35 Incredible Hidden Gems of Eastern Europe You Need to Add to Your Bucket List

While most people flock the Western Europe, we decided to spend last summer on the other side of the content, exploring all of the hidden gems of Eastern Europe.

Eastern Europe is full of stunning nature, charming old towns, and some of the most fun nightlife you'll experience!

After spending months road tripping the Balkans, we discovered some of our favorite spots in Europe, that aren't overrun my massive amounts of tourists just yet. Here are some of the best hidden gems of Eastern Europe that you should check out.

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #1: Mirusha Falls, Kosovo

Pretty much everything in Kosovo classifies as a hidden gem of Eastern Europe, as it's so rarely visited in general! However, there is one place in particular that really stole our hearts in Kosovo, and it's Mirusha Falls. 

We're suckers for waterfalls, so we could truly do a whole post just about waterfalls, but we particularly love this one, as there is so much more to this place than first glance.

Upon arrival, it looks like merely one set of falls, but you can actually hike behind it and continue to find more and more waterfalls! Using ropes and ladders you'll finally make your way to one final impressive fall, and most likely will have it completely to yourself!

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #2: Lukomir, Bosnia & Herzegovina

This was one of those locations that truly took our breath away while visiting Bosnia & Herzegovina. Tucked away in the middle of the mountains, the tiny village of Lukomir will take you hundred of years back in time. The drive here alone made us feel like we were inside of a Balkan fairytale, and the views surrounding Lukomir village were just unbelievable. 

We highly suggest visiting on a tour if you can, as when we visited it was completely empty. We would have loved to hear about the history of the area, and imagine that a tour given by a local definitely would have been the way to experience it.

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #3: Blagaj, Bosnia & Herzegovina

While many people flock to Mostar, they usually don't realize there is a hidden gem of Eastern Europe lying just 10-15 minutes outside of it! Blagaj is a little village perched along the Neretva Canyon. One of its main highlights is the Dervish House, which is now 600 years old.

This historic Sufi monastery in Blagaj was built into the cliffs right on the water, housing a mausoleum, as well as an old Turkish bath. In addition, it makes for one of the most photographic spots in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Another highlight of Blagaj is its incredible fortress, which is a 45 minute hike up to the top, and gives you stunning views of the village and river sitting below it.

Want to visit Blagaj on an organized tour? Here are a few that you can pick from, from either Sarajevo and Mostar:

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #4: Kravica Waterfalls, Bosnia & Herzegovina

This was our favorite part of all the entire country of Bosnia & Herzegovina. Kravica Falls is a massive set of falls found in the south of the country, nearby the border of Croatia.

The area is taken care of very well, and it has plenty of amenities for tourists to enjoy while there. You can swim, have a bite to eat, or simply relax and soak up the beauty of the area.

Kravica Falls can be visited by renting a car, or on a tour from either Mostar or Dubrovnik.

Want to join a tour to Kravica Falls from Mostar? Here are a few options:

Here are also some tours from Dubrovnik that you can sign up for:

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #5: Jajce, Bosnia & Herzegovina

This is definitely one of the most adorable towns in Bosnia & Herzegovina, and well worth a visit if you're looking for hidden gems of Easter Europe.

Jajce is a charming town perched up on a hill, which sits above a giant waterfall. We came here for a couple of hours to climb up to the top of the town, grab a bite to eat, and of course to admire the stunning waterfall from down below.

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #6: Zlatni Rat, Bol Croatia

Looking for one of the most stunning beaches in Europe? Well, Zlatni Rat, located on the island of Brac has a striking formation, and some of the clearest waters you'll ever see.

It also has enough activities and restaurants on sites to keep you busy for an entire day! Want to know more details for visiting? Make sure to check out our Brac travel guide for all the info.

Don't want to go on your own? There are also excursions that you can sign up for:

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #7: Cetina Spring, Croatia

Also known as the "dragon's eye" Cetina Spring is a cold water spring which resembles the eye of a dragon when seen from above. For that reason, this place has become one of photographers' favorite locations in Croatia! The water is a shockingly low 2-4 degrees Celsius, and despite the pain we endured to take the photo below, we felt it was definitely worth it.

