When most people think of van life in Europe, countries like France, Spain, and Italy come to mind.
And while these are great countries, they’re often at the top of many van lifers hit list. With that comes crowds, more expense and often restrictions for van lifers.
But Europe is full of hidden gems—countries where the landscapes are just as stunning, the costs are lower, and van life is much more relaxed.
If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path destinations that offer adventure, freedom, and incredible scenery, here are five underrated spots that should be on your radar.
Albania 🇦🇱
Albania is definitely up and coming on the list of van life destinations. Like most in that region, you’ll experience what feels like a more laid back vibe towards van lifers.
Unlike other countries, wild camping is legal in Albania, and you can often find parkups surrounding by stunning mountains, lakes or untouched coastline.
The Albanian Riviera has some of the best beaches in Europe, while the Albanian Alps provide incredible hiking opportunities for those who like to get the steps in.
While the country is not as developed as some of it’s European counterparts, you can expect some rough terrain, but as you know this will often lead to the best park ups!
The cost of living is low, meaning fuel, food, and even eating out are incredibly affordable compared to Western Europe. Albania is also one of the most welcoming countries for van lifers, with locals often offering free parking spots, homemade food, or even a place to shower!
And if you’re a UK citizen, you can also hop into Albania and enjoy the country while your 90 days renew. – Bonus!
Bosnia & Herzegovina 🇧🇦
Similar to Albania, Bosnia is very much underrated yet offers some of the most stunning scenery you are likely to see. With dramatic mountains, crystal clear rivers and stunning waterfalls, there really is a bit of everything in Bosnia & Herzegovina.
The country is very much on the up, having experienced turmoil through the 1990s. But rest assured, the country is completely safe and perfect for those who like to go off the beaten track.
One of the biggest perks of traveling through Bosnia is the abundance of free camping spots—whether by a river, in a forest, or near a historic town. The cost of living is also one of the lowest in Europe, meaning food, fuel, and even campsites (if you choose to use them) are extremely budget-friendly. The historic city of Mostar, with its famous stone bridge and Ottoman-era streets, is a must-visit.
While some roads can be challenging, the sense of adventure and the raw, untouched beauty of Bosnia make it a top pick for van lifers looking to escape the typical tourist trail.
Slovenia 🇸🇮
Now some may see this as a bit of a wildcard on the list due to the restrictions on wild camping, but for the scenery alone we had to include Slovenia.
Slovenia is a van life paradise that often gets overlooked in favor of its neighbors, Italy and Austria.
But with its fairytale landscapes, stunning alpine lakes, this small country is perfect for exploring.
As we’ve already mentioned, wild camping is restricted, but there are plenty of campsites that are worth paying for.
Places like Lake Bled, Triglav National Park, and the Soča River offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in Europe, with lots of hiking trails around. The roads are well-maintained, and Slovenia’s compact size makes it easy to explore without long driving days.
If you’re heading by Slovenia, we recommend checking it out. You never know, you might just end up staying longer than expected!
Portugal (Interior) 🇵🇹
Portugal is already extremely well-known as a van life destination, with many Europeans heading to the Algarve for some much-needed winter sun.
However, if you’ve done research on the area you’ll know that there are stricter regulations in force on coastal regions, with the GNR actively moving people on who are wild-camping.
This doesn’t mean it’s the end for van life in Portugal though. this country has so much to offer inland, with areas that are often less crowded and more scenic than the coast.
Regions like Serra da Estrela (Portugal’s highest mountain range) and the Douro Valley offer stunning nature, peaceful roads, and charming villages. Unlike the coast, the interior is far more relaxed and welcoming to nomads.
The slower pace of life, lower costs, and diverse landscapes—from rolling vineyards to rugged mountains—make it an ideal place to park up and truly experience Portugal without the tourist hustle. If you want to enjoy Portugal’s beauty while avoiding the busy coastal hotspots, heading inland is the way to go.
Summary
Europe is full of incredible van life destinations beyond the usual hotspots. Slovenia’s alpine beauty, Albania’s wild camping freedom, Bosnia’s rugged landscapes, and Portugal’s peaceful interior offer some of the best off-the-beaten-path experiences for van lifers.
Whether you’re after stunning nature, budget-friendly travel, or total freedom, these underrated countries prove that adventure lies where most people aren’t looking.
So, if you’re planning your next van life trip, consider skipping the tourist-packed spots and exploring these hidden gems instead—you won’t regret it!
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