1. Lake Bohinj, Slovenia
Tucked inside Triglav National Park, Lake Bohinj is where crystal-clear waters, dramatic Alpine peaks and slower-paced adventures come together. It’s an ideal base for families, couples and anyone who prefers scenic hikes and authentic local culture over crowded tourist hotspots.
How to get there
Lake Bohinj is just 1 hour from Ljubljana and a 30-minute drive from Bled. Fly into Ljubljana Airport, hire a car if you want to explore at your own pace, or take a regular bus from Ljubljana or Bled.
Things to do
• Swim in the lake’s refreshingly clear waters.
• Hike to the 78-metre Savica Waterfall – go early to enjoy it before the day-trippers arrive.
• Take the Vogel Cable Car for panoramic views across the Julian Alps.
• Paddleboard, kayak or cycle through the Bohinj Valley.
• Feast on freshly caught Bohinj trout, Mohant cheese, homemade štruklji dumplings and a well-earned slice of Slovenian cream cake.
Best time to visit
May to September: Ideal for hiking, swimming and long lakeside lunches.
October: Golden forests and peaceful walking trails.
December to March: Snow-covered landscapes, nearby skiing and cosy mountain restaurants.
📝Tip: Pack water shoes, as the lake is incredibly clear but surprisingly pebbly. Don’t miss the sunset from the western shore either – the mountains reflect so beautifully across the water.
2. Gjirokastër, Albania
Perched on a hillside in southern Albania, Gjirokastër is a UNESCO-listed town where centuries-old stone houses, winding cobblestone lanes and one of the Balkans' largest castles transport you back in time. It's a must-visit for anyone seeking history, culture and delicious local cuisine.
How to get there
Fly into Tirana International Airport and drive for around 3 hours through southern Albania, or fly to Corfu, take the 30-minute ferry to Sarandë, then drive for around 1 hour to Gjirokastër.
Things to do
• Explore Gjirokastër Castle and enjoy incredible views across the Drino Valley.
• Wander through the Old Bazaar for handmade crafts and local souvenirs.
• Visit traditional Ottoman houses, including the beautifully preserved Zekate House.
• Enjoy family-friendly walks through the winding stone streets.
• Try Albanian favourites such as slow-cooked lamb, qifqi (crispy rice balls unique to Gjirokastër), or freshly baked byrek (a flaky, savoury pastry filled with cheese, minced meat or vegetables).
Best time to visit
April to June: Warm, sunny days and blooming hillsides make it ideal for exploring.
July to August: The liveliest months, with festivals and long evenings. Expect hotter weather and more visitors.
September to November: Arguably the best time to visit, with pleasant weather, quieter streets and beautiful autumn colours.
December to March: A peaceful escape with fewer tourists and the chance to experience everyday life in one of Albania's most historic towns.
3. Asturias, Spain
Stretching along Spain's dramatic northern coast, where the Cantabrian Sea meets the Picos de Europa, Asturias puts a fresh spin on classic Spain holidays. With rugged mountains, wild beaches, colourful fishing villages and outstanding food, it's a region that rewards those who look beyond the obvious.
How to get there
Fly into Santander Airport (SDR) and enjoy a scenic drive around 2.5 hours along Spain’s spectacular coastline.
Things to do
• Explore Picos de Europa National Park and hike to the breathtaking Lakes of Covadonga, one of northern Spain's most iconic landscapes.
• Wander through the colourful fishing villages of Cudillero and Lastres.
• Visit the Jurassic Museum of Asturias (MUJA), where life-sized dinosaur exhibits and interactive displays are a hit with children.
• Surf, paddle and unwind on Asturias' unspoilt beaches.
• Try fresh seafood, creamy Cabrales cheese, traditional fabada Asturiana (a slow-cooked bean stew) and locally produced cider.
Best time to visit
May to June: Warm, sunny days and lush green landscapes – perfect for hiking and sightseeing.
July to August: Pleasant summer temperatures without the intense heat of southern Spain.
September to November: Mild temperatures, fewer crowds and stunning autumn scenery.
December to March: Cooler and peaceful, perfect for cosy cider houses, scenic walks and dramatic coastal views.
📝Tip: Don't miss a visit to a traditional sidrería to experience Asturias' famous cider-pouring ritual. It's part theatre, part tradition – and many are family-friendly.
4. Graz, Austria
As the capital of Styria in southeastern Austria, Graz boasts grand old squares, red rooftops, bold modern architecture and a food scene that quietly steals the show. Perfect for families, couples and culture lovers, it's compact, elegant and full of surprises.
How to get there
Graz Airport is the nearest airport but there's a much bigger choice of flights to and from Vienna, which is just 2.5 hours away by train. Graz is compact and easy to explore on foot.
Things to do
• Head up Schlossberg for sweeping views and the famous Clock Tower.
• Take in the UNESCO-listed Old Town, full of courtyards, cafés and hidden lanes.
• Visit Kunsthaus Graz, the futuristic "Friendly Alien" museum.
• Explore Eggenberg Palace, with its beautiful gardens, roaming peacocks and family-friendly grounds.
• Sample Styrian specialities, including crispy Wiener schnitzel, pumpkin seed oil (often called "green gold"), pastries and locally produced white wines.
Best time to visit
April to June: Warm spring days, colourful gardens and the perfect weather for exploring on foot.
July to August: Sunny weather (25 – 30°C) brings outdoor festivals, bustling squares and al fresco dining.
September to November: Cooler temperatures, autumn colours and harvest season make this one of the best times to enjoy the region's renowned food, wine and farmers' markets.
December to March: Christmas markets, cosy cafés and a magical winter atmosphere, with temperatures often below 5°C.
5. Sintra, Portugal
Just 40 minutes from Lisbon, Sintra feels almost too magical to be real. Colourful palaces crown the hilltops, hidden tunnels wind beneath enchanted gardens, and misty forests make every corner feel like the start of a fairytale.
How to get there
Fly into Lisbon, then take the train to Sintra, which takes around 40 minutes, or hire a car if you want to explore the surrounding coastline too.
Things to do
• Explore the colourful Pena Palace, Sintra's hilltop showstopper.
• Wander through the mysterious gardens and underground tunnels of Quinta da Regaleira.
• Hike through Sintra-Cascais Natural Park for forest trails and spectacular coastal views.
• Visit the Moorish Castle for breathtaking views across the surrounding hills.
• Sample local favourites, including travesseiros – delicious almond-filled pastries.
Best time to visit
March to May: Mild temperatures, gardens in full bloom and peaceful palace grounds make spring one of the most beautiful times to visit.
June to August: Long, sunny days are perfect for sightseeing and nearby beaches, but expect queues at the main attractions.
September to November: Warm days, quieter streets and ideal hiking weather make autumn a favourite among seasoned travellers.
December to February: Crisp, misty mornings give Sintra an almost mythical feel. Fewer crowds and quieter streets allow you to experience the sights at a more relaxed pace.
📝Tip: Don’t always rely on Google maps’ walking times - Sintra’s hills have a habit of adding “just five more minutes" to every journey!
If this list proves anything, it's that some of Europe's finest destinations are the ones holidaymakers tend to overlook. So, next time you're planning a European holiday, why not switch things up? Take the road less travelled – you might just discover your new favourite place.
Happy exploring!
About the author
Jeslin is happiest when exploring new places and immersing herself in different cultures. When she’s not travelling, she’s often getting lost in a good book (sometimes literally), enjoying wild adventures from the comfort of her sofa.