Undiscovered corners of Europe that will replace Venice and Athens: which tourist villages are worth visiting in 2024

It's no secret that popular European destinations such as Venice and Athens are overrun with tourists. While travelers are faced with the situation of "expectation vs. reality," local residents are only growing more dissatisfied.

The World Tourism Organization has compiled a selection of the "best tourist villages", which includes unexplored corners of Europe that will be worth your attention this year. These are places where tourism reveals local culture and traditions, EuroNews writes.

St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria

High in the Tyrolean Alps, Sankt Anton am Arlberg is the gateway to the Arlberg ski area.

There is no better place to go skiing, as this area is known as the "cradle of alpine skiing" due to the pioneering of the sport. You can also go barefoot hiking here: the path is a hiking trail with alpine herbs and flowers.

Slunj, Croatia

Most tourists head to the coast of Croatia, but the real beauty is hidden in the mountainous regions of the country, where cascading waterfalls and riverside beaches are located.

The town of Slunj is just a short drive from the famous Plitvice Lakes, but offers its own water spectacle. Here, more than 20 waterfalls flow into the Korana River, which is lined with traditional mills.

Tokaj, Hungary

Wine lovers should especially appreciate the historic Hungarian city of Tokaj. It is the center of the Tokaj-Hegyalja wine region, where original wine is produced.

This sweet, complex beverage is based on botrytis, a special kind of fungus that combines with overripe grapes. This process requires weather conditions unique to the region, and the grapes are harvested by hand.

Lerici, Italy

Lerici, on the northwestern coast of Italy, is dotted with iconic, colorful houses. But it is the city's commitment to the blue economy that has brought it recognition.

The Santa Teresa Smart Bay is the first underwater "living" laboratory in Italy. Here, scientists monitor the destructive oxidation of the ocean by observing the growth rate of bryozoans, aquatic invertebrates. This research should help protect the delicate ecosystem of the bay and promote sustainable tourism in the region.

Sortelha, Portugal

From Lisbon to Porto, Portugal has grown in popularity as a tourist destination in recent years. But there are still many hidden gems in the country that deserve attention.

Among them is Sortelja, an ancient walled city that has preserved its medieval and Renaissance architecture. Its rustic granite houses, perched above a majestic 13th-century castle, paint a picture of the past.

Siguenza, Spain

Siguenza, in central Spain, is known for its fortress-like castle and the Diocesan Museum, which houses famous works of religious art. But in recent years, the city's unique attraction has been empty due to unpopularity.

The local authorities want to change the situation: on the contrary, they want to draw tourists' attention to the museum. The city encourages travelers to visit Siguenza on weekdays by a medieval train that runs from Madrid. Troubadours and knights will accompany you on your journey to tell the story of the area.

Morcote, Switzerland

Morcote on Lake Lugano, which looks like a postcard, is an unforgettable travel destination. Old patrician houses can be seen along the blue water.

Shirinje, Turkey

With a history that stretches back to the Hellenistic period, the city of Sirince in Turkey strives to preserve its ancient atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in the narrow streets of the city, so locals can only get around on foot or on horseback.

The hilltop city was a Greek village before the Greco-Turkish War. It is located 12 km from the ancient city of Ephesus and is surrounded by vineyards, olive orchards and fruit trees.

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