Time Out's 10 Underrated European Destinations for 2026
Time Out has unveiled its selection of the 10 most overlooked European destinations to explore in 2026, curated by its worldwide network of local specialists. This compilation addresses the increasing issue of overtourism in cities like Amsterdam, Venice, and Barcelona, which have imposed visitor caps and hotel restrictions, showcasing quieter alternatives. The featured locations include the Balkans, Iberia, the British Isles, and Central Europe, presenting options to popular spots like the Amalfi Coast and the Algarve. Highlights are Plovdiv, Bulgaria, with its Roman heritage and the new PhilGood Festival featuring The Cure, Gorillaz, and Moby; Ulcinj, Montenegro, rich in Albanian culture; and Ghent, Belgium, known for the Ghent Altarpiece and the Gent Jazz Festival. Other notable mentions are Bitola, North Macedonia; Derry, Northern Ireland; Livno, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Terracina, Italy; Izola, Slovenia; Villach, Austria; and Peneda-Gerês National Park in Portugal. The emphasis is on local culture, cuisine, and experiences, urging travelers to venture off the beaten path.
Key facts
- Time Out's list of 10 underrated European destinations for 2026 includes Plovdiv, Ulcinj, Ghent, Bitola, Derry, Livno, Terracina, Izola, Villach, and Gerês.
- The list was compiled by Time Out's global network of local experts.
- The list responds to overtourism in cities like Amsterdam, Venice, and Barcelona, which have introduced visitor limits and hotel bans.
- Plovdiv, Bulgaria, features the Ancient Roman Theatre of Philippopolis and the new PhilGood Festival with The Cure, Gorillaz, and Moby.
- Ulcinj, Montenegro, is the center of Albanian culture in Montenegro and offers a different atmosphere from Kotor and Budva.
- Ghent, Belgium, houses the Ghent Altarpiece, the world's most stolen artwork, at St Bavo's Cathedral, and hosts the Gent Jazz Festival in July 2026 with Celeste, Patti Smith, and Alabama Shakes.
- Bitola, North Macedonia, is known as the City of Consuls and is near Pelister National Park, the first national park in the former Yugoslavia.
- Derry, Northern Ireland, features 17th-century walls, the Bogside, and the Peace Bridge, and is associated with the TV show Derry Girls.
- Livno, Bosnia and Herzegovina, is known for wild horses and Livanjski sir cheese, with Eko-sir Puđa offering tastings.
- Terracina, Italy, is an alternative to the Amalfi Coast, with Roman ruins including the Temple of Jupiter and the Appian Way.
- Izola, Slovenia, offers a slower pace and Venetian elegance, with a four-mile promenade from Koper.
- Villach, Austria, blends Alpine scenery with Balkan character, and nearby Lake Faak is known for its turquoise water.
- Peneda-Gerês National Park in Portugal is a UNESCO biosphere reserve with wild Garrano ponies and other wildlife.
Entities
Artists
- The Cure
- Gorillaz
- Moby
- Celeste
- Patti Smith
- Alabama Shakes
Institutions
- Time Out
- UNESCO
- PhilGood Festival
- Gent Jazz Festival
- Martin McCrossan City Tours
- Eko-sir Puđa
- Vicoletto
- Cerca dos Passais
- St Bavo's Cathedral
- SMAK
- Dok Noord
- Pelister National Park
- Peneda-Gerês National Park
- Walled City Brewery
- Ebrington Hotel
Locations
- Plovdiv
- Bulgaria
- Ulcinj
- Montenegro
- Ghent
- Belgium
- Bitola
- North Macedonia
- Derry
- Northern Ireland
- United Kingdom
- Livno
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Terracina
- Italy
- Izola
- Slovenia
- Villach
- Austria
- Gerês
- Portugal
- Amsterdam
- Netherlands
- Venice
- Barcelona
- Spain
- Amalfi Coast
- Algarve
- Kotor
- Budva
- Lake Ohrid
- Skopje
- Sperlonga
- Gaeta
- Piran
- Portorož
- Koper
- Lake Faak
- Bogside
- Peace Bridge
- Ebrington Square
- Duman River Spring
- Rowing Canal
- Dok Noord
- Spiaggia di Levante
- Temple of Jupiter
- Appian Way
Sources
- Quartz —