For those looking to avoid the tourist traps of Europe, there are still undiscovered destinations to explore.
A recent thread on
Quora discussed some of the best destinations in Europe that still remain unknown.
The answers hit on a number of hidden gems, which we included in this list, along with some others that came from our own research.
From Denmark’s Faroe Islands to one of Armenia’s oldest monasteries, here are the places you can enjoy without hordes of other travellers.
Sarajevo -- the capital of both Bosnia and Herzegovina -- is a city rich in history (Franz Ferdinand was shot here, which started WWI) surrounded by the Olympic mountains. A blend of east and west and heavily influenced by the Ottoman Empire, the city offers museums, mosques, and cathedrals.
Kungsleden in northern Sweden is a must for hikers. The 450-kilometer-long hiking trail runs between Abisko and Hemavan and passes through one of Europe's largest remaining wilderness areas.
Nestled in Germany's Rhine River Valley, the small town of Bacharch in Germany is picture-perfect with stone streets, colourful homes, and beautiful castles and churches.
Located in the Arctic Ocean between Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard is an archipelago you won't want to miss. It's a vast undisturbed expanse of arctic nature, so bring your winter gear and don't be surprised if you run into some polar bears. Visitors can also see the Northern Lights from here.
Once at the frontier of the Byzantine Empire, the town of Berat in Albania has a citadel and a Byzantine church that dates back to the 13th century. Berat's old town (the Mangalem District) is also a part of the UNESCO World Heritage list.
The Russian island of Kizhi, located in the Onega River, boasts the magnificent Church of the Transfiguration, an impressive wooden structure with 30 miniature domes. There are many other log buildings on the island, along with a historic Yamka village.
La Roque-Gageac is a village built right into the cliffs that line the Dordogne River in southern France. Billed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, La Roque Gageac has its own natural solarium (formed by rocks) which houses a number of exotic plants.
Located in the Czech Republic on the banks of the Vltava River, Český Krumlov dates back to the 13th century, and its architecture has remained intact since then. The town's castle offers spectacular views of the town.
The largest island of the Pelagie Islands located in the Mediterranean sea off the coast of Italy, Lampedusa presents an interesting mix between Northern Africa and traditional Italy. It has a dry hot climate, but still offers the charm that you'll find in Rome.
Near Armenia's Tatev Village is the Tatev Monastery, a ninth century monastery sitting on a basalt plateau. It's incredibly well-maintained and provides breathtaking views.