Dreamlike islands of the Mediterranean, fairy tale forests, and epic Alpine scenery: we all know that throughout Europe there are wonderful natural landscapes, tourist destinations from all over the world. However, there are lesser-known areas that (perhaps) you have never heard of. What are they? Let's take a tour of the most overlooked natural wonders in Europe to visit as soon as possible.
Now, let's prepare the list of the most beautiful and little-known places to see at least once.
ALSO CHECK OUT: FAIRY TALE PLACES IN EUROPE
Underappreciated Wonders of Europe
Bornholm, Denmark
The island of Denmark in the Baltic Sea, is a small paradise of white sandy beaches and endless sunsets. Bornholm is the perfect destination for those seeking wild landscapes and active vacations. The island boasts beaches with such fine sand that it is said Napoleon used it to make his hourglasses. The best way to explore it? Visit the beautiful fishing villages where time seems to stand still.
Las Médulas, Spain
Las Médulas has an unusual shape; did you know a place like this existed in Spain? It is the most important gold mine of the Roman Empire and is located in the El Bierzo region, in the province of León. The jagged profile of these red clay mountains covered in chestnuts is due to the Romans, who shaped the natural landscape by excavating a gold mine in this area in the 1st century AD. Today, the territory of Las Médulas is part of UNESCO World Heritage.
While the Algarve is the most famous coast of Portugal, Alentejo is an underrated region, despite its epic beaches and wonderful inland areas that host millions of cork trees. Alentejo, literally "beyond the Tagus", is located just south of Lisbon, on the other side of the Tejo River.
It is a region of white villages, castles on the hills, olive groves, and sunflower fields.
Mullerthal Region, Luxembourg
Nicknamed "Little Switzerland", the Mullerthal region of Luxembourg features a wonderful hilly landscape dotted with villages, quite surprising rock formations, and lush nature.
Among the places mentioned so far, it is undoubtedly the most famous. It looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale. Lake Bled hosts a small island on which the Church of the Assumption is located. Take a boat and take a tour until you reach this island in the middle of the lake.
Krka National Park, Croatia
Less famous than the Plitvice Park, yet absolutely not to be missed. Krka National Park is located in Northern Dalmatia, very close to Sibenik. The Krka Park protects and safeguards the most spectacular stretch of the Krka River and the lower course of the Cikola River. Along its descent to the sea, the river forms 7 travertine waterfalls. Here are the reasons to visit.
Svalbard, Norway
A rugged archipelago situated between Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard is one of the northernmost inhabited areas in the world. Most of the islands are composed of glaciers and fjords and are home to Arctic foxes, polar bears, and reindeer.
Järvi-Suomi, Finland
Also known as the "Finnish Lake District", this area of Finland features about 55,000 lakes, including Lake Simaa, the fifth largest lake in Europe.
Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria
Remnants of the glaciers that once covered this region of Bulgaria: the area of the Seven Rila Lakes is one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Bulgaria. Each of the seven lakes is located lower than the previous one. Each lake is connected to the next by small cascading streams.
Bigar Waterfall, Romania
Bigar Waterfall is a fairy-tale place located within Cheile Nerei Beusnita National Park. It is formed by the crystal-clear waters of the Bigar stream, a tributary of the Minis.
Covered in a blanket of moss, the waterfall is composed of hundreds of streams that give it this particular shape.
Cathedral Beach, Spain
The name of this beautiful beach in Galicia is Praia de Augas Santas, but everyone knows it as Cathedral Beach due to the imposing shape of the natural arches in the rock, resembling a Gothic cathedral.
Durmitor National Park, Montenegro
The largest natural park in Montenegro, Durmitor Park boasts the deepest gorges in Europe that you can find along the Tara River. Dense pine forests, the park is home to hundreds of native species of birds, mammals, and insects. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Devil's Town, Serbia
It is worth visiting what is known in Serbia as the Devil's Country. This unusual rock formation in Serbia was created by a process of centuries-old erosion, accelerated in the last century by deforestation.
Lauterbrunnen Valley, Switzerland
Lauterbrunnen Valley is an incredibly picturesque area of Switzerland, a bucolic place to visit for its green valleys, snowy peaks, and charming alpine villages.
Gauja National Park, Latvia
Gauja Natural Park is one of Latvia's national treasures characterized by natural springs, steep cliffs, and enchanting caves that appear alongside medieval castles and ancient ruins.