Standfirst: Romania’s Bucovina has been named the world’s most underrated travel destination for 2027 in Time Out’s annual ranking. Several other European locations also feature, offering alternatives to crowded hotspots such as Venice, Barcelona, St Tropez and Cannes.
Romania’s Bucovina region tops a new ranking of underrated travel destinations for 2027, putting one of Europe’s lesser-known cultural and natural landscapes in the international spotlight. The ranking, published by Time Out, highlights destinations that offer distinctive scenery, traditions and local experiences without the intense visitor pressure associated with Europe’s most famous cities.
The list includes 41 cities and regions worldwide. Bucovina is followed globally by South Dakota in the United States, while Spain’s Asturian cities rank third. Portugal, France and the Azores also appear among Europe’s recommended alternatives for travellers seeking quieter destinations.
Bucovina is named the world’s top underrated destination
Located in north-eastern Romania, Bucovina is known for its mountain scenery, long-established traditions and distinctive historic architecture. Time Out compared the region with better-known Transylvania, arguing that Bucovina offers a similar combination of landscapes and cultural heritage while attracting fewer crowds.
The region has also gained attention as a gateway to Via Transilvanica, a 1,400-kilometre hiking route crossing Romania. Its growing profile reflects a wider interest in slower, more dispersed travel, where visitors spend time in rural areas and smaller communities rather than concentrating on Europe’s most heavily visited landmarks.
For travellers, Bucovina combines outdoor activities with cultural tourism. Its appeal is linked not only to scenery but also to local customs and architecture, making it a destination suited to visitors looking for a more grounded experience of Romania.
Other European destinations highlighted by the ranking
The Time Out list includes several European locations that offer alternatives to traditional city-break and beach-holiday choices.
Asturian cities, Spain
Spain’s Asturian cities rank third worldwide. Oviedo, Gijón and Avilés are identified as particularly appealing destinations for food-focused travellers. The wider region also includes popular coastal areas, but the ranking encourages visitors to explore its cities and local culinary traditions rather than concentrating solely on the shoreline.
Zambujeira do Mar, Portugal
Zambujeira do Mar, a cliffside town in Portugal’s Alentejo region, ranks sixth. It is recognised for its coastal setting and a Blue Flag-listed beach. The area is generally described as relatively quiet, although visitor numbers increase during the MEO Sudoeste music festival.
Its position on Portugal’s south-western coast makes it an option for travellers who want a beach destination with a less urban and less heavily developed atmosphere than the country’s most famous resort areas.
Carry-le-Rouet, France
Carry-le-Rouet ranks ninth globally. The French seaside resort is presented as a quieter alternative to better-known destinations such as St Tropez and Cannes, with sea-to-cliff scenery, turquoise water and seafood among its attractions.
The comparison also reflects a broader travel trend: visitors are increasingly looking for coastal locations that offer a similar setting to famous resorts without the same level of congestion or cost.
The Azores
The Azores place 12th in the overall ranking. The Portuguese archipelago has attracted growing international attention and is sometimes marketed as the “Hawaii of Europe” because of its volcanic landscapes, ocean setting and outdoor attractions.
Unlike a simple popularity list, the ranking also points to the islands’ efforts to manage tourism sustainably. The nine-island archipelago is certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and has policies intended to protect its cultural, historical and natural assets as visitor interest increases.
Why underrated destinations are gaining attention
The ranking arrives as overtourism continues to shape discussions about travel in Europe. Venice and Barcelona, among other major destinations, remain popular because of their heritage, architecture and cultural attractions. However, high visitor numbers can place pressure on housing, public services, local businesses and the everyday lives of residents.
Promoting lesser-known regions can help spread tourism more widely, although increased attention also creates responsibilities for local authorities and visitors. A destination described as “underrated” can quickly become more popular, making sustainable planning important from the outset.
Travellers considering these locations should:
- Visit outside peak periods where practical.
- Use locally owned accommodation, restaurants and tour operators.
- Respect protected landscapes, historic sites and community rules.
- Check transport options and seasonal events before booking.
- Avoid treating quieter destinations as empty spaces without permanent communities.
What the ranking means for European travel
Time Out’s selection reflects a shift towards undertourism: choosing destinations that are less familiar, less crowded or more connected to local life. For Europe, that means travellers are being encouraged to look beyond headline destinations and consider regions such as Bucovina, Asturias, Alentejo, the French Mediterranean coast and the Azores.
There is no indication that the ranking changes travel rules or introduces any new European tourism policy. It is an editorial travel guide rather than a decision by the European Union or a national government. Practical arrangements, including entry requirements, transport schedules and local restrictions, should still be checked with official sources before departure.
Conclusion
Bucovina’s position at the top of Time Out’s list gives Romania a prominent place in the latest Europe travel conversation. The ranking also shows how European visitors are increasingly seeking landscapes, food, heritage and coastal experiences away from the busiest tourist centres. For anyone planning a trip, these destinations offer inspiration—but their appeal will be strongest if tourism grows carefully and benefits the communities that make them distinctive.
