Looking for destinations to escape the crowds when planning your next adventure? Europe’s full of hidden gems just waiting to be explored, with hiring a car the best way to see them, as many of them are a little bit off the beaten path. Here, Ed Sharp, Head of Car Hire at TravelSupermarket, shares some of the most underrated holiday destinations well worth adding to your bucket list.
Picos de Europa, Spain
For a getaway far from bustling cities, Picos de Europa in Northern Spain’s a must. Spanning Asturias, Cantabria, and León, the National Park offers limestone peaks, deep gorges, and remote villages, making it a perfect option for adventure lovers. Public transport’s limited and the region vast, so a car’s best to navigate the winding mountain roads.
How to get there: Fly directly to Santander Airport from most major UK airports, then drive 90 minutes to reach your destination.
Alentejo, Portugal
With rolling hills, historic towns, and Roman ruins, the Alentejo region in Southern Portugal’s a picturesque holiday destination. Here you can explore cultural sites, wineries, and the Atlantic coastline at your own pace. Grab a car to visit highlights such as Évora, Monsaraz, Estremoz, and the Alentejo coast.
How to get there: Fly directly to Lisbon Airport, then it’s just over an hour to Évora, the heart of the region.
Peloponnese, Greece
One of Greece’s best-kept secrets is the Peloponnese peninsula. Connected to the mainland via the Corinth Canal and the Rio-Antirrio Bridge, this scenic region’s packed with ancient ruins, hidden beaches, and mountain villages. As expected, public transport’s sparse, and the best sites spread out, so are best explored at your leisure.
How to get there: Fly to Athens, then drive 90 minutes to Nafplio – an ideal base for your trip.
Dordogne, France
If you want to feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale, a road trip here’s the one for you. This South West region, named after its winding river, is home to mediaeval castles, charming châteaux, and enchanting villages. Trust us you’ll love it.
How to get there: Fly to Bergerac Airport (a 50 minute drive) or Bordeaux Airport (just under a two hour drive).
Apuseni Mountains, Romania
The Apuseni Mountains are located in a remote region of Transylvania. The best time to visit is between late May and September, when the weather is the most pleasant for hiking and other activities. The landscape boasts karst formations, caves, and traditional villages, with highlights including Scărișoara Ice Cave, Padiș Plateau, and the wooden churches of Maramureș.
How to get there: Fly to Cluj-Napoca Airport, then drive two hours into the mountains.
Western Fjords, Norway
For breathtaking natural beauty, the Western Fjords of Norway offer towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and glacial landscapes. The isolation of this region makes a road trip the best way to explore, especially along the scenic Atlantic Road.
How to get there: Fly to Ålesund Airport, then drive 2.5 hours to Geiranger, one of the most spectacular fjord towns.
The Azores, Portugal
The Azores archipelago, located in the North Atlantic Ocean, is made up of nine volcanic islands offering geothermal wonders, lush greenery, and dramatic coastlines. São Miguel is the largest island and known as the “Green Island” due to its rolling hills and vibrant landscapes. With minimal tourist crowds, it’s a perfect summer escape.
How to get there: Fly to Ponta Delgada Airport on São Miguel Island, then rent a car to explore the island.
Carinthia, Austria
Carinthia, Austria’s southernmost and least densely populated state, is a paradise of gentle mountain peaks, pristine lakes, and alpine villages. It’s home to over 1,200 lakes – 200 of which are swimmable – making it an idyllic summer retreat.
How to get there: Fly to Klagenfurt Airport, then drive 30 minutes to the region’s stunning lakes and mountains.
