Top European Countryside Vacations: Discover Hidden Gems

You might be surprised at what awaits you in rural Europe. Visitors attracted to Italy’s Cinque Terre often cite the rural experience that made their vacations special; they come home enamored with the local friendliness, the good food at small, local restaurants, as well as the frequent hometown festivals and religious processions that are normally absent from big city or beach vacations.

What they don’t know, of course, is that these things happen not just in the Cinque Terre, but all over rural Italy, and indeed, throughout Europe. Here are some recommended rural destinations.

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Asturias and Cantabria, Spain

Way up in the northeast corner of Spain, there is a mostly rural land of prehistoric painted caves, friendly locals, and hard cider. It’s a place rich in rural tradition, with interesting medieval architecture along ancient pilgrimage routes leading to Santiago de Compostella. For those who cannot bear the heat, the northern coast of Spain offers weather moderated by the ocean and mountains of this fascinating rural destination.

Therefore, hike the Picos de Europa, visit a few caves, have a nibble of the local Cabrales cheese and some cider on the veranda of your Casa Rural for a relaxing experience.

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Austria Wine Regions

One of the best ways to discover rural territories that are likely to have good tourism infrastructure is to visit a wine region. Austrian wine isn’t well known outside Europe, but the wine regions in the eastern part offer a chance to discover these tasty gems in a rural environment surrounding a major city, Vienna.

You might enjoy spending time at Neusiedler Lake, a popular Viennese recreation area that includes a bird sanctuary; the cultural landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Schist Villages – Central Portugal

Mountain villages south of Coimbra, once nearly abandoned, are revitalizing with added tourist infrastructure. These spots are excellent for mountain bikers, hikers, and foodies who appreciate hearty country fare. There are also special paths for blind travelers to experience the villages with little or no assistance. Spend a few days in a friendly bed and breakfast like the Casa do Ze Sapateiro, where you can savor the joys of country life alongside others who feel the same.

From there, it’s a short jaunt to another very rural vacation spot called Penhas Douradas, the Golden Crags.

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The Camargue, Southern France

Located south of Arles, the Rhone delta features an area known as the Camargue, which is reminiscent of cowboy country, producing the unique Camargue bull as well as rice and salt. Notably, it contains a famous bird sanctuary called Parc Ornithologique de Pont de Grau.

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Provence, France

Indeed, in summer, Provence is crowded with tourists and is well known by many. Nevertheless, the towns remain small and rural, and local residents continue to live there. Consider exploring the Luberon, especially in the offseason. You can take long walks in the countryside, visit the markets, and bring something back to your vacation rental for dinner. Before dinner, venture out to a local watering hole for your pastis, and you will fit right in. Prefer not to cook? Head to a local restaurant for some traditional country cuisine, perhaps to Café Gaby for their Aioli.

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La Lunigiana (Northern Tuscany)

Isolated by mountainous terrain, the resilient inhabitants of this historic territory fiercely defend their way of life. Expect to eat locally and very well; the hill towns and castles (numbering 160!) will provide weeks of visual delight. If you have a car and don’t mind narrow, winding roads, this up-and-coming Italian destination is well worth exploring.

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Tournon and Hermitage, France

If you are interested in rural vineyard hiking, the renowned Hermitage vineyards in the northern Côte du Rhône offer some of the most inspiring vineyard walks and views. Enjoy the river vistas, and savor the delectable local cuisine for which wine regions are famous. Accessing this region by train also offers convenience, distinguishing it from many other rural places.

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Val Chisone, Piemonte, Italy

Explore a rugged mountain landscape in northern Italy, where stone slab roofs and charming hotels offering trout fishing abound. The town is adorned with murals and features charming rural border fortresses. Val Chisone was part of the winter sports events at the 2006 Winter Olympics, making it an excellent destination for winter sports enthusiasts. In the warmer months, take the opportunity to explore the tredici lagi or thirteen lakes, a cherished wildlife area that is perfect for summer adventures.

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Pfalz (Palatinate) Wine Region, Germany

Indeed, yet another rural wine region, this one in the southwest corner of Germany, showcases small towns with half-timbered houses nestled between charming rolling vineyards. If you ever believed that German cuisine couldn’t measure up to those of neighboring countries, a visit to any restaurant in the Pfalz will certainly change your opinion. Prices are reasonable here too, making it a great location to find a zimmer frei and immerse yourself in a rural wine experience.

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Europe’s Rural Lakes

The best lakes in Europe are found in interesting rural contexts, from a lake in Italy connected to composer Puccini to an idyllic lake in Austria that is an enjoyable funicular ride from ancient salt mines worth visiting.

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Rural Crete

Crete is Greece’s largest island. While larger towns line the north coast, much of the island remains untouched and charming. To experience the full rural character of Crete, wander around the Lassithi Plateau loop and take in its picturesque landscapes.

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Friesland, the Netherlands

Famous for its 11 cities and the “run-it-when-the-ice-is-thick-enough” canal skating race known as Elfstedentocht, this rural area in northern Netherlands is ideal for walkers, skaters, and bikers. You can discover medieval town centers and historic port cities through various charming avenues. Where else can you think of where “mud flat walking” is a notable activity?