Latest news with #HomeToGo
Condé Nast Traveler
8 hours ago
- Condé Nast Traveler
This Portuguese Town Has Been Ranked as Europe's Best Hidden Gem for a 2025 Summer Vacation
From the hustle and bustle of pursuing the best things to do in Barcelona, to the climb (and climb, and climb) towards one of the best restaurants in Lisbon, there's much to be said for the restorative power of a sun-soaked European adventure. However, as much as the big-hitters will forever draw us back with their buzzy new openings, sometimes it pays to go off-grid. Property rental platform HomeToGo have devised a methodology to uncover a handful of destinations that offer scenic views, fascinating attractions, fabulous food, and more—without the crowds. HomeToGo, which, at the time of writing, has almost 7.5 million holiday homes available from more than 19,500 partners, has rummaged through its locations for 2025's best hidden gems, many of which make for fabulously affordable alternatives to larger cities. None of the top 50 destinations appear on the list of the top 5,000 most-searched destinations across HomeToGo's European domains for holiday accommodation stays during summer 2025, meaning there are plenty of sleek addresses waiting to be snapped up. To crunch the numbers, the team assigned each destination a score for the following categories: heat score, under-the-radar score, scenic setting score, rising star score, wander score, gastronomy score, and accommodation score. More details on HomeToGo's methodology can be found here. Destinations range from wild corners of Wales in the UK to charming French communes and Greek cities we'd never previously considered making a beeline for. If you require some alternative summer inspiration, these are the best hidden gems in Europe ripe for an escape in the coming months. A version of this article originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveller UK. Getty Images 10. Beaumaris, Wales, UK While the charming town of Beaumaris, found on the Welsh island of Anglesey, ranks low on the heat score, it's one of the best-performers for the scenic setting score. Anyone who's experienced the lush, sweeping landscapes and dazzling beaches nearby will attest to this being one of Europe's best hidden gems. 9. Labeaume, France You'll find the intriguing commune of Labeaume between the Beaume gorges in southern Ardèche. Ancient homes give way to medieval castles via mysterious caves, with panoramic views awaiting atop valley peaks. It has the second-best accommodation cost score, with the median nightly price per person for a holiday home just £32 (about $43).
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
‘Best hidden gem' is underrated city with 'most beautiful castle' and huge lake
Tomar, a Portuguese town of 20,000 that sits slap in the middle of the country, may not deliver the simple seaside charm of some of the country's better-known holiday hotspots, but has plenty else to offer The data has been scraped, the numbers have been crunched, and the results are in. Tomar in Portugal has been named Europe's best-kept secret, and therefore the perfect place for an off-the-beaten-track holiday. If you're keen to ditch the tourist traps, then HomeToGo's Hidden Gem Index is a good guide. Its ranking is based on a mountain of data including accommodation cost statistics, search trends, and insights about food, scenery, and opportunities for adventure. Its off-the-beaten-path treasures include sun-soaked coastlines and breathtaking landscapes. That is certainly the case for Tomar, a Portuguese town of 20,000 that sits slap in the middle of the country. It may not deliver the simple seaside charm of some of the country's better-known holiday hotspots, such as those in the Algarve, but it has plenty else to offer. For one, it is a town of significant historical importance, replete with all of the architectural treasures and cobblestones you'd therefore expect. Tomar was built inside the walls of the Convento de Cristo, constructed under the orders of Gualdim de Pais, the fourth Grand Master of the Knights Templar in Portugal in the late 12th century. It was the last Templar town to be commissioned for construction and one of Portugal's historical jewels in the way it links the modern day back to a now ancient-feeling part of European culture. Its relevance on an international level continued until the 15th century when it served as a centre of Portuguese global expansion under Henry the Navigator. The riches that brought at that time are still visible today, especially in Tomar's cross-shaped medieval centre. There you will find the town's main church, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, and traditional shops lined with pleasant stores. In Tomar's cafés, the delights of the local pastries can be appreciated: almond and squash queijadas (cheesecakes) and the traditional Fatias de Tomar (Tomar slices), made with just egg yolks and cooked in a bain-marie. Flame fans will want to visit the Convent of São Francisco, which is home to Museu dos Fósforos or the Match Museum. Given that Portugal regularly hits the mid-30s during the summer months and is currently suffering from wildfires, a location to cool off is key. Happily, Tomar has the Castelo de Bode, one of the largest reservoirs in the country. There you can go on a pleasant cruise with lunch on board, or choose from a wide range of water sports, as well as visit the islet on the River Tagus where Almourol Castle is located, or the riverside town of Dornes. A break from the cultural beat can be found at Mouchão Park, home of the Mouchão Wheel. The wooden water wheel is a landmark of the city and evokes the time when mills, oil presses, and farmland along the river all contributed to Tomar's economic prosperity. "The Castle of Almourol is regarded as Portugal's most beautiful castle. Situated on a small cliffy island in the middle of the Tagus River, Almourol Castle is one of the most significant military Medieval monuments, which best evokes the memory of the Knights Templar in Portugal," the Visit Centre of Portugal writes. "Situated on the left bank of Tagus River, the Natural Reserve of Paul do Boquilobo follows a section of Almonda River born in the Mountain of Serra de Aire e Candeeiros that flows to the right bank of Tagus." Tomar is roughly a two-hour drive north of Lisbon, or a one hour train ride which costs £10. EasyJet, Tap Air Portugal, British Airways and Ryanair flies directly from London to Lisbon. There are 23 Ryanair direct flights from London to Lisbon per week. Flights are available every day.
