From Greece to Portugal, Germany to the UK, HomeToGo has come up with a list of Europe’s best hidden gems – perfect spots for travellers looking for somewhere “off the beaten path”.

The experts gave every place in Europe a score based on search trends and holiday home pricing data, as well as several other key factors, including:

• Summer weather
• Walking routes
• Food and drink
• Surroundings

From there, HomeToGo was able to come up with a list of the top 50 best hidden gem destinations in Europe.

Europe’s best ‘hidden gem’ destinations

The best hidden gem travel destinations in Europe, according to HomeToGo, are:

1. Tomar (Portugal)
2. Brisighella (Italy)
3. Nafplio (Greece)
4. Puy-l’Évêque (France)
5. Bremm (Germany)
6. Beynac-et-Cazenac (France)
7. Valdoviño (Spain)
8. Sibiu (Romania)
9. Labeaume (France)
10. Beaumaris (Wales, UK)

The full list of Europe’s best hidden gems can be found on the HomeToGo website.

Why Beaumaris is one of Europe’s best hidden gems

Beaurmaris was named Europe’s 10th best hidden gem, said to be the perfect place for “the explorer who’s enchanted by rugged shorelines, medieval castles, and boat trips to wild islands”.

It recorded a total score of 55.10, just behind Tomar (Portugal), which ranked top of the list.

Beumaris recorded the following scores as part of the HomeToGo study:

• Heat score: 6.10
• Under-the-radar score: 7.37
• Scenic setting score: 9.48
• Rising star score: 9.25
• Wander score: 6.99
• Gastronomy score: 7.26
• Accommodation cost score: 8.65

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What to do in Beaumaris

Beaumaris is described as a “captivating” seaside town by Visit Anglesey.

“A ‘must’ is to take a walk through the town, starting with a stroll along the seafront, taking in the pier and the views over the Menai Strait and Snowdonia then continuing through the charming streets with their picturesque cottages, many painted in soft pastel colours,” the experts added.

The Anglesey-based town boasts a mix of medieval, Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architecture, with the highlight being Beaumaris Castle.

Constructed between 1295 and 1330, the castle is now a United Nations World Heritage site.

There is a lively collection of cafês, pubs, restaurants and hotels, with “good food to suit every taste”.

You will also find an “excellent” array of shops in Beaumaris, highlighted by some “quality” independent traders.

Have you been to Beaumaris lately? What is your favourite thing about the North Wales town? Let us know in the comments below.

There’s no denying that Greenland is a place of raw, magical beauty. Here, icebergs crack like thunder, fjords stretch endlessly, and Arctic wildlife surrounds you in nearly every direction.

Want to explore Greenland? For travelers dreaming of once-in-a-lifetime adventures, a luxury yacht expedition to Greenland offers the rare opportunity to discover its most remote and untouched corners—in both comfort and style.

As you begin planning your Greenland , it’s essential to know which places to prioritize. Below, we’ve ranked Greenland’s top tourist destinations—each one offering something truly unforgettable.

10. Qaqortoq – 66/100

Located in southern Greenland, Qaqortoq is a charming town filled with colorful houses, Norse ruins, and artistic stone carvings scattered around the city. It doesn’t offer the icy drama of the north, but it’s perfect for experiencing everyday life in Greenland and exploring its colonial past.

Highlights:

• Norse ruins at nearby Hvalsey

• Open-air Stone & Man sculpture trail

• Easy access via flights from Narsarsuaq

9. Tasiilaq – 72/100

On Greenland’s remote east coast, Tasiilaq is framed by jagged peaks and ice-filled waters. Though challenging to reach, its seclusion offers cultural authenticity, spectacular hiking, and iceberg-dotted kayaking routes.

Highlights:

8. Ilulissat – 79/100

This west coast town is home to the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, where massive icebergs silently drift through Disko Bay. With a well-developed tourism scene and jaw-dropping views, Ilulissat is perfect for first-time visitors.

Highlights:

• The active Sermeq Kujalleq glacier

• Dog sledding and midnight sun experiences

• Strong infrastructure for tours and expeditions

7. Kangerlussuaq – 81/100

Though primarily a transit hub, Kangerlussuaq’s proximity to the Greenland Ice Sheet makes it a gateway for once-in-a-lifetime ice cap treks. It’s also one of the best places to spot Arctic wildlife.

