These are Europe’s two most incredible destinations for 2026, according to Expedia

As usual every year, the Expedia Group has released its long-awaited report on growing travel trends and fast-growing destinations for travelers to keep an eye on.

For them Unpacking ’26which used both booking data and thousands of traveler surveys, 2 surprising European destinations came out on top, and before you try to guess, no, it’s not a now widespread Albania, let alone another unusual Greek island mentioned.

Let’s just say that if you’re into beach hopping or fondue with endless views of the Alps, you’ll definitely be in line with the travel experts’ top picks for the coming year:

Savoie, France

Named one of the best European destinations for 2026, France’s mountain-crossed Savoie is a nature lover’s paradise carelessly of season.

We are talking rustic chalet accommodationsdeep valleys flanked by towering snow-capped peaks, crystal clear mountain streams and of course enough creamy Beaufort cheese to keep you fueled between all the hikes.

If you are looking for a base to explore Savoie, the charming Chambéry is the ideal location: strategically located in the heart of the French Alps, at the foot of a medieval castle. fairytale streets in the old townworld-class museums and an abundance of traditional ones harbor where mountain dishes are served.

From Chambéry you are just a short drive from Lake Bourget, a lake bordered by spa hotels and pine forests, picturesque Beaufort, a beautiful village in the Alps famous for its rustic townscape and vastness Parc National de la Vanoise:

Covering a whopping 320 square kilometers, it is dotted with glaciers, picture-postcard lakes and countless hiking trails for those looking for a bit of adventure.

Best time of year to visit Savoie and how to get there

There isn’t really one ‘best period’ to visit Savoiebecause it all depends on your travel preferences and what you hope to experience.

For skiing and winter sports, the resorts are generally open from mid-November to early April. In terms of hiking and outdoor activities, spring and summer are ideal as the snow in the lowlands will have melted and most mountain trails will be accessible.

The easiest way to reach Savoie– if Chambéry is where you are going – fly to Lyon or Geneva, in Switzerland, then transfer by car or train.

From Lyon it’s a short 1.5-hour train ride to Chambéry, while those landing in Switzerland’s westernmost city can take up to 2.5 hours to make the cross-border journey.

Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia is home to Caribbean white-sand beaches with powdered sugar surrounded by turquoise seas, pastel-colored port towns that date back centuries and a rugged hinterland. It’s Expedia’s second top pick for travelers crossing the pond in 2026.

It may not be as popular a summer destination as Amalfi or increasingly trendy Sicily, but Sardinia has plenty of it man-made and natural wonders to keep you busy for days if not to soften at the end.

In the north, the aptly named Costa Smeralda alternates with pristine sandy beaches and natural parks that experience only a small fraction of the hustle and bustle of the Italian mainland. Just off the coast, the islet-studded Maddalena Archipelago is even more peaceful and easily accessible by boat trips.

Elsewhere in Alghero you’ll find a beautiful walled city with strong Catalan influences, while Bosa, along the fast-flowing River Temo, is characterized by its pastel-colored, skinny buildings and the hilltop castle of Malaspina.

In the equally fascinating south of the island lies Cagliari, the compact, deeply historic capital, littered with medieval gems, Roman ruins and the picturesque Poetto Beach.

Just a 50-minute drive from Cagliari, Chia is another must-see destination for beach lovers: more white sand, more blue-green water, plus dunes and natural lagoons. For the culture vultures among us, don’t miss Nora, an ancient Roman archaeological site right on the sea.

Best time of year to visit Sardinia and how to get there

Sardinia is primarily a sunny destination, meaning it’s best to visit between late April, when the rainy season wanes and temperatures start to rise, until mid or even late October.

The busiest months are July and August, but if we’re being completely honest, Sardinia’s tourist hotspots are so spread out. incredibly variedchances are you’ll rarely feel like you’re in the middle of peak season, whether you’re lying on the beach or exploring a mountain village.

The most exciting part is that, from May 20, 2026you will be able to fly nonstop from New York (JFK) to Olbia, the gateway to Costa Smeralda in northern Sardinia.

The flights will operate four times a week and the route will remain active throughout the summer, making Sardinia a convenient alternative sunny getaway for Americans dreaming of Italy.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior head writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60 countries to his name (and is currently weaving stories from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

See also  Why this Latin American country is one of the best beach destinations in the world