North Wales Live
4 days ago
- North Wales Live
Anglesey town named one of the best 'under-the-radar' destinations in Europe
The European Hidden Gem Index has been released - showing the 50 best 'under-the-radar' places to visit in 2025. It showcases the places that - while not unknown - they believe deserve to be put on the itinerary of more global travellers. The good news for North Wales is that the only UK location in the top ten is on Anglesey. It might be a stretch to call Beaumaris a 'hidden gem' but the researchers at HomeToGo think even more people need to know about the place. It has been around for a long time with a settlement here dating back many centuries and originally known as Porth y Wygyr ("Port of the Vikings"). In the 13th century the locals were cleared as Edward I commissioned the construction of Beaumaris Castle in 1295. It is known as the "greatest castle never built" because it was never fully completed despite its ambitious design and scale. Some 700 years later - despite not being completed - it remains the dominant feature of the town but certainly not the only attraction. History lovers can also take in the Beaumaris Gaol and Courthouse. while on the seafront there is the Victorian pier, with boat trips on offer. There's also a good selection of quality spots to eat and drink, and quaint shopping streets. Perhaps though the most impressive thing is the view across the Menai Strait - with the village green and seafront the perfect place to take in the rugged beauty of the mountains of Eryri. The researchers said: "Using exclusive search trend and holiday home pricing data, alongside insights as to summer weather, walking routes, food and drink, and details about each spot's surroundings, HomeToGo has revealed and ranked the 50 most picturesque and well-appointed hidden gem destinations across Europe. "Featuring 20 countries, the index provides fresh inspiration for travels across the continent, from Norwegian villages to the islands of Greece and beyond. Four locations in the UK made it onto the list, with Beaumaris on the I Anglesey in Wales ranking in 10th place, followed by three Cornish places: Sennen in 12th place, the Isles of Scilly in 26th, and Mousehole in 41st."
Time Out
5 days ago
- Time Out
The little-known Portuguese city named Europe's best ‘hidden gem' for a summer holiday
You know those lesser-known destinations that get largely overlooked by the travel industry but offer just as many outstanding restaurants, pretty views and top-tier vibes as their more famous neighbours, just without all the crowds? Yes, we're talking about 'hidden gems'. It's arguably the most overused phrase in travel writing, but the truth is that Europe is full of drop-dead gorgeous spots that haven't (yet) gone viral on TikTok or been blighted by overtourism. Handily, HomeToGo has designed a European Hidden Gem Index based on data on search trends and holiday home pricing, as well as the quality of the views, the food, and the weather. After crunching all that data, they produced a roundup of the 10 with the highest overall score. Topping their list is Tomar, a lovely Portuguese city in the Ribatejo province, which was founded way back in 1160 and has the historical sights and old-fashioned charm to prove it. Tomar gained a gastronomy score of 8.77, an accommodation cost score of 9.13 (based on the median nightly price per person for a holiday home) and and an under-the-radar score of 9.43, which all contributed to its solid 61.64 total overall. In second place was Brisighella in Italy, scoring 59.12 overall, and in third it was Nafplio in Greece closely behind with 57.82. Read on for the full top 10! These are the top 10 'hidden gems' in Europe for 2025 Tomar, Portugal Brisighella, Italy Nafplio, Greece Puy-l'Évêque, France Bremm, Germany Beynac-et-Cazenac, France Valdoviño, Spain Sibiu, Romania Labeaume, France Beaumaris, Wales, UK Did you see that Europe's best wine destinations in 2025 have been ranked?
