As a travel company, we at Benchmark Holidays understand the desire of every traveler to explore unique destinations that are off the beaten path. Europe, being a continent full of diverse cultures, historical sites, and natural wonders, offers a plethora of hidden gems that are waiting to be explored. In this blog post, we have compiled a list of 15 hidden gems in Europe that you must visit in 2023. Whether you are planning to book Europe tour packages, these destinations are sure to make your trip an unforgettable one.
Matera, Italy
Located in the Basilicata region of Italy, Matera is a city famous for its ancient cave dwellings, known as Sassi. These Sassi are carved out of limestone cliffs and have been inhabited since the Paleolithic era. In 1993, Matera was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and since then, it has been attracting tourists from all over the world.
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Ljubljana, Slovenia
The capital city of Slovenia, Ljubljana, is a hidden gem that often gets overlooked by travelers. The city is known for its charming architecture, green spaces, and a vibrant nightlife. Some of the top attractions in Ljubljana include the Ljubljana Castle, Triple Bridge, and Tivoli Park.
Kotor, Montenegro
Nestled between towering mountains and the Adriatic Sea, Kotor is a picturesque town that should be on every traveler's bucket list. The town is known for its medieval architecture, narrow streets, and stunning views of the Bay of Kotor. The town's old city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is home to numerous churches, museums, and historical sites.
Sintra, Portugal
Located just a short distance from Lisbon, Sintra is a magical town that looks like it came straight out of a fairytale. The town is known for its stunning palaces, castles, and gardens, including the famous Pena Palace. Sintra's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is home to numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Plitvice Lakes National Park is a stunning natural wonder that is located in the heart of Croatia. The park is known for its cascading waterfalls, turquoise lakes, and lush forests. Visitors can explore the park by foot or by boat, and there are numerous hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the park's natural beauty.
Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt is a charming town that is situated on the shores of Lake Hallstatt in the Austrian Alps. The town is known for its quaint houses, picturesque streets, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake, explore the town's salt mines, or simply relax and soak in the town's natural beauty.
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Rila Monastery, Bulgaria
Located in the Rila Mountains of Bulgaria, the Rila Monastery is one of the country's most important cultural and historical sites. The monastery is known for its stunning frescoes, intricate wood carvings, and beautiful gardens. Visitors can take a guided tour of the monastery and learn about its history and significance.
Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is a charming medieval town that is often referred to as the "Venice of the North." The town is known for its picturesque canals, cobbled streets, and stunning architecture. Visitors can take a boat ride on the canals, explore the town's numerous museums and galleries, or simply stroll through the town and admire its beauty.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Lake Bled is a stunning glacial lake that is located in the Julian Alps of Slovenia. The lake is famous for its emerald-green waters, picturesque island, and a medieval castle perched on a rocky hilltop. Visitors can take a boat ride to the island, hike to the castle, or simply enjoy the stunning views from the lakeshore.
Meteora, Greece
Meteora is a group of monasteries perched atop towering rock formations in central Greece. The monasteries were built by monks seeking isolation and spiritual renewal, and today they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can climb the steep steps to reach the monasteries, explore the stunning frescoes and artifacts inside, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
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Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
Cesky Krumlov is a charming town located in the southern part of the Czech Republic. The town is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, narrow streets, and stunning castle overlooking the Vltava River. Visitors can explore the castle, stroll through the town's charming streets, or take a rafting trip down the river.
Girona, Spain
Girona is a hidden gem located in the northeast of Spain. The town is known for its picturesque Old Town, medieval walls, and stunning cathedral. Visitors can explore the town's Jewish Quarter, walk along the ancient walls, or visit the numerous museums and galleries.
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Valletta, Malta
Valletta is the capital city of Malta and a hidden gem that is often overlooked by travelers. The city is known for its well-preserved Baroque architecture, stunning churches, and impressive fortifications. Visitors can explore the city's numerous museums, stroll through its charming streets, or enjoy the stunning views from the city's fortifications.
Sarek National Park, Sweden
Sarek National Park is a stunning natural wonder located in the northern part of Sweden. The park is known for its rugged mountain peaks, glaciers, and pristine wilderness. Visitors can hike through the park, go fishing in its crystal-clear rivers and lakes, or simply enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Cinque Terre, Italy
Cinque Terre is a series of five picturesque fishing villages located on the Italian Riviera. The villages are known for their colorful houses, narrow streets, and stunning views of the Ligurian Sea. Visitors can hike along the rugged coastline, explore the charming villages, or simply relax on the beach and soak in the stunning scenery.
Conclusion
Europe is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered, and these 15 destinations are just a few of them. Whether you are booking Europe trip packages from Bangalore, make sure to include these destinations in your itinerary for a truly unforgettable experience. From stunning natural wonders to well-preserved medieval towns, these hidden gems are sure to leave a lasting impression on every traveler.