If you don't want to go in, we totally don't blame you. It's still gorgeous to witness regardless! Another option is to bring a float with you, so that you don't have to freeze like we did.

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #8: Pula Arena, Croatia

Did you know that there is an arena in Croatia that looks just like the Roman Colosseum? Except unlike Rome, you can actually enjoy this place without the crazy crowds. Actually, when we visited in the morning there was hardly anyone else around!

Want to take a tour of Pula? Here are a few that you can sign up for:

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #9: Vodice Beach Platforms, Croatia

The small beach town is truly one of the hidden gems of Eastern Europe. It has cute cafes, boutique shops, and these awesome hexagonal concrete platforms where tourists and locals relax and sunbathe. Vodice is conveniently located between Split and Zadar, being just an hour away from both, making it the perfect stop while traveling from Zadar to Split, or vice versa. 

Want to have your transportation prebooked? Here are a couple of options:

• Zadar to Vodice
• Split to Vodice

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #10: Sveti Stefan, Montenegro

Sveti Stefan is one of the most beautiful spots in Montenegro. This small island is connected to the mainland by a concrete platform, and is known for its orange roofed buildings and cute cobblestone streets.

Sveti Stefan has plenty of shops, as well as a beach to enjoy, all backdropped by a beautiful hill. This is the perfect place to visit on a day trip from either Kotor or Budva.

Want to spend a night in Sveti Stefan? Check the map below for the different options:

Want to take a day trip there instead? Here are a few tours that you can take:

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #11: Lake Shkoder, Montengro 

As far as hidden gems in Montenegro go, Skadar Lake is the definitely the spot. Actually shared by both Montenegro and Albania, this giant lake has a ton to offer. You can rent a boat, go kayaking, or take an organized tour to explore the beautiful nature Skadar Lake has to offer.

One of the parts that we loved about Skadar lake is that it is full of huge Lilly pads, and is also full of wildlife. You can easily visit here on a tour from one of the nearby coastal cities, or rent a car to go on your own.

Book a tour to Skadar Lake:

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #12: Ostrog Monastery, Montenegro

The Ostrog Monastery isn't just any monastery. It is an iconic structure that has been built right into the rock of a cliff! It is very religiously significant, and many Montenegrins claim that by visiting miracles have happened.

You will find locals making the trip to Ostrog Monastery and actually sleeping on the premises, which is a truly unique experience. While it is very known by Montenegrins, it still remains a hidden gem in the eyes of tourists, and is a place that we highly recommend to check out if you are traveling through Montenegro.

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #13: The Blue Eye, Albania

Now let's head to Albania to see a bunch of great hidden gems of Eastern Europe. Welcome to the Blue Eye. This is not the Blue Eye of Theth, but it is actually a different Blue Eye in Albania. This is a water spring found in the village of Muzine which has stunning blue waters.

To reach here you'll have to park in a small lot, cross a bridge, and then walk 20 minutes along a paved road to reach the spring. There is one bathroom on site, but we do suggest bringing your own toilet paper.

There is also a small souvenir shop right next to the Blue Eye. You will find signs indicating that swimming is not allowed, however the spring was  actually full of people jumping in from the platform above it. The water is a shockingly 2 degrees Celsius! While it is extremely cold, it is refreshing to dip in quickly on a hot day.

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #14: Lumi I Shales, Albania

This is a pure slice of paradise tucked away in the middle of the Albanian Alps. Lumi i Shales is a large beach surrounded by crystal clear waters, hotels, and restaurants, and can only reached by boat! It is definitely not one of those places that is easy to get to, but is totally worth the journey. 

In order to get there you'll need to take a boat from Komani Lake, is a round trip excursion letting you enjoy the stunning area for a few hours.

Want to learn more about Lumi i Shales? We have a full Lumi i Shales guide with everything you need to know! Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter so that you stay in the know for our latest articles, as well as receive exclusive discounts.

