From fairytale cities to secret islands: Europe’s hidden gem journey locations for 2026

Europe’s largest cities would possibly pull the crowds, however a number of the continent’s most unforgettable locations lie far past the same old vacationer trails.

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Hidden between mountains, vineyards, lakes and medieval valleys are the type of locations that also really feel splendidly undiscovered, the place historical traditions, dramatic landscapes and superbly preserved cities have managed to flee the grip of mass tourism.

From Croatia’s fairytale hilltop city of Motovun to the gravity-defying monasteries of Meteora in Greece and Italy’s storybook trulli villages, there are numerous European escapes proving the continent nonetheless has secrets and techniques left to uncover.

In a brand new rating, European Best Destinations has revealed a few of its favorite under-the-radar “treasure” spots throughout the continent. Here’s the highest hidden gems to find in Europe for 2026.

Tübingen, Germany

In the south west of Germany, half an hour from Stuttgart Airport, you’ll discover picturesque Tübingen. Home to one in every of Europe’s oldest universities, it’s bursting on the seams with wealthy historical past and tradition.

In the previous city, be sure to go to the Stiftskirche St. Georg, a late-Gothic church with stained-glass home windows and miles of metropolis views from its tower. The ornately painted Fifteenth-century City Hall is topped with a functioning astronomical clock, whereas the Museum of Ancient Cultures inside hilltop Hohentübingen Castle boasts numerous Greek, Roman and Egyptian artefacts.

Take a ship journey down the Neckar river, flanked by pastel colored homes, stroll by way of the botanical backyard of the University of Tübingen and make sure you attempt native specialities together with Maultaschen – crammed pasta – or Käsespätzle, that are hearty cheese noodles.

Wash all of it down with a glass of 1 the area’s most celebrated wines – Trollinger and Lemberger are explicit favourites.

Motovun, Croatia

In the center of Istria, which straddles the cultural crossroads between Croatia, Slovenia and Italy, Motovun actually looks like someplace lifted straight from a fairytale.

Perched excessive above the Mirna River valley, the medieval hilltop city is understood for its winding stone streets, panoramic views and superbly preserved historical partitions.

Days listed here are finest spent wandering by way of slim alleyways, climbing the city’s bell tower and stopping at terrace eating places overlooking rolling vineyards and forests beneath.

The surrounding Motovun Forest is among the world’s most well-known white truffle areas, making truffle searching and truffle-heavy tasting menus a significant draw, notably within the autumn, whereas the area’s wine may be loved year-round.

Summer brings the much-loved Motovun Film Festival, whereas spring and winter reveal a quieter, extra romantic aspect to the city. Cycling routes, lengthy lunches and sundown walks by way of the vineyards all add to Motovun’s sluggish, atmospheric allure.

Isola San Giulio, Italy

Floating quietly on Italy’s Lake Orta within the Piedmont area, Isola San Giulio feels worlds away from the crowds of Lake Como.

Often referred to as the “Island of Silence”, the tiny island is understood for its peaceable ambiance, historic buildings and postcard-perfect lake views.

At its centre sits the Basilica di San Giulio, a Romanesque church courting again to the twelfth century, crammed with intricate frescoes, historical paintings and ornate mosaics. Nearby, a Benedictine monastery provides to the island’s calm, reflective ambiance.

Easily accessible by way of a scenic, brief boat journey from the medieval city of Orta San Giulio, the island is finest skilled by way of the “Way of Silence”, a peaceable strolling path circling the shoreline with uninterrupted views throughout the lake.

Back on the mainland, guests can settle into lakeside eating places serving wealthy Piedmontese dishes together with creamy risotto made with Barolo, bagna càuda – a heat dip comprised of garlic, anchovies, and olive oil – and native cheeses, all paired with regional wines like Nebbiolo and Gattinara.

Alberobello, Italy

In the center of southern Italy’s Puglia area, Alberobello appears to be like like one thing from a fantasy movie. The small city is legendary for its trulli, whitewashed stone homes topped with cone-shaped roofs, which have earned UNESCO World Heritage standing and stay a particular type of rural structure

The finest technique to discover Alberobello is just by wandering. The Rione Monti and Aia Piccola districts are crammed with slim lanes lined by tons of of trulli, many now housing wine bars, boutiques and family-run eating places.

Among the standout sights is Trullo Sovrano, the city’s solely two-storey trullo, whereas the bizarre Church of Saint Anthony was additionally constructed fully within the conventional trulli type.

Food is a big a part of the expertise right here. Expect hearty plates of orecchiette pasta, creamy burrata, focaccia barese and crunchy taralli biscuits, typically loved alongside native Puglian wines.

Meteora, Greece

Rising dramatically above the plains of central Greece, UNESCO-listed Meteora is maybe most well-known for its monasteries, which seem impossibly balanced atop towering rock formations carved by nature.

Built between the 14th and sixteenth centuries, these monasteries stay probably the most exceptional examples of Eastern Orthodox monasticism anyplace on the earth.

Today, six stay lively, together with the Great Meteoron and Varlaam monasteries, each crammed with spiritual icons, frescoes and panoramic viewpoints stretching throughout the Thessalian plains.

Beyond the monasteries themselves, Meteora can also be a paradise for hikers, with trails weaving between the rock formations, forests and hidden viewpoints scattered all through the panorama.

The close by city of Kalambaka affords a style of conventional Greek mountain life, with tavernas serving classics together with moussaka, souvlaki, spetsofai – or spicy sausage stew – and syrup-soaked galaktoboureko, custard-filled pastries.

The prime 10 in accordance with European Best Destinations

1. Tübingen, Germany
2. Motovun, Istria, Croatia
3. Isola San Giulio, Italy
4. Alberobello, Italy
5. Meteora, Greece
6. Fiskardo, Greece
7. Kravice Waterfalls, Bosnia-Herzegovina
8. Monsaraz, Portugal
9. Lago di Resia, Italy
10. Pérouges, France