Highlights:

• Guided excursions onto the Ice Cap

• Aurora Borealis viewing in winter

• Excellent air connectivity

6. Sisimiut – 84/100

Greenland’s second-largest town mixes remote wilderness with vibrant local energy. Sisimiut is an adventure capital year-round—offering skiing, hiking, kayaking, and rich Inuit history.

Highlights:

5. Disko Island – 87/100

Just off the coast from Ilulissat, Disko Island (Qeqertarsuaq) feels like a forgotten world. With black sand beaches, volcanic cliffs, and hot springs, this untouched gem is a dream for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Highlights:

• Stunning basalt formations and cliffs

• Uunartoq geothermal springs

• Regular whale sightings near the coast

4. Uummannaq – 91/100

This breathtaking northern village is backed by the dramatic Uummannaq Mountain and offers unparalleled Arctic beauty. Few tourists make it here, but those who do are rewarded with stunning landscapes and heartfelt hospitality.

Highlights:

• Visits to traditional Inuit settlements

• Towering fjords and snowcapped views

• Iconic photography location

3. Kujalleq Fjords – 95/100

Best accessed via small cruise ships or private yachts, the Kujalleq Fjords in southern Greenland are among the country’s best-kept secrets. Explore narrow inlets, mirror-like waters, and uninhabited wilderness that few ever see.

Highlights:

• Zodiac tours into untouched fjords

• Seal spotting on drifting ice

• Remote, otherworldly tranquility

2. Nuuk – 97/100

Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, blends modern living with deep cultural roots. From stylish cafes and museums to traditional fjord landscapes, it’s a perfect blend of past and present—and a great base for further exploration.

Highlights:

1. Scoresby Sund – 100/100

Topping the list is Scoresby Sund, the largest fjord system on Earth and arguably the most beautiful destination in the Arctic. Accessible only via ice-class yachts or select expedition cruises, this untouched region is filled with towering icebergs, vibrant autumn tundra, and surreal silence.

Highlights:

• Towering iceberg cathedrals

• Wildlife sightings including narwhals and Arctic foxes

• Complete solitude in a cinematic setting

You’ve seen 10 of the most fascinating destinations in Greenland, visualizing what they look like and knowing how your fellow travelers rate them.

Greenland isn’t about luxury in the traditional sense—it’s about rare beauty, silence, and scale. Whether you’re immersing yourself in Inuit culture in Sisimiut or sailing through the remote grandeur of Scoresby Sund, this island redefines what a once-in-a-lifetime trip looks like.

But before you book that flight to Greenland, be sure that you come fully prepared. Here are some of your clothing and gear that must be in your luggage:

● Waterproof and windproof outerwear

● Warm clothing

● Sturdy hiking boots

● Headwear

● Gloves

● Sunglasses and sunscreen

● Mosquito repellent and a net

● Dry bag

● Backpack

● First-aid kit

● Navigation

● Headlamp or flashlight

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Greenland?

June to August offers mild weather, extended daylight, and access to most tourist destinations.

Do I need a visa to visit Greenland?

Non-Schengen travelers need a special Danish visa specifically valid for Greenland travel.

What’s the top must-see destination in Greenland?

Scoresby Sund, this island redefines what a once-in-a-lifetime trip looks like.

Is it safe to travel around Greenland independently?

Yes, but guided tours are recommended due to the vast terrain and limited infrastructure.

How do I get to Greenland from North America or Europe?

Fly via Iceland or Denmark with connections to Nuuk or Kangerlussuaq airports.

Epic Greenland

So, what are you waiting for? Your Greenland adventure couldn’t wait. Prioritize your adventure based on how wild, cultural, or immersive you want your Arctic experience to be—and remember, the journey is just as epic as the destination.

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I’m not crying, you’re crying.

OK—so we’re probably both misty-eyed. But how could you watch Alone Africa’s fifth episode and not tear up while watching the show’s lovable and grandfatherly contestant battle his inner demons?

Spoilers ahead. Of course, I’m referencing Douglas, the 57-year-old from North Carolina with the Santa Claus beard and folksy twang. On episode five, we spent ample time with Douglas as he endured rain, hail, plunging temperatures, and his own emotions.

Throughout the ordeal Douglas shared ample memories from his childhood in Indiana, his strong relationship with his brothers, and his love of his parents. And then, midway through the episode, Douglas let the audience know about the familial trauma that was weighing him down.

Shortly before he shipped out on Alone Africa, Douglas learned that his father had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. And as the days wore on, Douglas couldn’t stop thinking about his dad.

Yeah—heavy stuff.

