Rome, Italy's main attractions like the Colosseum, Vatican and Trevi Fountain are what draws millions of tourists to the historic city every year. Tourists visiting the city can expect crowds of people just about everywhere, which can make for a very unsatisfying European vacation.
There are so many under-the-radar European destinations that are better than visiting Rome. Travelers who want to experience a true European vacation should check out places that are rarely mentioned and offer the same authentic experience, or even better than many of these cities that can sometimes feel like a tourist trap.
Whether travelers are looking for quaint historic towns with cobblestone streets, beautiful beaches without the crowds, or even medieval cities that make you feel like you've gone back in time, this list provides tourists with the ultimate list of European destinations that should be on their bucket list.
Check out these 15 under-the-radar European destinations better than Rome.
15 The Faroe Islands Are A Hiker's Paradise
The Faroe Islands are part of the nation of Denmark and comprises of stunning natural landscapes of mountains, valleys, and steep cliffs. Not only is this a paradise for hikers, but it is also one of the best places for bird-watching, where visitors will be able to spot the endangered puffin.
14 Salzburg Is A Charming Austrian Town
Travelers should make their way to this quaint Austrian town that is known for its striking fortress that sits on top of the Festungsberg Hill, its charming Old Town with medieval buildings and the beautiful Mirabell Palace and gardens. Salzburg is also famously known as the birthplace of Mozart, and travelers can even step into his former home that is now a museum.
13 Genoa, Italy Takes You Back In Time
Genoa is a port city in Italy that is known as being the birthplace of famous explorer Christopher Columbus. While it is a small city in Italy, travelers will find themselves walking among historic streets with alluring architecture, forts, decorative palaces and a harbor filled with bars and restaurants.
12 Gdansk's Long Market Is A Must See
The city of Gdansk in Poland is a port city on the Baltic Sea and is often overlooked for bigger cities like Warsaw or Krakow. Travelers should take a day trip to Dlugi Targ, known as the Long Market where tourists will find cafes and shops lining the street, colorful buildings, and the beautiful Town Hall tower.
11 Lake Bled's Small Island Surrounded By Turquoise Waters Is A Must-See
Travelers looking for a picturesque location in Europe that isn't overrun by tourists just yet should make their way to Lake Bled, Slovenia. Surrounded by the lake, tourists will find the medieval Bled Castle, the oldest castle in the country. For better views, travelers can hike to Mala Osojnica, the main viewpoint of the lake and surrounding areas.
10 Sozopol's Beautiful Beaches Aren't Overrun By Tourists
Sozopol is a terrific summer destination that features beaches, where tourists can find cafes and bistros, authentic delicious Bulgarian food, and an Old Town that features 100-year-old wooden houses that are a must-see. This isn't a party town, so if travelers are looking for a more relaxing coastal area, this is the place to be.
9 Bibury Is Known As "The Most Beautiful Village In England"
Charming and delightful are words used to describe this village in England where travelers will find Arlington Row, a group of 17th-century stone cottages that are found next to the Rack Isle water meadow. Visitors come to Bibury for the traditional rural villages, tea houses, and historic buildings.
8 The Azores Islands Are A Perfect Getaway For An Adventure Seeker
The Azores Islands are an archipelago of nine islands in Portugal that have their own unique characteristics that are a hiker's dream. Adventure lovers can find things to do on each island with Sao Miguel the biggest and most populated. On the islands, travelers can find hot springs, crater lakes, plenty of hikes with amazing views and go whale watching.
7 Tbilisi, Georgia Offers Stunning Scenic Ruins
Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia where its Old Town of cobblestone streets and ancient churches seem untouched. Some of the top points here include the ancient fortress named Narikala, which overlooks the city, and the National Botanical Garden of Georgia, with waterfalls and lush greenery.
6 Utrecht's Cathedrals Are Impressive
In Utrecht, the fourth largest city in the Netherlands, travelers will find many striking cathedrals, picturesque castles, Christian monuments and a medieval Old Town with tons of charm. Tourists will want to make their way to St. Martin's Cathedral, an awe-inspiring structure that is regarded as one of the most important churches in the country.
5 San Marino Sits Atop A Mountain
San Marino is a microstate that is surrounded by Italy, and while it can all be seen in a day, it is truly a European hidden gem. As one of the world's oldest republics, it still has many of its historic buildings and tourists can walk through a medieval old town with cobblestone streets and see fairytale castles.
4 Hallerbos, Belgium Is Home To The Enchanting Bluebell Forest
An Instagrammer's dream, the Bluebell Forest in Hallerbos, Belgium is truly a magical site to see. This public forest is open all year long, but the best time to see these spectacular flowers is the second half of April into May. Travelers will see the grounds carpeted in purple bluebells which are easily accessible by following a yellow walking path.
3 Puglia, Italy Gives Travelers A True "Italian" Experience
The city of Puglia sits in the "heel" of Italy's boot and gives travelers a true authentic "Italian" experience. Tourists will find wonderful seaside towns, beautiful beaches, historic towns, and olive groves. You'll want to make your way to the Salento Peninsula for beaches and even Greek and Roman ancient ruins.
2 Corsica, France Is Both Terrific For Beach Goers And Nature Lovers
The island of Corsica is a terrific vacation destination that caters to both travelers who want to lounge around on a stunning beach with crystal clear blue waters or hike a trail to see stunning coastlines and a mountainous interior. Travelers will also want to make their way to the town of Bonifacio Citadel to see a stunning fortress that sits above the harbor.
1 York, England's Massive Gothic-Style Medieval Cathedral Is Iconic
York is a walled city in England that is a great sightseeing destination known for its alluring riverside for perfect day strolls, historic Roman fortifications that have protected this city, winding streets with buildings dating back to the 14th century, and the jaw-dropping York Minister Cathedral. The cathedral is striking and visitors can walk up the over 200 steps in its central tower and get a better look at York.