I’ve been to 18 European countries. These are the 5 underrated cities I’d return to in a heartbeat.

• I’m an American who’s traveled to 18 European countries throughout my life.

• Although I love exploring capitals, some of my favorite trips have been to smaller European cities.

• Two of my favorites are Cassis, France, and Tarragona, Spain.

Throughout my life, I’ve visited a total of 18 European countries.

That number climbed quickly when I moved from Chicago to London for college and spent four years living in my favorite city, thrilled by my newfound proximity to so many bucket-list destinations. Jumping on a two-and-a-half-hour train ride to Paris or a 45-minute flight to Amsterdam never got old.

As I’ve explored big and small cities, I’ve been increasingly drawn to destinations beyond the major capitals that feel intimate and uncrowded. The more I’ve traveled, the more I’ve wanted to slow down.

Here are five underrated destinations in Europe I’d return to in a heartbeat.

Cassis, France, is a postcard seaside town with access to a national park.

When I stopped in Cassis during a December 2025 Mediterranean cruise, I was immediately charmed by the fishing port’s cafés, bakeries, and wine bars.

The natural beauty alone is a draw. Part of Calanques National Park, which stretches between Marseille and La Ciotat, falls in Cassis. Approaching the towering limestone inlets feels like being in the middle of a canyon, and I desperately wanted to plunge into the impossibly blue seawater.

Plage de la Grande Mer, a family-friendly public beach, is in the center of Cassis, and it was brimming with locals during my excursion. Although I didn’t get a chance to summit Cap Canaille, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe at over 1,300 feet, visitors can climb it for panoramic views over the Mediterranean.

Whether you decide to embrace the town’s nature-based activities or bask on its restorative beaches, it’s an unassuming, slow-paced spot to immerse yourself in the South of France’s magic.

Tarragona, Spain, is perfect for a relaxed beach day away from Barcelona’s hustle and bustle.

A little more than an hour’s drive or train ride south of the Catalan capital along Spain’s Golden Coast, Tarragona is a fascinating mix of historic Roman ruins, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture.

During one visit, a friend and I stopped in Tarragona for lunch at Osteria del Lab, where we indulged in the five-course tasting menu. Every dish was excellent, but the standout was a fresh shrimp-and-octopus salad drizzled with balsamic vinegar.

We walked around and stopped at the Catedral de Tarragona, a Romanesque and Gothic church built between the 12th and 14th centuries located in the center of the historic city.

Of course, we couldn’t skip the beach. I visited Playa el Miracle, which is within walking distance of the train station. Even when I was there in July, the middle of summer, I didn’t see many people.

If you’re in search of a peaceful day by the water, Tarragona is worth a trip.

I skipped the summertime crowds in Skiathos, Greece.

I’ve been to several Greek islands including Rhodes, Crete, and Naxos, so I decided to check out Skiathos, which is tucked away in the Sporades island chain.

I went in the fall, hoping that the summer crowds would have dispersed by then. Luckily, they had.

The island was an easy 40-minute flight from Athens, and once I arrived, public buses made it easy to hop between beaches —Skiathos has 60!

I recommend Achladies Beach, a laid-back beach just a 10-minute drive from the main town, or Koukounaries Beach, a 22-minute drive south, for its natural beauty.

Wine lovers should stop by Phàos World to try natural wines. When I was there, I sampled a curated selection based on my palate and received a detailed tasting sheet with notes about each wine.

Lucca, Italy, is a picturesque city in the Tuscany region, known for its fresh pasta and scenic views.

After a 30-minute bus ride from Pisa, I arrived in Lucca and walked through the city’s Renaissance-era walls into the historic center.

I found it to be the perfect place to wander in December, and because many roads were blocked off to cars, it felt very peaceful.

Within the walls, there are Romanesque churches and striking medieval towers. I started at Guinigi Tower, where visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of terracotta rooftops and rolling Tuscan hills.

Afterward, I wandered along the city walls, where I admired colorful murals, and dined at Osteria da Pasqualino, where I enjoyed fettuccine with cream of zucchini and prawns with lemon, along with an afternoon glass of wine in a beautiful courtyard.

Clothing shops and gelaterias surround Lucca’s charming squares. When I was there, there were hardly any crowds, and the city felt cinematic.

Innsbruck, Austria, is a dreamy mountain town brimming with history.

Innsbruck is situated in the heart of the Austrian Alps, about two hours from Munich, Germany, by train or car. When I arrived during a December road trip with my aunt, I felt like I was stepping into an enchanted snow globe.

We wandered the many cobblestone, shop-lined alleyways, embracing the slow magic of winter in the Alps.

During our visit, we rode the Innsbrucker Nordkettenbahnen cable cars to ascend Hafelekar, a mountain peak known as the “Top of Innsbruck.” In less than 30 minutes, we were looking out at panoramic views of snowcapped peaks.

For a bit of culture and history, we toured Schloss Ambras, a Renaissance castle that houses an impressive armory and glass collection. It was the perfect way to end our day surrounded by centuries of art, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Alps.

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