Europe’s Most Instagrammable Places in 2025 (That Aren’t Overrated)

Nicol Gažiová
Aug 13
3 min read

Updated: Aug 14

Europe’s beauty is no secret—but let’s be honest, some “must-see” spots have been photographed so much they’ve lost their magic. In 2025, the real treasure lies in discovering destinations that still feel fresh, authentic, and just as photogenic as the big-name landmarks. These are places where you can wander without battling selfie-stick crowds, and where your camera will fall in love just as much as you do.

From pastel-painted villages to surreal landscapes, here are Europe’s most Instagrammable hidden gems for this year—each one offering a perfect blend of visual charm and genuine local atmosphere.

Discover with us:

🏘️Piran, Slovenia – A Venetian Dream by the Adriatic

🏰Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy – The Dying Town with Timeless Views

🎨Smögen, Sweden – A Color-Pop Fishing Village

🏛️Comillas, Spain – Gaudí Meets the Cantabrian Coast

🌉Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina – Stone Arches and Storybook Streets

🚤Symi, Greece – A Rainbow Harbor Away from the Crowds

Piran, Slovenia – A Venetian Dream by the Adriatic

Nestled on Slovenia’s short but stunning coastline, Piran feels like a secret slice of Venice without the chaos. Terracotta rooftops spill down to the turquoise sea, while narrow alleys lead you to quiet cafés and hidden courtyards. The main square, Tartini Square, glows in soft pastels that pop beautifully on camera—especially in early morning light. For the ultimate shot, climb the old city walls for a panoramic view of the church tower and the endless blue beyond.

Scenic view of Piran, Slovenia, featuring red-roofed buildings, a church, marina with boats, and lush greenery in the foreground. — Piran, Slovenia

Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy – The Dying Town with Timeless Views

Perched on a crumbling hilltop in central Italy, Civita di Bagnoregio looks like it belongs in a fairytale. Accessible only by a pedestrian bridge, this medieval village seems suspended in time, with stone archways, ivy-covered houses, and sweeping valley views. It’s especially magical at golden hour, when warm light floods the narrow streets. Come for the photos, but stay to explore its artisanal shops and tiny trattorias that serve some of the best homemade pasta you’ll ever taste.

Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy with stone buildings, tower, and bridge set against lush green valleys and a bright blue sky with clouds. Peaceful atmosphere. — Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy

Smögen, Sweden – A Color-Pop Fishing Village

If you’ve never heard of Smögen, you’re in for a visual treat. This west coast Swedish fishing village is lined with candy-colored boathouses set against the deep blue Skagerrak Sea. The wooden boardwalk runs along the waterfront, perfect for capturing vibrant, seaside-inspired shots. Visit in summer for the freshest seafood and long Nordic evenings when the golden light seems to last forever.

Smögen, Sweden -Colorful boathouses line a wooden dock beside calm water with boats. Rocky hillside and cloudy sky create a serene coastal scene. — Smögen, Sweden

Comillas, Spain – Gaudí Meets the Cantabrian Coast

Tucked away in the region of Cantabria, Comillas is an architectural and coastal wonder. Here, you’ll find whimsical buildings designed by Antoni Gaudí—most notably El Capricho, a mosaic-covered masterpiece—surrounded by rugged cliffs and sandy beaches. It’s a place where modernist charm meets wild natural beauty, giving photographers the best of both worlds. Pro tip: head to the cemetery on the hill for breathtaking ocean panoramas.

Colorful, ornate building with a tower surrounded by lush trees in Comillas, Spain . People gather on the stone path, embracing a lively, picturesque scene. — Comillas, Spain

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina – Stone Arches and Storybook Streets

Famed for its graceful Stari Most bridge, Mostar is an enchanting mix of Ottoman and Mediterranean influences. The cobbled streets and riverside cafés offer countless angles for dreamy photos. For something different, cross the bridge and climb the minaret of the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque—your reward is a bird’s-eye view of the Neretva River winding through the heart of the city.

Stone bridge arches over a turquoise river in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sunlit buildings and lush greenery frame the scene. Clear blue sky. — Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Symi, Greece – A Rainbow Harbor Away from the Crowds

Skip the packed lanes of Santorini and head to Symi, a small island near Rhodes where pastel-painted neoclassical houses cascade down to the harbor. The waterfront buzzes with fishing boats and open-air tavernas, yet it remains blissfully relaxed. For a perfect Instagram set, capture the harbor at sunrise when the still water mirrors the kaleidoscope of houses.

Colorful hillside houses overlooking a harbor with yachts, under a blue sky with clouds in Symi, Greece . Luxurious and vibrant coastal scene. — Symi, Greece

These destinations prove that you don’t have to follow the over-photographed path to find beauty worth sharing. Europe is full of quiet corners and vivid scenes waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re after rustic charm, coastal color, or architectural wonder, these spots will fill your feed—and your memories—with something truly special.

We have reached the end of this article on Europe’s Most Instagrammable Places in 2025 (That Aren’t Overrated). If you’re planning a visit to Portugal, be sure to check out our previous blogs for more tips on where to eat, drink, and explore. Or continue discovering more hidden gems and captivating destinations. Stay tuned for more articles on our website. Follow us on our instagram @thewalkingparrot to be continuously updated on new releases and join us as we embark on new adventures. We will be back soon with a new article! If you're visiting Lisbon, make sure to try our Fado, Food, and Wine tour!