On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, discover 10 under-the-radar European holidays destinations for Summer 2025, from Tbilisi’s steamy bathhouses to Asturias’ inland beach, offering UK travellers authentic culture, stunning scenery, and budget-friendly adventures.
As Mediterranean hotspots brace for scorching temperatures and visitor caps, UK holidaymakers are seeking fresh, crowd-free destinations that deliver stunning landscapes, rich culture, and affordability.
According to the latest search data from Hellotickets, ten under-the-radar European destinations are seeing double-digit surges in interest from British travellers for Summer 2025. From steamy bathhouses in the Caucasus to midnight-sun kayaking in the Arctic and cider-sipping by an “inland beach,” these locations offer unique experiences at wallet-friendly prices.
Top 10 Secret European Holidays For Summer 2025
1. Tbilisi, Georgia
Why It’s Hot: Tbilisi, the vibrant capital of Georgia, is a crossroads of East and West, blending ancient traditions with a modern, creative pulse. Known for its sulphur bathhouses in the Abanotubani district, where mineral-rich waters have soothed visitors for centuries, Tbilisi also boasts an 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition using clay qvevri vessels. The city’s booming café and art scene, particularly in the hip Vera and Sololaki neighbourhoods, draws creatives with colourful street art, boutique galleries, and trendy eateries serving modern takes on khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) and khinkali (soup dumplings).
What to Do: Wander the cobbled streets of the Old Town, where pastel-hued buildings and domed bathhouses sit beneath the Narikala Fortress. Visit the bustling Dry Bridge Market for Soviet-era relics and local crafts. Sip natural wines at g.Vino or Café Stamba, a converted Soviet printing house. For a day trip, explore the ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe or the wine region of Kakheti.
Why Now: With an average flight and five-night stay costing £670 (≈ €780)—35% cheaper than a similar trip to Barcelona—Tbilisi offers exceptional value. New direct flights from London and budget-friendly accommodations make it easier than ever to visit.
2. Porto, Portugal (Costa Verde)
Why It’s Hot: Porto, perched along the Douro River and the breezy Atlantic coast, is Portugal’s soulful second city. Known for its azulejo-tiled alleyways, historic port wine cellars, and laid-back vibe, Porto offers a refreshing alternative to Lisbon’s busier streets. The Costa Verde’s sandy beaches, like Matosinhos, are perfect for surfing or strolling.
What to Do: Stroll the Ribeira district’s colourful waterfront, where rabelo boats once carried port wine. Visit the Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, and climb the Clérigos Tower for panoramic views. Sample francesinha (a hearty sandwich) at local taverns or sip port at Vila Nova de Gaia’s cellars. Nearby, the Douro Valley’s terraced vineyards offer wine-tasting day trips.
Why Now: Return flights from the UK start under £90, and Porto’s mild Atlantic climate (averaging 20–25°C in summer) makes it ideal for exploring without the Mediterranean heat. The city’s growing food scene, from Michelin-starred restaurants to affordable petiscos bars, adds to its appeal.
3. Tallinn, Estonia
Why It’s Hot: Tallinn’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, with its medieval spires and cobblestone streets, feels like stepping into a fairytale. Yet, just beyond the city walls, the hip Kalamaja district buzzes with street art, craft breweries, and seaside cafés. Baltic beaches, like Stroomi, are a 20-minute tram ride away.
What to Do: Explore Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Toompea Castle in the Old Town, then head to Kalamaja’s Telliskivi Creative City for indie shops, food trucks, and murals. Visit the Seaplane Harbour Museum for maritime history or take a ferry to the nearby island of Saaremaa for pristine beaches and castles. In summer, enjoy outdoor festivals like the Tallinn Medieval Days.
Why Now: Tallinn combines affordability (meals average £10–15) with accessibility, with direct flights from London under £100. Its cool summer highs of 20–22°C and proximity to nature make it a perfect urban-meets-outdoor escape.
4. Cappadocia, Turkey
Why It’s Hot: Cappadocia’s otherworldly landscape of fairy chimneys, rock-cut churches, and sprawling valleys is a bucket-list destination. New direct flights from Paris to Kayseri have made this Turkish gem more accessible, and its sunrise hot-air balloon rides offer jaw-dropping views over the moonscape.
What to Do: Float above Göreme National Park in a hot-air balloon at dawn, explore the underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymakli, or hike the Rose and Red Valleys. Stay in a cave hotel for a unique experience and visit local markets for handmade rugs and pottery. Don’t miss the open-air museums showcasing Byzantine frescoes.
Why Now: With summer highs around 25–27°C and budget-friendly accommodations (cave hotels from £50/night), Cappadocia offers incredible value. Its growing popularity among UK travellers is driven by new flight routes and a weaker Turkish lira, making dining and activities affordable.
5. Luleå, Swedish Lapland
Why It’s Hot: Nestled above the Arctic Circle, Luleå is a summer paradise with 24-hour daylight thanks to the midnight sun. With mild temperatures (up to 22°C), it’s ideal for outdoor adventures like kayaking through the 1,300-island archipelago or cycling along coastal trails.
What to Do: Paddle through the Luleå Archipelago, spotting seals and seabirds, or hike in the Gammelstad Church Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 400 red wooden cottages. Visit the Norrbotten Museum for Sami culture insights or take a boat to the remote island of Kluntarna for pristine beaches. In summer, enjoy open-air concerts and local seafood like smoked herring.
Why Now: Luleå’s unique Arctic summer, with endless daylight and uncrowded landscapes, appeals to nature lovers. Affordable flights from the UK (via Stockholm) and budget-friendly cabins make it a hidden gem for adventure seekers.
