The British Travel Association has identified the best destinations this year.
As a rule, surveys of most travel agencies do not show “hidden gems” – small settlements in the hinterland and away from the bustling metropolises that tourists have not yet discovered. And if you are deciding where to go on vacation in 2026, pay attention to the list from the team of experts “Which? Travel”. Experts shared less well-known European places that are worth visiting.
The selection includes everything from fabulous Italian communes to budget-friendly Balkan resorts with beaches that are just as good as those in Croatia or Greece; from a UNESCO-protected Portuguese city to a colorful and affordable Polish province with medieval castles.
Wroclaw is the most beautiful city in Europe, or at least in Poland
According to experts, this city with an impressive medieval square and Renaissance houses resembles Krakow, but the prices are significantly lower and there are fewer tourists. So if you’re wondering where to go as a budget-conscious traveler, then Wroclaw should definitely be at the top of your list.Video of the dayPlay Video
You can sit on the shore of one of the 14 islands, drink balsamic liqueur, or eat dumplings at the Christmas market. You can spend no more than £20 on food and drinks in a day, and you can find a five-star hotel for £100.
Spanish cities of León, Murcia, and Cartagena are the best cities in Europe for hiking
Leon is often a stopover for pilgrims on the Santiago pilgrimage route. However, the city is worth visiting for its own sake. The main attraction is the Gothic cathedral with its vibrant stained-glass windows, known as the House of Light.
Don’t miss the Royal Pantheon of San Isidoro, a Romanesque mausoleum with 11th-century frescoes comparable to the Sistine Chapel. And don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the tapas culture thriving in the Barrio Umedo’s old quarter.: there, every drink must be accompanied by a snack. Try local delicacies such as morcilla black pudding and sechin dried meat.Advertisementad
Which? Travel writes that the large Parador de León, a former monastery and pilgrim hospital run by the Spanish Paradores chain, which is recognized as one of the best international hotel chains, is an ideal place to stay.
Next, less than an hour from Alicante Airport, Murcia is a city with few tourists. As you drive past the vast citrus orchards, you’ll immediately feel the relaxed atmosphere of the old town.
This place reflects 1200 years of history, including magnificent baroque architecture and sunny squares. Although Murcia is located in the interior of the country, you can try seafood dishes, such as the local tapas “Marinera,” a crispy tuna roll.
Finally, Cartagena, which was just a modest military town 20 years ago, is now a tourist center in the southeast of Spain that is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in museums and ancient architecture.
The city has been associated with the navy for centuries, but the discovery of the Roman theater ruins was a turning point. Today, there are numerous museums and guided tours, including those dedicated to the wars.
But the real charm of this place is walking along the streets lined with Art Nouveau buildings and tapas bars.
The Best Tourist Cities in the World and Bolzano, Italy
The fairy-tale Alpine landscape, German signs, and cozy Austrian restaurants with homemade soups make Bolzano seem unusually “German” at first glance, but this is precisely its special charm.
The city is known for its trilingual university and the museum of the Iceman of Otzi, a mummified man found on the border 5,000 years ago.
Although the city is definitely not a budget-friendly destination, public transportation is free for visitors, and buses and cable cars take you directly from the center to the Dolomites, with its breathtaking views and crystal-clear lakes.
Budva, Bar, and Ljubljana – must-visit destinations in the Balkans
Experts note that just south of the crowded Dubrovnik is the peaceful Balkan coast: turquoise water and terracotta roofs. Many tourists miss Montenegro when looking for the best cities in Europe for tourism, and in fact – in vain.
The history of Budva dates back more than 2,500 years. The old town, surrounded by walls, with its narrow streets and sea views, is impressive in its architecture. However, the area outside the city walls is just as beautiful, with around 20 beaches for summer vacations.
Prices remain lower than in major Croatian cities, and food is inexpensive: local beer and fresh fish cost only £2-3. If you want even more secluded beaches, take a bus to Bar, which costs £5-8.
Finally, Ljubljana is a dream city with pastel buildings in the Baroque and Art Nouveau styles. The river Ljubljanica flows through the center, with beautiful bridges and embankments.
There are many cafes and bars along the river, where you can sit under the weeping willows. Try the local wines and small dishes at the TaBar restaurant, a former Yugoslav bicycle factory.
On a hill above the town, there is a castle with historical tours and great views of the old town. It is a convenient place to go on excursions: Lake Bled, Postojna caves and Predjama castle.
Where to go as a budget tourist in Portugal
Evora is a favorite among Portuguese people, but foreign tourists usually believe that the list of must-visit Portuguese cities is limited to Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.
This UNESCO-listed city with its olive groves, sunny vineyards, and medieval architecture provides a glimpse into Portugal’s off-the-beaten-path charm.
If you want to, Lisbon is only an hour and a half away.
Cities to Visit in the World – A Destination in Ireland
Carrick-on-Shannon is a small town on the River Shannon, known as a must-visit destination for every self-respecting Irishman, although it is almost unknown to foreigners. The main reason is its location on the outskirts of the lake region.
You can take boat driving lessons and explore the 63-kilometer Shannon-Erne waterway, passing by swamps, ancient castles, and villages.
The locals are friendly, and there are always people, good food, and live Irish music in the two dozen pubs on one street.