The best part is that you can visit them all this summer.
A new study by HomeToGo has named the top 5 European gems to visit this summer.
The rating is based on factors such as weather, tranquility, surroundings, food and drinks, and accommodation costs, according to Traveloffpath.
Bremm, Germany
Bremm is a picturesque town in the Moselle Valley, where wine has been produced for centuries.
Here is the Calmont Klettersteig, the steepest vineyard in Europe, which stretches along a picturesque hiking trail. You will have to climb stairs, dizzying steps, and use safety ropes to reach the top and enjoy the stunning views of the German countryside.
If you’re not up for adventure, you can visit a local winery and sample one of the award-winning Rieslings. There are several wine tours in the Moselle Valley that stop in Bremme, with prices starting at $41.
It is also worth visiting the local St. Lawrence Church, built in the Middle Ages, with a tall tower. It is the main attraction of the town and a symbol of the Moselle Valley.
Puy-l’Évêque, France
This is a medieval settlement with stone buildings. Located on a rocky promontory overlooking the Lo River, it resembles Disneyland.
With a population of only 1,870, it’s one of those places that aren’t easily found in a travel guide or shared online.
Imagine cobblestone streets, traditional bistros that cater mostly to locals, French families visiting from neighboring towns, and family-owned wineries selling strong local Malbec.
The old town is generally like a fairy tale, and there is no better way to discover it than to explore it at random. Start by visiting the 13th-century Bishop’s Tower or the waterfront with its unique flat-bottomed boats.
Nafplio, Greece
If you want to visit Greece this summer, you should go to Nafplion. It is the former capital of Greece and boasts a large historical center (Akroinavplia) dotted with buildings in the Byzantine, Ottoman, and even Venetian styles.
The heart of the Old City, Syntagma Square, is surrounded by the Old Parliament Building and colorful coffeehouses, and it is home to the Church of Saint Spyridon.
The Acronafplia Fortress, the oldest of the complex system of city fortifications, is another must-visit destination due to its stunning views of both the Old City and the sea, but it doesn’t end there. There are numerous other attractions in Nafplion that are worth exploring.
The 15th-century Castle of Bourdzi, located on an islet at the entrance to the harbor, is perhaps the most recognizable landmark in Nafplion. It is also worth mentioning Palamidi, one of the most monumental fortresses in Greece, which can be reached by climbing 999 steps to enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the Argolic Gulf.
Brisigella, Italy
Located on a hillside in Northern Italy, Brisighella has been officially recognized as one of the “most beautiful villages in Italy” by the National Association of Italian Municipalities’ Tourism Council and is a beautifully preserved medieval gem that most tourists have never heard of.
Just an hour’s drive from Bologna, Via degli Asini, or the Donkey Road, is a tunnel-like street with arched windows overlooking the city and numerous baroque churches with ornate interiors.
Brizighella’s main work, the Church of Osservanza, was built in 1520 and is best known for its “Madonna with Child and Saints” by Marco Palmezzano.
Rocca Castle (or Brigigella Castle), built in 1228, stands above a stone labyrinth and is distinguished by its exquisite cylindrical tower.Advertisementad
Brisighella is also famous for its gastronomy, and there’s no better place to experience Emilia-Romagna cuisine than La Casetta Taverna, where you can enjoy tagliatelle al ragù, strozzapreti, and other seasonal dishes for around $12 to $18.
Tomar, Portugal
This is a peaceful city known for its tiled roofs and whitewashed walls, as well as its fascinating history.
The municipality was born within the walls of the Convento de Cristo, a monastery built under the patronage of the fourth Grand Master of the Knights Templar in the 12th century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its exquisite Manueline chapel.
The nearby church of Santa Maria do Olival served as a burial place for the Grand Masters. Despite its modest appearance, upon entering, you will see a wonderful rosette window. And, of course, the historic center is a landmark in itself.
Located around the main square, which is paved with patterned cobblestones in the classical Portuguese style, it consists of a maze of narrow streets, the Old Jewish Quarter, which was the epicenter of Sephardic Jewish life, and the embankments along the picturesque Naba River.Advertisementad
It’s worth trying the fatias de Tomar, a local sweet made with beaten egg yolks. At Pastelaria Estrelas de Tomar, right on the main pedestrian street, you can find them for around 2 euros.
