20 Off-Grid Adventures from Major European Hubs

Europe’s biggest cities are incredible, but sometimes the real magic begins when you wander just a little farther. Beyond the famous skylines and bustling boulevards are mineral lakes, underground cities, cliffside trails, medieval towns, and tiny villages that feel frozen in time.

These off-grid adventures are close enough for easy day trips yet remote enough to feel like brand-new worlds. If you’re craving something unexpected on your next European vacation, these 20 escapes will take you there.

Bone Church in Kutna Hora, Czech Republic

Formally known as the Sedlec Ossuary, the Bone Church is about an hour’s train ride outside Prague’s city center. This obscure place is home to over 40,000 people’s bones.

While this half-day trip might be outside typical tourists’ itineraries, the chandeliers made of skulls and femurs are a must-see.

Organic Wineries Outside Madrid, Spain

Popular wine-making regions just a short drive outside Madrid include La Mancha, Toledo, and Ribera del Duero. These regions are all home to many family-owned and operated organic wineries.

Many winery tours start in Madrid’s city center, and then they visit two to three wineries, giving tourists a sensory experience and understanding of the factors differentiating Madrid’s wine from other European wines.

Lake Vouliagmeni Near Athens, Greece

Everyone knows the thick of the summer in Athens, Greece, can become unbearably hot, yet few people know about Lake Vouliagmeni. While it’s tempting to gatekeep such a hidden gem, it feels sinful not to share the lake’s crystal clear waters, mineral properties, and healing benefits.

Not only does this oasis offer lakeside bar service and plushy lounge chairs, but the fish in the lake eat the dead skin off of your feet; this place is genuinely nature’s spa.

Nerja’s Tropical Beaches Near Malaga, Spain

While the beaches in Malaga are stunning, they are no comparison to the crystal-clear waters of Nerja. In just an hour’s bus ride from Malaga’s city center, you can feel as if you were transported to Greece.

This beachside town adds a Spanish twist to Greece’s classic all-white-blue-accent architecture. Be sure to get to the beach early to secure a good spot.