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #15: Bovilla Lake, Albania

This is the perfect day trip from Albania's capital. Bovilla Lake is an artificial lake that can be appreciated with stunning views from above. The parking is free, and there is a restaurant on site. In order to get to the incredible viewpoint, it is just a 5-10 minute walk up a set of stairs. It isn't really for the faint of heart, but the views are definitely worth it.

It's important to note that if you go on your own, Google Maps may not lead you to the correct spot. We followed a point on the map that had us drive an hour and a half to the other side where you cannot reach the lake at all. In order to reach the correct spot, make sure to plug in "Bovilla Rock Climbing Line" or "Bovilla Restorant".

Don't have a car? Here are a few tours that you can sign up for:

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #16: Grama Bay, Albania

Tucked away in the rocky coast of the Albanian Riviera, Grama Bay has beautiful turquoise waters, and an epic viewpoint you can climb. Being that you can't drive there, definitely makes this place a hidden gem of Eastern Europe, as it's not the easiest to get to.

You can either opt for a boat tour, or do a. trek to visit Grama Bay. Boats visit the bay briefly, but if you really want to spend some time there, then you can do a 4 hour trek to get there.

There is a restaurant on the beach, and even people staying in tents there. We do suggest starting early if you plan on hiking, as the sun gets strong, and it is a rather long trek to get there.

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #17: Osum Canyon, Albania

Welcome to the Grand Canyon of Albania. Now you may be thinking- well if that were the case then how would it be classified as a hidden gem? Well, despite how big and impressive it is, it truly isn't a huge tourist destination.

In order to get here you can either rent a car and go on your own, or get a tour from the city of Berat.

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Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #18: Holt Canyon, Albania

Holt canyon is unique because it actually features natural thermal waters which are a milky blue color! Right after the blue waters you'll also be able to walk through the waters of the canyon, making you feel like you've teleported to the Middle East.

In addition, there is a cool resort-style club located right outside where you can chill by the pool or grab a bite to eat before or after visiting the canyon itself.

Holt canyon is completely free of charge to visit, and we found it with only a few other people when we visited, truly making it a hidden gem of Eastern Europe.

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #19: Thermal Water, Eduart Abazaj

One of the most underrated areas of Albania is Benje, a stunning area in the middle of nature that has natural hot springs. The area tends to get pretty crowded, with locals and tourists alike bathing in the warm waters, and giving themselves mud masks. But there is another pool that sits inside the canyon that not many know about! It has bright blue waters, and while it doesn't have thermal waters, it's definitely a great place to cool off.

We had this spot saved in our map and attempted to drive there from what Google Maps had indicated. The reality is that you can't drive there. All you have to do is walk further into the canyon, and you'll find it on your left hand side after about 5-10 minutes of walking.

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #20: Trpejca, Lake Ohrid, Macedonia

Lake Ohrid is known as a sacred lake in Macedonia, and is one of the top destinations to visit in the country. But a true hidden gem, is one of the best beaches along the lake, which was recommended to us by our local friend. Trpjeca is known as the "Saint Tropez of Macedonia" and we definitely felt like we had just teleported to the French Riviera!

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #21: The Stone Dolls, Macedonia

Have you ever been to Cappadocia in Turkey? Well, this hidden gem in Macedonia has similar formations to the famous ones in Turkey. It's so underrated that we were actually the only ones there when we visited! Located in the north east of the country, this is a great day trip from Skopje, or a nice stop from the capital to Sofia in Bulgaria.

Want to visit a really good restaurant nearby? Kuklika Etno Restaurant is located on a lake and has super tasty local cuisine.

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #22: Stone Forest, Bulgaria

Pobiti Kamani Rock Formations are also known as the stone fortress, and are another attraction just outside of Varna. The different formations are so amazing to see, especially with the wild stories that are behind them (but we'll leave that for you to learn when you go).

The area is covered in column-like stone formations, and there are two different parts that you can get tickets to enter and look for the special rocks. Check out one of our favorites below!

