Tired of the lines, crowds and soaring prices in Europe’s major capitals?
Travel website European Best Destinations has released its list of Europe’s most hidden and special destinations for 2026, its Best Treasure Destinations. The ranking includes medieval towns, natural wonders and historic sites that have managed, for now, to escape the tourist masses.
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The destination that took first place
(Photo: Sina Ettmer Photography / Shutterstock)
No. 10: Pérouges, France
Anyone looking to step into a time machine will find this fortified town about as close as reality gets. Pérouges, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region about half an hour from Lyon, is a remarkably preserved medieval gem. A walk through its stone alleys and central square, Place du Tilleul, home to an ancient lime tree, feels like stepping into a period film.
How to get there: Pérouges is about a 30-minute drive from Lyon and just three hours by train from Paris.
No. 9: Lago di Resia, Italy
This artificial lake in South Tyrol, near the Austrian border, has a fascinating history. In 1950, the valley was flooded to build a hydroelectric power station. Several villages disappeared beneath the water, and the only visible remnant is the 14th-century bell tower of Curon Church, rising surrealistically from the lake. In summer, the area is ideal for hiking and kitesurfing. In winter, the lake freezes over, allowing visitors to walk across the ice directly to the tower.
How to get there: The location is relatively remote. Renting a car is recommended, with a drive of about two hours from Innsbruck Airport in Austria or about 3.5 hours from Milan.
No. 8: Monsaraz, Portugal
In the pastoral Alentejo region lies a fortified hilltop town that takes visitors straight back in time. Monsaraz is known for its whitewashed houses, narrow lanes and ancient castle, whose walls offer sweeping views of the plains and Alqueva Lake. Thanks to minimal light pollution, the area is internationally recognized as a Dark Sky reserve.
How to get there: Rent a car in Lisbon and drive east for about 180 kilometers, roughly two hours.
No. 7: Kravice Waterfalls, Bosnia and Herzegovina
A spectacular natural gem on the Trebižat River, not far from the city of Mostar. The wide river drops from a height of 25 meters, forming a semicircle of waterfalls stretching 120 meters through wild vegetation. The site offers clear turquoise pools for swimming, boat tours near the falls and designated picnic areas.
How to get there: About 40 kilometers from Mostar, or a 45-minute drive. A rental car is recommended, or a guided day trip from Mostar or Dubrovnik.
No. 6: Fiskardo, Greece
At the northern tip of Kefalonia lies a picturesque fishing village that was among the few settlements to survive the devastating 1953 earthquake. As a result, it has fully preserved its original Venetian architecture, with colorful houses surrounding a beautiful bay. The harbor is filled with yachts and tavernas, while secluded beaches such as Emblisi and Foki, bordered by cypress forests, are a short walk away.
How to get there: Fly to Kefalonia Airport and drive about 90 minutes north by rental car or taxi.
No. 5: Meteora, Greece
This mesmerizing site in central Greece, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its Orthodox monasteries perched atop massive, jagged rock pillars. Of the dozens of monasteries that once operated here, six remain active today, offering a glimpse into isolated monastic life and some of the world’s most dramatic views.
How to get there: Fly to Thessaloniki, rent a car and drive southwest for about three hours, or 230 kilometers. A direct train is also available.
No. 4: Alberobello, Italy
A town in Puglia that looks as though it was taken from a fantasy film. Alberobello is famous for its trulli — rural limestone dwellings built without mortar and topped with gray conical roofs. Wandering through the town’s districts feels like walking through a fairy-tale village. Don’t miss Trullo Sovrano, the only two-story trullo in town, which now serves as a museum.
How to get there: Alberobello is about an hour from Bari. Travelers visiting Rome can also reach it by car in about five hours or by train with a change in Bari.
No. 3: Isola San Giulio, Italy
In the heart of pastoral Lake Orta in Piedmont lies a tiny, majestic island known as the “Island of Silence.” Its skyline is dominated by an impressive 12th-century basilica and an active Benedictine monastery. The main experience is walking along the “Way of Silence,” a circular path around the island lined with signs bearing reflective quotations facing the quiet lake waters.
How to get there: Fly to Milan Malpensa Airport and drive about 90 minutes, or 80 kilometers, to the town of Orta San Giulio, where short boat rides depart for the island.
No. 2: Motovun, Croatia
Croatia’s Istria region is often called the “new Tuscany,” and the fortified town of Motovun is proof. It sits atop a steep hill overlooking the Mirna River Valley. Beyond its intact walls, Motovun is also the culinary capital of the region: It is surrounded by a forest considered one of the world’s top habitats for white truffles. In autumn, the air fills with the scent of truffles, while in summer the town comes alive with an international film festival.
How to get there: Fly to Pula and drive about an hour. The town is also easily accessible for travelers coming from Venice or Zagreb.
No. 1: Tübingen, Germany
Taking the top spot is Tübingen, a historic and lively university city where one in three residents is a student. Its old town, Altstadt, is a model of preservation, with colorful half-timbered houses and landmarks such as Hölderlin Tower. The iconic experience here is a relaxed ride in traditional punt boats on the Neckar River, offering a stunning view of the city’s colorful skyline.
How to get there: Fly to Stuttgart Airport, then continue by car or train for about 30 minutes. Munich is also about 2.5 hours away.
