Kokkari on Samos island, Greece is at the top of Europe’s best hidden gems for 2017, according to Best European Destinations, which was created to promote European destinations.
Samos is described as “an island ruled by legend and beauty. It is the island of the father of mathematics, Pythagoras, the astronomer Aristarchus and the philosopher Epicurus. It is the home of Hera and the land that hosted Herodotus and Aesop. An important center of trade in the Aegean and a major naval force in antiquity, it came into contact with important Mediterranean cultures. Samos is a place of overwhelming vegetation. Everything around the virgin landscape is made of colour and light. Each step one takes is a revelation. Whether in the imposing mountains, such as Mt. Kerkis and Mt. Ambelos – with alpine winter temperatures and endless rain – or in caves and canyons, the environment of Samos reminds one of the Greek hinterland in miniature.”

The complete list of Europe’s best hidden gems for 2017 includes:

1. Kokkari – Samos, Greece

2. Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy

3. Rothenburg, Germany

4. Preko, Croatia

5. Rocamadour, France

6. Bohinj, Slovenia

7. Faial, Azores – Portugal

8. Positano, Italy

9. Menton, France

10. Tellaro, Italy

11. Cavtat, Croatia

12. Santana, Madeira-Portugal

13. Alberobello, Italy