Europe's 10 Most Hidden Hotspots

Sick of the overwhelming crowds during the summer in Europe's popular capital cities? Lonely Planet has gone in search of some of the region's coolest under-the-radar destinations for intrepid travelers looking for somewhere new to explore.

Located in Northern Italy, this could be one of the best places to eat in the country.

Fall in love with local dishes such as ragu and prosciutto di Parma and sample some of the top balsamic vinegar and parmigiano reggiano-all of which hail from the region.

New flights make Emilia-Romagna even more accessible and there's a host of new attractions to boot.

Intrigued by wild beaches and misty mountaintops? Those are the reasons Lonely Planet gives for travelers to head to this relatively undiscovered region of Spain.

Travel to the seaside city of Santander, the gateway to the region and then head to Spain's oldest national park, Picos de Europa, which celebrates its centennial this year.

The province of Friesland, with its capital Leeuwarden, is being celebrated as one of the European Capitals of Culture in 2018 and the region is going all out with festivals and events sure to attract a variety of travelers throughout the year and especially this summer.

Kosovo continues to show up on lists as an up-and-coming country to visit. Lonely Planet highlights the Balkan nation for its energetic citizens that are fueling the nation's development.

Reasons to visit: The film festival Dokufest brings visitors to the Ottoman-era city of Prizren each summer, the country is well-known for its trekking and a burgeoning wine country is becoming well-established.

Explore the lavender fields and olive groves of Provence this summer, which is number five on Lonely Planet's list. Its charming towns include Aix-en-Provence and Marseille, where visitors will find a buzzing bar scene and high-end dining options.

New, direct high-speed rail service from London St. Pancras will bring the region even more within reach.

Head far north to Dundee, Scotland, if you want to visit somewhere that is on the cusp of transformation.

Dundee is re-envisioning its historic waterfront with more than $1 billion in funding, received after winning a UNESCO City of Design award in 2014. First stages of the ongoing project include a new V&A design museum by architect Kengo Kuma is scheduled to open in September.

Most visitors will be headed to Santorini and Mykonos, some of the most popular Greek islands. Travelers in the know, who want to avoid the crowds, can head to the Small Cyclades.

Filled with Old World charm, the islands such as Koufonisia, Iraklia, Schinousa and Donousa give travelers a taste of Greek Island life in a bygone era.

Sick of crowded European capitals? Head to the capital of Lithuania, Vilnius. A Baroque Old Town and revitalized artist neighborhoods, as well as a harrowing history, will reward visitors for the prowess.

Slovenia's Vipava Valley will reward visitors skipping over the Tuscan hillsides this summer. Discover equally fertile wine just a hop, skip and a jump from the capital of Ljubljana.

Tirana, Albania, enjoys a prime location between the Adriatic Coast and the Albanian Alps but thanks to a transformation instituted by its former mayor, the city also stands alone as a stunning metropolis full of vibrant neighborhoods, a cable car and a slow-food culture.