From Rome to Rhodes, Madrid to Madeira, Lisbon to Lanzarote – you don’t need a bookshelf full of Lonely Planet guidebooks to know where some of Europe’s most visited destinations are likely to be in 2025.

Venice will be achingly beautiful but hideously busy, Santorini will be swarming with thousands of sweaty cruise ship passengers, and Tenerife might just have protesters pounding the streets again telling tourists to go home.

So more and more of us will be looking for somewhere a little different for our summer holidays and weekend city breaks.

Ideally somewhere that leaves your friends looking confused while you sport a wry grin, knowing that you’ve just been somewhere stunning that barely anybody else has heard of.

Travel experts and influencers have helped the Daily Express build a list of some of Europe’s best hidden gems, which you may soon be tempted to check out.

São Jorge, Azores, Portugal

We start our journey in the Azores archipelago, Portugal.

“The Azores is still considered an underrated destination, but there is starting to be a little bit of noise about how special the archipelago is,” said Elaina Vieira, founder and CEO of the travel company, Mind Over Matter Travel, who has visited 35 countries in Europe.

“However, most people head to the largest island of São Miguel. Smaller islands like São Jorge get overlooked despite having so much to offer.”

With its dramatic clifftop views, it is nicknamed the viewpoint of the Azores and hiking, canyoning and quad biking are among the activities to keep you busy. The 2.9-mile Faja de Alem trail, for example, takes you to an one of the most interesting areas of the island where its people still live in the olden days, with no cars and a cable to transport their supplies down to the main town.

São Jorge is also renowned for its cheese production, and visitors can tour the local cheese factory.

If there’s not enough on the island to keep you busy for an entire week, it lies a short ferry ride away from two other incredible islands – Pico and Faial.

Cost: Fly from Luton to Ponta Delgada (PDL) with one stop at Faro with easyJet and Azores Airlines from £121 return then catch a ferry for £8.90. One week with breakfast included at the Hotel Sao Jore Garden costs from £444.

Offical Tourism Board: www.visitazores.com/en/the-azores/sao-jorge

Sighnaghi, Georgia

Nestled in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus mountains in Georgia lies the jaw-dropping little town of Sighnaghi. According to Elaina Vieira, the town offers a blend of culture, history and natural beauty.

Known as the “City of Love,” the town’s pastel buildings and cobblestone streets “create a fairytale-like ambiance”, while the Sighnaghi Wall and Bodbe Monastery “give a glimpse of the town’s rich history.” 

“One of Sighnaghi’s key draws is its position in the heart of Georgia’s Kakheti wine region. Many people don’t know that Georgia is the oldest wine-making region in the world, dating back to 6,000BC,” Vieira adds.

Georgia’s traditional wine-making method uses large clay vessels buried underground to ferment. 

The area’s unique wine and cuisine helps make it a romantic getaway, Vieira adds.

Cost: Fly from Luton to Tbilisi (TBS) with easyJet from £153 return then take a local bus or taxi to Sighnaghi for £21. One week with breakfast included at the mountain view Signagi Glamping site costs from £489.

Offical Tourism Board: georgia.travel/cities-towns/sighnaghi

Tivat, Montenegro

The pretty coastal town of Tivat is often overlooked in favour of the likes of Dubrovnik, in neighbouring Croatia, and the historic town of Kotor, round the headland in Montenegro, which is often flooded with 5,000 tourists a day from cruise ships. 

Mercedes Zach, a travel expert at ASAP Tickets, explains: “In Tivat you can not only discover the elegant marinas and waterfront hotels but also escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and find peace and quiet on one of its hidden beaches.” 

Visitors can enjoy activities like sailing, swimming, hiking and cycling, while also being treated to some spectacular sunsets. 

“It’s less than three hours away from the UK and there is something to do and see for every taste and budget,” Zach adds. “Quick three-hour flights from the UK to Tivat operate from May through to the end of October.”

Cost: Fly from Luton to Tivat (TIV) with one stop at Istanbul with Wizz Air and Air Montenegro from £270 return. One week with breakfast included at Montenegro Lodge costs from £524.

Offical Tourism Board: tivat.travel/en/

Saaremaa island, Estonia

If you want to avoid the dense crowds that leave the likes of Santorini and Ibiza buckling under the strain, look no further than the Estonian island of Saaremaa.

“Easily reached via a short ferry from the mainland, Saaremaa is a little slice of paradise, boasting beautiful white sand beaches, a picturesque lighthouse, great local cuisine and a beautiful medieval castle in the centre of the main town of Kuressaare,” explained Michael Rozenblit, who runs the travel site The World Was Here First with his partner Maggie.

Kuressaare Castle, one of the best-preserved medieval fortifications in Estonia, is renowned for its unusual star-shaped Gothic fortifications.

With mild summer temperatures of around 16C, Saaremaa also offers an alternative for those of us who want an island get away without feeling like we need a shower every two hours to wash away the sweat of a sweltering day.

“It hasn’t had the international attention it truly deserves,” Rozenblit adds.

Cost: Fly from Luton to Tallinn (TLL) with Wizz Air from £40 return. From there, take a half-hour flight with NyxAir, or take a ferry from Virtsu on the mainland (about a 95-minute drive) to Kuivastu for just £3.40. One week with breakfast included at Arensburg Boutique Hotel & Spa costs from £369.

Offical Tourism Board: visitestonia.com/en/saaremaa

Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

Sloveniais home to some of Europe’s most dramatic landscapes, yet is often overlooked for alpine escapes in favour of pricier destinations like Switzerland and Austria.

