Interrailing is the ultimate way to explore Europe, offering the freedom to hop from one destination to another while soaking up incredible landscapes along the way. While iconic cities like Parigi, Rome, and Amsterdam attract millions of visitors every year, some of the most memorable experiences can be found off the beaten path.
If you’re looking to escape the crowds, experience authentic local culture, and discover Europe’s hidden treasures, we’ve got you covered. Here are seven underrated but spectacular destinations to include in your Interrail itinerary in 2025 – all accessible by train!
1. Lecce, Italy – The Florence of the South
🥂 Best for: Architecture, history, and food lovers
🚆 How to get there: Direct trains run to Lecce from major Italian cities, including Rome, Bari, and Naples.
Lecce, in Italy’s stunning Puglia region, is a hidden gem brimming with Baroque beauty. Often overshadowed by Florence, Lecce boasts an equally breathtaking architectural scene, with ornate churches, grand piazzas, and centuries-old palaces crafted from warm golden limestone.
💡 Why visit?
- Wander through Piazza del Duomo, home to Lecce’s stunning cathedral.
- Visita Basilica di Santa Croce, a Baroque masterpiece with intricate stone carvings.
- Indulge in rustico leccese, a delicious puff pastry filled with mozzarella and tomato.
- Take a short train ride to Otranto or Gallipoli for pristine beaches and turquoise waters.
If you’re looking for authentic Italian charm away from the tourist rush, Lecce is a must-visit.
2. Colmar, France – A Real-Life Fairytale
🎨 Best for: Romantic getaways, wine lovers, and photographers
🚆 How to get there: Easily accessible from Strasbourg (30 minutes), Basel (45 minutes), e Paris (2.5 hours) by high-speed train.
Nestled in France’s Alsace region, Colmar looks like it was plucked straight from a storybook. With its pastel-coloured, half-timbered houses, flower-lined canals, and cobbled streets, it’s one of the most picturesque towns in Europe.
💡 Why visit?
- Explore La Petite Venise, Colmar’s most photogenic canal district.
- Sample Alsace wines – this region is known for its crisp whites like Riesling and Gewürztraminer.
- Visit the Unterlinden Museum, home to the famous Isenheim Altarpiece.
- Enjoy a scenic day trip to nearby Eguisheim, another stunning medieval village.
Colmar is magical year-round – visit in spring for blooming flowers, summer for vineyard tours, autumn for golden foliage, and winter for its world-famous Christmas markets.
3. Kotor, Montenegro – A Fjord-Like Wonder
⛰ Best for: Nature lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers
🚆 How to get there: Take the train to Bar, then a scenic 2-hour bus ride to Kotor.
Kotor, set within a dramatic bay resembling a fjord, is a medieval town full of charm. Enclosed by ancient city walls and backed by towering mountains, Kotor is one of the most breathtaking coastal towns in Europe.
💡 Why visit?
- Climb to San Giovanni Fortress for panoramic views over the Bay of Kotor.
- Get lost in the Città vecchia, a maze of cobbled streets, churches, and hidden courtyards.
- Take a boat trip to the iconic Our Lady of the Rocks, a tiny island chapel.
- Hop over to Perast, a serene nearby village with Venetian-style architecture.
Kotor is a quieter, more affordable alternative to Dubrovnik while offering the same enchanting atmosphere.
4. Visby, Sweden – A Medieval Nordic Escape
🏰 Best for: History lovers, nature enthusiasts, and summer travelers
🚆 How to get there: Take the train from Stockholm to Nynäshamn, then a ferry to Gotland (3 hours).
Visby, located on Sweden’s Gotland Island, is one of Europe’s most fascinating medieval towns. Once a powerful Viking trade hub, today, Visby is a UNESCO-listed walled city where time seems to stand still.
💡 Why visit?
- Walk along Visby’s medieval city walls, some of the best-preserved in Europe.
- Visit the Gotland Museum to learn about Viking and medieval history.
- Experience Medeltidsveckan (Medieval Week) in August – full of jousting tournaments and costumed parades.
- Enjoy Gotland’s stunning beaches, limestone cliffs, and rugged landscapes.
Visby is best visited in summer, when the island comes alive with festivals, wildflowers, and long Scandinavian days.
5. Ptuj, Slovenia – A Hidden Treasure in Wine Country
🍷 Best for: History lovers, spa enthusiasts, and wine aficionados
🚆 How to get there: Direct train connections from Ljubljana and Maribor.
Ptuj is Slovenia’s oldest town, yet it remains one of the country’s best-kept secrets. With a hilltop castle, thermal spas, and vineyards stretching into the distance, Ptuj is the perfect destination for relaxation and culture.
💡 Why visit?
- Explore Ptuj Castle, which houses fascinating medieval artifacts.
- Unwind in Ptuj Thermal Spa, a haven of wellness and relaxation.
- Try Slovenian wine, particularly the local Šipon variety.
- Stroll through Drava River’s scenic banks.
Ptuj is a great stop for those heading to Croatia or Hungary on their Interrail route.
6. Zermatt, Switzerland – The Gateway to the Matterhorn
🏔 Best for: Mountain lovers, hikers, and winter sports fans
🚆 How to get there: Take a scenic train to Zermatt via the Glacier Express from Brig or Visp.
Zermatt is a high-altitude paradise nestled at the foot of the Matterhorn. Whether you visit in summer for hiking or winter for skiing, this car-free village is one of Switzerland’s most breathtaking destinations.
💡 Why visit?
- Ride the Gornergrat Railway for jaw-dropping mountain views.
- Hike or ski with Matterhorn as your backdrop.
- Explore Zermatt’s charming alpine streets filled with cozy cafés and boutiques.
- Take the Ghiacciaio Espresso, one of the world’s most scenic train journeys.
Switzerland may not be cheap, but Zermatt is worth the splurge!
7. Ronda, Spain – A Dramatic Cliffside Town
🌅 Best for: Culture lovers, hikers, and photographers
🚆 How to get there: Trains from Málaga (2 hours) and Seville (3 hours).
Perched atop a deep gorge, Ronda is one of Spain’s most dramatic and historic towns. Known for its Puente Nuevo bridge, it’s a place where breathtaking landscapes meet a rich cultural heritage.
💡 Why visit?
- Walk across Puente Nuevo, a bridge with spectacular views.
- Discover Plaza de Toros, Spain’s oldest bullring.
- Enjoy Andalusian cuisine and local wines.
- Hike into the El Tajo Gorge for stunning scenery.
Plan Your Hidden Gem Adventure!
Now that you know Europe’s best-hidden Interrail destinations, it’s time to start planning! Use Pianificatore Interrail to create the perfect route and make 2025 your best travel year yet. 🚆✨
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