waves. This region, nestled between forested hills, is Germany’s premier red-wine destination, particularly famed for its Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir). Hiking paths crisscross vineyards, offering views that rival those of more famous wine regions.
Severely impacted by catastrophic flooding in 2021, the valley’s recovery has been nothing short of remarkable. New infrastructure, renovated wineries, and a revived tourism spirit make it a compelling alternative for travellers seeking both natural beauty and resilience. It’s a place where every glass of wine tells a story of survival and renewal.
Tomar, Portugal: Portugal’s Best-Kept Secret
Portugal’s Tomar, crowned Europe’s top hidden gem by several recent travel lists, offers a journey into the realm of the Knights Templar. Its Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, blends Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles, echoing centuries of intrigue and devotion.
But Tomar is more than its historic monuments. Cobbled lanes lead to quiet squares where locals sip coffee under orange trees. Vibrant festivals like Festa dos Tabuleiros transform the town into a riot of colour and music. Compared to Lisbon’s crowds, Tomar’s appeal lies in its slower, more intimate pace—a place where the past and present coexist gracefully.
St. Malo & Mont-Saint-Michel: France’s Coastal Icons
France’s Brittany coast conceals two remarkable treasures: St. Malo and Mont-Saint-Michel. St. Malo, once a corsair stronghold, stands encircled by thick granite walls, offering views over tidal flats and glittering beaches. Inside, narrow streets are filled with creperies and seafood bistros, each tempting visitors with Breton specialities.
Nearby, Mont-Saint-Michel rises from the bay like a vision. Its abbey soars above spiralling streets, and the tides transform the surrounding landscape from seabed to shimmering water in mere hours. Despite its popularity, it remains one of Europe’s most spellbinding sights—a marvel of architecture and human persistence against the elements.
Hallstatt, Austria: Picture-Perfect Serenity
Few places look as though they’ve stepped straight out of a fairy tale quite like Hallstatt. Nestled between mountains and a glacial lake, this Austrian village charms with pastel-coloured houses, wooden balconies brimming with flowers, and serene waters reflecting the surrounding peaks.
Despite an influx of visitors inspired by viral photos, Hallstatt retains an old-world calm. Early mornings or off-season visits reward those seeking silence broken only by church bells and the gentle lap of lake water. Hallstatt’s beauty serves as a reminder that even the smallest villages can leave a lasting impression.
The Faroe Islands, Denmark: Europe’s Untamed Edge
For those yearning for the road—or rather, the cliff—less travelled, the Faroe Islands promise rugged solitude. Between Norway and Iceland, these islands emerge from the North Atlantic like emerald fortresses. Waterfalls plunge from sheer cliffs, seabird colonies thrive, and low-lying clouds give the landscape an ethereal feel.
The Faroes are for adventurers willing to trade urban amenities for windswept beauty. Village turf-roofed houses huddle against the cold, and winding roads lead to viewpoints where the ocean seems endless. This is Europe at its most raw and untouched.
Porto, Portugal: A City of Wine and Wonder
While Lisbon often grabs headlines, Porto has quietly become a favourite for those craving authentic Portuguese life. Its Ribeira district unfurls along the Douro River, revealing pastel facades, bustling cafes, and the scent of grilling sardines. Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge, and you’re in Vila Nova de Gaia, home to famed port wine cellars.
Porto feels intimate yet vibrant—a city where tradition and innovation dance together. Whether wandering its tiled churches or sampling modern gastronomy, travellers find themselves seduced by Porto’s understated elegance and warmth.
Why Europe Beyond Spain Deserves Your Attention
Spain will always hold a special place in the European travel tapestry, but the continent’s diversity is far broader than sunlit plazas and paella. These destinations, each with their own stories, landscapes, and identities, offer something equally compelling: the chance to discover Europe anew.
From wine valleys rebuilt with hope to ancient fortresses perched over crashing seas, the true magic of travel lies in finding places that surprise us. For those willing to look beyond familiar borders, Europe remains an endless source of wonder, waiting to be explored—one breathtaking destination at a time.
