Kotor, Montenegro

Pure romance in Kotor © Shutterstock

Why go: Kotor is an ancient trading and harbor city. It is located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. Winding streets and small plazas, as well as several old churches make this city an attractive vacation destination. The remains of the former city wall are stunning as well. The city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Kotor is nestled between mountains and the sea.

Beautiful Suite on Mamula Island © Design Hotels™

Where to stay: Right at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, on a tiny island, lies the beautiful Mamula Island Hotel. Accommodated in a beautifully renovated 19th-century fortress, guests experience next level island living. The boutique hotel has just 32 rooms, and features three restaurants, a spa, and a large pool area.

Mamula Island Hotel
9HW5+5C7, Mamula Island, Mirišta, Montenegro
Web: mamulaisland.com
Opening: April 2023

El Gouna, Egypt

El Gouna on the Red Sea © El Gouna

Why go: When people think of Egypt, Hurghada usually comes to mind. Yet just 25 kilometers to the north lies the underrated destination of El Gouna. It is located directly on the Red Sea, offers ten kilometers of beach and a wide selection of wonderful hotels in all categories. The city is considered particularly open-minded, modern and diverse.

Boho chic in the hotel © Casa Cook

Where to stay: Casa Cook El Gouna impresses with its consistent boho style. It features 100 rooms, some of which have their own sharing pool. Yoga shala, gym and spa, and exciting desert activities await. The ambience is relaxed.

Casa Cook El Gouna
Qesm Hurghada, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt
Web: casacook.com.
Tel: +20 65 3545163
Price: doubles from €205

Tirana, Albania

Prefabricated buildings meet nature © Shutterstock

Why go: Many particularly underrated destinations can be discovered in southeast Europe. Albania is one of them. The country today - once firmly in communist hands - has a fascinatingly diverse. Its landscape is truly impressive. There are canyons and rivers, mountains and beaches, and increasingly hip cities. The gorgeously colorful prefabricated buildings in the city of Tirana are absolutely worth a visit. Authentic food is on the menu in the restaurants. And the people are particularly warm. A quick trip to Gjirokastra is highly recommended as well. The city of a thousand steps is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, close to the sea.

Modernity in Tirana © Maritim Hotel Plaza

Where to stay: The Maritim Hotel Plaza is conveniently located near near Skanderberg Square. It features a wellness center and modern rooms, which are spacious and flooded with light. It is a five star hotel.

Maritim Hotel Plaza
Rruga Abdi Toptani 18, Tiranë 1001, Albania
Web: plazatirana.com
Tel: +355 4 221 1221
Price: doubles incl. breakfast from €150

Zagori, Greece

Place for adventure: Zagori © Shutterstock

Why go: Underrated destinations are characterized by the fact that they also have a bit of the magic of wildness inherent in them. And that is exactly the case here. Zagori is located in the northwest of the country. Translated, the name means "place behind the mountains". There are indeed many of them. Rivers and many beautiful mountain villages exist in the region as well, one of them is Zagorochoria. The Vikos-Aoos National Park, the Papingo Rock Pools, and the Tymfi Dragon Lake are just a few of the natural beauties that await visitors in Zagori.

Rooms at Gioraldi Mountain Resort © Gioraldi Mountain Resort

Where to stay: The Gioraldi Mountain Resort in Ano Pedina is run by Margarita and Kostas with great passion. It includes several stone houses, which were renovated extensively. For breakfast, delicious homemade food is served.

Gioraldi Mountain Resort
Ano Pedina 440 07, Greece
Web: gioraldi.gr
Tel: +30 2653 071813
Price: doubles incl. breakfast from €113

Vila Real de Sant António, Portugal

Port of Vila Real de Sant António © Shutterstock

Why go: Portugal is always worth a trip! especially Lisbon. But it's worth traveling a little further south. Because about a three-hour drive from the capital is Vila Real de Sant António. The seaside municipality is located on the border between Portugal and Spain. Picturesque houses, beaches and natural parks are enchanting. Here you can still experience the Algarve from its quieter side.

Relaxation in the courtyard © pousadas.pt

Where to stay: Pousada Vila Real de Sant António is conveniently located near the center. The rooms are modern, and it features a pool, a restaurant, and bar, as well as a small roof terrace. The nice ambience makes you feel right at home.

Pousada Vila Real de Sant António
Praça do Marquês de Pombal 30, 8900-231 Vila Real de Santo António, Portugal
Web: pousadas.pt
Tel: +351 281 249 120
Price: doubles from €110