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Europe: off the beaten track

 

When you’ve ticked off the popular spots and visited the top-rated beaches in Europe, turn to this list for some seriously under-the-radar holiday havens.

Looking for a holiday that’s going to cause a serious amount of ‘Where’s that again?’ questions from your friends and family? Your wish is our command. We’ve been busy adding new, under-the-radar destinations to our map, so here are some places you might not know about… 

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Pula, Croatia 

In Pula, history isn’t kept behind the glass – you’ll spot it all around you, just walking from your hotel to the beach or a restaurant. The well-preserved Roman amphitheatre could go head-to-head with the Colosseum and the cobbled streets of Rovinj are compared to Montmartre for a reason. And if all of that wasn’t enough, the lengthy 500km coastline will do the trick. Blue Flag beaches, water sports or just a quiet cove with a spot of shade? You’ll have it all here. 

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Formentera, Balearic Islands 

Forget Ibiza’s never-ending parties — Formentera is its lowkey, little sister that we’re obsessed with. Picture Caribbean-blue waters, white sand beaches, and… no airport. Yep, you have to boat in from Ibiza, which keeps the crowds small. It’s all about barefoot bike rides, beach bars with hammocks and a slow pace of living. Just a warning, you are going to leave this place wanting to gatekeep it.  

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Kalymnos, Greece 

Kalymnos isn’t for the hurried traveller, it’s for those looking for natural beauty and local vibes. Known to climbers for its dramatic cliffs and to locals for its sponge-diving legacy, this island is where nature and tradition hold hands. But even if you’ve never touched a harness or diving gear, there’s something for every peace-seeker here. Villages perched between mountains and the sea, evenings spent with simple food and kind smiles, and a sense of community that’s hard to come by elsewhere.  

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Leros, Greece 

Imagine all the traditional Greek charm with none of the hustle and bustle – that’s Leros summed up. Italian-style architecture nods to its complex past, while the sky-blue domes Greece is known for bring some Mediterranean vibesto the island. Get lost in the charming villages, explore the extensive (and surprising!) WW2 history in the Leros War Museum, but not before exploring at least a couple of the island’s hidden, footprint-free beaches.  

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Tivat, Montenegro 

Bit of a luxury lover, but done the South of France already? We’ve got just the spot. Nestled in the heart of the Bay of Kotor, Tivat is a perfect blend of modern sophistication and natural beauty. Yachts drift into Porto Montenegro’s marina and spritzes cover the tables of the harbour cafés , while mountains peak in the background – it’s a combination you won’t want to miss.  

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Costa de la Luz, Spain 

Fancy a Spain holiday but not rubbing shoulders with other Brits? Say hola to Spain’s Costa de la Luz, one of the more under-the-radar Costas that ticks all the holiday boxes and then some. Golden beaches? You’ll have a hard time choosing which one to visit first. The food? Extensive doesn’t even begin to cover it. And the sherry on top? Jerez, Sanlúcar de Barrameda and El Puerto de Santa Maria make up the ‘Sherry Triangle’ – an area where sherry wine is on every menu. Convinced yet? 

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City breaks 

Fancy a city break instead? Forget the biggies and hit a winter wonderland in Estonia’s capital, Tallinn. Dotted throughout the city’s medieval Old Town are Christmas markets brimming with handcrafted gifts, festive decorations and delicious local treats, like zingy gingerbread and mulled wine, AKA glogi. The enchanting atmosphere is made even more special thanks to a giant Christmas tree in the middle of the square, adorned with thousands of twinkling lights. Visited Estonia already? Our winter breaks’ map includes hidden gems like Bratislava, Malmo and Gdansk too! 

Posted: 2nd May 2025.

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