There are so many famous European travel destinations. In this post, we will not write about Prague or Paris. We will not cherish Rome or London. Berlin is not on our list either. No, here we have listed 10 European destinations off the beaten path. It is 10 places that we have tried and tested – and we enjoyed them all very much.

10 European Destinations Off The Beaten Path

10. Brescia, Italy

Thinking of a trip to Italy? Forget Milan and Rome, go to Brescia! This is the industrial capital of Italy and it is an exciting mix of history and the contemporary. You can easily spend a day here after or before visiting other great places in the area, such as Verona, Lake Como, or Valpolicella.

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9. Vilnius, Lithuania

The capital of Lithuania is an artsy gem. It’s a medieval town with a cosmopolitan touch – and with a lot of history. It has one of the largest Old Towns in Europe, an impressive castle, as well as a lot of cultural events all year around.

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8. Sigulda, Latvia

The capitals of the Baltic countries are all fantastic cities. But, if you have the chance, go off the beaten path and visit some of the other towns and villages as well. Sigulda is the perfect destination if you find yourself with some spare time in Riga. Why? Think old castles, picturesque nature, steep rocks and deep caves. It’s only one hour on the train from Riga as well.

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7. Mariefred, Sweden

The best place to enjoy the Swedish summer is one with old wooden houses, a lot of nature, water nearby, and ice-cream kiosks. This description fits a lot of places, with Mariefred being one of them. You can go there by boat (or train) from Stockholm. During the same visit, you can visit some interesting art galleries and according to us one of Sweden’s most beautiful castles.

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6. Olomouc, Czech Republic

OK, so you decided to visit the Czech Republic anyway. At least go to Olomouc! This is the historical capital of Moravia and it offers visitors all the good things that the Czech Republic is famous for. Good beer (and wine!), history, tasty food, and the list goes on.

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5. Bratislava, Slovakia

We may be partial but we think that Bratislava should be on the list of the top 10 European destinations off the beaten path. Firstly, few people seem to know Slovakia at all – which is a great pity. In Bratislava, you can expect good food, delicious wines, very reasonable prices, a cozy old town, and fabulous museums and cafés.

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4. Zaragoza, Spain

Folklore, local gastronomy, and world-famous landmarks – that is Zaragoza for you. You might miss out on the beach, but Zaragoza is definitely one of the more interesting destinations in Spain. It is also the home of one of the most celebrated festivals in Spain – las fiestas del Pilar.

3. Piran, Slovenia

Slovenia actually has a coastline. It’s approximately 20 kilometers long and Piran is one of the towns on the Slovenian Istria. It is a quaint town: with medieval architecture, narrow streets and compact houses. To that, you can add charming lighthouses, delicious food, and the sea. If you want to go to a place more off the beaten path than Croatia, choose Piran!

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2. The Åland Islands, Finland

The sea might be cold and the streets empty after 5 pm. However, if you are looking for peace and quiet, an active holiday, or sunbathing on red rocks – then the Åland Islands might be for you. Fishing, cycling, kayaking, or golf – these are some of the things you can do on this autonomous group of islands that actually has an interesting history as well.

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1. Skopje, Macedonia

Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, is small but spectacular. Golden statues and ancient sites remind of the city’s past – a past that is fascinating, problematic and complex. Breathtaking nature is only a stone’s throw away and the food (and wine!) is delicious.

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Which are the places on your list of the top European destinations off the beaten path?