Published on October 20, 2025
As travelers activity new, off-the-beaten-path destinations, France and Italy’s hidden gems—Savoie and Sardinia—are quickly emerging arsenic nan must-visit spots for 2026. These lesser-known locales connection a cleanable blend of earthy beauty, taste richness, and outdoor adventure, making them perfect for those looking to flight nan crowds while still enjoying nan champion that Europe has to offer. From nan snow-capped peaks and alpine charm of Savoie successful France to nan pristine beaches and ancient towns of Sardinia successful Italy, these destinations committedness unforgettable experiences for each type of traveler. With increasing accessibility and a unsocial appeal, Savoie and Sardinia are group to predominate nan recreation segment successful 2026. Here’s why these hidden gems are worthy discovering.
Savoie, France: A Picturesque Alpine Escape
The first destination to watch is Savoie, a breathtaking region nestled successful nan French Alps. Known for its untouched earthy beauty, rustic charm, and delectable upland cuisine, Savoie is an perfect spot for quality lovers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for some wintertime sports and summertime hiking adventures.
With its towering upland peaks, clear alpine lakes, and lush valleys, Savoie offers an flight into a world of tranquillity. Chambéry, a charming municipality astatine nan ft of a medieval castle, serves arsenic nan cleanable guidelines to research nan region. The municipality is simply a blend of history, pinch its cobbled streets and ancient architecture, and nature, offering plentifulness of outdoor eating spots that service hearty section dishes.
For nan adventurous traveler, nan Parc National de la Vanoise is simply a must-see. The parkland spans complete 200 quadrate miles and is filled pinch melodramatic glaciers, sparkling lakes, and galore hiking trails. Whether you for illustration a relaxing stroll aliases a challenging trek, this parkland offers nan cleanable equilibrium of rugged beauty and serene solitude.
When to Visit Savoie
Savoie offers year-round appeal. For those who emotion wintertime sports, skiing resorts are unfastened from mid-November to early April. However, for outdoor activities for illustration hiking and cycling, nan outpouring and summertime months are perfect, arsenic nan snowfall recedes and nan trails go accessible.
Traveling to Savoie is easy, pinch Chambéry being a short thrust from some Lyon and Geneva. If you alert into Lyon, you’ll beryllium conscionable 1.5 hours distant by train, while Geneva is astir 2.5 hours away.
Sardinia, Italy: A Coastal Paradise
The 2nd gem connected nan database is Sardinia, an Italian land that offers thing for everyone, from formation lovers to history buffs. Sardinia mightiness not yet bask nan fame of places for illustration Amalfi aliases Sicily, but it offers a unsocial charm pinch its pristine beaches, centuries-old towns, and melodramatic landscapes.
One of Sardinia’s highlights is Costa Smeralda, a coastal area known for its untouched achromatic soil beaches and crystal-clear waters. Maddalena Archipelago, conscionable offshore, is moreover much tranquil and is cleanable for those who want to get distant from nan crowds. Accessible via vessel tours, nan archipelago offers secluded beaches and clear, turquoise seas.
The land besides boasts humanities treasures for illustration Alghero, wherever Catalan power is evident successful nan town’s civilization and architecture. Bosa, a picturesque municipality on nan Temo River, is known for its colorful houses and a castle perched connected a hilltop, offering sweeping views of nan surrounding area. Cagliari, nan superior city, features ancient Roman ruins, medieval structures, and a bustling waterfront, making it a must-visit for history lovers.
For much formation fun, Chia successful nan confederate portion of nan land offers achromatic sands, earthy lagoons, and crystal-clear water, while Nora, an ancient Roman archaeological site, is different basal extremity for those fascinated by history.
Best Time to Visit Sardinia
Sardinia enjoys a Mediterranean climate, pinch long, sunny days from precocious outpouring done autumn. The summertime months of July and August tin get crowded, but Sardinia’s varied scenery intends that you tin ever find a quieter spot. For those looking to debar nan precocious play crowds, precocious outpouring and early autumn are perfect times to visit.
In 2026, Sardinia will go moreover much accessible to U.S. travelers, arsenic a caller nonstop formation from New York (JFK) to Olbia will motorboat connected May 20. This nonstop flight, which will tally 4 times a week, will unfastened up Sardinia arsenic a convenient sunny getaway for Americans looking to research this unsocial Italian island.
Conclusion
Savoie and Sardinia are poised to beryllium among nan apical European destinations for 2026. Whether you’re drawn to nan breathtaking alpine scenery and outdoor escapade of Savoie aliases nan serene beaches and taste riches of Sardinia, some locations connection unforgettable experiences. These destinations supply nan cleanable equilibrium of relaxation, adventure, and earthy beauty, making them must-visit spots for nan twelvemonth ahead.