Colorful houses in the town of Bosa, founded in 1112 along the Temo River on the west coast of the Italian island of Sardinia<\/p>\n
getty<\/p>\n
One in a small hill in the west coast of Sardinia, the other located on Lake Como, Bosa and Nesso are two \u2018secret\u2019 picturesque Italian villages that are at the top of the list of places in Europe ranked as \u201cBest Hidden Gems\u201d by European Best Destinations<\/a>.<\/p>\n In a year when the best-known destinations of Europe<\/a> brace for another season of massive overtourism, the new list offers a \u2018slower\u2019, more soulful kind of travel with unspoiled alternatives away from the typical tourist trails (and travails).<\/p>\n \u201cWith picturesque villages, gorgeous hill towns, seaside resorts, medieval hamlets among vineyards and lakes, Europe abounds with \u2018secret\u2019 destinations for those looking to be away from the crowds,\u201d says EBD.<\/p>\n ForbesWant To Retire In Europe? 6 Great, Affordable Places To Move, Per New ReportBy Cecilia Rodriguez<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cWhile Europe\u2019s most iconic cities attract millions each year, the continent\u2019s true magic often lies far from the crowds. Tucked between mountains, along forgotten coastlines, and nestled in valleys untouched by time, these destinations offer something rare: authenticity.\u201d<\/p>\n The new ranking is an invitation to wander from the pastel-hued streets of Bosa in Sardinia to the thermal bliss of Saturnia\u2019s natural springs in Tuscany and from the timeless beauty of Halki, a car-free Greek island where life moves to the rhythm of the sea<\/a>, to the rose-colored alleys of Albarrac\u00edn in Spain.<\/p>\n ForbesThe 10 Most Beautiful Beaches In Europe: Greece Tops 2025 EBD RankingBy Cecilia Rodriguez<\/a><\/p>\n The EBD\u2019s list, based on votes by more than one million travelers from 172 countries encourages you to embark on a journey \u201cto these lesser-known locales and discover the diverse and captivating experiences that await beyond Europe’s well-trodden paths.\u201d The access to some of them is not always as easy as going to Paris, for example, but it\u2019s precisely their remoteness that has preserved them \u2014 raw, real, and waiting to be explored.<\/p>\n 1. Bosa, Sardinia, Italy<\/p>\n Am aerial view of Bosa town on Sardinia island, Italy, with the Ponte Vecchio bridge crossing the Temo river<\/p>\n getty<\/p>\n Renowned for its colorful houses and the medieval Malaspina Castle, Bosa is situated about two-thirds of the way up the west coast of Sardinia, on a small hill about three kilometers inland on the north bank of the Temo River.<\/p>\n \u201cStroll through the historic center, explore the castle, and relax on the nearby Bosa Marina beach,\u201d EBD recommends.<\/p>\n Local Cuisine<\/strong>: Savor traditional Sardinian dishes like “porceddu” (roast suckling pig) and “seadas” (cheese-filled pastries drizzled with honey). Don’t miss a glass of the local wine, Malvasia di Bosa.<\/p>\n How to get there:<\/strong> Book flights to Alghero-Fertilia Airport (AHO). From there, Bosa is approximately a one-hour drive of about 55 kilometers via SP49 and SP105.<\/p>\n 2. Nesso, Lake Como, Italy<\/p>\n Aerial view of Nesso, a picturesque village sitting on the banks of Lake Como, Italy<\/p>\n getty<\/p>\n The picturesque village of Nesso, located on Lake Como, is famous for being split in half \u2014 literally \u2014 by its natural gorge and waterfall, the “Orrido di Nesso.”<\/p>\n On the western branch of Lake Como, it\u2019s known for its authentic charm and historic stone-paved alleys. The ancient Roman bridge, Ponte della Civera, offers stunning views.<\/p>\n Local Cuisine<\/strong>: Enjoy lake fish specialties including \u2018missoltini\u2019 (sun-dried shad) and \u2018risotto al pesce persico\u2019 (risotto with perch).<\/p>\n How to get there:<\/strong> Book flights to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP). Nesso is about a 90-minute drive (75 kilometersm) via the A9 and SP583 roads.<\/p>\n 3. Corvo Island, Azores, Portugal<\/p>\n Volcanic crater Caldeirao in Corvo Island near Flores, Azores, Portugal<\/p>\n getty<\/p>\n The volcanic solitude of Corvo Island, <\/strong>the smallest of the Azores islands<\/a>, is an invitation to peace and reflection.