Summer is the best time to visit hidden gems that your friends and family have never heard of.
Traditional tourist hotspots like London, Rome, or Barcelona attract millions of travelers each year, sometimes making it impossible for true thrill seekers to enjoy the destinations.
Fortunately, Europe is packed with astonishing historical villages, secluded beaches and natural parks that are not overrun by tourists yet.
We have gathered a list of 8 spectacular places filled with histories waiting to be discovered. Let’s see.
Saturnia Hot Springs, Italy
Simply put, Saturnia hot springs in Italy are out of this world.
Terme di Saturnia is a collection of natural baths surrounded by cypresses, with a waterfall spouting out hot geothermal water infused with powerful healing properties. And you won’t believe this, but the access is free!
These Tuscan hot springs are incredibly photogenic and Instagram-worthy but try to visit them in the morning to avoid crowds in June.
If visiting early, you’ll get to see them covered by steam, which creates a majestic view.
We recommend staying in for about two hours to fully relax your muscles. If you’re sensitive to hot water, shorter dips would be a good idea.
Also, the town of Saturnia offers delightful Italian food restaurants.
Bonifacio, France
No doubt, Bonifacio is one of the most spectacular places you can visit in Corsica, France.
Located on the southern side of the island, Bonifacio is an ancient walled town built on an impressive white cliff. Its privileged geographical position allows you to take in breathtaking views of the ocean and the red sunsets.
The city center can be described as a cozy maze of narrow streets and hundreds of stairs. At the base of the cliffs, you will find three ports, each with its own allure.
These are locally known as the pleasure, fishing and commercial port. The pleasure port has a marina filled with restaurants serving Mediterranean delicatessens, bars and traditional French cafes.
To visit it, international travelers can fly into Figari-Sud Corse Airport using Air Corsica, British Airways, Swiss Air and Air France, among other EU carriers. Taxis from the airport cost €50.
Sistelo, Portugal
Named a National Monument, the peculiar landscapes of “Little Portuguese Tibet” will remind you of those in Tibet, Bali and even Machu Picchu.
Sistelo is a medieval village whose hiking trails are becoming increasingly popular among adventure seekers. We recommend taking the Sistelo Walkway trail to visit its magnificent viewpoints.
The main tourist landmarks include the parish church, the granaries, the castle house and the Sistelo River, which is perfect for battling the hot weather in June!
Most points of interest can be visited in a couple of hours. So, extend your stay by packing some hiking boots to hit the pretty trails.
It’s a good idea to bring your own food and water because villagers mostly dedicate themselves to agriculture and livestock. Tourism is still developing.
Cala Goloritze, Sardinia, Italy
Situated on the Gulf of Orosei, this remote white-sand-and-pebble beach offers some of the most transparent waters you can find in the entire Mediterranean Sea.
It’s also famous for a 143-metre-tall pinnacle that rises above the cove, making the place even prettier.
This cala is accessible by foot or boat. If you choose the second option, you are embarking on an exciting adventure since you’ll need to swim to reach the coast. This is because this piece of heaven is protected and boats must stay 200 mts away from the beach.
Once on the Gulf, you can also visit other spectacular nearby calas and beaches, such as Cala Luna, Grotta del Bue Marino and Cala Mariolu.
June through October are the best months to visit because the Mediterranean Sea tends to be much calmer.
Elafonissi Beach, Greece
Elafonissi Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island of Crete. Although it may become quite crowded during June, it’s definitely worth visiting due to its amazing backdrop of juniper-dotted mountains, crystal clear waters and strange pink sand!
But no worries. Elafonissi Beach is large enough for you to find the perfect place to get tan and relax without too much noise.
We recommend you pay a visit around 9 a.m. to get to spot its exotic pink sand without too many people. You can also take the opportunity to visit a beautiful small lagoon located at the start of the beach.
This beach is easily accessible by private car or bus. Tours are also an option. They include some hours at the beach, coffee and lunch.
Ronda, Andalusia, Spain
Ronda is a beautiful mountaintop city located in the world-renowned art hub of Malaga.
Dating back to the Celts, Ronda is one of Spain’s oldest towns. It was conquered around 712 AD and named Izna-Rand-Onda.
Head to this spectacular Spanish city to immerse yourself in history and art. Visit its ancient bridges and Roman baths, and enjoy the famous charm of the Andalusian people.
Find your inspiration here, as important “Romantic Travelers” like Alexander Dumas, Orson Welles, and Ernest Hemingway once did in this European hidden gem.
Freudenberg, Germany
Situated in North Rhine-Westphalia, Freudenberg is a small town where you can both relax and immerse yourself in authentic German culture.
Surrounded by mountains, this charming place boasts 160 km of hiking trails. Freudenberg also offers opportunities for swimming, horseback riding, swimming, fishing or sports like badminton or tennis.
June through August are the best months to visit because days are sunnier and forests greener.
If you have some spare time, visit the Museum of Technology to learn about the town’s industrial contributions.
Pro-tip – Bring comfortable shoes because most of the old town streets are made of cobblestone and have uneven sidewalks that can make it difficult to handle if using inappropriate footwear.
Telascica Nature Park, Croatia
You’ll be amazed by Telascica’s dramatic vertical cliffs, turquoise waters and unspoiled islets. This is a list of the best activities you can do here.
Visiting the lighthouse on Sestrica Vela island – To make it here, you’ll need to hike through an old charming forest. Booking your trip in advance is mandatory.
Spotting monkeys – The population of these lovely creatures has been decreasing year after year but it’s still possible to spot them in the forest.
Educational trails – These trails are a fantastic way to spend a couple of hours learning the park’s secrets while surrounded by incredible natural landscapes.
Underwater educational trail – If you loved the regular educational trails, you can’t miss this one. Dip down in Tripuljak Bay to see all its underwater wonders. The whole activity takes no more than 30 minutes and the park can provide you with diving equipment for a fee.