Europe travel guide: Underrated destinations that you should add to your bucket list
Away from the crowds in Paris or Rome, Europe has many underrated gems waiting to be visited.
Travel News Blitz’s Annika Winzer shares some of Europe’s best-kept secrets.
Slovenia
Slovenia offers dramatic Alpine scenery, historic towns and an Adriatic coastline.
Its capital, Ljubljana, is a small but colourful and vibrant city, with stunning views from its hilltop castle.
The city offers many green spaces, riverside restaurants and cafes, and unique architecture.
It is also perfectly located to explore the rest of the country.
Mountains and nature in Slovenia
Slovenia’s mountains offer the scenic views and hiking opportunities of Switzerland or the Dolomites, but without the crowds.
Triglav National Park offers some of the country's most stunning mountain landscapes and is only an hour's drive from Ljubljana.
As well as mountains, Slovenia is also home to many lakes, rivers and gorges to explore.
Lake Bled is a particular highlight, boasting bright blue waters and an island visitors can row to.
Lake Bled is also only a stone's throw away from Vintgar Gorge, a striking gorge showcasing clear waters, a waterfall and quaint wooden walkways.
The Soca River valley is also worth a visit and is perfect for nature lovers or those seeking adventure, as it offers activities such as ziplining and white water rafting.
Slovenia’s coastline and Postojna Cave
While Slovenia's coastline is short, it still has plenty to offer, including the medieval town of Piran, a mix of pebble and sand beaches, and Venetian architecture.
Finally, Postojna Cave is one of Slovenia’s most popular natural attractions.
The attraction features a train ride into Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle, a castle built into the mouth of a cave.
MORE TRAVEL GUIDES: Paris travel news: Five free things to do in Paris - Famous gardens, rooftop views and more
Trieste
Speaking of caves, this Italian coastal town near the border of Slovenia is also home to an impressive cave system.
Grotto Gigante is a short drive from the city centre of Trieste and has hosted concerts as well as being open for tours.
What else is there to see in Trieste?
The city centre itself features a bustling harbour, Canal Grande, a Venetian-style canal, and Piazza dell’Unità d’Italia, a large square lined by neoclassical buildings.
Trieste is also home to ITS Arcademy, a fashion museum displaying clothes worn by Lady Gaga and Harry Styles.
Miramare Castle, which was built by Archduke Franz Ferdinand, offers sea views and gardens to stroll through alongside the castle and a museum.
READ MORE: Travel guide: 10 Things you should never do at the airport
Bratislava
While often overlooked, Bratislava is well worth a day trip from Vienna or Budapest.
Visitors can enter the Old Town through Micheal’s Gate, a medieval city gate that is one of Bratislava’s oldest buildings.
The top of the gate tower offers excellent views of the city.
The Old Town has a charming atmosphere and hosts plenty of cafes, restaurants and bars.
A little outside the Old Town, travellers can find the blue church, an iconic church that is, as the name suggests, blue.
Like most European cities, Bratislava also boasts an impressive castle, which sits atop a hill above the city, offering views of the Danube.
When to visit these hidden gems
Trieste or Bratislava are perfect destinations for a city break or a detour, and Slovenia is the perfect location for a longer trip, combining history, nature, and the sea.
No matter what you're looking for, these places offer an exciting alternative to Europe’s most popular destinations.
These places are bound to increase in popularity as more people become aware of what they have to offer, so now is the perfect time to visit before it gets too crowded.
READ NEXT: Travel news: Five cities, beyond Paris, worth visiting in France - Lyon, Nice and more
