Tripadvisor: Folegandros in ‘must visit’ secret villages list (photos)

For the lovers of serene holidays

Most travellers are aware of all of Europe’s hotspots like Paris, Athens, London, Barcelona etc. But sometimes it’s worth choosing the off the beaten track and less explored regions on the European continent. Tripadvisor contributor Emma Sloley discovered some under the radar villages and cities in Europe that offer the peace and serenity some tourists are seeking. Her top 10 list includes the small Greek island of Folegandros.

Korčula, Croatia

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Picture Dubrovnik in miniature—minus the tourist hordes—and you’ve got a pretty good bead on this idyllic island off the Dalmatian Coast. Steeped in myth and legend, Korčula was a Greek Colony in the 4th century BC before coming under Roman rule, and it’s also said to have been the birthplace of Marco Polo. Modern-day explorers are mostly interested in discovering the sybaritic charms of the medieval old town, with its steep cobbled streets, restaurant-lined waterfront boulevard and unspoiled Adriatic beaches. The interior also supports a thriving, centuries-old winery scene: visitors can sip local varieties like Pošip and Rukatac around the village of Lumbarda, while on the eastern tip of the island vineyards are planted with Grk, a zesty white wine grown only here. Check into the Lešić Dimitri, a tiny but ultra-chic hotel in the old town: the attic suite, decorated in a style reminiscent of the Arabian Nights and with 360 degree views of the town, is a knockout.

Valladolid, Spain

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While its status as the capital of Castilla y León places Valladolid more in the small city category, it still retains the convivial, laid-back air of a village. The town is overflowing with grand Gothic buildings, lively plazas and art spaces galore, from national museums to a late 16th building once home to Miguel de Cervantes, whose masterpiece Don Quixote was published around the time he resided here. Don’t miss the chance to sample some of the Ribera del Duero region’s incredible wines. The Abadia Retuerta winery not only offers wine tastings, but lets you stay the night: the hotel, LeDomaine set in a spectacular 12th century monastery, has an indulgent spa and a Michelin starred-restaurant.

Folegandros, Greece

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If you’re seeking all the classic Greek Island tropes—whitewashed stone houses; cobbled streets; cascading bougainvillea—but with a less frenetic pace than more-celebrated isles like Mykonos or Santorini, this Cycladic gem is for you. There are dazzling Aegean seascapes, charming old wooden windmills and just three villages, with the main hub being Folegandros Chora. Wander up the hill to the church, check out a Venetian fortress from the 11th century, or just sit beneath the shade of a tree in the square, order an ouzo and tuck into heavenly home-cooked Mediterranean dishes. Lay your head at the stylish boutique stay Anemi, a haven of clean-lined design with a gorgeous infinity pool and a restaurant that puts a modern spin on traditional Greek classics.

Ærøskobing, Denmark

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The word “fairytale” is often used to describe the island of Ærø, and the reason is apparent the moment you disembark from the ferry: this dot in the Baltic Sea, located around 3 hours from Copenhagen, has villages of narrow cobbled streets lined with red-tiled half-timbered houses dating from the 1600s that wouldn’t be out of place in a Grimm Brothers tale. Rent some bicycles—a key form of transport here—and peddle to the island’s excellent craft brewery, Rise Bryggeri, check out the picture-perfect harbor, then bunk down at Vestergade 44, a quirky-fabulous B&B whose owner serves delicious afternoon tea to guests in the tranquil garden.

San Cassiano, Italy

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Swap Italy’s mobbed capitals—Florence, Rome, Venice—for the summer tranquility of the Dolomites, in particular San Cassiano, a hidden gem in the Alta Badia region. Surrounded by epic mountain scenery, this town manages to retain the feel of a humble, rustic Tyrolean village while also sporting two Michelin starred restaurants. Family-run Rosa Alpina provides a perfect base for exploring the area: in summer, entire multi-generational families take to the hills, hiking through the Armentarola and Störes meadows and into the Fanes-Senes-Braies natural park, home to impressive Mount Lagazuoi. Work out any exercise-related kinks back at the hotel’s excellent spa, which sports a Finnish sauna and a swimming pool with mountain views.

Budva, Montenegro

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A walled, terracotta-roofed medieval city set on a peninsula jutting into the Adriatic Sea with sandy beaches on three sides—what’s not to love? Rich in both natural beauty and history, Budva has an atmospheric stari grad, or old town, crammed with churches, courtyards, galleries and cafes. Just south of the town is the breathtaking Sveti Stefan, an award-winning Aman resort set on a tiny island linked to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. Dine on organic produce, Adriatic rock oysters and local cheeses at one of the resort’s many romantic dining venues.

Marvão, Portugal

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This whitewashed fort town set among the granite peaks of the Serra de São Mamede in the northern Alentejo is every Instagrammers dream come true. The crown jewel, set at the top of a 3000 foot peak, is a 13th century Moorish castle whose crumbling stone walls command sweeping views over the mountains to the nearby Spanish border. The village itself has all the cobblestone street, terracotta tile-roofed charm any Europhile could ask for, without any of the crowds or bustle of more-trafficked beauty spots. Embrace the solitude at Pousada Santa Maria a guesthouse set in a 13th century with panoramic views.

Hallstatt, Austria

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You might need to pinch yourself when you first catch sight of this alpine village in the Salzkammergut Lake Region: it truly looks like something out of a fairytale. We’re talking dramatic wooded mountains sloping down to a crystalline lake, baroque churches and pristinely-preserved 16th century houses. Take a hike on the Echerntal trail, for views that have inspired writers and painters over the centuries, then settle into a cozy room at theAgathawirt Hotel, a country inn dating to 1517 known as a great base for hikers and bikers.

Reine, Norway

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If the ends of the earth features heavily on your travel wishlist, this village, set above the Arctic Circle on the island of Moskenesøya in Norway’s Lofoten archipelago, might just be your version of heaven. In summer, soak in the outrageously beautiful scenery—fjords, mountains, lush meadows, adorable red-and-white cottages—under the midnight sun, while in winter prepare to bundle up and be dazzled by the Northern lights. Get into the Scandinavian spirit by booking one of the Reine Fishing Huts, rustic-cool wooden cabins set over the water: you can either cook for yourself or dine on literally just-caught fish at the Gammelbua restaurant.

Gordes, France

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We’re not the only ones who find this Provencal village irresistible—it’s officially one of the “Plus Beaux Villages” of France—but somehow it’s remained blissfully under-the-radar beyond a certain in-the-know set. Situated on the southern edge of the Plateau de Vaucluse, the town consists of a 12th century castle and beige stone houses cascading down a hill, surrounded by lavender fields and forests. Live large at Bastide de Gordes, an ultra-luxe hideaway with a Sisley spa and an award-winning restaurant whose terrace overlooks the valley and Luberon mountains.