21 of Europe’s most underrated places

(CNN) — Sure, there’s plenty of joy to be found sipping espresso outside a Parisian cafe or eating tapas in the heart of Barcelona.

But Europe is also full of so many wonderful, underrated places. Whether you want to visit historic, overlooked cities or wild mountain ranges where few tourists tread, these 21 underrated European destinations are bound to induce a serious bout of wanderlust.

Norwich, England

It’s said that Norwich has a pub for every day of the year and a church for every Sunday. Its cathedral, dating to 1096, is certainly one of the most spectacular in England, with peregrine falcons nesting on its sky-high spire. The Adam and Eve pub, just next door, first started serving ale in 1249.

From its looming castle to St. Andrew’s and Blackfriars’ Halls (a 14th-century religious complex including a friary church and convent), the city center’s medieval architecture lends the place a truly magical atmosphere.

Throw in first-rate culture, thanks to the University of East Anglia and award-winning independent Arts Center, and you’ve got a city that it would be a crime to miss when visiting the United Kingdom.

North Uist, Scotland

The beach at Baleloch on North Uist is among the island’s natural attractions. There’s ancient history, too.

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It takes a while to reach the wild expanse of North Uist in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides islands, one hour and 45 minutes by ferry from the Isle of Skye, to be precise. But it’s definitely worth the effort.

On the journey over, you’re sure to see seals galore, as the island off Scotland’s west coast is home to the largest breeding colony in Europe.

Every year, about 9,000 pups are born. Check out the looming Pobull Fhinn stone circle and 5,000-year-old Barpa Langass burial chamber before heading out on a sea kayak to explore the rugged coastline.

Irish Midlands

The Wild Atlantic Way, which stretches along Ireland’s west coast from Cork to Donegal, is rightly lauded for its relentless scenery and epic beauty. But away from the coast there’s a quieter, understated landscape that sees fewer visitors: the Irish Midlands.

The landlocked counties of Longford, Offaly, Westmeath and Laois offer gorgeous lakes, expansive bog lands replete with bird life, as well as the spectacular ruined monastery of Clonmacnoise. Founded by St. Ciarán in 544, its churches and crosses are some of the most historic in Ireland.

Orange, France

Avignon, just a few miles south, gets plenty of plaudits for its perfectly preserved old town Papal Palace. However, Orange is home to something just as fabulous: a Roman theater that dates back to the first century AD.

Perfectly preserved, it still plays home to an annual opera festival. When singers aren’t taking to the stage, visitors can explore the theater’s upper reaches, with huge views across town and the surrounding wine country.

Basel, Switzerland

Zurich’s wonderful lake is a summer hotspot, but Basel is an underrated Swiss gem, thanks in large part to being able to swim in the Rhine here over the summer. It’s possible to float for over two miles along this most famous of European rivers, slipping in by the Museum Tinguely and taking in the sights from a frog’s eye view.

Apuseni Mountains, Romania

The wild Apuseni Mountains in Romania are home to brown bears and wolves as well as historic villages.

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Part of the Western Carpathian range in Transylvania, the Apuseni Mountains are one of Europe’s most unspoiled wildernesses. Home to a large population of European brown bears, as well as wolves, its woodland and mountains feel way off the beaten track but are a short drive from the city of Cluj.

Adventurous visitors can try their hand at the numerous via ferrata, permanent climbing routes that offer amazing views of this special corner of the continent.

Zagori, Greece

Meaning “the place behind the mountains,” Zagori escaped Turkish rule and maintained its independence during the Ottoman period. Walking its myriad trails and descending the Vikos Gorge, some 900 meters (2,953 feet) deep, it’s easy to see why.

This is a wild, untamed place in northwestern mainland Greece where mountain goats hop between vertiginous platforms and lush woodland abounds. It’s not all wilderness, though. Its picture postcard villages and ancient bridges make it ideal for exploring from behind the wheel of a 4×4 or on a scooter.

Patmos, Greece

Beautiful beaches and traditional architecture are part of the allure in the main town of Skala on Patmos island.

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Found at the northernmost tip of the Dodecanese islands, Patmos is famed for being the place where St. John wrote the Book of Revelation. Cruise ships disgorge passengers into…