The holiday season is beckoning, and it is time to start planning for your next trip. Europe has for ages been one of the most sought-after travel destinations for tourists across the world. What makes it more interesting is that it offers a plethora of places to visit, including the best of picturesque mountains, stunning beaches, enthralling valleys and so much more.

What’s best is that other than the popular destinations, there are many hidden gems that are yet to be discovered by the crowds. So what better than visiting holidu to discover some of these offbeat destinations and plan a perfect fuss-free holiday.

To help you get started, given below are 5 hidden gems from Europe that should definitely be on your travel list.

1. Twin towns of Saalfelden and Leogang, Austria

Surrounded by the mighty Asitz mountains, this destination is guaranteed to take your breath away with its stunning visuals. With year-round activities like hiking and biking in summer and skiing in winter, this can be the perfect vacation for the whole family or a solo traveler. If you are looking to just relax in a tranquil atmosphere, there are cute wooden huts that you will find in the mountains known as Tonspur Islands.

Outdoor concerts against a splendid mountain lake background, herb garden, nature cinema, sculpture and art trail, and nature excursions are some of the main attractions here. Rich in culture and traditions, Saalfelden is an urban town while Leogang is more of a rural settlement. So you get the best of both worlds!

2. Historical town Omis in Croatia

Located between the port town of Split and Makarska, Omis is a charming old town that offers an unforgettable holiday experience. The magnificent mountains and the stunning Centina river add up to some enchanting visuals. A visit to the Starigrad fortress situated in the mountains and the Mirabella fortress in the Omis town is something worth experiencing.

A walk in the charming cobbled lanes of the town filled with memoirs of the past or a boat ride on the Centina River is something that will stay with you for a long time. There are many small and pretty beaches on the Omis Riviera like Velica Plaza, Duce and Brzet to name a few that are ideal for a swim or just relaxing.

3. Serene and stunning County Down, Ireland

Located in Northern Ireland, County Down is a mesmerizing area where you will find natural beauty in abundance. The Mourne mountains surround the County Down from the south side and there are many walking routes that go all the way up rewarding you with some breathtaking visuals from the top and also along the way. You will find two forest parks named Tollymore and Castlewellan rich with some exotic varieties of trees like Monkey Puzzle, Eucalyptus, and Monterey Pine. The parks also host some interesting landscapes like caves, bridges, and grottos for fun activities.

Among the many notable castles, Castle Ward is worth a visit for its beautiful water views of Strangford Lough. Game of Thrones fans can spend some fandom moments here, recollecting the scenes that were shot in Castle Ward. Apart from the picturesque mountains and the charming old town, there are also some great beaches here for you to relax and unwind. All in all, a great destination for a memorable family holiday!

4. Quaint little village Albi in France

Albi is situated in the Occitanie region of South West France along the Tarn river. The town is full of magnificent brick structures from medieval times and is a treat for any history lover. Looming at the center of the town is the world’s largest brick monument, Albi Cathedral. The grandeur of the structure from both outside and inside along with the marvelous gardens is indescribable in words.

Berbie Palace is another attraction that is a must-visit. Built 800 years ago, this red brick structure was earlier used as a residence for the archbishop of Albi and at present hosts a museum for the artworks of a single artist named Toulouse-Lautrec. One of the oldest bridges in France, Pont Vieux is a UNESCO site. Take a stroll on this ancient site and get soaked in the spectacular views of the Tarn river. A few days spent in this historical town will surely be a memorable journey into the glorious past.

5. Beautiful Babia region in Spain

Think of mighty mountains, stunning glacial lakes, enchanting valleys, spectacular rock fields, and splendid gorges and chasms; all this is what makes Babia a unique place to explore. Located in the Leon province of Spain, the Babia Biosphere Reserve was declared a UNESCO site in 2004.

It has an abundance of interesting and endangered flora and fauna. The area is scattered with small old villages that reflect the age-old traditions and culture of the region. This is a perfect destination for a few days far away from the city’s chaos and crowd.

Conclusion

Europe is definitely a dream destination for any travel buff and the opportunity to discover the undiscovered makes it all the more exciting. So are you ready to take the path less trodden and experience something extraordinary!