Forbes
17-06-2025
- Forbes
HomeToGo Ranks The Top Dog-Friendly Shoreside Escapes
Dog owners can discover many pet-friendly beaches. getty As beach breaks and waterfront retreats remain at the forefront of U.S. summer travel plans, and dog-friendly vacations continue to see strong demand, the vacation rental marketplace HomeToGo has announced its 2025 Best in Shore Report. The report ranks the top 45 dog-friendly shoreside spots in the United States, from Florida's sun-drenched beaches to California's spacious waterfront parks, according to the affordability of nearby accommodations, hidden gem appeal and visitor satisfaction. About 19% of American will go on vacations with their pets. getty 'At HomeToGo, we see that travel with canine companions is a top priority for a notable portion of vacationers across the United States,' explains said Eleanor Moody, HomeToGo travel expert and spokesperson. 'HomeToGo's pet-friendly filter is consistently one of the most popular when it comes to vacation home amenities, even more frequently selected in 2025 so far than filters for features such as Wi-Fi, air conditioning and hot tubs. Understanding that pets can be important members of a travel group, we've created HomeToGo's Best in Shore Report to make it easier for pup parents to pinpoint the places to which they can take the whole family, including four-legged friends.' According to HomeToGo's 2025 Summer Travel Survey, 19% of American travelers will go on vacations with their pets this year. When examining this trend through a generational lens, 23% of Gen Z plan to travel with a pet, closely followed by 22% of Millennials and 21% of Baby Boomers. Additionally, families with children are more likely to bring furry friends along for the adventure. HomeToGo's survey found that 33% of vacationers with at least one child plan to travel with a pet, compared to just 9% of those without kids.' Oregon, North Carolina and California are popular dog-friendly states. getty About 28% of vacation homes in the United States overall welcome pets. This figure is even higher in traditionally popular destinations, with states such as Oregon, North Carolina and California boasting larger percentages of pet-friendly rentals than the national average (40%, 35% and 32%, respectively). While finding a pet-friendly vacation rental may take a little more time, it is far from impossible, and there are quick and simple ways in which to surface more options and expedite the vacation planning process. For example, using amenity filters and AI travel planners can be helpful. For vacation home stays in summer 2025, HomeToGo's pet-friendly filter is the second most frequently selected, behind only the pool filter, and 14% of conversations carried out via HomeToGo's AI Mode mention rentals in which dogs are allowed. The main beach offers plenty of space and stunning views. Getty Images, HomeToGo Backed by the cliffs of Yaquina Head and known for its open layout, Agate Beach gives leashed dogs room to roam without the usual beach-day bustle. With long stretches of firm sand, wide horizons and bracing ocean air, the main beach offers plenty of space and stunning views. Known for its abundance of agates found along the Pacific Ocean beach between Newport and Yaquina Head, Agate Beach is a popular spot for agate hunting, as well as other activities like clamming, surfing and wildlife viewing. The Agate Beach State Recreation Site offers amenities such as restrooms, beach access and is a day-use park open year-round. It's a stress-free favorite for pets and people alike. Getty Images, HomeToGo Point Isabel isn't about sandy lounging — it's characterized by off-leash freedom, shoreline trails and plenty of adventure. With water access points, a dog-washing station, an on-site café and sweeping San Francisco Bay views, it's a stress-free favorite for pets and people alike. It is a multi-use park for joggers, windsurfers, kayakers, photographers, picnickers and – of course — people walking dogs. Kahala Beach is known for its tranquil atmosphere and calm waters. Getty Images, HomeToGo Just a short distance from Waikiki, Kāhala Beach offers golden sand, gentle surf and shady palms perfect for peaceful, on-leash strolls. It is a calm, easygoing spot where vacationers alike can soak up the low-key side of island life. Kahala Beach is known for its upscale, tranquil atmosphere, calm waters and soft sand, making it a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing and relaxation. It's a more peaceful alternative to nearby Waikiki. Florida beaches are known for their spectacular sunsets. getty Canova Dog Beach proves that good things come in well-marked sections, with leashed dogs welcome to splash and dash along the Atlantic. Rinse stations, pet waste bins and shady picnic tables make it easy to stay and enjoy the sunshine. It is part of Canova Beach Park and offers a nice space for dogs to play and exercise while their owners enjoy the beach. Dog lovers enjoy a beach walk at sunset. getty Rialto Beach is bold and unforgettable, with sea stacks rising from the surf and driftwood piled like sculptures. Dogs on leashes are welcome along the first 0.8 miles to Ellen Creek, offering a rugged, dramatic stretch for coastal wanderers. It's known for its rugged beauty, including sea stacks. HomeToGo offers beach houses for all tastes. getty From vacation homes, cabins, beach houses, apartments, condos, house boats, castles, farm stays and everything in between, HomeToGo combines price, destination, dates and amenities to find the perfect accommodations for any trip worldwide. Founded in 2014, HomeToGo operates localized apps & websites in more than 30 countries across Europe, North America, South America, Australia and Asia-Pacific.
