Hidden gems in Europe- 10 underrated towns in Europe that look like they came out of a fairy tale

Civita di Bagnoregio is one of the most remote towns in Italy. This ancient small town managed to keep its identity and remain relatively isolated from the rest of the country throughout the years and visiting will make you feel like going back in time. Today, the town has only 14 permanent, year-round residents! The only way to reach the town is by taking a 30-minutes hike up to the hill. If you want to find out more about hidden gems in Europe, check out my articles about places in Italy off the beaten track, this list of hidden gems in Spain and these secret places in France.

9. Volendam, Netherlands

A charming fishing village that also gets forgotten by travelers. As a matter of fact,  Volendam is only 45 minutes away from Amsterdam! The authentic looking houses in this city are neatly arranged in rows that form a straight line. They look incredibly similar and even their windows are more or less at the same height. Just like in a fairytale! For a different and interesting perspective of the city, check out this article about visiting Volendam with a motorhome.

8. The Meteora, Greece

If you think all there is to see in Greece is Athens, Thessaloniki, and a bunch of islands, you’re wrong and the Meteora is a prime example of this. The name of this monastery complex translates into English as ‘Middle of the sky’, or ‘in the heavens above’, which is exactly where this complex is located. The Meteora was built in the 11th century and is one of the most important Orthodox monasteries in Europe. The sandstone megaliths on which the six monasteries were built go as high as 1,800 ft (550 meters). Amazing!

7. Piran, Slovenia

Located somewhere where the Alpine and Mediterranean world cross, Piran really has it all. This is just one of the few cities on the short Slovenian coastline, and it’s certainly worthy of the nickname ‘The Pearl of the Slovenian coast. The city is so beautiful that a lot of people say it’s the most amazing city in the Mediterranean.

6. Lake Resia, Italy

Between the borders of Italy, Switzerland and Austria hides the story of the most famous Italian drowned city. After World War II, the city of Curon was flooded when the building of a giant dam went wrong and today, the only visible remnant of Curon is the Romanesque bell tower of a church. Interestingly, people say that they can still hear the bell ring, even though it was removed decades ago.

5. Lofoten Islands, near the border between Europe and the Arctic

These islands are located in the picturesque tundras of Norway, just around 100 miles from the Arctic circle. This is probably one of the most photogenic places you will ever see in your life. Literally, anyone can be a photographer at Lofoten. This hidden gem of Norway is filled with jaw-dropping landscapes, If you like the mountains and you’re a fan of trekking, then Lofoten islands will blow you away.

4. Ohrid, Macedonia

is the jewel in Macedonia’s crown. Not only the amazing lake is one of the oldest ones in Europe (over 2 million years old), but the city is also really amazing with a rich history. Known, as the Jerusalem of the Balkan, at one point in history, Ohrid had 365 fully functional churches.