Europe is a traveller’s dream when it comes to the number of places that are available to visit. With so many countries nestled close together, holidaymakers can easily see some of the world’s best-known cities and landmarks, as well as experiencing different cultures, within a few mere hours of travel. In addition to thriving cities, there are a great range of Mediterranean retreats and if you want to utilize EasyJet holidays, Algarve locations can be some the best to visit. However, aside from the popular cities and iconic destinations, there are lots of European places that are underrated. By exploring some of these lesser-known areas, you’ll be able to experience something new and surprising.

Aside from the many popular and often capital cities, there are a huge variety of urban European retreats to discover. France is well known for Paris and the beautiful coastal town of Nice, However, Lyon is worth exploring if you want a metropolis not so well known. The second largest city in France, Lyon offers a lot to the explorer and it has a famous opera house, great museums and is particularly attractive due to its architecture. If you love food then Lyon is the place to visit as its holds the largest collective number of Michelin stars for its restaurants than any other European city.

Popping over the border to Belgium is a great idea if you want another great, yet undiscovered city. Bruges has only really become known to modern society due to the Hollywood movie that shares the city’s name. However, this urban retreat is one of Europe’s most preserved medieval cities and offers Flemish art, charming cafes and stunning architecture. Elsewhere, one of the Netherlands oldest cities, Utrecht, is also a wonderful retreat for a holiday. The city has more spires than any other metropolis in Europe, and with winding canals perfect for navigating, makes a great location for the curious traveller.

With Eastern Europe becoming ever more accessible, if you want to explore some of the rising stars on the tourist map, then heading to Tallinn or Lviv are ideal. The Estonian capital of Tallinn has won the accolade of Europe’s most cultural city, and offers a plethora of museums, grand architecture, and cultural festivals to enjoy. Meanwhile, Lviv, in the Ukraine, is often overlooked by tourists, but offers you the chance to really indulge in European culture. Easily walked through you can discover this city by foot, with cathedrals, quaint cafes and traditional shops offering a delightful treasure trove for keen explorers.

Going on holiday to a popular European spot is fantastic if you want to see top attractions and be safe in the knowledge that everything you might need can easily be bought. You will almost certainly be assured a great time away, and you will know what you’re getting. But by stepping out of the tourism comfort zone and heading to some lesser-known and underrated places, you’ll enjoy a holiday of surprises and experiences like never before.