10 underrated European destinations for 2025 ✈️🌍

Extremadura, Spain 🇪🇸

Nestled on the border with Portugal, Extremadura is a Spanish region steeped in history and boasting stunning landscapes. Here, you'll discover cities like Mérida, home to a Roman theatre still in use, and Cáceres, whose historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region is characterised by rolling hills, lakes, national parks, and castles. At over 1,500 kilometres, Extremadura boasts the longest freshwater coastline of any Spanish region.

Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal 🇵🇹

Portugal's only national park, located in the northwest on the border with Spain, is a haven for nature enthusiasts. With its granite mountains, glacial valleys, and charming traditional villages, it offers trails like the Trilho da Águia do Sarilhão, perfect for spotting golden eagles! Be sure to visit the Arado waterfalls and the natural pools at Ponte da Misarela.

Ulcinj, Montenegro 🇲🇪

This coastal town, near the Albanian border, is home to an old town perched on a hill and sandy beaches, such as the 12km-long Velika Plaža. Perfect for water sports like kitesurfing, it also offers the peaceful Valdanos Beach, surrounded by centuries-old olive groves. Don’t miss the chance to embark on a safari at Lake Šas or hike in Rumija National Park.

Aarhus, Denmark 🇩🇰

Denmark's second-largest city is a vibrant university town with cobbled streets and cosy cafés. Explore Den Gamle By, an open-air museum that recreates a Danish town from the 16th to the 20th century, and the ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum, known for its "Your Rainbow Panorama" offering a 360-degree view of the city. A youthful yet compact city, everything here is easily reachable on foot (or by bike) in just a few minutes.

Levi, Finland 🇫🇮

In the heart of Lapland, Levi is a popular ski resort boasting 26 ski lifts and 28.5 km of slopes. In the summer, the midnight sun allows for outdoor activities at any hour. From September to April, it’s one of the best spots in Lapland to witness the incredible Northern Lights!

Cluj-Napoca, Romania 🇷🇴

The capital of Transylvania, this city seamlessly blends history with modernity. The Piața Unirii is the vibrant heart of the city, surrounded by historical buildings and the Cathedral of St. Michael. Don’t miss the Botanical Garden and Central Park. Just a short distance away, you can explore the history of salt extraction at the Salina Turda salt mine and visit its underground chambers.

Imotski Lakes, Croatia 🇭🇷

Located near the town of Imotski in southern Croatia, the Blue Lake and the Red Lake are both stunning natural wonders. The Blue Lake, situated beneath the Topana Castle, gets its name from the deep blue of its waters. The Red Lake, with its striking reddish-hued rocky walls, is one of the deepest lakes in Europe, reaching depths of over 300 metres in some areas.

Vilnius, Lithuania 🇱🇹

The Lithuanian capital boasts a charming old town, with landmarks such as Gediminas Hill and the Gate of Dawn. The Užupis district is a bohemian area brimming with art galleries and cafés. Vilnius is home to numerous museums and cultural events, making it a hub for artists and visitors from all over the world.

Plovdiv, Bulgaria 🇧🇬

Situated in the south of the country, Plovdiv is one of Europe's oldest cities, featuring a well-preserved old town and an ancient Roman theatre still in use. The city is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from the Thracian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras.

Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina 🇧🇦

As the second-largest city in the country, Banja Luka is traversed by the Vrbas River, making it perfect for activities such as rafting. With a history dating back to the medieval era, Banja Luka combines the charm of its past with a burgeoning modern vibrancy.