Most Underrated Travel Destinations in Europe for 2027

Europe offers plenty of alternatives to popular tourist cities and overcrowded resorts. In the new Time Out ranking for 2027, Bukovina in Romania took first place worldwide. Other European destinations highlighted by experts include Asturias in Spain, Zambujeira do Mar and the Azores in Portugal, and Carré-le-Rue in France. Here’s why these places are worth visiting and why you should add them to your future travel plans.

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Bukovina, Romania

Bukovina, in northeastern Romania, topped Time Out’s list of the world’s most underrated travel destinations for 2027. The region is located near the Eastern Carpathians and is known for its ancient monasteries, mountain villages, dense forests, and traditional culture.

Bukovina’s main tourist attraction is its painted monasteries, which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Their exterior walls are covered with vibrant 16th-century frescoes. The Voroneț Monastery is particularly famous; it is often called the “Sistine Chapel of the East” due to its unique murals and distinctive blue color.

Things to See and Do in Bukovina:

- Voroneț Monastery – one of Romania’s most famous medieval monasteries, built in 1488.

- Sucevița Monastery – a fortified monastery with well-preserved frescoes and defensive walls.

- The village of Ciocănești—known for its traditional houses with geometric patterns and a museum of painted Easter eggs.

- The Via Transilvanica route—a hiking trail approximately 1,400 km long, which begins in Bukovina and passes through various regions of Romania.

- The Carpathian Mountains—hiking trails, small mountain villages, and picturesque natural landscapes.

To explore the region, it’s convenient to stay in Suceava or Gura Humorului. Since the attractions are located in different towns, the most convenient way to travel is by rental car.

The best time to visit is May through September, when it’s pleasant to explore the monasteries, mountain trails, and traditional villages. In the fall, Bukovina attracts visitors with its colorful Carpathian forests, and in the winter, with its snow-covered landscapes. Unlike the popular Transylvania, Bukovina remains relatively unknown among international tourists.

We previously wrote about the best Christmas markets in Europe in 2026.

Cities in Asturias, Spain

Asturias is an autonomous region in northern Spain, between the Cantabrian Mountains and the Bay of Biscay. Tourists come here for the Atlantic beaches, the Picos de Europa National Park, and the picturesque fishing villages. However, the region’s cities are also worth visiting, especially Oviedo, Gijón, and Avilés.

The most interesting cities in Asturias to visit:

- Oviedo—the regional capital, featuring a historic center, the Gothic Cathedral of San Salvador, and over 100 sculptures lining the city streets. Nearby are 9th-century pre-Romanesque churches listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

- Gijón—Asturias’ largest city, featuring the expansive San Lorenzo city beach. It’s worth taking a stroll through the historic Simadevilla neighborhood, visiting Santa Catalina Hill, and trying the local seafood restaurants.

- Avilés – a former industrial center with medieval streets, arcades, and colorful houses. The main modern attraction is the Oscar Niemeyer Cultural Center, featuring exhibition spaces and concert venues.

A special reason to visit Asturias is the local cuisine. The region is known for its fresh seafood, the hearty bean stew fabada asturiana, Cabrales cheeses, and traditional apple cider (sidra). It is poured from a bottle held high to allow the drink to become aerated.

Three to four days are enough to explore the three cities. You can travel between Oviedo, Gijón, and Avilés by public transportation, as the distances between them are short.

The best time to visit is May–June or September, when it’s comfortable to stroll through the cities and explore the coast. July and August are ideal for a beach vacation, though this is also the peak tourist season.

In our previous article, we discussed where to go to the beach in December: 10 best destinations.

Zambujeira do Mar, Portugal

Zambujeira do Mar is a small fishing town on the Atlantic coast of the Alentejo region, about 200 km south of Lisbon. It is located within the Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina Natural Park. The area is known for its high cliffs, sandy coves, ocean views, and hiking trails.

Top attractions and activities in Zambujeira do Mar:

- Praia da Zambujeira do Mar – the town’s main beach, surrounded by high cliffs.

It has a Blue Flag, lifeguards on duty during the season, and is ideal for surfing and bodyboarding.

- Praia dos Alteirinhos – a small beach south of the town with golden sand, cliffs, and secluded coves. A path leads down from the cliffs to the beach.

- Praia do Carvalhal – a wide sandy beach a few kilometers from Zambujeira do Mar, popular among surfers.

- Rota Vicentina – a network of hiking trails along the Portuguese coast. The famous Fishermen’s Trail passes through the town, specifically the sections between Almograve, Zambujeira do Mar, and Odeseixe.

- Festival Sudoeste – a major summer music festival traditionally held in early August near the town.

A key feature of the local beaches is the cool water of the Atlantic Ocean. Even in summer, the average temperature near the main beach is only 17–18°C. Due to strong waves, swimming isn’t always comfortable, but the coast is well-suited for surfing.

