5 underrated European cruise destinations

You’ve probably dreamed of visiting the likes of Lisbon, Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Oslo. But for every popular holiday destination, there’s a handful of forgotten ones. Cruising is a fantastic way to explore places you’ve never considered visiting. Here, are Europe’s 5 most underrated cruise destinations: 

Often overshadowed by the grand city of Dubrovnik, Hvar doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. This Croatian island echoes the feel of Kotor in Montenegro with a hilltop fortress towering over azure water. Hvar is often dubbed the sunniest place in Croatia, as it sees around 2,720 hours of sunshine every year. Although it’s a luxurious beach resort, Hvar has so much to offer travellers seeking out cultural experiences. The elevated fortress, which occupies the site of an ancient Illyrian settlement dating back to 500BC, overlooks Hvar and the surrounding islands. Nearby, the 15th-century Franciscan Monastery is a sight to behold. If you simply want to laze on the beach during your stopover in Hvar, there are plenty of pristine beaches to choose from - and the water is so inviting. 

Set on the meeting of the Rhône River and Saone River, Lyon is one of the most picturesque cities in France. Displaying 2,000 years of history through its magnificent architecture, Lyon draws visitors wishing to discover France’s history, as well as sample its exquisite cuisine. This quintessentially French city has everything you could hope for: culture, history, food and breathtaking scenery. However, Paris, Nice and Provence often steal the limelight. 

“Lyon was on my horizon because it’s known as a top food destination and I was searching for great French destinations beyond Paris,” Carol from Wandering Carol told us. “Lyon has so much more to offer than I realised. There are world-class museums, sprawling parks, river cruises and lots of pedestrian streets. One evening, we saw a spontaneous outburst of swing dancing in a square - it has that sort of lively vibe. 

“The number one thing to do in Lyon is eat, which made my husband extremely happy. If you’re visiting, you might want to have a meal at a Bouchon, a traditional-style restaurant that serves local Lyonnaise dishes. Whether or not you opt for the veal nose and beef foot is up to you. 

“With its picturesque cobblestone streets, Lyon’s Old Town is well worth exploring and for a great view, you can take the funicular up Fourviere Hill to catch the sunset.” 

Read next: A foodies guide to Lyon 

Cobh (pronounced cove) is a picturesque waterfront town, set in Cork’s harbour. Despite its traffic past as the last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic, Cobh is a bright and friendly town with plenty to offer all types of travellers. The town remembers its past through various attractions, including the Titanic Experience and Cobh Heritage Centre. Those seeking an alternative attraction during their British Isles cruise can visit nearby Spike Island - considered the Alcatraz of Ireland. 

“Some Irish towns just look pretty,” Hendrick from Visit Cobh told us, “others have a story to tell but don’t look the part. Some are difficult to get to and then there is a town that has it all. It’s called Cobh! 

“This town has a spectacular setting, perched on a hillside in one of the finest natural harbours in the world, Cork Harbour. The town is steeped in history and its world-class visitor attractions, the streets and piers of the town and the townspeople tell these stories wonderfully. 

“Experiences make a holiday special and people make experiences people. In Cobh, it seems that everyone wants to welcome visitors and find out a little about them and share a story or two. Expect great sessions in the pubs and enjoy the company of locals who have a sense of fun. Here, the Cork-brewed stout Murphy’s battles for popularity with Guinness, and Irish coffee is made how Irish coffee should be made. 

“This pretty, colourful and friendly town on the south coast of Ireland will not disappoint and definitely surprise with so much to experience.” 

Rugged mountains, terracotta-roofed houses and crystal-clear waters combine in Montenegro. Set on the Adriatic Sea, this often-forgotten country is one of the most picturesque places in Europe and yet, we feel it doesn’t get the credit it deserves. On a cruise, you can explore the picturesque town of Kotor. Its ancient architecture, including Romanesque churches and the imposing St Tryphon’s Cathedral, merge with glistening blue water to create a paradise. Between the centuries-old buildings, the town is buzzing with cosy cafes, bars and restaurants, filled with chatty locals. 

Famous for its stately bridges, Port wine and narrow cobbled streets, Porto has a lot to offer. Its merchant’s houses and old-fashioned cafes appear to be stacked on top of one another, leading down to the Douro River. It is difficult not to be charmed by this rustic riverside city, although many travellers opt for the elegant, crumbling buildings of Lisbon, in favour of cool city beaches and a thriving art scene. 

Porto absolutely deserves to be high on any holidaymaker’s list of places to visit in Europe. If not to see the intricate ceramic tiles lining Sao Bento railway station, then to indulge in the city’s iconic dish - the Francesinha. But there’s so much more to Porto than just decadent sandwiches and train stations. Dom Luis, the iconic bridge crossing the Douro River, is a sight to behold, as is the Livraria Lello, an ornate bookshop which is said to have inspired author J.K Rowling. The red, yellow, blue and white houses in Porto’s riverside quarter, Cais da Ribeira, provide the perfect setting for lunch with a glass of Port wine.