“While many will know the beauty of Lake Bled, I recommend setting your sights on nearby (and much larger) Lake Bohinj,” wrote Rozenblit. “Nestled in the Julian Alps, this breathtaking lake is very peaceful and attracts only a fraction of the visitors of Lake Bled.”

Kayaking or canoeing on its turquoise waters while surrounded by lush greenery offers a serene escape. In the autumn, the landscape transforms into vibrant autumnal hues, meaning you don’t have to visit in the summer. 

Cost: Fly from Gatwick to Ljubljana (LJU) with easyJet from £113 return then take a local bus for as little as £4.23. One week with breakfast included at Hotel Jezero costs from £787.

Offical Tourism Board: tdbohinj.si/en/

Costa da Morte, Spain

Across Spain, from Majorca to Barcelona, Malaga to Tenerife, barely a month seemed to pass last year without more debate on whether parts of the country simply had too many tourists. 

However, if you search hard enough, you can still find some stunning, hidden destinations that feel as though the world is yet to realise they are there.

“The Costa da Morte, in Spain’s Galicia region [in the north west of the country], is an evocative coastline steeped in natural beauty and cultural mystique,” wrote Christian Petzold, a travel expert and marketing director at BCN Travel.

“The rugged cliffs, windswept beaches, and lighthouses tell tales of maritime legends and shipwrecks, lending an air of mystery to the region. Places like Muxía and Finisterre are considered the ‘end of the world’, with a lot of cultural depth, where ancient travelers stopped.”

Boasting unique seafood including goose barnacles, Petzold adds that the Costa da Morte is perfect for holidaymakers “who want to disconnect and enjoy the raw beauty of Europe’s edge of the Atlantic”.

Cost: Fly from Gatwick to A Coruña (LCG) with Vueling from £53 return then drive for about an hour. One week with breakfast included at Hotel Rural Casa Fontequeiroso costs from £355.

Offical Tourism Board: visitacostadamorte.com/en

Retezat Mountains, Romania

“For those seeking unspoiled wilderness, the Retezat Mountains in Romania offer a truly transformative experience,” says Christian Petzold.

Located in Romania’s first national park, Bucura Lake is one of over 80 glacial lakes in the region of craggy peaks and beautiful valleys. Hikers might even come across a bear or a lynx – although whether you’d want to is another thing. 

Petzold adds: “It is remote and well-preserved, adding to the atmosphere of peacefulness that is hardly met [anywhere else] on our planet.”

Cost: Fly from Luton to Timișoara (TSR) with Wizz Air from £98 return then drive for about three-and-a-half. One week with breakfast included in a private house like Pensiunea Sălaș costs from £278.

Offical Tourism Board: retezat.ro/intrebari-frecvente/119/tourist-information

Korčula Island, Croatia

Over a million tourists descend upon Dubrovnik every year. It is known for Game of Thrones and a popular stop for cruise ship after cruise ship.

However, across Croatia, there are countless towns, cities and islands that are just as magical – but where there’s room to breathe. 

The old town of Korčula, on the island of the same name, just off the Dalmatian coast – is known as “Little Dubrovnik”.

“It has tangled alleys and quaint restaurants. It is a great place for food lovers, as local wines and fresh seafood take centre stage,” says Silvia Lupone, travel expert and owner of Stingray Villa. 

Cost: Fly from Heathrow to Split (SPU) with a stop at Zagreb Airport with Croatia Airlines from £218 return take a ferry from the Port of Split to Korčula for £7.18 for a foot passenger. One week with breakfast included at the Aminess Korcula Heritage Hotel costs from £574.

Offical Tourism Board: www.visitkorcula.eu/

Bansko, Bulgaria

George Harper, a filmmaker and TikToker, was left suitably impressed by his visit to the stunning ski resort of Bansko.

He says: “When some friends suggested skiing in Bulgaria, I’ll admit I was skeptical at first but once I found out about the cheap prices, it was a no brainer. The ski hire was £25 for 5 days. You can’t argue with that!”

Located at the foothills of the Pirin Mountains, Bansko offers ski slopes on Todorka Peak, including the challenging Tomba run. The surrounding national park is home to beautiful alpine landscapes, with footpaths that lead through craggy terrain and past glacial lakes.

Harper adds: “Not many people think about Bulgaria when you mention skiing but if you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful place to learn it’s definitely an under the radar spot to consider.”

Cost: Fly from Stansted to Sofia Airport (SOF) with Ryanair from £58 return then take a night bus from Sofia Airport Departure Terminal 1 to Bansko Bus Station for £22.80. One week half-board at the Ruskovets Thermal Spa & Ski Resort costs from £1,363.

Offical Tourism Board: visit-bansko.bg/en/

Koufonissi, Greece

For those who find Crete, Corfu and Santorini too busy, many will have discovered the beauty of Greek islands like Milos, Naxos and Kefalonia. 

But you can get quieter still.  George Harper says Koufonissi is a personal favourite. 

He explains: “This island isn’t as well known with British tourists as other Greek islands like Corfu and Ios but it’s covered in beautiful beaches with crystal clear water. Koufonissi is a beautiful small island where you can get around without a car, in fact it’s so small you can walk around the whole island in just a few hours.”

In the evening, you can wander the cobbled streets, which are home to plenty of restaurants and bars for you to truly escape from the stresses of modern life. 

Cost: Fly from Luton to Athens (ATH) with Wizz Air from £163 return then take a ferry for as little as £141. One week with breakfast included at Aiolos Hotel costs from £328.

Offical Tourism Board: www.visitgreece.gr/islands/cyclades/koufonisia/