You should set aside 2–3 days for your trip. In addition to the beaches, you can visit the neighboring towns of Odeseixe and Vila Nova de Milfontes, and try fresh fish, octopus, and traditional Alentejo dishes. The most convenient way to get around the coast is to rent a car.

The best time to visit is May–June and September. During these months, it’s pleasant to stroll along the coastal paths. July and August are ideal for a beach vacation, though the number of visitors increases significantly during the summer festivals.

Learn more about the best countries for a honeymoon and wedding trip by following the link.

Carry-le-Rouet, France

Carry-le-Rouet is a small seaside town on the Côte Bleue, about 30 km west of Marseille. It offers an alternative to the popular resorts of Cannes and Saint-Tropez, with picturesque coves, turquoise waters, rocky beaches, and a much more relaxed atmosphere.

Things to see and do in Carry-le-Rouet:

- Plage Fernandel – a small beach named after the famous French actor Fernandel, who had a home in this town.

- Sentier du Lézard – a coastal walking trail about 4 km long. The trail passes by rocky coves, Mediterranean vegetation, and lookouts offering panoramic views of the sea.

- Carry-le-Rouet Marine Reserve – a protected marine area established to preserve marine ecosystems. You can go snorkeling off the coast while observing the reserve’s rules.

- Calanque des Eaux Salées – a picturesque cove near the town, surrounded by cliffs and pine trees. It can be reached via hiking trails.

- Carry-le-Rouet Harbor – a waterfront with fishing boats, restaurants, and outdoor seating areas. Here, be sure to try fresh seafood, especially sea urchins, which are a local delicacy.

In February, Carry-le-Rouet traditionally hosts the Oursinades—a culinary festival dedicated to sea urchins. Seafood and local wine tastings are organized along the waterfront.

You can get here by regional train from Marseille. The Côte Bleue railway line runs along the rocky coastline, through tunnels and over viaducts with views of the Mediterranean Sea. The trip usually takes about 35–45 minutes.

The best time to visit is June through September, when you can swim, explore the coves, and enjoy water sports. April, May, and October are also good months for hiking.

One day is enough to visit Carry-le-Rouet from Marseille, but for a beach vacation and walks along the coast, it’s better to plan 2–3 days.

In our previous article, we wrote about the most underrated islands in the Mediterranean.

The Azores, Portugal

The Azores are an archipelago of nine volcanic islands in the northern Atlantic Ocean, approximately 1,500 km from mainland Portugal. The islands feature crater lakes, hot springs, waterfalls, and black volcanic beaches. The largest island is São Miguel, home to the archipelago’s capital, Ponta Delgada.

Top attractions and activities in the Azores:

- Sete Cidades – two lakes in the crater of an extinct volcano on the island of São Miguel. The best panoramic views are from the Vista do Rei observation deck.

- Furnas – a valley with hot springs, geysers, and thermal pools. Here, they prepare the traditional dish Cozido das Furnas, which is slow-cooked underground for several hours using geothermal heat.

- Pico – an island home to Portugal’s highest mountain, standing at 2,351 meters. Climbing the volcano typically takes 6–8 hours round-trip and requires good physical fitness.

- Faial—an island featuring the volcanic landscape of Capelinhos, which was formed following the 1957–1958 eruption.

- Flores – one of the greenest islands in the archipelago, known for its numerous waterfalls, crater lakes, and natural pools.

- Whale and dolphin watching – one of the main tourist attractions. More than 20 species of cetaceans have been recorded in the waters of the Azores, including sperm whales and dolphins.

The Azores are also known for their natural thermal pools. On São Miguel, be sure to visit Terra Nostra Park, which features a large thermal pool, and Caldeira Velha, where hot water flows amid tropical vegetation.

The main international airport is located on São Miguel. Flights arrive here from Lisbon, Porto, and several other European cities. Local flights operate between the islands, and ferry service varies depending on the route and season.

For your first trip, you should set aside 5–7 days for São Miguel. If you plan to visit Pico, Faial, or Flores, it’s best to allow 10–14 days. The weather is changeable throughout the year, so even in summer, you’ll need a raincoat and warm clothing.

The best time to visit is June through September. During this period, it’s usually warmer, with less rainfall, and more comfortable for boat tours. The spring months are particularly good for whale watching, when large cetaceans migrate past the archipelago.

No matter how well thought-out your itinerary is, there is always room for force majeure when traveling. Unexpected medical expenses, transportation delays, or luggage problems can ruin your plans and budget. Travel insurance helps you avoid unnecessary worries in such situations. You can apply for a travel insurance policy for a specific trip online at Visit World - quickly and without unnecessary bureaucracy!

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We remind you! Skyscanner has highlighted 10 travel destinations for 2027 that have seen a noticeable surge in interest: from Bishkek to Samos, Greece. Read more about the top picks, their main attractions, and the best time to visit.

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