A city practically unknown outside the Czech Republic has topped a list of Europe’s 50 best “secret spot” locations.

Contrasted with the tourist hotspots of Prague and Cesky Krumlov, the city of Olomouc (olla-moats) is “emerging as the travellers’ equivalent of a special restaurant that is your own little secret”, according to publishers Lonely Planet.

While none of Malta’s lesser-known attractions made the list of “undiscovered and overlooked” destinations, Italy had five locations included, two in the top 10: Il Frantoio restaurant and inn in southeastern Ostuni came sixth – largely due to its spectacular, locally-produced food – closely followed by Rome’s Lazio region at number eight.

The e-book advises: “When Rome starts to feel like the Eternal City for all the wrong reasons, head into the Lazio country.”

Nocelle on the Amalfi Coast ­– “a sleepy, silent place where not much ever happens” – came in at a respectable 21st while in 37th place was the Sybillini Mountains, described as epitomising “the best of Italy’s secret countryside, combining great local food and jaw-dropping scenery”.

Italy’s final hidden gem is unexpected: surely everyone knows about Venice? But wait: it’s a specific part of La Serenissima, which probably won’t stay secret much longer.

The guide says: “In the Sala del Consiglio dei Dieci… head through the Palazzo Ducale’s hidden passageway, which is disguised as a filing cabinet. Suddenly you’re in the cramped, unadorned Council of 10 Secret Headquarters.”

Secret Europe can be downloaded as a free e-book from http://www.lonelyplanet.com/secret-europe.

Europe’s top 10 secret spots ...

1. Olomouc, Czech Republic
2. Cabo de Gata, Spain
3. Kazimierz, Kraków, Poland
4. Bozcaada, Turkey
5. Cromane Peninsula, Ireland
6. Il Frantoio farmhouse, Ostuni, Italy
7. Dihovo, Macedonia
8. Lazio, Italy
9. Sammlung Boros, Berlin, Germany
10. Burg Satzvey castle, Mechernich, Germany