“Let your heart roam—from the golden glow of the Mediterranean to the crisp serenity of the Alps—these are the places where memories are made all over again.”

1. Puglia, Italy

Puglia saw a 20% jump in international arrivals in 2024 with more than 15 million overnight stays – still a fraction of Rome’s 51 million. With two international airports (Bari and Brindisi) and rising interest, now is the time to visit before word gets out much further.

“The heel of Italy’s boot offers incredible value compared to the Amalfi Coast with authentic masserie (farmhouse hotels) being converted into luxury properties,” says California-based travel advisor and photographer Coco Tran, who has been researching and photographing Italy for years.

Best time to visit: Puglia’s shoulder seasons, in late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October), offer ideal weather and fewer crowds.

2. Alentejo Coast, Portugal

Portugal continues to attract global attention, but there’s far more to this Iberian nation than Porto and Lisbon. One region finally stepping into the spotlight is the Alentejo coast, which experienced its best tourism year on record in 2024.

“Portugal’s Alentejo coast is finally getting deserved attention, with its pristine beaches and fantastic wineries,” says Tran. While many travellers tack the region onto a trip to Lisbon or the Algarve, this breathtaking section of coast is worth a dedicated journey – especially for those seeking nature, history and adventure.

Best time to visit: Summer is a blast in the Alentejo, with busy beaches and hiking through the Fisherman’s Trail. If you prefer thinner crowds, you’ll still find spectacular weather in the autumn, between September and November. 

3. Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis, Switzerland

About five million people visit Chamonix a year, while a million others visit Verbier – both rightly famous for their epic snowfalls and fantastic on- and off-piste terrain. However, it’s high time global travellers explored the less-touristed European peaks – specifically, Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis, three interconnected resorts that together offer 180km of skiable terrain. And while the skiing is already supreme, Mike Goar, who is the COO of mountain operations in Switzerland for Vail Resorts, says 2025 will see the investment of 110m Swiss francs (£89.5m) into mountain improvements such as snowmaking, meaning it’s only going to get better.

Best time to visit: Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis is a true all-season destination. You can ski from December through April, hike and bike from June through September and enjoy spring flowers and autumn foliage in between.

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4. Cap dAntibes, French Riviera

Cap d’Antibes is having a cultural moment in 2025, making this glamourous corner of the French Riviera worth another look. This year marks the 100th anniversary of F Scott Fitzgerald’s arrival on the Côted’Azur – an event that helped shape the Riviera’s Jazz Age legacy – and the literary milestone is drawing renewed attention to the region’s artistic significance.

Best time to visit: The summer sun beckons A-listers, making it a great time to come for a bit of celebrity-spotting and warm waters for dipping. For cooler temps and fewer crowds, stick to April-June and September-October.

5. Slovenia

While Italy continues to grapple with overtourism, nearby Slovenia is quietly emerging as a smart alternative, offering spectacular scenery, cultural depth and fewer crowds. With Nova Gorica named a European Capital of Culture for 2025, the timing couldn’t be better to explore this captivating nation.

Best time to visit: The warmer months between May through September offer the greatest opportunities to enjoy outdoor adventures.

6. Peloponnese, Greece

The Greek Islands are a perennial favourite, but in 2025, it’s the mainland that’s set to shine – specifically the outstretched fingers of the Peloponnese. Greece is investing heavily in the region this year, upgrading infrastructure like the Mycenae road network and directing funding towards sustainable agritourism and local olive producers. The result for travellers is easier access, deeper cultural connection and fewer crowds.

Best time to visit: Greece is packed in the summer, but thanks to the mainland’s slightly warmer temperatures, you can get away with a warm-weather break with fewer crowds from April to June and September to October.

7. Paris, France

Paris had quite the 2024 hosting the Summer Olympics, which means the crowds have thinned and prices dipped back down for 2025. Plus, travel here is now easier than ever; since 1 January 2025, the Paris metro system no longer relies on a complicated zone system with extra fares for the banlieues (suburbs). Today, you can use a single ticket to travel the entire network for up to two hours.

Best time to visit: Paris is a feast for the senses in all seasons. That said, it’s particularly lovely in spring, from April to June, with flowers blooming and longer, sunnier days.

8. Sweden’s west coast

Tourism to Sweden has surged in recent years, driven in part by the rise of the “coolcation” trend where travellers seek out more temperate destinations for their summer getaways. With pristine landscapes, clean air and progressive values, the Nordic nation fits the brief perfectly. Even in the height of summer, temperatures rarely break 20C, making it a compelling alternative to the heat of southern Europe.

Best time to visit: June-August brings long daylight hours, with sunsets at 22:00 and the best weather for coastal adventures.

9. Albania

Albania has long been one of Europe’s most underrated destinations, but that’s changing fast. Thanks to relaxed visa requirements and expanded international flight routes, the country is quickly rising on the travel radar. In 2024, Albania welcomed a record 11.7 million international visitors, a surge driven in part by the global rise in interest in lesser-known Mediterranean escapes – which means that now is prime time to see this beautiful country before it books up.

Best time to visit: The summer months are prime time in Albania – and not yet experiencing the crowds of neighbours like Greece. The warm weather makes for ideal beach, hiking and exploring conditions.