Secret holiday destinations 2025: Discover genuine Europe!

Secret holiday destinations 2025: Discover genuine Europe!

Guimarães, Portugal - More and more travelers are looking for alternatives to classic holiday flights and overcrowded tourist locations. The year 2025 could be a turning point where insider tips are discovered away from the masses. Today we present some of the most promising travel destinations in Europe that promise stylish and authentic experiences.

One of the recommended places is Guimarães in Portugal, a city with a historic old town that is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travelers can easily reach Guimarães via Porto Airport, followed by a 45-minute train journey. A stay in cozy Airbnbs is possible from € 40, while boutique hotels are already offered from € 60 per night. You don't have to dig deep into your pocket for culinary experiences: day menus can be found from 7 €, an espresso costs about € 1. The main attractions include the magnificent palace, a cable car to the Penha mountain and free city walks.

insider tips in southern Europe

Another jewel is Lecce in Italy, known as the "Florence of the South". This is the perfect place for lovers for impressive architecture and lively old tactating atmosphere. Lecce is easy to reach by car or the nearby Brindisi Airport, 30 minutes by train. Overnight stays are possible from € 25 in Airbnbs or less than € 100 in 4-star hotels. Local cuisine spoils with pasta and pizza views from € 6, while a glass of local wine only costs around € 3. Sights like the Basilica Santa Croce and many churches and museums are inexpensive or even available free of charge.

nafplio, the romantic port city in Greece, is another travel highlight. As a former capital of Greece, Nafplio offers a perfect combination of history and coastal life. The journey takes place via a flight to Athens and a bus ride for around € 15. The prices for overnight stays start at € 50 in private apartments or pensions. Fresh fish dishes and Greek classics are available from € 15, a local beer only costs € 2.50. The Palamidi fortress and the Bourtzi water fortress are special sights, and the Karathona beach invites you to relax.

Finally, Kotor is worth a visit in Montenegro. This picturesque city on the bay of the same name is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and promises breathtaking views. Travel to Podgorica and take an approximately 1.5 -hour transfer to Kotor. Accommodation can be found in hostels from € 10, while apartments start from € 40 and five star hotels cost around € 130. You can enjoy a simple lunch from € 5, and a glass of wine is already available for 2 to 4 €. A visit to the San Giovanni fortress and a boat trip to the monastery island in Perast are particularly recommended activities.

less well -known regions in Europe

In addition to these goals, travel reporter Bernadette lists her personal insider tips in another article. Among them are the Bergisches Land in Germany, East Sussex in England and Derry/Londonderry in Northern Ireland. This region not only offers historical sites, but also excellent opportunities for nature lovers. The Bergisches Land is known for its nature park and numerous hiking trails, while East Sussex scores with its historic cities and beaches.

• Bergisches Land, Germany: hiking trails over 4000 kilometers and cultural like the Altenberger Cathedral.
• East Sussex, England: historical sites and the impressive chalk cliffs by Beachy Head.
• Region Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland: Stadtmauer from the 17th century and the Causeway Coastal Route.