Image courtesy of Hotel Pitrizza
Europe is renowned for its iconic cities and well-traveled tourist favorites, but the continent is also home to some hidden gems. In an era when travelers seek authentic encounters when they travel, these destinations are well worth a visit and may surprise you with their meaningful cultural offerings, lively food scenes and inspiring landscapes.
From the pristine beaches of lesser-known Mediterranean islands to the charming medieval towns of Europe, these locations promise an intimate and meaningful experience. Plus you’ll be participating in sustainable travel, supporting local tourism in less-traveled areas — a step toward alleviating pressure on heavily visited areas.
Not sure where to start? Reach out to a Fora Advisor to be matched with your ideal off-the-beaten path destination.
Poland
Images courtesy of Raffles Europejski Warsaw
Part of Central Europe and sometimes overlooked, Poland is home to several cities with interesting histories and UNESCO World Heritage sites, plus gorgeous natural landscapes.
Poland appeals to history buffs and outdoor lovers who want to explore the beautiful lakes and mountainous regions — plus, it has a surprisingly thriving food scene.
The best time to visit Poland is from late spring to early autumn (May to September) when the weather is pleasant and conducive to sightseeing and outdoor activities. But winter experiences in Poland are also worth considering, like skiing, snowshoeing and holiday markets, where snowy villages take on a fairytale appearance.
In terms of exactly where to visit, the country is brimming with opportunities, but a few favorites include Gdynia, Stawiguda, Warsaw and Kraków (the last two are arguably the most well-known).
Gdynia is a modern port city with remarkable Baltic Sea views, perfect for beach lovers and maritime enthusiasts. Go to Gydynia for a peek inside maritime life, as well as to explore its quaint waterfront and dive into the local museums. Two of our favorite hotels are Hotel Quadrille Relais & Châteaux (a regal choice with extensive grounds) and Sofitel Grand Sopot (a chic beachfront hotel with contemporary rooms).
For lakeside getaways, Stawiguda is in the Masurian Lake District and is a prime spot for water sports and trail walks.
Larger cities include Warsaw, the dynamic capital, and Kraków, a historic gem with medieval architecture and sobering reminders of its past like Auschwitz-Birkenau. Raffles Europejski Warsaw is an opulent choice in the city’s center offering impeccable service and exquisite design, plus dining options and a spa. In Kraków, Hotel Copernicus is a historic property with an old-world feel and a subterranean pool. Hotel Gallery69 is a boutique lakefront property with a serene, minimalist vibe and an on-site restaurant, plus a pool and spa.
Fora Advisor Andy Knowles loves both Warsaw and Krawków.
“My favorite time to go to Warsaw is summer, when the city has a vibrant outdoor social scene that you won't get to experience at any other time of the year. At night, the beaches along the Vistula River turn into bars and outdoor night clubs,” he said. “I love visiting Krakow for its historic Old Town and the Wawel Castle.”
Hotel Quadrille Relais & Châteaux: Relais & Châteaux Preferred Partner perks like daily breakfast.
Sofitel Grand Sopot: $100 resort credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hotel Galery69: Design Hotels Pro perks like a hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Raffles Europejski Warsaw: Accor Preferred by HERA perks include a $100 resort credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hotel Copernicus: Relais & Châteaux Preferred Partner perks like daily breakfast.
Sardinia
Image courtesy of La Villa del Re
On its way to becoming the next popular island destination, Sardinia is a paradise for beach lovers and luxury travelers. The Costa Smeralda, with its crystal-clear waters and white beaches, is a hotspot for yachting and high-end nightlife. Inland, visitors can explore rugged mountains, ancient nuraghe ruins and charming villages like Alghero and Bosa.
“Sardinia is gaining popularity among Italophiles who have been lucky enough to explore the mainland and want to dig a little deeper,” Fora Advisor Nicole Campoy Jackson said. “One of the most enticing things to me about Sardinia is the food. Every region has a different take on Italian cuisine and the islands are no exception.”
Some top-visited spots on the island include Costa Smeralda (the northeastern coast), where Hotel Pitrizza, A Luxury Collection Hotel is known for beach access and water activities. Inland retreats (like Cascioni Eco Retreat) are a great way to get away from it all — and because the island is so small, the beach is a short drive away. Conveniently near the capital Cagliari, La Villa del Re offers a laid-back beach experience, with gorgeous gardens, a pool and plenty of beach loungers.
Belmond Romazzino: Belmond Bellini Club Perks include a resort credit, daily breakfast, and an upgrade whenever possible.
Cascioni Eco Retreat: Tablet Pro perks include a food & beverage credit, a welcome drink and an upgrade whenever possible.
La Villa del Re: withIN by SLH perks include a resort credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hotel Pitrizza, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Costa Smeralda: Fora perks include a $200 food & beverage credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Lithuania
Image courtesy of Hotel PACAI
The lesser-known escape of the Baltics, Lithuania may surprise visitors with its scope of medieval history and modern attractions. In Vilnius, the capital, travelers can wander through the UNESCO-listed Old Town with its cobblestone streets and mesmerizing architecture, then visit the Gothic-style St. Anne’s Church and stop in locally owned restaurants. On the coast, the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO site, has a remarkable dune landscape and borders Russia at the southern end. Lithuania appeals to history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking a less crowded European destination.
