Hidden Gems of the South

At Interrail, we are all travel enthusiasts. We try to spend as much time as possible travelling through Europe by train and discovering new places. And we're happy to share some of our hidden gems that shouldn't be missed when exploring the South of Europe.

1. Montserrat, Spain

From the mountainside monastery to the 'stairway to heaven', the sights of Montserrat are incredible and start well before you reach the town. Whether you choose to take the cable car or the rack-train to ascend the mountain, you can be sure of a breathtaking panorama.

This holy town holds many religious artifacts and a ton of French art that spans centuries, featuring works by El Greco, Monet, Dali and more. It's also a site of pilgrimage, with visitors coming from far and wide to visit the statue of the Black Virgin, rumoured to have healing properties.

Fan of hiking? Catch the Funicular de Sant Joan, which takes you further up the mountain to the hiking trails that lead to the tallest peaks.

How to get there

Train from Barcelona: 2 hours including either the cable car or rack-train (Interrailers get a 50% discount on the Monistrol-Montserrat rack-train, just show your Pass when buying your ticket).

Tip: For an all-inclusive tour, check out Sandemans Montserrat, Wine and Tapas Tour, with a 20% discount if you use the code Interrail20

Mountainside city of Montserrat

Stairway to Heaven, Montserrat

Catholic monastery of Montserrat

2. Cassis, France

This unspoiled small fishing town on the Mediterranean coast is just 20 minutes east of Marseille, and is the perfect spot for a day trip, for both active travellers and the more laid-back alike. With its quaint, colorful docks, it is the picture-perfect place to enjoy freshly caught fish and traditional ‘Bouillabaisse’ and sample their world-renowned Cassis wines.

For those eager to hit the beaches, the Calanques National Park is a short walk – and the deeper you venture, the more secluded the beautiful limestone Calanques coves get. In particular, the Calanques d’en Vau is not to be missed! Not a fan of walking? There are regular boats that can take you directly to these coves for between 10 and 25 euros.

How to get there

Train from Marseille St-Charles: 20 minutes.

Tip: If you have a Flexi Pass, buy a point to point ticket to save yourself a travel day.

Cassis harbour

Calanque d’en Vau, Cassis

Harbour-side cafe's, Cassis

3. Piran, Slovenia

Nestled between Italy and Croatia, the beautiful city of Piran is located on the tip of Slovenia’s coastline. Given the city's Italian roots, you’re sure to discover local delicacies as you wander through Tartini Square, famously named after violinist Giuseppe Tartini.

Alternatively, embrace the city’s longstanding fishing tradition and feast on the catch of the day or pay a visit to the Walls of Piran.

How to get there

Train from Ljubliana: 3 hours 30 minutes (including a 20 minute bus for Koper-Piran)

Piran town centre

The docks of Piran

Colourful cafe's, Piran

4. Alberobello, Italy

Alberobello is the must-visit hidden gem when exploring the heel of Italy, with its hut-like white and straw Trullis setting. It's the perfect scene for a Mediterranean escape, and many local festivals are held here during the summer months. This gives you the chance to experience local culinary delights, traditional dancing, and famous Italian hospitality.

Foodie or wine lover? Check out the Enoteca Tholos wine bar which offers tastings of the regions many wines, cheeses, meats and oils. For the more adventurous, they also offer traditional cooking classes in their Trulli!

How to get there

Train from Bari: 1 hour 10 minutes

Tip: If on a Flexi Pass, buy a point to point ticket to save yourself a travel day.

The Quaint 'Trulli' of Alberobello

Inside a 'trullo' in Alberobello

Alberobello Town

5. Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Whilst being the second largest city in Bulgaria, the ‘city on seven hills’ is relatively undiscovered by the average traveler. Being touted as the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, Plovdiv is steeped in history – with remnants of Ancient Greek, Roman, and Ottoman architecture dotted throughout.

Perhaps the most impressive is the Roman amphitheater that hosts events all year round, from opera, to rock concerts and even traditional Bulgarian theatre performances. See the event schedule here.

Want to cool down from the hot summer sun? Try some ‘Tarator’, a cold soup that can be enjoyed alongside Bulgaria’s national drink - fruit brandy.