For those in the know, Europe is blessed with hidden coastlines, unsung islands, and fjords that don’t have their own personal PR team. These lesser-known routes offer just as much drama and beauty—minus the selfie-stick-wielding crowds. So, if you’re after the kind of scenic cruise that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something secret, read on...

1. The Azores, Portugal – Europe’s answer to Hawaii

Somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic, where Portugal meets the tropics, you’ll find the Azores—a volcanic wonderland of emerald-green cliffs, steaming hot springs, and waterfalls that look like something out of a fantasy novel. These nine islands are a dream for nature lovers, offering everything from crater lakes to world-class whale watching. Small-ship cruises sail between the islands, letting you soak up their untouched beauty before the rest of the world catches on.

2. The Lofoten Islands, Norway – Nordic drama without the crowds

Norway’s fjords are famous for a reason, but if you want that same rugged, cinematic beauty without sharing the view with half of Europe, head to the Lofoten Islands. Towering peaks rise dramatically from the sea, tiny fishing villages cling to the coastline, and the midnight sun bathes everything in an otherworldly glow. HX Hurtigruten Expeditions offers voyages that weave through these islands, combining breathtaking landscapes with fascinating Viking history. Cruise Collective members can enjoy a 5% discount, leaving more room in the budget for additional reindeer stew and aquavit.

3. The Faroe Islands – a wild, wind-swept escape

Somewhere between Iceland and Norway, the Faroe Islands float in a sea of mist, mystery, (and are home to more sheep than people). This is Europe at its most rugged—where waterfalls spill into the ocean, sea cliffs rise like fortress walls, and puffins outnumber the visitors. A cruise here gives you front-row seats to some of the most dramatic landscapes in the world, with stops in tiny villages where life hasn’t changed a great deal in centuries.

4. Scotland’s Hebrides – the wild side of the British Isles

If you think of Scotland as just tartan, bagpipes, and a little too much whisky (not that there’s anything wrong with that), think again. The Hebrides—an archipelago off Scotland’s west coast—offer a side of the UK most people never see. Think white-sand beaches that look like they belong in the Caribbean, sea stacks swarming with birdlife, and ancient standing stones that predate Stonehenge. Small expedition cruises let you island-hop through these remote gems, with plenty of time to stop for a dram or two.

5. The Bay of Kotor, Montenegro – fjord-like beauty in the Mediterranean

Tucked away on the Adriatic coast, the Bay of Kotor is what happens when mountains decide to take a swim. Often mistaken for a fjord, this stunning inlet offers medieval towns, Byzantine churches, and a sense of timelessness that’s hard to find in Europe’s more crowded destinations. Sailing into the bay feels like drifting back in time—minus the plague and questionable hygiene of the Middle Ages.

6. The Aeolian Islands, Italy – Italy’s volcanic playground

Everyone flocks to the Amalfi Coast, but just north of Sicily, the Aeolian Islands offer an even more dramatic backdrop—minus the tourist hordes. This archipelago of volcanic isles includes Stromboli, which puts on nightly lava shows, and Salina, known for its lush vineyards and caper farms. A cruise here means hopping between tiny fishing villages, black-sand beaches, and crater hikes, all while indulging in some of Italy’s most underrated cuisine.

7. The Albanian Riviera – the Mediterranean’s last hidden gem

Greece and Croatia have long been on the cruise circuit, but just next door, Albania’s coastline remains refreshingly under the radar. Expect pristine beaches, Ottoman-era towns, and a surprisingly vibrant food scene that blends Mediterranean and Balkan flavours. A stop in Sarandë offers access to the UNESCO-listed ruins of Butrint, while the beach town of Dhërmi is what Mykonos probably looked like before the Instagram crowd found it.

8. The Canary Islands, Spain – a year-round paradise

The Canaries have long been a winter escape for sun-seekers, but beyond the resort towns, these Spanish islands offer an incredible variety of landscapes. From Tenerife’s lunar-like lava fields to La Gomera’s ancient cloud forests, each island has its own personality. Sailing between them gives you a taste of everything—hiking, black-sand beaches, and even a desert-like dune system in Gran Canaria that looks straight out of the Sahara.

Why hidden cruises are the ultimate in affordable luxury

The real charm of these hidden cruises? Space. Peace. The feeling that you’ve stumbled upon something special. No jostling for position, no scripted tourist moments—just you, the water, and landscapes that feel like they’re revealing a secret.

And if you’re feeling inspired, Cruise Collective’s member-exclusive discounts make these journeys even more tempting. Whether it’s £150 off an AmaWaterways river cruise or 5% off an HX Hurtigruten expedition, there’s never been a better excuse to sail into the lesser-known.

Because sometimes, the best views don’t come with a crowd.