A BEAUTIFUL city in Germany has been named one of the best hidden gems in Europe.
European Best Destinations has announced its list of ‘Best Treasure Destinations in Europe 2026’, naming any that have ‘rare beauty, timeless charm and extraordinary places still preserved from mass tourism’.
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Tübingen has been named one of the ‘Best Treasure Destinations in Europe’Credit: AlamyOn Neckar River, locals and tourists can go on punting toursCredit: Alamy
At the very top of its list is Tübingen in Germany.
The publication called the city an “amazingtreasure destination in Europe“.
It added that it’s “a traditional university town; about one in three people living there is a student.
“From its historical sites to its beautiful green spaces, there are so many unique things to do in Tübingen.“
The city in southwest Germany has a very pretty Old Town, translated to Altstadt.
Tübingen is considered ‘untouched’ as unlike other German cities as it avoided being bombed in World War Two.
So it still has it’s pastel-coloured 15th-century half-timbered houses and cobblestone roads filled with independent and boutique shops, pubs, cafés, and restaurants.
One visitor said: “We went there in the middle of summer and the view was really beautiful. Between the alleys, typically German, colorful houses and flower railings.”
Tübingen has pretty colourful houses by the waterfrontCredit: Alamy
Another said the Old Town is “definitely the most beautiful place in the city. The square is plenty of restaurants and terrasses. It’s a good place to drink something and enjoy the atmosphere, especially in summer.”
One of the most famous sites in the city is the Hölderlin Tower, the former home of the poet Friedrich Hölderlin.
The tower was built in the late 18th century and sits on the Neckar River.
It’s now a museum with a permanent exhibition dedicated to Friedrich Hölderlin during the time that he lived in the tower.
Another popular activity is getting on Neckar River for Oxford-style punting.
Public punting along the Neckar River runs seasonally from May to September.
Hölderlin Tower is the former residence of the poet Friedrich HölderlinCredit: Alamy
One of the tour operators offers sessions from €70 (£60.54) per hour – this price is for a whole boat seating up to 16 people.
There are different tours available, some along the riverfront, others head to Neckar Island and sunset tours during the evening.
There are some food specialities to enjoy while visiting Tübingen including Maultaschen – pasta filled with minced meat, spinach, bread crumbs and onions.
There’s also Käsespätzle which are cheese noodles, the region is also known for its wines like Trollinger and Lemberger.
For Brits, the easiest way to get to Tübingen is to fly to Stuttgart, and then drive 40-minutes south of the airport.
JUST a few hours from the UK is a vibrant Spanish city that holds an uncanny resemblance to Cuba’s Havana.
Cadiz, that sits on the coast of southern Spain, is the perfect mix of city by sea, not to mention it’s seeing soaring temperatures this week.
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The city of Cadiz is called the ‘Cuba of Europe’Credit: AlamyIt’s been compared to Havana in Cuba with colourful buildings and narrow streetsCredit: Alamy
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Cadiz is nicknamed the “Cuba of Europe” thanks to its tall, colourful architecture and narrow cobbled streets.
It has a vibrant carnival culture too, holding one of Spain’s ‘most vibrant’ festivals with street parties, music, and elaborate costumes.
Meanwhile, Havana annually holds the second largest carnival in Cuba.
Cadiz has its sea-facing promenade Campo del Sur, and Cuba has El Malecón – both have similar looks with pastel-coloured buildings and of course sit by the ocean.
For Brits, Cadiz is much easier to explore with it being in Spain and as little as two and a half hours way rather than as many as 16 hours to Havana.
The city in Spain gets weather too – this week, it’s seeing highs of 25C.
In peak summer months, Cadiz gets average highs of 28C and usually no rain.
When it comes to dining out Cadiz is a great spot as it’s pretty cheap – you can get a beer from €3 (£2.61), coffee from €2.17 (£1.89) and a meal at an inexpensive restaurant from €14.50 (£12.61), according to numbeo.
A few years ago, Cadiz was named one of the cheapest places in Spain for a city break.
And when one Travel Writer visited, she hopped on public transport for as little as €1 (87p) and picked up bottles of wine for less than €4 (£3.48) at the supermarket.
As for the city’s food scene, visitors will often find restaurants serving traditional Andalusian tapas like tortillitas de camarones – crispy fritters made with tiny local shrimp.
Or if you fancy living like the locals do, head to Mercado Central de Abastos which is Spain‘s oldest covered market where you’ll find lots of fresh food.
It said: “Cádiz’s Carnaval is Spain’s biggest annual party, bringing extravagantly costumed revelers to its streets for 10 days of parades, fireworks, singing and dancing in February or March, to the accompaniment of more than 300 local murgas (bands).
“Pack a costume and book your accommodations months in advance or commute from nearby El Puerto de Santa María.”
Cadiz is just a few hours from the UK with highs of 25C this weekCredit: Alamy
For more on Spain – here are some of our favourite holiday spots…
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Hotel Best Punta Dorada, Salou
The Spanish resort is a popular destination near PortAventura World, a theme park with over 40 attractions and huge rollercoasters. It’s also close to sandy beaches like Platja de Llevant, and the scenic Camí de Ronda coastal walk.The hotel itself has an outdoor swimming pool to enjoy, as well as two bars along with evening entertainment and shows.
With its palm tree-lined pool and Mediterranean backdrop, it’s a miracle this Majorca resort is so affordable. Expect a classic family holiday feel – where days revolve around soaking up the Spanish sunshine, chilling by the spacious pool and sipping on frozen cocktails. Set away from the busier resorts, it’s a good option if you’re after a more out-of-the-way escape.
The Magic Aqua Rock Gardens Hotel is African-themed and less than a mile from the beach. It has two outdoor pools, including a children’s freshwater pool with a waterfall and a tipping water bucket for the little ones. There’s also an aquapark with slides, and a kids club for both younger children and teens.
For a calmer side of Ibiza, this hillside resort has two pools, a kids’ splash zone, and an all-inclusive buffet with a poolside bar. It’s a 10-minute walk from Cala Llonga’s shallow turquoise bay, offering a scenic, family-friendly base away from the island’s main party zone.
You can pick up cheap beer and wine in CadizCredit: Alamy
When it comes to what to see, Travel Reporter Jenna Stevens who recently visited the city, gives her verdict.
She said: “In Spain’s quieter Costa de la Luz, sunny Cadiz is where the locals like to holiday – and has even been compared to the likes of Cuba.
“The southern Spanish city has the best of Andalusian culture, with charming narrow streets overlooked by the impressive 18th century Cádiz Cathedral.
“The cathedral itself is well worth a visit, with an £7 ticket granting you access inside, as well as the top of the tower, the crypts and exhibitions.
“Plus this area comes alive in the evenings, with a vintage carousel in the same plaza and buskers playing the guitar.
“When you’re not strolling the narrow streets lined with tapas bars and cafes, you must make sure to tick off the beaches in Cadiz.
“Playa la Caleta is a small stretch of sand that sits between two castles (and was used to filmthat Halle Berry moment in James Bond) whilst Playa Victoria has white sand and a lengthy promenade to stroll.”
For those who want to organise a getaway to Cadiz you can get flights from £38 departing from London Stansted in May with Jet2.
The cost is slightly more expensive it you want to go immediately with one-way flights this week starting from £54 from Birmingham (involving a long stop-over in Majorca).
You can’t fly directly to Cadiz, but the nearest airport, Jerez, is just a 35-minute drive away.
