From the hustle and bustle of pursuing the best things to do in Barcelona, to the climb (and climb, and climb) towards one of the best restaurants in Lisbon, there’s much to be said for the restorative power of a sun-soaked European adventure. However, as much as the big-hitters will forever draw us back with their buzzy new openings, sometimes it pays to go off-grid.
Property rental platform HomeToGo have devised a methodology to uncover a handful of destinations that offer scenic views, fascinating attractions, fabulous food, and more—without the crowds. HomeToGo, which, at the time of writing, has almost 7.5 million holiday homes available from more than 19,500 partners, has rummaged through its locations for 2025’s best hidden gems, many of which make for fabulously affordable alternatives to larger cities. None of the top 50 destinations appear on the list of the top 5,000 most-searched destinations across HomeToGo’s European domains for holiday accommodation stays during summer 2025, meaning there are plenty of sleek addresses waiting to be snapped up.
To crunch the numbers, the team assigned each destination a score for the following categories: heat score, under-the-radar score, scenic setting score, rising star score, wander score, gastronomy score, and accommodation score. More details on HomeToGo’s methodology can be found here. Destinations range from wild corners of Wales in the UK to charming French communes and Greek cities we’d never previously considered making a beeline for. If you require some alternative summer inspiration, these are the best hidden gems in Europe ripe for an escape in the coming months.
A version of this article originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveller UK.
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10. Beaumaris, Wales, UK
While the charming town of Beaumaris, found on the Welsh island of Anglesey, ranks low on the heat score, it’s one of the best-performers for the scenic setting score. Anyone who’s experienced the lush, sweeping landscapes and dazzling beaches nearby will attest to this being one of Europe’s best hidden gems.
9. Labeaume, France
You’ll find the intriguing commune of Labeaume between the Beaume gorges in southern Ardèche. Ancient homes give way to medieval castles via mysterious caves, with panoramic views awaiting atop valley peaks. It has the second-best accommodation cost score, with the median nightly price per person for a holiday home just £32 (about $43).
