Europe's secret destinations draw attention for 2026

2026-05-30 21:42:00, Lifestyle CNA

Europe's biggest cities may draw crowds, but some of the continent's most unforgettable places lie off the beaten tourist trail.

Hidden among mountains, vineyards, lakes and medieval valleys are destinations that still seem wonderfully undiscovered, where ancient traditions, dramatic landscapes and beautifully preserved towns have escaped mass tourism.

From the fairytale hilltop town of Motovun in Croatia, to the gravity-defying monasteries of Meteora in Greece, to the storybook-like "trulli" villages of Italy, Europe still has many secret places to discover.

In a new ranking, European Best Destinations has revealed some of the continent's most beautiful and lesser-known "treasures." Here are the top hidden destinations to discover in Europe in 2026.

In southwest Germany, just half an hour from Stuttgart airport, lies the picturesque town of Tübingen. Known for one of Europe's oldest universities, the city is rich in history and culture.

In the old center, visit the Gothic Stiftskirche St. Georg church, the 15th-century town hall with a working astronomical clock, and Hohentübingen Castle, which houses Greek, Roman, and Egyptian artifacts.

Don't miss a boat trip on the Neckar River, among the colorful houses, as well as the local specialties Maultaschen and Käsespätzle, accompanied by the local Trollinger or Lemberger wines.

In the heart of Istria, where the cultural influences of Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy intersect, Motovun looks like a place straight out of a fairy tale.

Situated above the Mirna River valley, this medieval hilltop town is known for its cobblestone alleys, panoramic views, and well-preserved ancient walls.

Days here are best spent strolling the narrow alleys, climbing the city's bell tower, and stopping at terrace restaurants with views of the surrounding vineyards and forests.

The Motovun Forest is one of the most famous areas in the world for white truffles, so the search for truffles and menus rich in this product are among the main attractions, especially in autumn.

Summer brings the Motovun Film Festival, while spring and winter reveal a quieter, more romantic side of the city.

Quietly located on Lake Orta, in the Piedmont region, Isola San Giulio seems far removed from the crowds of Lake Como.

Known as the “Island of Silence,” this small island attracts with its peaceful atmosphere, historic buildings, and postcard-like views over the lake.

At the center is the Basilica of San Giulio, a 12th-century Romanesque church with frescoes, ancient artwork, and rich mosaics. Nearby, a Benedictine monastery adds to the island's sense of calm and reflection.

The island is easily reached by a short boat ride from the medieval town of Orta San Giulio and is best explored via the “Path of Silence,” a path that circles the shore with uninterrupted views over the lake.

Back on land, visitors can enjoy Piedmontese dishes, such as risotto with Barolo, bagna càuda and local cheeses, paired with regional wines such as Nebbiolo and Gattinara.

In the heart of the Puglia region, in southern Italy, Alberobello looks like a town straight out of a fantasy film.

The town is famous for its trulli, white stone houses with cone-shaped roofs, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and remain a unique form of rural architecture.

The best way to discover Alberobello is to simply get lost in its alleys. The Rione Monti and Aia Piccola neighborhoods are filled with hundreds of trulli, many of which now serve as wine bars, boutiques, and family-run restaurants.

Among the main places to see is Trullo Sovrano, the city's only two-story trullo, as well as the Church of Saint Anthony, built entirely in the traditional trulli style.

Gastronomy is one of Alberobello's main attractions. Visitors can enjoy traditional dishes such as orecchiette pasta, creamy burrata cheese, focaccia barese and crispy taralli biscuits, often accompanied by the famous wines of the Puglia region.

Perched above the plains of central Greece, Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its monasteries that seem to hang atop giant, naturally formed rocks.

Built between the 14th and 16th centuries, these monasteries are among the most extraordinary examples of Eastern Orthodox monasticism.

Today, six of them are still active, including the Great Monastery of Meteora and Varlaam, known for their religious icons, frescoes and panoramic views over the plains of Thessaly.

Beyond the monasteries, Meteora is also an ideal hiking destination, with trails among rocks, forests, and hidden panoramic spots.

In the nearby town of Kalambaka, visitors can enjoy traditional Greek dishes such as moussaka, souvlaki, spetsofai and the dessert galaktoboureko./euronews