Fora Advisor Melissa Helm notes that Lithuania’s excellent record keeping makes it a popular spot for ancestry trips for those who have familial roots in the country. She recommends starting in Vilnius, then taking a day trip to Trakai to visit the castle.
For your stay in the capital, Hotel PACAI delivers sleek rooms and charming courtyard dining in Old Town. If you have extra time, get a taste of the countryside with a night or two at Esperanza Resort and Spa, a rustic-chic lakeside getaway with a spa — open in winter and summer.
Hotel PACAI: Design Hotels Pro perks include a hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Esperanza Resort and Spa: withIN by SLH perks include a resort credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Burgundy, France
Images courtesy of Le Relais Bernard Loiseau
Often overshadowed by Paris and the French Riviera, Burgundy is more than just an add-on or stopover destination, especially for wine lovers. The region is renowned for its world-class vineyards, particularly around Beaune and Dijon, where you can learn about the region's famous vintages through wine tastings and winery tours. Historical sites like the Hospices de Beaune and the Abbey of Fontenay add context to the area’s rich cultural heritage, and when it comes to gorgeous scenery, the meandering country roads are ideal for exploring by car or bike.
Foodies love Le Relais Bernard Loiseau (close to Dijon) for its Michelin-starred restaurant and bold design. For fairytale rooms in a castle setting, Château de Vault de Lugny is the place.
Don’t miss trying some of the region’s culinary specialties like oeufs en meurette (eggs in red wine sauce), jambon persillé (ham in parsley aspic) and, of course, boeuf Bourguignon (beef in Burgundy wine).
Le Relais Bernard Loiseau: Relais & Châteaux Preferred Partner perks like daily breakfast.
Château de Vault de Lugny: Tablet Pro perks include a food & beverage credit, a welcome amenity, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Pantelleria, Sicily
Image courtesy of Sikelia
Sitting in the Mediterranean Sea between Tunisia and Sicily, Pantelleria is an Italian volcanic island known for its dramatic landscapes and thermal springs. Visitors are drawn to the natural hot springs of Bagno dell'Acqua, but there’s also more to explore. History runs deep, as seen at ancient stone dwellings and tombs, as well as the impressive Castello Barbacane.
And when it comes to hotels, Sikelia is the place to stay on the island — understated rooms and exquisite cuisine make you feel at home, plus there’s a spectacular pool and lush gardens.
Sikelia: withIN by SLH perks like a resort credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Czech Republic
Image courtesy of Almanac X Alcron Prague
With its fairytale-like cities and diverse landscapes, the Czech Republic is a captivating destination for travelers looking for an alternative to the mainstream European hotspots. Prague, often dubbed the City of a Hundred Spires, is enchanting, with its Gothic and Baroque architecture, historic Charles Bridge and cobblestone streets lined with cafes.
You can find plenty of hotels in the city’s center, but a couple of our favorites are the Almanac X Alcron (contemporary with a buzzy bar) and the Andaz Prague (sleek rooms with a host of amenities)
Beyond Prague, Český Krumlov is a must-see medieval town with red tiled roofs and a castle overlooking the Vltava River. The spa town of Karlovy Vary is known for its therapeutic hot springs, a perfect blend of relaxation and wellness.
Almanac X Alcron Prague: Fora Reserve perks include a welcome amenity, daily breakfast and an upgrade whenever possible.
Andaz Prague: Hyatt Privé perks include a hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Lucerne, Switzerland
Image courtesy of Park Hotel Vitznau
About an hour from its more popular and larger neighbor Zurich, Lucerne provides a lovely lakeside home base for exploring Swiss culture. Cobblestone streets have a mix of new and old in Old Town, with modern shops and restaurants amidst well-preserved historic buildings. Outdoor lovers will relish the opportunity to climb the surrounding mountains (easily reachable by train), and the scenic bridges like the Chapel Bridge offer stunning viewpoints on the lake.
For an elegant stay with excellent lake and mountain views, opt for Park Hotel Vitznau, which also has an indoor / outdoor pool. Spa lovers and MO brand loyalists will be happy at the Mandarin Oriental Palace, which also has a rooftop bar.
For adventure seekers, head out of town to ride the cogwheel train up Mount Pilatus for panoramic views that are unforgettable. With a mix of outdoor adventure and city sightseeing, Lucerne is a top choice if you’re seeking a balanced and authentic Swiss experience.
Park Hotel Vitznau: Fora perks include a $100 resort credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern: Mandarin Oriental Fan Club perks include a $100 resort credit, daily breakfast, a welcome amenity and an upgrade whenever possible.
Connect with a Fora Advisor to discover more under-the-radar destinations and plan a getaway customized just for you.