You may know Europe for its big metropolises, like Paris, Rome and London. Look beyond these and you'll find a continent full of untouched nature, cosy cities and secret spots. The next time you travel, pay a visit to these 5 less crowded spots where you'll get to experience Europe’s road(s) not taken. What's more, Europe's extensive rail network puts its scenic spots within reach of the bigger cities, so you can easily escape the crowds with a Eurail Pass. 

1. Delphi, Greece

Delphi is a must-visit for any history buff. Major archeological attractions like the Temple of Apollo and the Athenian Treasury are located in the area. Nestled at the foot of the spectacular slopes of Mount Parnassus, Delphi's attractions are located outdoors and away from the tourist traps in Athens. Once you've walked the Sacred Way, you can hike further into the hills. You might even discover the Corycian Cave! 

2. Aix-en-Provence, France

Take the high-speed TGV just 3 hours from Paris and you'll arrive in Aix-en-Provence, the historic capital of Provence. The region's landscape of rolling hills, vineyards and lakes was made famous by 19th century artists, like Van Gogh and Cézanne.  

This stunning landscape is also perfect for an outdoor escape. Visit the 6 Natural Regional Parks to enjoy lake swimming, vineyard tours or even bungee jumping and paragliding. The Camargue Regional Nature Reserve, known for its flamingos, is also nearby.  

If you book well in advance, you can easily plan to visit some of France’s popular beaches after having spent some relaxing days in nature: the Côte d'Azur towns of Marseille, Nice and Cannes are all just a train ride away!

3. Dublin, Ireland

Dublin in Ireland is a cultural hub you don’t want to miss. With its galleries, libraries, concert venues, pubs, museums and more, it’s the perfect city to get a taste of what the country is all about. Moreover, hotels like the Shelbourne Hotel, located in historic buildings, are attractions in their own right. To enjoy a quieter, different side to Dublin, pay its beaches, parks and castles a visit, or head out by train from the city to enjoy the island's nature in its vast fields.

4. Faro, Portugal

Faro is the principal city of Portugal's Algarve region, located on the south-west tip of Europe. The city never sees as many tourists as Lisbon, but visit outside of summer to enjoy the pristine city centre alboslutely without crowds. Its century-old historical monuments include the Faro Cathedral of 1251 and the Arco da Vila of 1812. Outside the city there’s also a lagoon on the outer islands that you can explore, and a whole host of beaches along the Algarve coast, famous for their rock formations.

5. Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava is one of Europe's less-crowded capital cities, even during peak times. The city centre attractions, like the Bratislava Castle, the Blue Church and the Slavín memorial can all be reached on foot, avoiding the need for crowded trams or buses. 

You can also escape the city by bike or take a boat on the river Danube to visit lesser-known attractions like Devin Castle or Danubiana art museum.