The colorful house in the town of Bosa was founded in 1112 along the Temo River on the west coast of Italy on Sardinia.
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One of the small hills on the west coast of Sardinia is located in Lake Como, Bosa and Nesso, with two “secret” picturesque Italian villages at the top of the “best hidden gems” list by Europe's best destinations.
Through another season of large overtourism, Europe's most famous destination, this new list offers a “slower” and more soulful kind of trip with pristine alternatives away from the typical tourist trails (and travail).
“With picturesque villages, gorgeous hill towns, seaside resorts, medieval settlements in vineyards and lakes, Europe has plenty of “secret” destinations for those who want to stay away from the crowds,” says EBD.
“While Europe's most iconic cities attract millions of cities each year, the true magic of the continent is often far from the crowds.
The new rankings are invitations for the timeless beauty of Haruki, from the pastel coloured streets of Bosa, Sardinia, to the heat bliss of the natural springs of Satunia in Tuscany, to help life move into the rhythm of the ocean and wander towards the rich arias of the almains of the rosy Albalines of Spain.
The EBD list, based on votes by over 1 million travelers from 172 countries, encourages you to embark on a journey “on trips to these lesser-known regions and discover the diverse and fascinating experiences that await you beyond the well-trampled paths of Europe.” For example, access to Paris isn't always easy, but it's precisely their remoteness that saved them.
1. Bosa, Sardinia, Italy
Aerial view of the town of Bosa on Sardinia, Italy, where Pontevecchi Obridge crosses the Temo River
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Famous for its colorful houses and medieval castle of Maraspina, Bosa is located about two-thirds of the climb up the west coast of Sardinia, on a small inland hill about 3km on the north bank of the Temo River.
“Step the historic center, explore the castle and relax at nearby Bossa Marina Beach,” EBD recommends.
Local cuisine: Tasting traditional Sardinian dishes like Pordedu (roasted sackling pig) and Ceda (a pastry filled with honey and drizzling cheese). Don't miss out on the local wine, Malvasia Divosa.
How to get there: Book a flight to the Alghero to Fertilia Airport. From there, the Bosa is about an hour's drive on a 55km drive via the SP49 and SP105.
2. Nesso, Lake Italy Como
Aerial views of Nesso, a picturesque village sitting on the shores of Lake Como in Italy
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Nesso's picturesque village on Lake Como is famous for being split in half by natural canyons and waterfalls, Orido di Nesso.
The western branch of Lake Como is known for its authentic charm and historic stone tools alley. The ancient Roman bridge, Ponte della Cibera, offers spectacular views.
Local cuisine: Enjoy lake fish specialties such as Missoltini (Sun Dried Shad) and Risotto al Pesce Persico (Risotto with Perch).
How to get there: Book a flight to Milan Malpensa Airport. Nesso is about 90 minutes' drive (75km) via the A9 and SP583 roads.
3. Corvo Island, Azores, Portugal
Volcanic crater Caldeirao on the island of Corvo near Flores in the Azores Islands, Portugal
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The loneliness of the volcano on Corvo, the smallest of the Azores, is an invitation to peace and remorse.
Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal, is a mid-Atlantic archipelago consisting of nine major islands and an island cluster that includes Corvo.
The island is characterized by dramatic landscapes, fishing villages, green meadows and blue hydrangea hedges.
Corvo boasts a stunning Caldeirão, a large volcanic crater with lakes and islands. The island's only village, Villa de Corbo offers a glimpse into traditional Azorian life.
Local cuisine: Try Caldo de Peixe (fish soup) and Biscoitos de Orelha (traditional biscuits).
How to get there: Book a flight to Joao Paulo II airport in Ponta del Gada on San Miguel Island. From there, you will be on a local flight to Corvo Airport. The island is small and most attractions are accessible by foot or by local transport.
4. Albaracin in Spain
Albaracin, a medieval terracott village in Aragon, Spain
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Often cited as one of Spain's most beautiful villages, Albaracin is located on the eastern Spanish hills above the curves of the Guadalabia River.
The towering medieval walls, Muraras de Albaracin, dominates the adjacent hillside. The ruins of Alcazar, or Moor Castle, rise at the Clifffoottop in the Old Town.
The 16th century Caitral del Salvador features a bell tower built on top of the ruins of a Romanesque temple, surrounded by narrow, winding streets, pink buildings and walls of an ancient city.
Local cuisine: the delight of Ternasco (roast lamb) and Migas (fried chorizo and garlic breadcrumbs).
How to get there: Book a flight to Madrid Balajas Airport (MAD). The Albarracín is a 280km drive, approximately 3 hours, via the A-2 and A-23 expressways.