<\/p>\n The Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal, are an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic composed of nine major islands and an islet cluster, including Corvo.<\/p>\n The islands are characterized by dramatic landscapes, fishing villages, green pastures and hedgerows of blue hydrangeas.<\/p>\n Corvo boasts the stunning Caldeir\u00e3o, a large volcanic crater with lakes and islets. The island’s only village, Vila do Corvo, offers a glimpse into traditional Azorean life.<\/p>\n Local Cuisine<\/strong>: Try \u2018caldo de peixe\u2019 (fish soup) and \u2018biscoitos de orelha\u2019 (traditional biscuits).<\/p>\n How to get there:<\/strong> Book flights to Jo\u00e3o Paulo II Airport (PDL) in Ponta Delgada, S\u00e3o Miguel Island. From there, take a regional flight to Corvo Airport (CVU). The island is small, and most attractions are accessible on foot or by local transport.<\/p>\n 4. Albarracin, Spain<\/p>\n The Medieval terracotte Village of Albarracin In Aragon, Spain<\/p>\n getty<\/p>\n Often cited as one of Spain’s most beautiful villages, Albarrac\u00edn is located in the hills of east-central Spain, above a curve of the Guadalaviar River.<\/p>\n Towering medieval walls, the Murallas de Albarrac\u00edn, dominate the adjacent hillside. The ruins of an alc\u00e1zar, or Moorish castle, rise on a clifftop in the old town.<\/p>\n The 16th-century Catedral del Salvador features a bell tower built on the remains of a Romanesque temple and surrounded by narrow, winding streets, pink-hued buildings and ancient city walls.<\/p>\n Local Cuisine<\/strong>: Delight in \u2018ternasco\u2019 (roast lamb) and \u2018migas\u2019 (fried breadcrumbs with chorizo and garlic).<\/p>\n How to get there:<\/strong> Book flights to Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD). Albarrac\u00edn is approximately a three-hour, 280-kilometer drive via the A-2 and A-23 highways.<\/p>\n 5. Blagaj on Buna, Bosnia-Herzegovina<\/p>\n Small village Blagaj on Buna with its spring and waterfall in Bosnia and Herzegovina<\/p>\n getty<\/p>\n Blagaj is an historic village and protected heritage site in Bosnia and Herzegovina, nestled amid the southeastern region of the Mostar basin in the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton.<\/p>\n Blagaj is home to one of the \u2018Best Kept Secret Places in Europe\u2019, the Blagaj Tekija, a 16th-century Dervish monastery perched dramatically by a turquoise spring of the Buna River.<\/p>\n The serene setting is perfect for contemplation (and photography).<\/p>\n Local Cuisine<\/strong>: Enjoy \u2018\u010devapi\u2019 (grilled minced meat) and \u2018burek\u2019 (meat-filled pastry).<\/p>\n How to get there:<\/strong> Book flights to Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ). Blagaj is about a two-hour drive (130 kilometers) via the M17 highway.<\/p>\n 6. Rupit, Catalonia, Spain<\/p>\n The medieval Catalan village of Rupit in the subregion of the Collsacabra, Spain<\/p>\n getty<\/p>\n Rupit is a charming medieval village in Catalonia that evokes the essence of medieval Europe with its cobblestone streets, stone houses, and the iconic hanging wooden bridge over the Rupit River.<\/p>\n Explore the Church of Sant Miquel, dating back to the 12th century, and hike to the nearby Salt de Sallent waterfall for breathtaking views.<\/p>\n Local Cuisine<\/strong>: Savor traditional Catalan dishes such as \u2018escudella\u2019 (meat and vegetable stew) and \u2018butifarra\u2019 (Catalan sausage).<\/p>\n How to get there:<\/strong> Book your flights to Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN). Rupit is approximately a 90-minute drive.<\/p>\n 7. Halki, Greece<\/p>\n Colorful houses and fishing boats in the charming small Greek island of Halki (Chalki)<\/p>\n getty<\/p>\n Halki is a small, rustic, hilly island in the Dodecanese, just six kilometers west of Rhodes and known for its crystal-clear waters and neoclassical architecture.<\/p>\n It\u2019s admired for its secluded beaches, including Kania and Potamos, some only accessible on foot. Ferries arrive from Rhodes Town and Piraeus at the port in charming Nimborio, which has seafront tavernas and open-air bars, plus upscale vacation villas.<\/p>\n Hiking trails lead past whitewashed chapels such as the Church of Agios Nikolaos, with its impressive bell tower, the Castle of the Knights of St. John and the abandoned village of Chorio.