Discover the insider tips for your dream vacation in Europe in 2025!

Discover the insider tips for your dream vacation in Europe in 2025!

More and more people are looking for alternatives to classic travel destinations. Especially in 2025 there is an opportunity to explore lesser-known places away from the tourist crowds. In this context, experts recommend four insider tips for European travel destinations that are still real treasures. The focus is on countries such as Portugal, Italy, Greece and Montenegro, which delight with their special atmosphere.

The first insider tip is Guimarães in Portugal, known for its historic old town, castles and a lively pub culture. Travelers can easily reach the place via Porto Airport. The train journey takes about 45 minutes and costs around 6 euros. Accommodation prices are very affordable, with Airbnb listings starting at 40 euros and boutique hotels starting at 60 euros. Local delicacies include daily menus from 7 euros and an espresso for just 1 euro. Sights such as the palace and the cable car up Penha Mountain attract visitors.

More insider tips for 2025

Lecce in Italy, known as the “Florence of the South”, is also very popular. With impressive architecture and a lively old town, it is a particularly attractive destination. You can arrive either by car or via Brindisi Airport, with the train journey taking around 30 minutes. Overnight stays in Lecce are possible from 25 euros in Airbnbs or under 100 euros in 4-star hotels. In terms of cuisine, travelers can enjoy pasta and pizza in the trattorias starting at 6 euros, while a glass of wine costs around 3 euros. Highlights include the Basilica of Santa Croce and numerous free museums.

Nafplio in Greece, also known as the country's former capital, attracts many visitors with its romantic port city and Venetian old town. Access is via a flight to Athens, followed by a bus ride, which costs around 15 euros. Acceptable accommodation prices of around 50 euros per night and local taverns offering fish dishes for 15 euros make this place extremely attractive. Highlights include the Palamidi Fortress and the Bourtzi Water Fortress.

The last insider tip in this series is Kotor in Montenegro. The city, picturesquely located on the Bay of Kotor, is home to a car-free old town that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Podgorica Airport is about 1.5 hours away. Private accommodation starts at 10 euros, while holiday apartments are available from 40 euros. A lunch can be enjoyed from just 5 euros, and the climb to the fortress of San Giovanni costs 8 euros. A boat trip to the monastery island in Perast is also one of the must-dos in this destination.

Diverse travel destinations in Europe

In addition to these tips, [Travel Reporter] lists a number of other travel destinations in Europe that are ideal for 2025. The recommended countries include Germany, the Netherlands, Slovakia, France, Albania, Denmark, Sweden and Iceland.

• Deutschland: Holsteinische Schweiz – ideal zum Wandern und Radfahren mit 200 Seen und historischen Städten.
• Niederlande: Nijmegen – die älteste Stadt des Landes mit römischer Geschichte und gemütlichen Wanderwegen.
• Slowakei: Bratislava – eine weniger besuchte Hauptstadt mit einer charmanten Altstadt.
• Frankreich: Toulouse – die „rosarote Stadt“ mit einzigartigem Baustil und Aktivitäten wie Fahrradtouren.
• Albanien: Ohridsee – UNESCO-Welterbe an einem der ältesten Seen Europas.

The recommended travel time for all of these beautiful destinations is May, June or September, when temperatures are warm and prices still remain affordable. 2025 promises to be a year full of experiences in the hidden gems of Europe.

For more details on these travel recommendations and exotic destinations click on the links: WMN and Travel reporter.