5. Bosnia-Herzegovina's Blagaj
Bragazi in a small beech village with spring and waterfalls in Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Blagaj is a historic village of Bosnia and Herzegovina and is a protected heritage surrounded by the southeastern region of the Mostar Basin of Herzegovina-neretva Canton.
Blagaj is home to one of the “best secret places in Europe”: Blagaj Tekija, a 16th century Delbische monastery that stopped dramatically in the turquoise spring of the Buna River.
A gentle setting is perfect for contemplation (and photographs).
Local cuisine: Enjoy Chevapi (grilled mink meat) and Brek (meat-filled pastries).
How to get there: Book a flight to Sarajevo International Airport. The Blagaj is about a 2-hour drive (130km) via the M17 Highway.
6. Lupit, Catalonia, Spain
Rupit, a medieval Catalan village in the sub-region of Corsakabra, Spain
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Lupit is an attractive medieval village in Catalonia, infuses the essence of medieval Europe with its iconic suspended wooden bridges along the cobblestone streets, stone houses and the Rupit River.
Explore the Church of Saint-Tomiquel, dating back to the 12th century, and hike to nearby Salt de Salento Falls for breathtaking views.
Local cuisine: Enjoy traditional Catalan dishes such as escadera (meat and vegetable stew) and binfara (Catalan sausage).
How to get there: Book a flight to Barcelona El Prat Airport. The Rupit drives approximately 90 minutes.
7. Greece, Haruki
A colorful house and fishing boat (Chalki) on the charming small Greek island
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Haruki is a small, rustic hill island in Dodecan, just 6 km west of Rhodes, known for its clear waters and neoclassical architecture.
It has been praised for its remote beaches, including Kania and Potamos. The Ferries arrive from Rhodetown and Piraeus and arrive at the charming port of Nimborio. This includes coastal tavernas and outdoor bars, as well as luxury vacation villas.
The hiking trail passes whitewashed chapels such as the Church of Agios Nikolaos and leads through the impressive Bell Tower, the castle of the Knights of St. John, and the abandoned village of Chorio.
Local cuisine: Enjoy fresh seafood dishes such as grilled octopus and Astacoma Macaronada (lobster with pasta).
How to get there: Book a flight to Rhodes International Airport. From there, take the ferry from Kamilos Skala Port to Haruki. This will take about an hour.
8. Tenby, Wales, UK
Colorful harbor houses and boats in Tenby, Wales
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Tenby is a postcard-friendly harbor town in southwest Wales known for its medieval, 13th century walls, pastel-colored houses, beautiful beaches and Pembrokeshire coastal paths.
The sandy coastline stretches out at Castle Beach and the ruins of Tenby Castle on the headland overlooking the harbor.
Explore the Tudor merchant's house and take a boat trip to Caldey Island.
Local cuisine: Try out some Welsh specialties such as Cawl (Lamb Stew) and Bara Brith (Fruic Loaf).
How to get there: Book a flight to Cardiff Airport. Tenby is a 150km drive, approximately 2 hours, via the M4 and A48 roads.
9. Italian Satrian
Aerial view of Satoria's natural spa during a sunny autumn day in Tuscany
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One of Italy's best hidden gems, Saturian is a Tuscan spa town in northern central Italy and has been inhabited since ancient times.
It is famous for its natural hot springs, especially for its Caskete Del Murino, where hot water is cascaded above a limestone terrace.
During your stay, visit the medieval town centre and nearby archaeological sites.
Local cuisine: Enjoy Tuscan cuisine such as Pichi (thick, hand-rolled pasta) and ac acotta (vegetable soup).
How to get there: Book a flight to Rome Fium Sino Airport. Saturnia is about a 2-hour drive (150km) via the A12 and SS1 roads.
10. ICELAND, VIK
A picture-perfect village of Vic in southern Iceland, a field of lupin blooming around the town
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Vik is a small village on Iceland's southern coast known for its black sandy beaches, particularly for its Reynisfjara and Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks.
With dramatic cliffs and black sandy beaches, “Vik reminds me that sometimes the edge of the world is the beginning of something extraordinary,” EBD points out.
You can visit Vik Myrdal Church, perched on a hill, and explore nearby Cape Dyrhólaey for panoramic views.
Local Cuisine: Try Icelandic specialties such as Plokkfiskur (Fish Stew) and Skyr (dairy products).
How to get there: Book a flight to Keflavik International Airport. The VIK is a 180km drive over Route 1, approximately 2 1/2 hours.
For the first stop, try it here to visit some of the best places in Europe.
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