6. Matera, Southern Italy
Why It’s Hot: Matera, in Italy’s Basilicata region, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its ancient sassi (cave dwellings) carved into limestone cliffs. Once a symbol of poverty, these caves are now boutique hotels, restaurants, and galleries, blending history with modern luxury.
What to Do: Wander the Sassi di Matera, exploring rock-hewn churches like Santa Maria de Idris. Dine on lucanica sausage and peperoni cruschi at locavore restaurants like La Grotta di Plato. Visit the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario for a glimpse into cave-dwelling life. Nearby, the Murgia National Park offers hiking with panoramic views.
Why Now: Matera’s summer highs of 25–28°C and fewer crowds than Amalfi or Rome make it a smart choice. Affordable flights to Bari (1 hour away) and farm-to-table dining keep costs low.
7. Gdańsk, Poland
Why It’s Hot: Gdańsk, a Hanseatic port city on Poland’s Baltic coast, dazzles with its colour-washed facades and amber-hued history. With craft beers costing around £3 and sandy beaches like Jelitkowo nearby, it’s a budget-friendly coastal gem.
What to Do: Stroll Długi Targ (Long Market) to see the Neptune Fountain and Gothic St. Mary’s Church. Visit the Museum of the Second World War or take a boat to the Westerplatte peninsula, a key WWII site. Enjoy pierogi and żurek soup at local taverns or relax on Sopot’s lively beach, just 15 minutes away.
Why Now: Gdańsk’s affordability, with meals under £10 and direct flights from the UK starting at £50, makes it a steal. Summer highs of 20–24°C and vibrant festivals like St. Dominic’s Fair add to its charm.
8. Kotor, Montenegro
Why It’s Hot: Tucked in a fjord-like bay on the Adriatic, Kotor blends medieval charm with dramatic mountains and crystal waters. With prices roughly half those of nearby Dubrovnik, it’s a budget-friendly alternative with equal beauty.
What to Do: Climb the 1,350 steps to Kotor Fortress for sweeping bay views, wander the Old Town’s maze-like streets, or sail to Our Lady of the Rocks, a tiny island church. Kayak in the Bay of Kotor or hike Lovćen National Park for panoramic trails. Dine on fresh seafood and čevapi at local konobas.
Why Now: Kotor’s warm summer highs (up to 27°C) and affordable accommodations (hotels from £40/night) make it a steal. Its growing popularity among UK travellers is driven by low-cost flights to Tivat and uncrowded beaches.
9. Faroe Islands, Denmark
Why It’s Hot: The Faroe Islands, a rugged archipelago between Iceland and Norway, offer dramatic cliffs, puffin colonies, and a burgeoning tourism scene that’s still refreshingly low-key. Summer brings mild weather (10–15°C) and long daylight hours for exploration.
What to Do: Hike to Kallur Lighthouse for vertiginous views or trek to Lake Sørvágsvatn, which appears to float above the ocean. Spot puffins on Mykines Island or visit Tórshavn’s colourful harbour and Nordic House cultural centre. Sample skerpikjøt (wind-dried lamb) at local eateries.
Why Now: The Faroes’ untouched landscapes and small visitor numbers appeal to intrepid travellers. Direct flights from London (via Copenhagen) and affordable guesthouses make it more accessible than ever.
10. Asturias, Spain
Why It’s Hot: Asturias, in northern Spain, is a land of rugged mountains, cider houses, and the unique Gulpiyuri Beach—a tiny “inland beach” fed by the sea. The Picos de Europa mountains offer world-class hiking, while Oviedo and Gijón blend urban charm with coastal beauty.
What to Do: Visit Gulpiyuri Beach, a geological marvel, or hike the Ruta del Cares in the Picos de Europa. Sip sidra (cider) at traditional sidrerías in Gijón or explore Oviedo’s Gothic cathedral and pre-Romanesque churches. Surf at Playa de Rodiles or wander Cudillero’s pastel-hued fishing village.
Why Now: With summer highs of 20–23°C and fewer crowds than Spain’s southern coast, Asturias is a refreshing escape. Affordable flights to Oviedo and budget-friendly tapas bars make it a smart pick for UK travellers.
Why It Matters
These ten destinations, from Tbilisi’s pastel domes to the mirror-flat fjords of Kotor, showcase Europe’s diversity and hidden gems. They invite travellers to slow down, immerse in authentic cultures, and create stories that stand out from the usual summer feeds. Hellotickets’ data shows double-digit search growth for each location since 1 May 2025, reflecting a shift toward off-the-beaten-path adventures.
With an average cost of £670 for a flight and five-night stay in Tbilisi—35% cheaper than Barcelona—and warm but manageable summer temperatures (peaking at 27°C in Kotor), these spots offer value and comfort. Book early on Hellotickets to secure a crowd-free, unforgettable trip.
About Hellotickets:
Hellotickets is a leading global platform for travel experiences, tours, and activities, connecting explorers from 21 countries to over 30,000 unforgettable moments in 130+ countries. Founded in 2017 by Jorge Díaz Largo and Alberto Martinez, Hellotickets is driven by a passion for inspiring fuller, richer lives through travel. Operating on a four-day workweek with a fully remote team of 80+ employees, the company is backed by growth experts like Chris Colbert (formerly of Harvard Innovation Labs), Pillar VC, and Techstars. Hellotickets is your gateway to living large.
Book your next experience at: www.hellotickets.com/en-en
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