Underrated European Destinations You Should Visit Instead

Fora Travel, the modern travel agency, makes a case for skipping the usual suspects (Greece, the Amalfi Coast, Paris) and heading somewhere with fewer crowds and just as much to offer. The video walks through seven European destinations that deserve more attention, with specific hotel picks for each.

1. Poland

Poland delivers on both scenery and history. Three cities stand out:

Coastal Poland -- Stay at Hotel Quadrille Relais & Chateau, described as a regal, Alice in Wonderland-inspired property.
Warsaw -- A vibrant summer social scene. Raffles Europejski Warsaw is the recommended stay.
Krakow -- Medieval architecture and proximity to important historical sites like Auschwitz.

2. Lithuania

The most underrated country in an already underrated region (the Baltics). Very little tourism pressure compared to the rest of Europe.

Vilnius Old Town -- Cobblestone streets, strong medieval architecture. A beautifully designed hotel in Old Town features a charming courtyard.
Countryside -- Esperanza Resort and Spa, a rustic lakefront destination.

3. Sardinia, Italy

Called out as the next big European island destination. Clear water, yachting, high-end nightlife, rugged mountains, and charming villages all in one place.

Hotel pick: Belmond Romazzino, with a waterfront location and distinctive architecture.

4. Pantelleria, Sicily

A volcanic island with dramatic landscapes, hot springs, ancient tombs, and a waterfront castle. Much less traveled than mainland Sicily.

Hotel pick: Hotel Sikelia, described as a destination in itself with a standout pool and gardens.

5. Burgundy, France

France is not underrated, but Burgundy deserves more than a day trip. Especially strong for wine lovers and foodies.

Hotel pick: Le Cep by Le Bernard Loiseau, with a Michelin-starred restaurant on site. The pitch is simple: great food and more time for winery hopping.

6. Czech Republic

Prague's baroque and gothic architecture gives the whole city a fairy tale quality.

Prague -- Almanac X Alcron for a contemporary stay with a buzzy bar scene.
Cesky Krumlov -- A medieval town with red-tiled roofs, worth a day trip or overnight.
Karlovy Vary -- A spa town for anyone who loves hot springs.

7. Lucerne, Switzerland

Zurich gets the attention, but Lucerne wins on charm. A romantic lakeside setting with cobblestone streets lined with modern shops, plus access to nature.

Ride the cogwheel train or gondola up Mount Pilatus for panoramic views.
Hotel pick: Park Hotel Vitznau, right on the lake.

Key Takeaways

All seven destinations offer the scenery and history that make Europe's popular spots famous, with a fraction of the crowds.
Each recommendation comes with a specific luxury hotel, which reflects Fora Travel's positioning as a high-end booking service.
The list skews toward medieval architecture, waterfront settings, and food and wine culture. If those are your priorities, any of these would work.
Sardinia and Pantelleria are the picks for island travelers who have already done the usual Italian coast.
Poland and Lithuania are the most budget-friendly options on this list relative to Western European alternatives.