Where to go in 2026: 7 unique destinations for unforgettable adventures
7 cities set to become travel gems in 2026 (photo: Getty Images)
Classic European tourist routes are increasingly losing their appeal due to crowds, high prices, and the sense of a tourist conveyor belt. That is why experienced travelers and travel experts recommend paying attention to cities that have long remained off the mainstream radar.
Metro explains where to plan your vacation now to see true beauty without the queues.
Naples, Italy: city of pizza and energy
Naples long had a reputation as "dirty and dangerous." It was associated with the mafia and a waste management crisis. Today, however, the city is a true cultural explosion. In 2024, it was recognized as the best city in the world for food lovers. Here, every pile of trash is matched by an architectural masterpiece, and the smell of wood-fired pizza makes you forget everything else.
Why visit: experience raw, energetic Italy that doesn’t try to look "polished." This vibrant and elegant city is unlike any other in the country.
Naples (Photo: Wikipedia)
Marseille, France: mix of Berlin and Miami
France’s oldest city, founded by the Greeks 2,600 years ago, is today a melting pot of cultures. Here, Berlin-style creativity meets the rebellious spirit of Athens and the blue waters of Miami.
Why visit: Marseille has always been a port for outsiders. Everyone feels at home here. With over 300 sunny days a year and a young, creative population, it’s the perfect spot for an urban getaway.
Marseille (Photo: Wikipedia)
Algeria: Africa’s "sleeping beauty"
Algeria has finally simplified its complex visa system, opening the world to Roman ruins and surreal landscapes. It is one of the few countries where you can ski in the mountains in the morning and stroll the Sahara Desert at night.
Why visit: The capital, Algiers, features architecture reminiscent of Paris sliding down to the sea. Also worth visiting is Constantine — the "city of bridges," built over a deep gorge. Here, you’re unlikely to encounter tourist crowds.
Algeria (Photo: Wikipedia)
Thessaloniki, Greece: capital of bars and Byzantine secrets
This city is more compact and cozy than Athens. Greeks themselves love it for its incredible gastronomy and nightlife.
Why visit: A driverless metro was recently opened, called a museum on rails, so many ruins were discovered during construction that they were integrated directly into the stations. The city is also known for hosting some of Europe’s best electronic music festivals.
Thessaloniki (Photo: Wikipedia)
Antalya, Türkiye: more than just All Inclusive
Türkiye has already surpassed France in popularity among Europeans. Antalya is the gateway to authentic Turkish culture. Beyond hotels, the city features a well-preserved old town from the Ottoman era and a picturesque old harbor.
Why visit: From here, you can visit Fethiye and the Blue Lagoon in Ölüdeniz — places where turquoise waters meet white sands and green forests.
Antalya (Photo: Wikipedia)
Brać, Croatia: white stone and the perfect beach
Brać is known for its dazzlingly white stone, used to build Diocletian’s Palace (and reportedly even the White House in the U.S.). The island is home to the famous Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) — a pebble beach whose shape changes with the currents.
Why visit: The views from Vidova Gora, the island’s highest point, are worth it. On the way, stop by Plitvice Lakes — 16 crystal-clear lakes connected by a network of waterfalls.
Brać (Photo: Wikipedia)
Bari, Italy: underrated Adriatic gem
Bari often remains in the shadow of Venice or Milan, but that is a huge mistake. The capital of the Apulia region captivates with medieval castles and the atmosphere of real Italy.
Why visit: Stroll along the lungomare (seafront) and be sure to visit nearby Brindisi. It’s pure Italian charm and a gateway to the Balkans and Greece via ferry connections.
Bari (Photo: Wikipedia)
You might be interested in:
