Insider tips for your summer vacation 2025: Discover Europe's hidden treasures!

Insider tips for your summer vacation 2025: Discover Europe's hidden treasures!

The longing for undiscovered destinations away from mass tourism is growing. More and more travelers are looking for alternatives to the usual hotspots. Travel expert Bettina Konzack from ERGO Reiseversicherung recommends four charming insider tips for 2025 that are both historically and culturally attractive.

A remarkable goal isGuimaraesin Portugal. This historic city in the north of the country scores with an attractive old town, impressive castles and a lively pub culture. Getting there from Porto is straightforward: a train journey of around 45 minutes only costs around €6. Accommodation options are varied, Airbnbs start at €40, while boutique hotels are available from €60. Gourmets will delight in the café food or daily menus, which start from just €7, while an espresso can be enjoyed for around €1. Sights include the magnificent palace, the must-see cable car up Penha Mountain and several free city walks.

Discoveries in Italy and Greece

Another goal isLeccein Italy, also known as the “Florence of the South”. The lively old town is characterized by baroque architecture and attracts many visitors. You can arrive either by car or via the nearby Brindisi airport, from where a train takes just 30 minutes. Accommodation options are functional, with Airbnbs starting at €25 and 4-star hotels under €100. The culinary side offers pasta and pizza from €6, with plain local wine for around €3. The Basilica of Santa Croce, the Ionian Sea and numerous churches and museums invite you to explore, many of them free of charge or with cheap combination tickets.

In Nafplio, Greece, a romantic port town and the first capital of Greece, visitors can enjoy the Venetian old town. The journey takes place via a flight to Athens, followed by a bus to Nafplio for around €15. Private apartments and guesthouses are available from €50 per night, while local cuisine offers fresh fish and classic dishes from €15, and local beer for around €2.50. Palamidi Fortress, Bourtzi Water Fortress and Karathona Beach are some of the main attractions.

A paradise in Montenegro

It is also particularly attractiveKotorin Montenegro, a picturesque town on the Bay of Kotor. This UNESCO World Heritage city offers a car-free old town. To get there you fly to Podgorica, which is about 1.5 hours away. Accommodation options vary, from private rooms in hostels starting at €10 to five-star hotels for around €130. A simple lunch costs from €5, while a glass of wine ranges from €2 to €4. Sights such as the fortress of San Giovanni and boat trips to the picturesque monastery island in Perast round off the visit.

There are also exciting discoveries on the international stage.Tangierin Morocco is described as a first-class alternative to the often overcrowded Marrakech. Located on the coast, Tangier is a melting pot of different cultures and boasts sights such as the Sultan's Palace, the Kasbah Museum and historic buildings in the old town. For luxurious accommodation, we recommend the Hotel Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay, owned by King Mohammed VI. from Morocco. With around 1.4 million inhabitants, Tangier delights travelers with a vibrant urban life and a touch of the exotic.

Discovering these unique destinations in 2025 will offer new perspectives for adventurers looking for something special.

For more information about insider tips, visit WMN and esquire.