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Jewels of Southern Europe

Secret fjords and seaside feasts

Discover the hidden treasures of Southern Europe, where secret fjords, coastal cuisine, and ancient relics await. Explore some of the most captivating Europe places to travel—from Montenegro’s untouched beauty to Croatia’s dazzling Adriatic shores and Malta’s sun-soaked charm. Experience these southern gems before the rest of the world catches on.

Montenegro

Go now before the crowds catch up.

You think you don't know it, but you do. A Mediterranean beauty wedged between its larger Balkan brothers.

It's the realm of coastal cities and red-roofed houses, tiny churches on their own private islands, and cathedral spires that poke the mountainside. Scenery you already love, but perhaps couldn't place.

Montenegro so often slips under the radar and stays, maybe purposely, while out of sight. From fjords that will render you speechless to the second deepest canyon on earth, this fascinating landscape remains underexplored and underexploited.

Kotor Bay splits east and west with flamboyant monasteries and elegant mosques, enjoying a dalliance within one another's presence.

There's 300 kilometres of unspoiled coastline, and even in summer, when the entire country is drenched in Mediterranean sunshine, there's a distinct lack of cruise ships dropping off their sightseers.

Recommended by Kelsey Tills, House of Travel Calder & Lawson.

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Montenegro is an underrated gem. Image credit: Seabourn

Croatia

Ask to see the menu.

You've heard Croatia's star attraction is Dubrovnik, a walled cobblestone town clinging to the Dalmatian coastline.

The editorials gush over its dazzling shoreline and striking medieval architecture, including its charming red-tiled roofs. They'll tell you to explore the seashore by kayak and to take a boat to islets that litter the shoreline, and sure, you'd be a fool to ignore their advice.

But many agree Croatia's premier showpiece lies elsewhere, and that'd be in the kitchen.

From grilled sardines and jet-black risotto to a mid-morning meal known as merenda, where you'll dine on a platter of artisan meat and cheese, Croatia is a gourmand's dream in an idyllic setting.

Italian influence is rife, from the handmade fusi pasta to a national obsession with coffee, and due to a cold northerly wind, perfect for drying meat, some of the most sought-after prosciutto in the world.

The views from the table are profound, but it's what's on your plate that will really impress.

Recommended by Zoe Robinson, House of Travel New Plymouth.

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Always ask to see the menu in Croatia. Image credit: Getty

Looking for even more hidden gems across Europe? Check out our blog on up-and-coming corners of Europe , where we uncover destinations like Malta for culture lovers, Sicily for those who crave active relaxation, and Slovenia for adventure seekers.

Malta

Aging gracefully. Malta makes you feel good. Fact.

Whether it's the 300 days of annual sunshine, a diving scene which is considered the best in Europe, or the rows of brightly painted balconies in its capital of Valletta, Malta looks as attractive in the flesh as it's described in all the hearsay.

An archipelago found just south of Sicily, sun and sea are dished out generously, but so are the stunning historic artifacts.

With a 7,000-year history, temples that predate the pyramids, and some of the oldest stone buildings in the world, the density of historic sites is so great that Malta almost creaks under the weight of its own antiques.

The architecture is profound, crumbling to the point of no return, or meticulously restored. It's all beautiful.

And that's just what lies above. Step into Malta's dazzling water and discover a golden seabed scattered with shipwrecks, some of which have been sitting there silently since World War II.

Recommended by Alison Jenkins, House of Travel Calder & Lawson.

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Plan your Europe travel adventure with our latest Malta holiday deals. From sun-soaked coastlines to centuries of history, book your Europe getaway today and experience the island’s timeless beauty.

Malta is worth your time. Image credit: Getty

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