Survivalists Can’t Think Too Much About Home

While watching Douglas wrestle with his father’s illness, I thought about Woniya Thibeault’s recent essay: 5 Signs That an ‘Alone’ Participant Is About to Quit. Woniya’s second indicator—are they curious about and engaged with the place, or are they looking at their photo and talking about home and family?—came to mind.

Long story short: when a participant starts thinking a lot about the folks back home, it’s a sign that they’re no longer mentally and emotionally committed to life in the wilderness. And it’s only a matter of time before they bail out.

Over the years, we’ve seen several Alone survivalists go on the show amid a period of intense emotional upheaval in their everyday lives. And in all of these cases, Alone’s isolation and punishing day-to-day life prompts the character to open up about his or her emotional struggles. But in all of these situations, the person eventually quits.

In season 1, Massachusetts native Mitch Mitchell revealed that his mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor shortly before he went on the show. Mitchell, a very talented survivalist, lasted 43 days in the wilds of Vancouver Island, but eventually his mother’s illness became his day-to-day focal point. He left to be with his mom, despite having a capable shelter and access to food.

In season 3, Pennsylvanian schoolteacher Jim Shields went on Alone just after he and his wife learned that they were about to adopt three children. There was no way for Shields to separate himself from the knowledge that his wife was about to meet the three kids without him, and he talked about it as he built a tent and attempted to fish. Shields left after just three days—wisely so.

Isolation and the Battle to Stay Focused

Of course Alone participants don’t need to be in the throes of emotional crisis to tap out due to the mental/emotional struggle caused by thinking of life back home. One of my favorite Alone participants ever is Peter Albano, a librarian from British Columbia, whose journey on Alone‘s 11th season highlighted this struggle.

Like the other nine survivalists in his season, Albano was plunked down along a river near the Arctic Circle in Northern Canada. After a few days in the wild, Albano started catching fish—tons and tons of fish. He pulled massive pike out of the water, smoked the meat, and appeared to have enough on his hands to start a seafood restaurant.

But the isolation gave Albano lots of time to think, and his mind drifted to his relationships with his loved ones. After eight days, Albano began to fixate on his relationship with his son, and his inability to create the relationship he wanted with the boy.

“My son, he feels big feelings,” Albano said. “And I’ve never been able to relate or empathize with him. I feel terrible. I feel this overwhelming sense of failure.”

Alone acted like a therapist’s chair for Albano, and after several days he drilled down into the gap between him and his son: his tendency to wall off his own feelings. After reaching this conclusion, Albano immediately tapped out. It was as if he couldn’t spare any more time away from his child after knowing the key to repairing the relationship.

Heartache for Douglas

Like Albano, Mitchell, and Shields, once Douglas started to fixate on his dad, he couldn’t stop. He tapped out after 11 days, and said he wanted to get home as quickly as possible to be with his father. As a cruel twist, Alone producers let us know that Douglas got home too late—his father had already passed.

Full disclosure: I cried when the text flashed on the screen.

Every few years Alone debuts a spinoff show that features past participants—usually fan-favorites—coming back for the challenge. Think Woniya on Alone: Frozen or Jordan Jonas and Clay Hayes on Alone: Skills Challenge. 

I wouldn’t be surprised to see Douglas be invited back into the Alone universe for a spinoff. As a longtime fan of the show, I definitely could have spent more time with him.

Rainfall, Flooding, and Cold

Of course the other big story in Alone Africa was that the balmy and dry conditions were completely erased by a major storm, which dumped inches of rain on the desert and flooded out some of the survivalists, specifically Baha and Kelsey.

Kelsey was the biggest loser—her shelter was nearly engulfed by a massive river. Katie emerged as a winner, by weaving together a new section of her shelter and also rolling with the punches of the storm with a very positive attitude.

Another survivalist to suffer a setback was Dug. The episode left on a cliffhanger, after we seemed to watch him pass out after working on his shelter. Like everyone else watching Alone Africa, I hope Dug is OK.

After five episodes, my mental ranking of the remaining Alone characters based off of their situations and attitudes:

1. Katie: her shelter is looking strong, and the storm caused her very little stress
2. Nathan: he has food and a positive attitude; now he heeds to build a permanent shelter
3. Kelsey: she still has meat left over from the warthog, but her attitude took a hit after the flood
4. Baha: he has no ferro rod, a leaky shelter, and poor access to food
5. Dug: he’d be higher on the list if not for the potential medical situation