Americans Can Fly Nonstop To These 4 Lesser-Known European Destinations This Summer

Thinking of heading to Europe this summer but the likes of Paris, Milan, London, and Barcelona don’t exactly pique your interest? You’re not alone:

Between the rising prices in all of these crowded spots, and that ‘been there, done that’ feel, they’re far from inspiring the same awe as they did some decades ago.

But hey, Europe is still a fairly big continent, with plenty to offer beyond the surface-level tourism, and contrary to popular belief, it’s not like Americans don’t have options: in fact, they can fly direct to 4 lesser-known destinations across the pond.

You know how this goes: minimal crowding, cheaper prices, and equally, if not more fascinating cultural scenes:

Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade is one of those lesser-visited cities you might have only vaguely heard of, probably in tandem with the Yugoslav War of the 90s.

Don’t worry, though: the capital of Serbia just couldn’t be safer these days, and we’d go as far as to argue it is in fact less dangerous than all your Western capitals combined, not to mention the vibrant nightlife, amazing sights, and unmatched cultural scene:

It’s no wonder it’s rising so fast in popularity as of late:

Belgrade’s main shopping street, Knez Mihailova is a busy thoroughfare lined with elegant Belle époque buildings, whereas the nearby Kalemagdan is an old medieval fortress overlooking the Danube River, complete with drawbridges and sturdy walls.

Over in Skadarlija, you’ll find a picturesque cobbled lane flanked by cozy, laid-back cafes, and don’t forget the Bohemian Zemun, where riverside bars stay open until the wee hours at the weekends, and a landmark Gardoš Tower offers views of the sprawling metropolis.

Fly Nonstop From The U.S. To Belgrade (BEG)

Terceira Island, Portugal

A small island in the middle of the Atlantic, Terceira is part of the Azores archipelago, and one of Portugal’s best-kept secrets.

A lush paradise home to nature reserves, sandy beaches that are hugged by bright-blue seas, and charming fishing villages, it receives far fewer tourists than its mainland counterparts of Lisbon, Porto, or the Algarve, and due to its temperate climate, it’s perfect for escaping Europe’s scorching heat.

The capital and largest city, Angra do Heroísmo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site distinguished for its well-preserved Portuguese colonial architecture and Baroque palaces—the landmark cathedral, built in the 16th century, is also the largest in the Azores.

Other must-see sites include Monte Brasil, an inactive volcano offering panoramic views of the Terceira countryside, Fortaleza de São João Baptista, a monumental fortress built by the Spanish, and Biscoitos, a charming coastal town famous for its natural pools and wineries.

Fly Nonstop From The U.S. To Terceira Island (TER)

Rzeszów, Poland

Located in southeastern Poland, Rzeszów is one of those hard-to-pronounce places you wouldn’t easily gravitate towards by looking at a map of Europe, but believe it or not, it is one of only 3 Polish cities to host Transatlantic flights (other than Warsaw and Kraków).

Despite being (largely) a modern, industrial city, its compact historic center has retained much of the medieval charm that Warsaw itself has lost over the centuries.

The well-preserved Old Town Square is ringed by colorful townhouses and all your usual quirky coffeeshops and Polish milk bars, and a short walk away, Rzeszów Castle is a Renaissance-Baroque wonder that can be enjoyed without the typical crowds of tourists.

The most interesting thing about Rzeszów, however, is its multi-ethnic, multicultural appeal, with soaring Catholic basilicas, richly-decorated Orthodox churches, and synagogues coexisting within only a few meters of one another.

It’s worth noting Rzeszów is right at the heart of Poland’s ‘Aviation Valley’, the country’s main aerospace and where most of its aviation manufacturing are centered, so it’s hardly a surprise flights from America would be touching down here.

Fly Nonstop From The U.S. To Rzeszów (RZE)

Catania, Italy

Last but certainly not least, this year marked the inaugural flights from America to Catania, the second-largest city in Sicily, Italy’s trendiest holiday island.

Palermo may be the Sicilian capital, but it’s in Catania that you get the iconic postcard view of the grid-like urban layout, made up of wide avenues that stretch from the thunderous Mount Etna, all the way to the sea, and dotted with monumental church domes.

Catania’s gorgeous main square is dominated by the Duomo di Sant’Agata, a true Baroque masterpiece, and leading down from it, Via Etnea is the textbook example of a European high street, with all your upscale shops, well-frequented trattorie, and tourist traps we know (and love).

If you’re looking for the quintessential Catanian experience, make sure you attend a summer concert at the Roman Theater & Odeon, a 2,000-year-old entertainment venue hidden among the city streets, explore the UNESCO-listed Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena, or join a guided tour of the Fish Market.

On top of that, Catania is a great home base for exploring southern Sicily: it’s a 1h–1h30 train ride away from Taormina, a historic town perched on a hill with views of the Mediterranean, the beach town of Giardini Naxos, and Syracuse, the birthplace of the Ancient Greek philosopher Archimedes.

Fly Nonstop From The U.S. To Catania (CTA)

Going to Europe this summer?

Make sure you check the entry rules applying to U.S. passport holders in advance using our TOP Entry Requirement Checker.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.