21 Euro Trip Destinations That Are Way More Interesting Than Amalfi And Mykonos

I promise, you don't need to go to the Greek islands for a good time.

Everyone wants to go on an epic European summer trip, one which will make your Insta followers jealous and your wallet a whole lot lighter.

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But oh boy, some of those tourist hotspots are absolutely PACKED. And EXPENSIVE. Here are some alternative locations to consider adding to your itinerary.

1. Himarë, Albania

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Himare is a teeny beachside town a few hours' north of the bustling resort city of Sarande, and once you arrive you'll never want to leave. The beaches have the bluest water you've ever seen, and the prices are low enough that you can take boat tours to hidden coves every day without a worry. 

2. Meteora, Greece

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You probably haven't heard of Meteora, but you've probably seen it pop up on an automated screensaver or desktop background. The valley formation is home to six monasteries that have been built into and on top of the natural rock columns which reach toward the sky. You can hike between them — or take a bus — then enjoy the sweeping sunset views every night. 

3. The Azores, Portugal

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The Azores are a group of Portuguese islands, floating in the middle of the ocean between North America and Europe. They're not the easiest  to get to, but once you're there you'll see that it's all worth it. From volcanoes, dramatic cliffs, natural spring baths, and endless wildflowers to bustling cities, locally-made food and festivals that go all night, there's something here for everyone. 

4. Thessaloniki, Greece

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Most people flock to the Greek islands for a Euro summer, maybe with a stopover in Athens, but you'd be much better off making a beeline for this northern city. It's got a young and energetic vibe, thanks to the fact that 10% of its one million plus residents are uni students. It's right on the coastline, full of ruins and history — and has an amazing nightlife. Plus, it's a fraction of the cost of other touristy spots in Europe. 

5. Pristina, Kosovo

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All of Kosovo is under-visited and worth adding to your list, but starting with the capital city is a great idea. You wouldn't expect it, but it was one of the coolest cities I've ever been to. Plenty of trendy cafes, restaurants, and bars, packed with young people — everyone there to have a good time. Be sure to do a walking tour while you're there; it's not until you know the history of the area that you can really appreciate it. 

6. Wroclaw, Poland

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Poland is one of the more wallet-friendly destinations in Europe — and Wroclaw is the best city to really immerse yourself in the vibes. While partiers choose Krakow for its cheap beer and pub crawls, Wroclaw is more about soaking up the energy — from the cobblestone streets to the cute bars, delicious food, amazing architecture and tons of friendly locals. 

7. Gdansk, Poland

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I simply have to give you two Poland recommendations, because Gdansk is so lovely. It's right up on the north coast of the country, kinda annoying to get to but oh so worth it. It's like Wroclaw's trendy older sister, with trendy cafes and bars, cute neighbourhoods to explore and a stunning WWII museum that everyone should pay a visit to. 

8. Bodrum, Turkey

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If your Euro summer Pinterest board is filled with photos of the Greek Islands, but your bank account hasn't quite caught up yet, then Bodrum is the spot for you. The port city has the same kind of rocky landscape and bright blue water, but for a fraction of the cost. Plus, you'll get a lot more local cultural experiences than you would on a party island. 

9. Zell am See, Austria

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Everyone heads to Innisbruck to get their fix of the Alps, but Zell am See is a worthy alternative. It's a lot quieter, a little cheaper, and perched on the edge of a stunning lake that's going to look amazing in your Instagram pics. 

10. Ohrid, North Macedonia

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This lakeside town in Macedonia can get busy with local tourists during the high season, but for most of the year it's a peaceful oasis. Explore the monasteries which dot the shoreline, visit sprawling ancient Greek and Roman ruins and dine on fresh seafood on the water's edge as the sun goes down. 

11. Sofia, Bulgaria

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The capital city of Bulgaria is often passed over in favour of more western European destinations, but you seriously need to consider adding it to your itinerary. The city is jam-packed with Roman ruins that are free to see — and you can literally climb over them. The local food is amazing, the people are friendly and there are plenty of stunning hiking to be done nearby. 

12. Brașov, Romania

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Brașov — located in the Transylvania region — is an ancient city that still radiates spooky vibes (in the very best way). Most people come to visit Dracula's castle, but there's plenty more on offer: great food, amazing local wine, stunning architecture and history up to your eyeballs. 

13. Durmitor National Park, Montenegro

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It's hard to believe that Montenegro is home to one of Europe's most beautiful national parks, but here we are. Just a short bus ride from the touristy town of Kotor, the area is full of hills, mountains, waterfalls, a raging river, and cute towns. Visitors can spend their days hiking, zip lining, rafting or just lounging by the lake with a drink. 

14. Bologna, Italy

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For a more laid-back alternative to Florence or Rome, Bologna is your best bet. It's a university town, with a lot of cool areas to explore during both the day and night. Plus, this is the place where spaghetti bolognese was (probably) invented!

15. Tallinn, Estonia

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Up in the northeast of Europe, the Baltic countries are just chilling and waiting for the crowds to come to discover them — but it might be a while. Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, has a walled, cobblestoned Old Town which is absurdly photogenic, offset by its vibrant modern culture. You can easily get a ferry from here to Helsinki to continue your travels, or head south by land to Latvia.

16. Riga, Latvia

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Riga has a similar energy to Tallinn — cool locals, old buildings, and a certain fairytale charm. It's a big, metropolitan city with a ton of stuff to explore, from museums and churches to cafes and boutiques. If you're a cat lover, you simply have to come to Riga: they're everywhere. Around the city, you'll find little huts that volunteers have built for all the street cats, so they can stay warm and get fed. 

17. Cardiff, Wales

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It's not a city on many people's summer itineraries, but hear me out. If you want to explore the UK, Cardiff is an excellent shout. It's one of the cheaper cities to base yourself in and it's close to plenty of amazing nature areas. It's got good nightlife, especially in the warmer months, and there are tons of cafes, restaurants and shops to explore during the day. Plus, the UK is so well-connected by train you can go anywhere on a day trip.

18. Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

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Lake Bled has been getting all the credit and Instagram love while Lake Bohinj is just sitting there looking like this. It's a much better choice if you want to relax and just soak up nature. You can walk around the whole lake, swim in the clear water and then sit back with a book and a beer. A perfect getaway!

19. Genoa, Italy

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Genoa always seems to be overlooked for some reason, but if you're keen to embrace both the food and history of Italy, this is the best place to be. It's got the biggest medieval city center in Europe, and is the home of dishes including focaccia, farinata, and pesto. But really the best part of Genoa is the atmosphere — the locals are warm and welcoming, it has some of the best views in the country, and it's not as intimidating and in-your-face as other cities (looking at you, Venice).

Plus, it's a short train ride to Portofino and Cinque Terre if you want to head there for day trips!

20. Tatras, Slovakia

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I'd forgive you if you had no idea where Slovakia is on a map of Europe, but hear me out on this one. The north of the country is an absolute wonderland for anyone who loves hiking and nature. In winter it's all ski slopes, but in summer there are hundreds of kilometres of stunning trails traversing flower-covered hills and crystal-clear streams. The cute little town of Zdair is also home to the best hostel in all of Europe — the Ginger Monkey. 

21. And finally, Vilnius, Lithuania

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If you're the kind of traveller who loves to just wander around a place to get a feel for it, then Vilnius is for you. It's a really walkable city, with a ton of stuff to look at and do — and, of course, a lot of great food.