"There are incredible destinations in Europe known worldwide" such as Amsterdam, London, or Paris, but "Europe also has thousands of hidden treasures," the EBD says on its website.
Among them is Hvar, "one of the favourite destinations" on the Dalmatian riviera, "a unique fusion of luxurious Mediterranean nature, rich cultural and historical heritage, and mundane, tourist present... facing the southern, side of the world that has given it all Mediterranean attraction and cheerfulness... Hvar is an inexhaustible treasury of the scenery, atmosphere and adventure."
Among the other 12 best hidden gems are Piran in Slovenia, Portofino and Burano in Italy, Coimbra in Portugal, Mellieha in Malta, Tenby in Wales, Dinant in Belgium, and Sveti Stefan in Montenegro.
The EBD, based in Brussels, was founded in 2009 to promote European destinations, tourism and culture. It covers more than 355 destinations in Europe.