11 Beautiful Lesser-Known Towns To Visit In Eastern Europe In 2023

Written By: Laura Jay | Published By: Travel Awaits| January 28, 2023

https://www.travelawaits.com/2851785/best-lesser-known-towns-to-visit-in-eastern-europe-2023/

An overwhelming majority of TravelAwaits readers plan on going abroad this year, according to our recent State of Travel survey. Most of the international destinations on our readers’ 2023 itinerary are in Western Europe. Although just as beautiful and historic as their western counterparts, Eastern European vacation destinations are often overlooked.

Can’t-miss destinations like Prague and Budapest belong on your bucket list, but if you’re looking for something a little less touristy, you’ve come to the right place. Below, our expert travel writers share their favorite lesser-known locales in Eastern Europe and why they think you should visit them this year.

1. Berat, Albania

Dubbed “The City of a Thousand Windows,” Berat, Albania, is Teresa Otto’s recommendation. “Ottoman architecture makes the city a UNESCO World Heritage Site,” she tells us. Whitewashed stone homes with tile roofs cling to the hillsides of the Osum River that bisects the city. Yes, the houses seem to have more windows than walls.

Hike or take a taxi to Berat Castle to take in commanding views of the city below. Within the castle walls, Otto suggests visiting an iconography museum, admiring beautiful frescoes at the 13th-century Byzantine church, seeing remnants of an Ottoman-era Mosque, and buying handmade souvenirs from local craftswomen.

Outside of the sprawling 13th-century fortress, you can enjoy a tasting at one of Berat’s wineries or an alfresco meal with a view of hundreds of windows. Otto recommends visiting in May to experience Albania’s natural beauty at the Firefly Fest in the nearby village of Mbreshtan.

2. Hvar, Croatia

Sharing its name with the island upon which it is situated in the Adriatic, the port town of Hvar, Croatia, is a magnet for tourists in the summer months according to Chris Moore. “And for good reason,” he says, “Just an hour’s boat ride from Split, this ‘least small’ town on the island offers everything; from centuries of history (13th-century city walls and fortress) and fine dining (especially in the charming, water’s edge main square), to a splendid year-round climate and easy access to beautiful beaches.”

“Family restaurants spill out into already narrow alleyways and cobbled streets,” he describes, “with steps leading between ancient stone houses, the smell of home cooking permeating the air.”

Luxurious yachts are moored at the marina where rooftop restaurants offer the day’s catch as well as the best sunset views in town. It is a hub of activity as water taxis ferry visitors to many remote islands and beaches. “Check out St. Jerome,” suggests Moore, “Its beach is rocky, but sunbeds, umbrellas, and a beach bar as well as the warm, gin-clear water and nude-friendly beaches make this a popular visit.”

3. Pula, Croatia

“Like a finger dangling into the Adriatic, Pula is on the southern tip of Croatia’s Istrian peninsula,” Moore describes. Having been occupied by Romans, Venetians, and Austrians, to name a few, the seafront city oozes history. Pula is famed for its outstanding Roman amphitheater, which is one of the largest surviving in the world. Rich history in a beautiful environment? Sign us up!

“With summer temperatures in the mid-80s, combining exploration of splendidly preserved architecture in the morning and swimming in the clear turquoise Adriatic from a nearby beach in the afternoon makes for a perfect vacation day,” according to Moore.

He suggests catching a spectacular sunset while enjoying freshly caught fish at one of many local restaurants.

Just offshore, the 14 Brijuni Islands make up a national park where you can explore ancient architecture, glorious landscapes, and wonderful beaches. The national park also boasts around 200 dinosaur footprints!

4. Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

Located in the Czech Republic’s west Bohemia region, Karlovy Vary is an easy 90-minute drive from Prague. Best known for its thermal springs, riverside stroll, and the Grandhotel Pupp, this spa town is Gail Clifford’s pick for Eastern European town our readers should visit this year. Made famous in movies like Casino Royale and Last Holiday, Karlovy Vary hosts its International Film Festival the first week of July.

Clifford recommends spending the day hiking in the hills and taking in the views from observation towers above the town and along the river. Then head back to relax in the healing waters of the thermal baths before treating yourself to some apple strudel at the Grandhotel Pupp.

“Want to participate in the Becher Drinking Cure?” asks Clifford, “Have your list of the town’s 13 mineral springs ready and drink from each to receive the full effects of the ‘cure’ from medicinal properties found in the unique mineral composition from each spring.”

5. Litomyšl, Czech Republic

Although it is not a major tourist destination, Litomyšl is one of Karen Warren’s suggestions for where to visit in Eastern Europe this year. Located in East Bohemia, 100 miles from Prague, Litomyšl is known for its spectacular Renaissance castle and for its charming town center.