Travel

39 Amazing Hidden Gems of Europe (PHOTOS)

Home to beautiful, cosmopolitan cities, stunning castles and numerous natural wonders, Europe is an exceptionally popular tourist destination. The continent received 563 million international tourists in 2013, reports the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), approximately 315 million more than any other continent in the world. But while the hordes of tourists might flock to Europe’s famous historical cities or famous sunny Mediterranean beaches, there are several other hidden gems that you shouldn't miss.

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One such place is the medieval walled city of Tallinn, a UNESCO World Heritage site situated on the northern coast of the country by the Baltic Sea. The city is believed to have developed between the 13th and 16th centuries, and today, many of its ancient city walls and gates are still standing, offering visitors a glimpse into its past.

Another lesser-known destination is considered one of France’s best-kept secrets: the Queyras National park. Situated in one of the oldest mountain ranges of the Alps, Queyras only opened to tourists towards the end of the 20th century, reports the website AlpBase.com. As a result, it remains still today largely untouched, making it a prime hiking destination.

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If you don’t want to journey too far from the comfortable Mediterranean climate, another place to visit is Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor, sometimes called the “Mediterranean’s only fjord,” according to Lonely Planet. Only about an hour away from the famous walled city of Dubrovnik, this winding bay on the Adriatic Sea is full of stunning medieval towns, including the town that shares its name, Kotor.

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