Discover 2025: Insider tips for unforgettable European trips!

Discover 2025: Insider tips for unforgettable European trips!

In 2025, more and more travelers are looking for alternatives to classic holiday destinations and are looking for insider tips that are away from the usual tourist flows. The opportunity to explore unknown, authentic places seems more appealing than ever. The choice is large and ranges from historic cities with impressive architecture to idyllic beaches.

Four recommended travel destinations that are ideal for an insider tip holiday are Guimarães in Portugal, Lecce in Italy, Nafplio in Greece and Kotor in Montenegro. These places combine cultural diversity, warm hospitality and breathtaking landscapes.

Guimarães – Experience Portugal’s history

Guimarães, the historic city in northern Portugal, impresses with its picturesque old town and impressive castles. The journey is easy via Porto Airport, followed by a train journey of around 45 minutes. Cheap accommodation is available from just €40 in Airbnbs or from €60 in boutique hotels. Gourmets can look forward to café meals or daily menus from €7, while an espresso costs just €1. Attractions include the imposing palace, the cable car up Penha Mountain and free city walks that offer a deep insight into history. WMN reports that Guimarães is valued for its authentic atmosphere.

Lecce – the baroque jewel of Italy

Lecce, often referred to as the “Florence of the South”, boasts magnificent Baroque architecture. Travelers can easily reach the city by car or Brindisi Airport, followed by an approximately 30-minute train journey. Overnight stays are available from just €25 in Airbnbs or under €100 in 4-star hotels. In terms of cuisine, Lecce offers pasta or pizza dishes from €6, while local wine is available for around €3. Worth seeing include the Basilica of Santa Croce, a trip to the Ionian Sea and numerous free churches and museums that provide an insight into the rich culture of this city.

Nafplio – Romance in Greece

Nafplio, once the first capital of Greece, is a romantic port town with lots of charm. Arrival is via a flight to Athens, followed by a bus ride for around €15. Private apartments or guesthouses are available from €50 per night. Gastronomically, the city offers fresh fish or Greek classics from €15, as well as local beer for around €2.50. Highlights include the Palamidi Fortress with an entrance fee of €6, the Bourtzi Water Fortress and Karathona Beach, all of which make for an unforgettable stay.

Kotor – a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Kotor, a picturesque town on the Bay of Kotor, is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Podgorica Airport, the city can be reached in just 1.5 hours. The cost of accommodation is extremely attractive: private rooms in hostels start from just €10, while holiday apartments start from €40. If you prefer something more luxurious, you can find five-star hotels for around €130. A simple lunch can be enjoyed for €5, while a glass of wine ranges between €2 and €4. The fortress of San Giovanni, which has an entrance fee of €8, and the option of a boat trip to the monastery island in Perast complete the stay.

More insider tips in Europe

In addition to the places described, there are also beautiful travel destinations in other European countries that are less crowded. In Germany, Holstein Switzerland beckons with its impressive lake landscapes and idyllic hiking trails. The Netherlands offers the historic city of Nijmegen, while Bratislava in Slovakia scores with its cozy old town. In France, Toulouse, the pink city, is particularly attractive. Italian adventurers can explore Monte Saccarello in Liguria, while the Greek island of Milos has less tourist pressure. Albania delights with Lake Ohrid, Denmark invites you to the island of Fanø, Sweden enchants in Luleå and Iceland offers untouched natural landscapes on the Tröllaskagi Peninsula. Travel Reporter has put together these insider tips that are the perfect choice for a relaxing vacation in 2025.