Perast, Montenegro

Perast sits on the edge of Lake Kotor like a tiny jewel most folks miss. This small town has old Venetian buildings that tell stories from long ago. The water is clear blue, and tall mountains rise up behind the town.

You can take a boat ride to see two small islands nearby or climb up for amazing views. The town stays quiet even in summer when other spots get crowded.

Perast is where the mountains kiss the sea, creating a perfect spot for those who seek peace away from crowds.

Kotor is just a short drive away, but Perast offers a more peaceful visit. You can spend your days hiking in the hills or boating on the lake. If you love nature, plan a trip to Durmitor National Park while you’re there.

One big plus for some travelers: Montenegro isn’t in the Schengen zone, so visa rules are different. This makes it easier for people who need to watch their Schengen days.

Get the best deals on Flights, Hotels, Cruises, and more on Orbitz!

Colmar, France

While Montenegro has its coastal charms, France hides a storybook town that most travelers zoom past. Colmar sits in the Alsace region with its candy-colored buildings and peaceful canals.

This little French gem looks like it jumped right out of a fairy tale book. The town’s half-timbered houses paint the streets in bright yellows, pinks, and blues. Walking through Colmar feels like stepping back in time to a world where modern stress doesn’t exist.

Food lovers will find heaven in Colmar’s local dishes. Try the tarte flambe, a thin pizza-like treat topped with cream, onions, and bacon. Or sample choucroute garnie, a tasty mix of sauerkraut and meats.

The town sits in prime wine country too. You can taste famous Riesling and Gewürztraminer wines right where they grow. Visit during winter to see magical Christmas markets that light up the medieval streets.

Unlike busy Paris or Nice, Colmar gives you room to breathe and soak in real French culture without pushing through crowds.

Piran, Slovenia

Piran sits like a jewel on Slovenia’s Adriatic coast, yet most tourists zoom past it. This small town charms visitors with its red-roofed buildings and narrow streets that show off its Venetian roots.

Tartini Square serves as the town’s heart where folks sip coffee and gaze at the blue sea. The old city walls offer a climb worth taking. From the top, you can snap photos of the whole town and the sparkling water beyond.

Locals in Piran welcome travelers with open arms. You won’t find crowds pushing to see the sights or long lines for good food here. Hotels and rooms cost less than in big cities, but the views are just as pretty.

The town gives you a real taste of coastal life without the tourist traps. Skip the busy spots in Europe and add Piran to your list. Your wallet and your camera will thank you.

Get the best deals on Flights, Hotels, Cruises, and more on Orbitz!

Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor sits on a lake that looks like a fjord. The town has old buildings with a style from Venice. Mountains rise up all around it, making it feel like a secret spot. You can take a boat ride on Lake Kotor or hike up for views that will take your breath away.

The best part? Most tourists skip this gem while rushing to other spots in Europe.

Kotor is not in the Schengen visa zone, so you might need a different visa to visit. Bring good shoes for hiking in Durmitor National Park nearby. The park has deep canyons and clear lakes that few visitors ever see.

Next on our list is Stromboli, Italy, where you can watch a live volcano under the stars.

Gavarnie, France

Tucked away in the French Pyrenees, Gavarnie offers both amazing hikes and tasty food. The Cirque du Gavarnie trail stretches 6.2 miles through stunning mountain views that most tourists never see.

After a day on the trails, you can rest your tired feet at the Hotel La Grange aux Marmottes, home to a Michelin-star restaurant. The chefs here use local foods to create dishes you won’t find anywhere else in Europe.

Winter brings a different kind of fun to this hidden spot. The Gavarnie-Gadre ski resort has slopes for all skill levels, with far fewer crowds than the Alps. You won’t have to wait in long lines for lifts or fight for space on the runs.

Local shops sell hot drinks and snacks to warm you up between trips down the mountain. Unlike busy tourist towns, Gavarnie keeps its small-town charm all year round.

Get the best deals on Flights, Hotels, Cruises, and more on Orbitz!

Stromboli, Italy

From the French mountains of Gavarnie, we travel to the fiery seas of Italy. Stromboli stands as one of Europe’s most thrilling spots. This small island boasts an active volcano that puts on a show almost every day.

Locals call it the “Lighthouse of the Mediterranean” because it spits fire into the night sky. You can hike up this rumbling giant for a view you’ll never forget. The trek takes about 3 hours and works best in spring or fall when temps are mild.

The black sand beach called Spiaggia Lunga sits at the foot of the volcano. This dark stretch of coast forms a stark contrast with the blue waters. After a day of volcano watching, you can cool off in the clear sea.

The island sits in the Aeolian chain near Sicily, far from the busy tourist paths. Most folks visit Rome or Venice and miss this natural wonder. Plan your trip during shoulder seasons for the best mix of good weather and fewer crowds.

Lake District, England

While Stromboli offers fiery drama, England’s Lake District serves up peaceful green hills and mirror-like waters. This national park packs 800 miles of hiking trails into one stunning area.

You can climb Scafell Pike, a 6-mile trek that rises 3,000 feet above sea level. The views from the top will take your breath away! Small towns like Keswick dot the landscape, perfect for afternoon tea after a morning hike.

The lakes shine like jewels between the rolling hills. Poets and writers have loved this place for hundreds of years, and you will too. Pack good walking shoes and a camera. The Lake District shows off nature’s best work without the big crowds you’ll find at more famous spots.