Capital cities, viral TikTok spots, and places with their own Netflix shows are popular destinations for tourists visiting Europe. But what if you want somewhere a little less crowded, but still boasting that “wow” factor? Well, Time Out have you covered, having come up with a list of the most underrated travel destinations to visit in 2026. Introducing the list, the travel experts said: “There’s a downside to these big, bustling, bucket-list-worthy travel destinations. “If you’ve ever queued an hour for a pastry, spent your day’s budget on a coffee or had to book a museum three months in advance, you’ll know it as well as us: it’s the crowds. “And following years of anti-tourism measures, Airbnb restrictions and demonstrations in response to overtourism, there’s never been a better time to think outside the box for your travels – especially when so many incredible European spots are getting overlooked. “This is our ultimate guide to Europe’s best hidden spots, from culture-packed city breaks to under-the-radar national parks. “If you’re travelling on a budget, searching for quiet or just desperate to try somewhere new, these are the most underrated places to visit in Europe right now.” EU Entry/Exit System – what UK travellers need to know Most underrated destinations in Europe The most underrated destinations in Europe to visit in 2026, according to Time Out, are: Izola (Slovenia) Machynlleth (Wales) Tilburg (Netherlands) Ulcinj (Montenegro) Terracina (Italy) Gothenburg (Sweden) Plovdiv (Bulgaria) Aarhus (Denmark) Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegovina) Isle of Scilly (England) Vilnius (Lithuania) Cluj-Napoca (Romania) Vestmannaeyjar (Iceland) Levi (Finnish Lapland) Gozo (Malta) Geres (Portugal) Bergen (Norway) Tartu (Estonia) Imotski Lakes (Croatia) Emilia-Romagna (Italy) Extremadura (Spain) Landes (France) Dordrecht (Netherlands) Why Machynlleth is one of Europe’s most underrated travel destinations While Machynlleth may look like any other “picturesque Welsh market town” on the surface, if you look closer, you will find something “truly special”, the experts at Time Out said. “For a start, the nature isn’t just your bog-standard valley; that’s the UNESCO-protected Dyfi Biosphere we’re talking about, a treasure trove of marshes, woodlands, waters, and wildlife,” Time Out explained. “Mach holds a vital place in Welsh history, as it was here that Owain Glyndŵr set up parliament in 1404 as the last true Prince of Wales. “Throw in a celebrated annual comedy festival and a contemporary art museum in a chapel, and you’ve got a treat.” The travel experts also recommended paying a visit to the Centre for Alternative Technology when visiting Machynlleth, describing it as “a love letter to innovation”. Visit Wales agrees that Machynlleth is passionate about a
