EUROPE
10 Hidden Gems of Europe: Discovering the Lesser-Known Villages
By The Kensington Content Team
EUROPE
By The Kensington Content Team
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you plan your trip to Europe. Pick any country and from border to border there are beautiful vistas and historic sites that many of us have long dreamt of. But with Kensington, escaping on your luxury European tour can be easy, authentic, and free from crowds. For those looking to travel like a local, without long lines, Spain, France, Italy, and the British Isles offer an enormous variety of lesser trodden paths packed with adventure.
These lesser-known spots offer a deeper, more intimate connection to these countries through sun-drenched coastlines, historic cities, and culinary traditions that have shaped global cuisine. Let our experts take you beyond the expected – as you’ll read below, they have the knowledge and insight to help you reveal the soul of these incredible regions in a way that’s tailored entirely to your interests, whether that be food and drink, historical icons, or natural sites you’ll be telling your friends about for decades to come.
Your Guide for Exploring Italy: Charlie Haines
For Charlie Haines, Product Manager for Kensington Tours, travel has always been a way to explore the world and expand his boundaries. After 15 years in travel, and another decade at Kensington, Italy rose to the top of his interests, “I've always enjoyed traveling to Italy and learning about Italy.”
He curates a dynamic portfolio of private-guided experiences and itineraries in Italy, blending iconic highlights with hidden gems. Through meticulous research and collaboration with top local partners, he ensures each journey captures the authentic best of the destination."
Turin is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. While Rome is obviously the country’s capital today, this northern gem, nestled in the Piedmont region, holds the title as modern Italy’s first capital after unification. It gives the city a regal, stately presence. "It has these large, tree-lined avenues, and you can see the Alps in the distance," Charlie explains.
Compared to Rome, Turin offers history and grandeur in a more relaxed and elegant atmosphere. In the city center, a vast network of porticos lines the streets, creating a unique architectural feature. "These porticos adorn the buildings, making for some really interesting strolls through and under."
Just south of the Piedmont region, along the stunning Italian Riviera, lies Santa Margherita Ligure. This charming seaside town is often overshadowed by its famous neighbor, Portofino.
"Everyone probably knows of Portofino, but to get there, you have to drive through this little place," says Charlie, "Santa Margherita Ligure is a beautiful little town. Very quaint, right by the sea, with some great restaurants.”
While it shares the same breathtaking scenery as its more famous counterpart, Santa Margherita Ligure offers a quieter, more authentic experience, with colorful buildings and a small harbor filled with boats that make it the perfect stop for those looking to explore the Riviera beyond the tourist hotspots.
When North Americans think of skiing in Europe, their minds typically go to Switzerland, Austria, or France—not Italy. But hidden in the Dolomite region is the world’s largest ski resort, a sprawling network of 12 interconnected resorts where skiers can glide from one slope to the next without ever repeating a run.
"Most people don’t consider it as a skiing destination, but 100% I would recommend it," Charlie says. "Great hotels. Great food. Great scenery. It’s all there."
Beyond winter, the Dolomites are just as spectacular in summer, offering world-class hiking, mountain biking, and a growing focus on wellness. "Up closer to the Austrian border, there are a lot of hotels that really focus on wellness, with rooms designed almost like treehouses," he notes. The region’s proximity to Austria also brings a unique cultural blend, influencing everything from cuisine and wine to traditional alpine dress.
With the 2026 Winter Olympics set to take place in Cortina, the Dolomites are poised to gain global recognition, "If you're looking to go, this winter is probably a good time.”
Your Guide for Exploring the British Isles: Megan Harvey
Megan Harvey has spent her professional career exploring Europe, meeting local experts and developing luxury European tours for Kensington guests. The more she explored though, the more the British Isles spoke to her, “I fell in love with the UK and Ireland.” When she helps people decide where to go in Europe, she is most excited by those opportunities that mix history with outdoor vistas.
The Isle of Mull is one of Scotland’s best-kept secrets, a rugged and breathtaking destination that remains blissfully untouched by heavy tourism. "Isle of Mull is one of my favorite hidden gems," Megan shares. "The landscape is stunning, with lots of opportunities for wildlife encounters, historic sites, and a very, very peaceful atmosphere in general." Whether it’s spotting eagles soaring overhead, exploring ancient castles, or simply soaking in the serenity of the coastline, Isle of Mull offers a truly immersive Scottish experience.
