Europe’s biggest capitals will always have their allure, but some of the continent’s most memorable travel moments happen elsewhere. Think unhurried days in sunlit plazas, quiet harbors lined with fishing boats, and cobbled lanes where life moves at a softer pace. For travelers who have already strolled the streets of Paris or Rome and are ready for something new, these destinations offer just as much charm—often with fewer crowds and a more intimate connection to place. From the tranquil bays of Montenegro to the golden light of Puglia, here are ten places worth seeking out.
Kotor, Montenegro
Cradled between dramatic mountains and a mirror-smooth bay, Kotor offers the romance of a medieval Adriatic town with far fewer visitors than its better-known neighbor Dubrovnik. Its UNESCO-listed old town is a maze of stone lanes, hidden courtyards, and centuries-old churches. Mornings are best for climbing the hillside fortress for panoramic views, while evenings are for lingering over seafood by the harbor or taking a boat across to Perast and the storied islet of Our Lady of the Rocks.
How to get there: Tivat Airport is just 20 minutes away. Podgorica and Dubrovnik are within a two-hour drive. A rental car is ideal if you plan to combine Kotor with the Albanian Riviera or other Balkan road trip routes.
Where to stay:
Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort – Modern, sunlit rooms with terraces, a floating dock for swimming, and a hillside spa.
- Select’s ongoing perks include: Hotel credit, a welcome amenity, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible. Request Rates and Book
Mamula Island – A former 19th-century fortress transformed into a design-forward hideaway on its own private island.
- Select’s ongoing perks include: $100 hotel credit, a complimentary massage for two, complimentary use of water or ebikes or an excursion to Blue Cave, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible. Request Rates and Book
Ljubljana, Slovenia
This petite capital feels more like a watercolor painting than a city. The Ljubljanica River curves through the center, its banks lined with leafy promenades, pastel baroque facades, and lively café terraces. Car-free streets, bike paths, and a deep commitment to sustainability add to the easygoing vibe. Overlooking it all is Ljubljana Castle, offering views that stretch to the Julian Alps.
How to get there: Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport is about 25 minutes from the center. Direct trains connect with Venice, Vienna, and Zagreb.
Where to stay:
InterContinental Ljubljana – Sleek high-rise luxury with a rooftop restaurant and sweeping city views.
- Select’s ongoing perks include: $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible. Request Rates and Book
Vander Urbani Resort – Playful, design-led boutique on the river with a rooftop plunge pool.
- Select’s ongoing perks include: Wine tasting accompanied by Slovenian cheeses, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible. Request Rates and Book
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn’s old town is a storybook of cobbled streets and spired rooftops, all surrounded by medieval walls. Beyond the historic core, repurposed industrial districts now brim with galleries, creative studios, and cutting-edge restaurants. Summer brings the famous white nights, when the sun barely sets and the city stays alive well past midnight.
How to get there: Tallinn Airport is 15 minutes from the center. Ferries run to Helsinki in two hours, and buses or trains link to Riga in around four to five hours.
Where to stay:
Hotel Telegraaf, Autograph Collection – A 19th-century telegraph building reimagined with elegant rooms and a serene courtyard. Request Rates and Book
Schlössle Hotel – Romantic, antique-filled retreat set within a 13th-century stone house. Request Rates and Book
Vence & Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France
High in the hills above the French Riviera, Vence offers Provençal charm without the Riviera crowds. Think weekly markets, winding streets, and the quiet inspiration that once drew artists like Matisse. Just down the road, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is known for its art galleries, sculpture gardens, and refined boutique stays.
How to get there: Fly into Nice and drive 30 minutes inland. These towns are an easy addition to a Provence or Côte d’Azur itinerary.
Where to stay:
Le Domaine du Mas de Pierre – A garden-filled country estate with an indoor-outdoor spa and the relaxed elegance of a private home.
- Select’s ongoing perks include: $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible. Request Rates and Book
Toile Blanche – A family-run, art-filled hideaway with sweeping valley views.
- Select’s ongoing perks include: €20 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, extended check-out, and an upgrade whenever possible. Request Rates and Book
Lecce, Italy
Nicknamed the “Florence of the South,” Lecce glows in honey-colored baroque stone. Life here moves at a southern pace: mornings in sun-drenched piazzas, afternoons wandering artisan workshops, and evenings over aperitivo as the streets come alive. Despite its beauty, it remains refreshingly low on mass tourism.
How to get there: Brindisi Airport is 30 minutes away, Bari about 90 minutes. Trains connect both cities, or hire a car to explore nearby beaches and countryside.
Where to stay:
La Fiermontina Luxury Home – Elegant former noble residence with private gardens and modern art.
