June 20, 2025, 3:40 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
Italy is a popular travel destination for visitors from around the world—that’s one way to put it positively. On a more pessimistic note, many places in this beautiful country are affected by overtourism. It’s somewhat surprising, then, that a ranking by travel and culture experts from “Europe’s Best Destinations” lists a location in Italy as the top hidden gem in Europe. More on this at TRAVELBOOK.
Neither Italy nor Spain needs to court tourists. The countries are practically groaning under sheer masses of people, especially during holiday seasons. This has reached a point where the governments of the affected regions are taking measures to curb the influx somewhat–such as entrance fees–and even the residents themselves are taking to the streets in protest. It’s all the more surprising that “European Best Destinations” (EBD)–which claims to be the most visited website for travel and culture in Europe–has identified some real hidden gems on the continent in these very tourist hotspots. The ranking, which includes 10 placements, is dominated by Italy, with Spain taking the second most spots. At the top is a small community with barely more than 7,000 residents.
Overview
The Best Hidden Gems in Europe According to the Ranking
It should be noted in advance that EBD reveals little about the methodology behind the new ranking. This was different in a recent publication: More than 1.2 million users from 158 countries are said to have voted on the best travel destinations in Europe for the year 2025 (TRAVELBOOK reported). It is possible that this is a list curated by EBD experts themselves. This too certainly has merit, as the portal is considered a recognized source of information, even for industry professionals.
The ranking can certainly serve as inspiration. According to EBD, the selected “hidden jewels” in Europe are meant to offer “authentic adventures and unforgettable memories” away from the crowded tourist paths.
Place 1: Bosa, Sardinia
According to EBD, the Sardinian town of Bosa is the best among all the hidden gems listed in Europe. It is located on the Temo River and is known for its pretty, colorful houses, similar to those found in various places in Italy, and especially for its magnificent medieval Malaspina Castle. “Stroll through the historic center, explore the castle, and relax on the nearby beach of Bosa Marina,” recommends EBD.
You probably agree: A very essential part of a vacation in Italy is the food. In Bosa, according to EBD, you should definitely try Porceddu, a classic Sardinian suckling pig, and for dessert, the traditional regional dessert Seadas: a fried pastry filled with cheese and drizzled with honey.
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Places 2 and 3 of the Best Hidden Gems in Europe
We stay in Italy. The second place in the ranking is taken by Nesso, located on the western arm of Lake Como. The town is known for its waterfall, the Orrido di Nesso. But the Roman bridge Ponte della Civera is also a picturesque sight worth visiting. As for culinary delights, the location obliges. EBD advises enjoying fish specialties from Lake Como, including Missoltini. This is perhaps the most famous dish of the region: preserved fish (a type of herring, called Finte), which is dried in a special process and preserved in containers. Risotto al pesce persico should also not be missed, according to the publication.
In third place, we head to Portugal, specifically to the Azores and the smallest inhabited island, Corvo. Everything here is easily accessible on foot, which is already charming. Visitors will find the Caldeirão, a breathtakingly large volcanic crater surrounded by lakes and small islands. You should try Caldo de peixe, or fish soup, as well as Biscoitos de Orelha–a traditional pastry. For travel, EBD advises flying to the island of São Miguel, specifically to João Paulo II Airport (PDL). From there, you can take a regional flight to Corvo Airport (CVU).
Spain Represented Twice–and Another “Real” Hidden Gem
The travel destination extremely popular with Germans, Spain, is represented with Albarracín in fourth place (and once more in sixth place). The small town owes this honor to its beauty. It is characterized by its narrow, winding streets, writes EBD, its striking pink buildings, and the ancient city walls. Culinary offerings here are–typical of Spain–a bit heartier: EBD praises the lamb roast Ternasco and the spicy peasant dish Migas, which is based on fried breadcrumbs with chorizo sausage and garlic.
The middle of the ranking marks a country that is still considered an undiscovered paradise in many places: Bosnia and Herzegovina. EBD has chosen Blagaj, where the Blagaj Tekija is said to be “one of the best-kept secret places in Europe”: a Dervish monastery located at the foot of a cliff.
Further places in Greece, Wales, and Iceland are listed in the ranking of the best hidden gems in Europe. Here is the overview.
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Ranking of the Best Hidden Gems in Europe at a Glance
- 1. Bosa, Italy
- 2. Nesso, Italy
- 3. Corvo, Portugal
- 4. Albarracín, Spain
- 5. Blagaj, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- 6. Rupit, Spain
- 7. Chalki, Greece
- 8. Tenby, Wales
- 9. Saturnia, Italy
- 10. Vík í Mýrdal, Iceland