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #23: Belogradchik, Bulgaria

This is definitely one of the best places to visit in Bulgaria, and we regret not coming here so much! (We had a friend who visited right after we left and it looked incredible).

Tucked away in the north western corner of the country, this certainly isn't the most convenient place to visit, but certainly worth it, and it can be done on a day trip from Sofia. Belogradchik is a  fortress that has been constructed in front of striking rock formations.

Not only is the place incredibly beautiful, but you can also do epic activities around it such as ATVing, bungee jumping, or ride in a hot air balloon!

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #24: Heart of Jesus, Romania

Looking for a serious hidden gem in Romania? The Heart of Jesus Statue is an enormous metal statue of Jesus in the middle of nowhere in Transylvania.

What's crazy about it is that you can even climb the the 22-meter high stainless steel statue all the way until the head! The views are gorgeous, and it makes for a pretty unique experience in Eastern Europe.

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #25: Rock Sculpture of Decebalus, Romania

Another unique find in Romania is the sculpture of Decebalus, which is an enormous face of who was the last Dacian king. His face is carved into the stone of mountain, and it is actually the largest rock sculpture in all of Europe! You can find this intriguing work of art near the city of Orsova, which is close to the border with Serbia.

You can see it from a small bridge, but the best way to visit is by hiring a local boat, which will row you up the channel to get up closer.

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #26: Rapa Rosie, Romania

This beautiful valley is another hidden gems of Eastern Europe, and definitely something that not a lot of tourists happen to visit.

Rapa Rosie is a stunning pink valley with folds in it, surrounded by greenery. It really will make you feel as if you have teleported to the southwest of the US. You can simply park right next to it and enjoy the views, set up a picnic like the locals do, or explore deeper by taking the trails.

Rapa Rosie is the perfect spot to stop on the way to Castelul Corvinor if you are coming from Sibiu or Cluj Napoca. It is free of charge to visit, and we saw tons of families playing games, having picnics, and spending a few hours there.

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #27: Salina Turda, Romania

This is another one of the most unique things to do in Transylvania, Romania. Salina Turda isn't just an incredible enormous underground salt mine, but it has actually also become a full amusement park. Want to learn more about Salina Turda? It's also something that we talk more about in our Cluj Napoca travel guide.

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #28: Castelul de Lut, Romania

While this isn't actually a real castle, it certainly is one of the cutest places you'll ever see. The name translates to "Clay Castle of the Valley of the Fairies", and it's extremely fitting to what this attraction is.

Make sure to add Castelul de Lut to your Transylvanian itinerary so you can wander around this adorable fairytale setting. You can also grab a bite to eat right next to the river, or head across the street to other cute theme park for kids, Povostea Calendarului.

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #29: Sopotnica Waterfall, Serbia

Sopotnicki Vodopadi (also known as Sopotnica Waterfall) is a true hidden gem, and a waterfall that is so unknown we had it completely to ourselves! It's located right by the western border of Serbia, and it has a small bridge going across it, so that you can get up close to the falls.

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #30: Uvac, Serbia

This man-made gorge has the shape of a snake, and can be seen from above by just a short walk off the parking area. We drove there ourselves, but you can also book a tour to the canyon, or one that includes it with many other cool things to see and do in the area.

Here are a few tours that you can take to experience Uvac:

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #31: Uzice Fortress

Located in western Serbia, we visited here on our way from Zlatibor to Belgrade. In our opinion, this is the most stunning fortress in the country, and is best appreciated by flying a drone to experience the view from above.

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #32: Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

While most people flock to the famous Lake Bled, what they don't know is that right nearby is another stunning lake worth checking out. 

Lake Bohinj is located in the Julian Alps, of north western Slovenia, and at 318 hectares, it is the country's largest lake. It is simply gorgeous at any time of the year, and offers a variety of activities such as hiking trails, kayaking, and more.