- Select’s ongoing perks include: A welcome drink and art tour, Italian cocktail class, daily breakfast, and an upgrade whenever possible. Request Rates and Book
Palazzo De Noha – Chic boutique blending historic architecture with contemporary interiors.
- Select’s ongoing perks include: A complimentary bottle of wine and fruit plate upon arrival and an upgrade whenever possible. Request Rates and Book
Ericeira, Portugal
Once a fishing village, Ericeira is now Portugal’s stylish surf capital—though it keeps its authentic character. Its whitewashed houses, Atlantic-facing cafés, and creative energy make it a favorite of surfers and slow travelers alike.
How to get there: Lisbon Airport is a 45-minute drive away. Perfect for a long weekend or as a coastal break from the city.
Where to stay:
Aethos Ericeira – Modern clifftop refuge with ocean views and a spa inspired by the sea.
- Select’s ongoing perks include: €20 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, extended check-out, and an upgrade whenever possible. Request Rates and Book
You and the sea – Apartment-style retreat steps from the water, ideal for extended stays.
- Select’s ongoing perks include: Complimentary bike rental, a welcome amenity, and an upgrade whenever possible. Request Rates and Book
Rovinj, Croatia
On Croatia’s Istrian coast, Rovinj’s Venetian heritage is visible in its pastel facades, narrow lanes, and harborfront wine bars. It’s compact and walkable, yet brimming with atmosphere, especially in summer when the streets hum with music and conversation.
How to get there: Fly into Pula, about 40 minutes away, or connect via ferry from Venice.
Where to stay:
Grand Park Hotel Rovinj – Sleek contemporary resort with marina views and an impressive spa.
- Select’s ongoing perks include: $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible. Request Rates and Book
Monte Mulini Adults Exclusive Hotel – Beachfront luxury for grown-ups, with warm service and quiet elegance.
- Select’s ongoing perks include: A complimentary 50-minute massage for two, daily breakfast, extended check-in/out and upgrade whenever possible. Request Rates and Book
Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius balances baroque charm with a distinctly bohemian edge. The old town’s candlelit cellars and hilltop viewpoints contrast with the creative pulse of the Užupis district, filled with street art and quirky cafés.
How to get there: Vilnius International Airport is just 15 minutes from the center. Train and bus routes connect easily to Riga and Warsaw.
Where to stay:
Hotel Pacai – Former baroque palace transformed into a moody, design-led showpiece.
- Select’s ongoing perks include: A welcome amenity, daily breakfast, extended check-in/out and upgrade whenever possible. Request Rates and Book
Stikliai Hotel – A beloved classic with vintage style and a garden hidden behind ivy walls.
- Select’s ongoing perks include: A welcome amenity and daily breakfast. Request Rates and Book
Valletta, Malta
Malta’s tiny capital is rich in history and golden light. Within its fortified walls you’ll find baroque architecture, bustling squares, and the dramatic Grand Harbour. Despite its compact size, Valletta rewards slow exploration, especially at sunset when the city glows.
How to get there: Malta International Airport is 20 minutes away.
Where to stay:
Iniala Harbour House & Residences – Sophisticated harbor-view retreat with rooftop plunge pools.
- Select’s ongoing perks include: $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible. Request Rates and Book
The Phoenicia Malta – Grand art deco–inspired landmark with manicured gardens.
- Select’s ongoing perks include: $100 hotel credit, a complimentary bottle of prosecco upon arrival, daily breakfast, extended check-in/out and upgrade whenever possible. Request Rates and Book
Thessaloniki, Greece
Greece’s second city pairs ancient history with contemporary creativity. Byzantine churches and Ottoman architecture stand alongside buzzing markets, stylish cafés, and a lively waterfront promenade. The culinary scene is exceptional, blending Greek, Balkan, and Middle Eastern flavors.
How to get there: Thessaloniki Airport is 25 minutes from the center, with easy connections from Athens and beyond.
Where to stay:
The Modernist – Minimalist-chic boutique in a former consulate.
- Select’s ongoing perks include: 20% off food and beverage, a welcome drink, daily breakfast, extended check-out, and an upgrade whenever possible. Request Rates and Book
ON Residence – Neoclassical gem on the seafront with a vibrant restaurant and bay views.
- Select’s ongoing perks include: $50-100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, extended check-in/out and an upgrade whenever possible. Request Rates and Book
These destinations may not dominate the guidebooks, but each offers a rich sense of place, authentic charm, and properties that elevate the stay. Whether you are seeking art, coastline, food, or pure escape, these cities make a compelling case for going beyond the obvious.
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