Escape Edit: 3 Unexpected Places You Should Visit On Your Euro Summer Travels

The path less travelled

By Bianca Licina | 2nd February 2026

Positano, Paris, Rome, Nice, Athens… we’ve heard it all before when asking mates, “So, where are you going on your trip?” Don’t get us wrong – these places are beautiful and absolutely worth visiting – but have you ever stopped and thought… where else is there worth going?

As someone who tends to stray off the well-worn tourist path, I’ve found myself falling for destinations that rarely make the average Aussie travel itinerary. With a Balkan background and a constant thirst for something different, my travel companions and I always gravitate towards places we know little about – destinations that surprise us, challenge expectations, and reward curiosity.

I’m not talking about anything wild or remote, just cities and towns the average 22-year-old traveller might overlook. So, here are a few of the underrated places I’ve travelled to and think you should too.

Kotor, Montenegro

Often dubbed the crown jewel of Montenegro, Kotor is a storybook town tucked inside a shimmering bay, surrounded by dramatic mountains. Sounds magical? It is. By day, the calm, wave-free bay is dotted with locals and travellers swimming from pebbled shores, lounging on affordable beach chairs, and soaking in the jaw-dropping scenery. Predominantly visited by Balkan tourists, you’ll hear more Serbo-Croatian than English – but that’s part of the charm. Comparable in beauty to Croatia’s hotspots but far less hectic, Kotor strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and lively. And by night, the Old Town transforms – think street parties, open-air bars, and even major artists performing in its concert venue.

Belgrade, Serbia

I may be biased as a Serb, but if European grit, wild nightlife, incredible food, and low prices are calling your name, Belgrade needs to be on your list. This city hums with energy, culture, and unmatched hospitality. Regularly ranked among Europe’s best nightlife destinations, there’s always somewhere to go, especially in summer, when river clubs fill up with locals. By day, explore landmarks like the Church of Saint Sava and Belgrade Fortress, then spend afternoons eating your way through the city. While English isn’t spoken everywhere, getting around is easy and if you want a city break that won’t drain your bank account, Belgrade delivers.

Palermo, Sicily

Palermo, Sicily’s capital, is loud, colourful, chaotic – and utterly captivating. Rough around the edges in the best possible way, the city is packed with stunning churches, buzzing bars, and layers of history. The street nightlife is the real standout: we stumbled upon it while bar-hopping and ended up staying all night, dancing with a Tunisian drum band for hours. The energy is infectious, the cultural mix incredibly rich. With beautiful beaches just a short trip away, Palermo gives you the best of city life and seaside escape in one.