Here are some tours that you can take to experience Lake Bohinj, included with other surrounding locations:

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #33: Postojna Cave, Slovenia

Caves can be found all throughout Eastern Europe, and visiting one should definitely be added to your bucket list! But this isn't any old cave. Postojna cave is unique because it is so big that it actually has a train running through it! It is a 24,340 m long karst cave system, and the only one to have a railway inside (which is 140 years old!).

The first time I visited was while working on a cruise ship. We were docked in Koper, and there were plenty of tours offered to visit this impressive cave system.

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #34: Chalet Shaori, Georgia

Welcome to one of the most unique accommodations that we have ever experienced. Chalet Shaori is located in the Shaori Reserve in Adjara, Georgia. The tiny chalet is floating right in the middle of the lake, and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, making it a truly unique and magical experience!

Hidden Gem of Eastern Europe #35: Ushguli, Georgia

Ushguli was hands down our favorite of all of the incredible places we visited in Georgia. This small village is the highest standing settlement in the whole continent of Europe, and will truly make you feel like you've stepped back in time.

Roam the tiny streets, go on a trek through the mountains, or climb the tower pictured below for some of the most stunning views you'll ever witness.

The village of Ushguli is certainly not the easiest to reach, but it is definitely worth the effort. We rented a car to get there, and even with a 4x4 had to be extremely careful navigating the bumpy and windy roads that lead there.

If you'd like to get there without a car, you can reach there by taking a bus from the city of Mestia, which is the capital of the Svaneti region, or you can take a tour.

Here are some tours that visit Ushguli, Georgia:

Getting Around Eastern Europe

So now that you know all of these incredible hidden gems of Eastern Europe, what's next? Well, here are a few of the ways that we plan our trips, and ways that you can save both time and money:

• Skyscanner: our number one app for finding flights! We always use the "everywhere" option to find which countries in Europe are the cheapest to fly to.
• Booking.com: we book most of our hotels through them, getting discounts from frequent bookings
• Get Rent a Car: a car sharing marketplace that connects you to local renters
• Rentalcars.com: our secondary go-to for booking car rentals
• BlaBla Car: a carpooling app that is popular in Europe which connects you with people going to the same place as you
• Omnio: a site that gathers the cheapest tickets for buses and trains
• Airalo: E-Sim cards to stay connected while hopping from one company to the next

Tips & Other Things to Know While Visiting Eastern Europe

Now that you know the different ways to book your trip to Eastern Europe, here are a few other things to keep in mind:

• Most countries in Eastern Europe are not part of the Schengen Zone, which means you can stay for up to 90 days regardless of what countries in the EU you have been to before. These countries include Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Romania.
• For countries that are located within the Schengen zone, you can only stay 90 days within 180 day period in total between all of the countries. Croatia has recently joined the Schengen zone, and Slovenia is also a part of it.
• All European countries use the same plug types, which are plug types C & F. They have two round pins, and run on 220-230V and 50-60 Hz.
• Most countries in Eastern Europe have their own currency. Some of the countries that do use the Euro though include Slovenia, Croatia (as of recently), Montenegro, and Kosovo.
• Borders are easy to cross, but there is no travel available between Kosovo and Serbia for foreigners.
• Eastern Europe is perfect to visit in the summer for its great weather and fun festivals, and also in December for its magical Christmas markets.

There are so any stunning areas of Eastern Europe, and more hidden gems to explore! In order to reach many of these spots, we suggest renting a car, as not all of them are reachable via public transportation.

Visiting Eastern Europe and want to know what are the best cities to visit in Eastern Europe? We have a full guide of 50 places, as well as individual Balkan travel guides for each country, and many of the destinations inside of them. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter, so that you can stay up-to-date with all of the travel content we provide each week! We also send out exclusive content, as well as discounts on our products and services.

Want to book a trip but are feeling overwhelmed? Maybe you aren't familiar with the area, and want guidance on some ways to get around, things to do, or restaurants to check out. Whatever it may be, there is definitely a travel planning package out there for you!

At Scratch Your Mapa we're dedicated to helping people achieve their dream trips, without having to break the bank. Send us an email and we'd be happy to discuss all the options. Happy travels!

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