European Best Destinations has just published one of the most anticipated lists of the year: the best secret destinations in Europe in 2022 , a ranking that includes hidden corners away from the crowds, beautiful little villages lost in the middle of nowhere, natural jewels that can only be reached by walking a little more...
At Condé Nast Traveler we couldn't be more proud to be the first european medium in presenting you this prestigious ranking!
This year the title of Europe's Best Secret Destination 2022 has been for Batumi (Georgia) , a port city located on the shores of the Black Sea – in 2021 the ranking was led by Menton (France) , in 2020 by Bohinj (Slovenia) and in 2019 Setenil de las Bodegas (Spain)–.
Batumi, Europe's best secret destination in 2022.
Also, Spain has a lot to celebrate , since there are five national destinations in the list of the 22 best secret destinations in Europe: Torrevieja (Alicante), Calella De Palafrugell (Girona), Moraira (Alicante), Zahara Sierra (Cadiz) and Hondarribia (Gipuzkoa).
METHODOLOGY
Hidden enclaves in the middle of nature, islands where you can feel in absolute freedom, towns whose beauty invites you to stop time, medieval towns to travel back in time... To make this incredible list, European Best Destinations made a previous selection of two destinations in the smallest European countries and five in the largest (such as France, Spain or Germany).
So they introduced 110 preselected destinations to a panel of 14,821 travellers, who, through their votes (3 destinations per person), chose the 22 best secret destinations in Europe.
France, Spain and Italy They were the countries that received the most votes and that placed the most destinations on the list –seven, five and four respectively–.
Views from the botanical garden (Batumi).
BATUMI, THE BEST SECRET DESTINATION IN EUROPE
The city of Batumi, capital of the Georgian Autonomous Republic of Adjara, it is the best secret destination in Europe in 2022 according to European Best Destinations.
Located in the eastern Black Sea Coast, close to the border with Turkey, Batumi is port, railway and seaside city as well as an important commercial and military point.
Although few tourists know it, this city is the pride of its inhabitants, always delighted and willing to show the attractions of Batumi: its history, its gastronomy, its beaches, its surroundings...
Aerial view of Batumi.
in Batumi, modern architecture mixes with soviet and the coastal area contrasts with the historic center, the Orta Djame mosque and the church of San Nicolás.
It also stands out in Heroes Square the steel sculpture Ali and Nino , by the Georgian artist Tamar Kvesitadze , depicting two characters from a Kurban Said book. The work is 8 meters high and weighs 7 tons and in the afternoon, his figures interact in intervals of 8 to 10 minutes approaching little by little until merged into one piece.
The sculpture of 'Ali and Nino', in Batumi (Georgia)
Other essential places on a getaway to Batumi are the Piazza, the statue of a boy with a flute (symbol of the city), the Batumi Boulevard (a long promenade full of restaurants, cafes, fountains, monuments and attractions for children), the Batumi Archaeological Museum...
When it comes to eating and drinking, Batumi surprises with typical dishes such as the Ayario Khachapuri, the Badrijanis, the Khinkali or the Chikirtma. Oh, and you can't leave Batumi without tasting and toasting with a good Georgian wine.
Ferris wheel on the waterfront of Batumi.
THE BEST SECRET DESTINATIONS IN EUROPE IN 2022
Batumi (Georgia) occupies the first position in the ranking with 2,425 votes, followed by Torrevieja (Spain) with 2,037 votes.
In third and fourth place we find two Italian destinations: Pietrapertosa (Basilicata) and Rio Marina (Elba Island).
Completing the top 10: Veli Losinj (Croatia), Calella de Palafrugell (Spain), Bauduen (France), Moraira (Spain), Thun (Switzerland) and Port Grimaud (France).
The pink lagoon of Torrevieja: 'pink power'.
Two Portuguese destinations –Ilha do Farol (Algarve) and the seaside town of Sesimbra– and two croats –Veli Losinj and Trogir– they sneak into the list while Switzerland and Germany place a destination each: Thun (Canton of Bern, Switzerland) and Quedlinburg (Saxony Anhalt, Germany).
Along with Spain, France and Italy are also the big winners. The seven French jewels included in the ranking are: Bauden, Port Grimaud, Saint Margaret Island, St. Jean Cap Ferrat, Theoule-Sur-Mer and Moustiers-Sainte-Maire.
The Italian destinations that we are looking forward to discovering and that are on this year's list are: Pietrapertosa, Rio Marina, Sant'Angelo and Savona.