Rising dramatically above the coasts of Northern Ireland, the Slieve Cliffs are a breathtaking hidden gem that rival their more famous counterpart, "A lot of people go to Ireland for the Cliffs of Moher, but if you go up to Northern Ireland, there's so much scenery as well," Megan explains. These cliffs offer an awe-inspiring landscape that feels both wild and untouched, making them perfect for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. "The landscape is just super majestic," she adds. For travelers looking to experience Ireland’s raw, untamed beauty away from the crowds, the Slieve Cliffs offer an unforgettable adventure.
Stretching along England’s southern coast, the Jurassic Coast offers a stunning mix of history, natural beauty, and rugged seaside charm, "You can see fossils, you can see just stunning coastal scenery. It’s a really, really cool area," Megan says. With its dramatic cliffs and ancient rock formations, this UNESCO-listed coastline has gained some recognition in recent years, but it remains an underrated destination for travelers looking to explore England beyond London.
"It is absolutely beautiful, but unfortunately, it can be one of those destinations that get kind of forgotten," she adds. The region is rich in history, with cobbled streets, centuries-old pubs, and some of the best seafood in the country. "There’s lots of history in little towns there, amazing seafood, gorgeous beaches, it’s just one of those relaxing destinations," she notes.
Your Guide for Exploring France and Spain: Ingrid Rizzo
After backpacking across Europe, studying the tourism industry in school, and more than a decade with Kensington, France and Spain became Ingrid Rizzo’s life, and professional focus. Her work now is to bring the majesty she has found there to all seeking a unique experience with Kensington, “I just kept learning, visiting, and traveling. It felt like a match made in heaven.”
Just a few hours outside Paris, Lyon is one of France’s most rewarding, yet often overlooked, destinations, "It’s known, but it isn’t visited as often," Ingrid notes. This is the perfect place for travelers looking to escape the crowds while still experiencing France’s rich cultural and culinary heritage. Lyon is renowned for its deep-rooted gastronomic history, and with the Beaujolais wine region, it offers incredible day trips to vineyards and medieval villages, "It’s a great base for exploring the surrounding areas," she adds.
Lyon’s combination of history, world-class food, and easy access to some of France’s most beautiful areas makes it an ideal alternative to more tourist-heavy destinations. "It’s so close, it’s got so much to offer, and it’s not as busy," Ingrid says.
Brittany is one of France’s most distinctive and culturally rich regions, "There’s so much to see and do, and Brittany feels older than other regions," Ingrid explains. With its cobblestone streets, medieval villages, and rugged coastline, the region exudes a timeless charm that sets it apart from the rest of France.
"Even the inhabitants of the area don’t necessarily call themselves French, they call themselves Bretons," Ingrid notes. With their own dialect and traditions, the Bretons have preserved a heritage that feels unlike anywhere else in the country. "It’s definitely worth a visit," Ingrid says. Whether you’re wandering through ancient villages, enjoying fresh seafood along the coast, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of a place where time seems to stand still.
For a unique experience, the islands of Spain offer a diverse mix of culture, nature, and relaxation. "Majorca, Ibiza, and Menorca are becoming more known, with more flight routes opening up to Palma de Majorca," Ingrid explains. Ibiza, long famous for its nightlife, is experiencing a renaissance, rebranding itself as a wellness destination, while Majorca continues to attract visitors with its mix of beaches, mountains, and charming old towns.
For those looking for a more untouched, nature-focused experience, the Canary Islands are the perfect escape. "The Canary Islands, for me, represent unspoiled nature," Ingrid says. These volcanic islands offer rainforests, dramatic landscapes, and endless hiking opportunities, making them ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. "They're definitely not visited enough," she adds, emphasizing their raw beauty and unique ecosystems.
Wherever you travel in the world, Kensington Destination Experts can offer you unmatched expertise to craft an itinerary tailored to your unique travel style. Whether it’s exploring the hidden porticos of Turin, discovering the untouched landscapes of the Isle of Mull, or savoring fresh seafood along Brittany’s rugged coast, our privately guided luxury European tours cater to every detail. From securing hard-to-get reservations to organizing exclusive experiences, we handle the planning so you can focus on savoring every moment of your journey.
Our experts ensure your trip is seamlessly designed and meticulously executed so that you don’t have to wonder where to go in Europe—you can simply immerse yourself fully in the beauty and culture of these hidden gems.
Ready to uncover the best-kept secrets of France, Spain, Italy, the British Isles, and beyond? Contact Kensington today and start planning your unforgettable European adventure.
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