In this European adventure story, you’ll uncover some of the most breathtaking and lesser-known places that travelers often miss.
Hi, I’m Lila, a 31-year-old travel photographer from Edinburgh, Scotland. I’ve spent the last eight years exploring Europe, capturing stories that go beyond the tourist attractions.
Most people know Europe for the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, and Santorini’s whitewashed cliffs. But for me, the real magic lies in the hidden corners — the places you stumble upon by accident, where locals gather, and history lingers in the air. This story is about the secret places I discovered on my journey that left an imprint far deeper than any famous landmark.
It all began with a train ride from Vienna to Slovenia. I had no real plan, just a backpack and a camera, ready to let the path unfold naturally. Somewhere between stops, I overheard a conversation about Velika Planina, a plateau in Slovenia with shepherd’s huts that look like something from a fairytale. That was my first hidden gem.
I rented a small car and drove up winding roads, eventually arriving at a quiet, rolling landscape dotted with wooden huts. It felt like time had slowed down. The air smelled like pine and fresh bread from a nearby cabin. I stayed with a local family who shared homemade cheese and stories about their ancestors.
From Slovenia, I ventured to Portugal. Instead of Lisbon or Porto, I sought out a place called Monsanto, a village where houses are built between gigantic boulders. The streets were narrow and cobbled, with cats lounging on warm stones. I sat by a tiny café overlooking the valley and drank port wine as the sun dipped below the horizon.
A few weeks later, I found myself in the Scottish Highlands, my home but still full of hidden treasures. I hiked to Sandwood Bay, a remote beach untouched by roads. The four-mile trek was exhausting but worth every step. I stood at the edge of the Atlantic, wind in my hair, feeling like the last person on Earth.
Each of these places reminded me why I travel. The small, uncharted spots hold stories that big cities sometimes can’t offer. You don’t need a map to find them — you need curiosity and a little courage to step away from the usual routes.
What I Learned: Traveling to these hidden places taught me to appreciate the beauty of getting lost. Not every adventure needs to be planned to the last detail. Often, the most memorable experiences happen when you follow a whisper of curiosity.
Have you ever stumbled upon a hidden gem during your travels? I’d love to hear about it in the comments. Let’s uncover more secret corners together.