An underrated European village has been featured in European Best Destinations’ 2026 list. The village is renowned for its beaches, old stone houses and winemaking tradition but remains a hidden gem.

Alaçatı is located on Turkey’s Çeşme Peninsula and comes in at seventh place on the 2026 list of Europe’s best destinations. While not typically known as a British tourist hotspot, Alaçatı has become one of the Mediterranean’s most desirable coastal getaways over the past few years. The pretty little village offers tourists sun, beach clubs and traditional Turkish cuisine.

European Best Destinations notes that Alaçatı’s gastronomy plays a significant role in earning its spot in seventh place.

They write: “The food scene is exceptional: fresh seafood, olive-oil dishes, wild herbs and modern twists on Turkish coastal cuisine. Cafés, wine bars and concept shops turn every walk into a small discovery.”

The village is also home to Michelin Star restaurant, Sota Alaçatı. The establishment is renowned for its seafood and mediterranean cuisine, particularly its oysters, lobsters, mussels.

Alaçatı also offers a variety of activities that visitors can take part in. Strolls through the Old Town are recommended by previous visitors and, for those looking for a more active trip, with the beach nearby, surfing, windsurfing & kitesurfing are all within reach.

Tourists can also visit the local beach and pool clubs as well as hire rental boats.

European Best Destinations explains that “Alaçatı is also a global windsurf hub, attracting sport lovers while remaining relaxed enough for families and couples seeking calm.”

However, Alaçatı is also renowned for its nightlife. The local venues often host renowned DJs and offer a mix of local and international music.

Top-rated spots on Google reviews include Ortak Alaçatı, Sir Winston Pub Alaçatı and Efendiler Kulübü Alaçatı.

One five-star TripAdvisor reviewer writes: “Alaçatı town [and] Cesme town are the latest, hippest travel destinations at the west coast of Turkey. With stone houses and great restaurants […] you can enjoy the holiday in Turkey.

“Beaches are like [the] Maldives with turquoise sea and white sand. You have to [visit these towns] when you are in Turkey.”

European Best Destinations concludes that with its “[w]arm, charming and beautifully Mediterranean [feel], Alaçatı is one of 2026’s most irresistible summer escapes.”

The European Best Destinations list for 2026 can be found below.

1. Madrid, Spain
2. Nicosia, Cyprus
3. Stajerska Region, Slovenia
4. Verona, Italy
5. Paris, France
6. Camara de Lobos, Madeira, Portugal
7. Alaçati, Turkey
8. Burano, Italy
9. Lisbon, Portugal
10. Almeria, Andalusia