I have a slight feeling that traveling in 2023 will be absolutely crazy. Most of the travel restrictions that we had in the past three years are now lifted, and we are free to go wherever we want-within reason. So it’s no surprise that the most popular destinations all around the world will be bursting with tourists. While I have nothing against that, and I know that it’s something more or less inevitable, sometimes I just want to explore a new place or foreign country without having to wait in lines for hours. So if you need a little break from crowds of people and mile-long lines, then consider visiting these four underrated locations in Europe.
San Sebastian
San Sebastian, also known as Donostia–San Sebastián, is a charming Spanish town that lies on the coast of the Bay of Biscay, just 12 miles away from the France-Spain border. This stunning place is full of culture, and home to the iconic San Sebastian film festival, Jazz festival, and Musical Fortnight. Most of these festivals take place in the summer, from mid-July to the end of August. But you can also do more touristy things like exploring the stunning Old Town or enjoying the beautiful sandy beaches of San Sebastian.
La Rochelle
It’s no secret that France is an absolute tourist hotspot, especially in larger cities such as Paris, Bordeaux, or Lyon. And while all of these places are absolutely worth a visit, there are also some smaller cities in France that you shouldn’t miss out on. One of them is La Rochelle, a small city on the west coast of France situated on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The heart of the city is known as the ‘Old Harbor’ (Vieux Port) and it’s filled with some of France’s best seafood restaurants. You can experience the history of this place by exploring the three medieval towers that are located at the entrance of the harbor. But you can also take a tour of the countryside and visit nearby churches and cemeteries.
Bergamo
Bergamo might be Italy’s most underrated city. While this is the fourth largest city in the region of Lombardy, it’s not exactly one of the most popular tourist attractions. But that doesn’t mean that Bergamo isn’t worth a visit! If you want to experience an authentic Italian town, stunning medieval architecture, and taste the most amazing local food, then this is the destination for you.
Mostar
If you’re vacationing in Croatia this summer, make sure to also do a quick trip to Mostar. Mostar is a stunning city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and it’s only a few hours away from most coastal cities in Croatia. This town is famous for the stunning ‘Old Bridge’ that connects the old and new parts of this city. You will be able to enjoy some of Bosnian’s most delicious foods, like cevapi, baklava, burek, or sarma. The ‘Old Bazaar’ in the town’s center will be a great place to buy some souvenirs for your friends and family. In addition to that, you can also book a rafting tour across Mostar, and enjoy the beauty that surrounds the Neretva river. Get inspired by Mostar and all the other underrated locations in Europe for a fantastic getaway this year.