<\/p>\n Local Cuisine<\/strong>: Enjoy fresh seafood dishes like grilled octopus and \u2018astakomakaronada\u2019 (lobster with pasta).<\/p>\n How to get there:<\/strong> Book flights to Rhodes International Airport (RHO). From there, take a ferry from Kamiros Skala port to Halki, which takes about an hour.<\/p>\n 8. Tenby, Wales, UK<\/p>\n Colorful harbor houses and boats in Tenby, Wales<\/p>\n getty<\/p>\n Tenby is a postcard-perfect harbor town in southwest Wales, known for its medieval, 13th-century walls, pastel-colored houses, beautiful beaches and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.<\/p>\n Its stretches of sandy shoreline include Castle Beach with the ruins of Tenby Castle on a headland overlooking the harbor.<\/p>\n Explore the Tudor Merchant’s House and take a boat trip to Caldey Island.<\/p>\n Local Cuisine<\/strong>: Try Welsh specialties like \u2018cawl\u2019 (lamb stew) and \u2018bara brith\u2019 (fruit loaf).<\/p>\n How to get there:<\/strong> Book flights to Cardiff Airport (CWL). Tenby is approximately a two-hour, 150-kilometer drive via the M4 and A48 roads.<\/p>\n 9. Saturnia, Italy<\/p>\n Aerial view taken of natural spa of Saturnia during a sunny autumn day in Tuscany<\/p>\n getty<\/p>\n Saturnia, one of the Best Hidden Gems in Italy<\/a>, is a spa town in Tuscany in north-central Italy that has been inhabited since ancient times.<\/p>\n Famous for its natural hot springs, particularly the Cascate del Mulino, the thermal waters cascade over limestone terraces.<\/p>\n During your stay, visit the medieval town center and the nearby archaeological sites.<\/p>\n Local Cuisine:<\/strong> Enjoy Tuscan dishes like \u2018pici\u2019 (thick, hand-rolled pasta) and \u2018acquacotta\u2019 (vegetable soup).<\/p>\n How to get there:<\/strong> Book flights to Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO). Saturnia is approximately a two-hour drive (150 kilometers) via the A12 and SS1 roads.<\/p>\n 10. Vik, Iceland<\/p>\n The picture-perfect village of Vik in southern Iceland, fields of lupins in bloom around the town church<\/p>\n getty<\/p>\n Vik is a small village on Iceland’s south coast known for its black sand beaches, particularly Reynisfjara, and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks.<\/p>\n With its dramatic cliffs and black sand beaches \u201cVik reminds us that sometimes, the edge of the world is the beginning of something extraordinary,\u201d notes EBD.<\/p>\n Visit the Vik Myrdal Church perched on a hill and explore the nearby Dyrh\u00f3laey promontory for panoramic views.<\/p>\n Local Cuisine<\/strong>: Try Icelandic specialties like \u2018plokkfiskur\u2019 (fish stew) and \u2018skyr\u2019 (dairy product).<\/p>\n How to get there:<\/strong> Book flights to Keflavik International Airport (KEF). Vik is approximately a 2 1\/2-hour, 180-kilometer drive via Route 1.<\/p>\n For your first stop, try here<\/a> for all the best places in Europe to visit.<\/p>\n MORE FROM FORBESForbesThe Best Of Color Photography: 20 Gorgeous Winners Of 1839 Photo AwardsBy Cecilia Rodriguez<\/a>ForbesDavid Hockney In Paris: The Artist\u2019s Largest, Most Joyful Exhibit Is Worth The TripBy Cecilia Rodriguez<\/a>ForbesWant To Retire In Europe? 6 Great, Affordable Places To Move, Per New ReportBy Cecilia Rodriguez<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Colorful houses in the town of Bosa, founded in 1112 along the Temo River on the west coast…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":119733,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5174],"tags":[2000,299,5510,53536,5187,53537,2199,104,36684],"class_list":{"0":"post-119732","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-eu","8":"tag-eu","9":"tag-europe","10":"tag-europe-travel","11":"tag-europes-best-hidden-gems","12":"tag-european","13":"tag-european-best-destinations","14":"tag-italy","15":"tag-spain","16":"tag-summer-in-europe"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/114545744070730347","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119732","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=119732"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119732\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/119733"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=119732"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=119732"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=119732"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}