Venice now charges day trippers, and Dubrovnik limits the number of visitors.
Cities, normally top draws for travelers, are pushing back against tourism, with locals setting up boundaries and scrawling slogans like “go home.”
If the problem of tourism dollars not benefiting the locals anymore is a turn-off, consider visiting Europe’s less crowded places.
You can rest assured that not being given a warm welcome, steep prices, being unable to find a place to stay, and receiving subpar service because of the full capacity won’t apply to you.
France: The world’s most visited nation still holds many hidden treasures
Despite France advising tourists to avoid its top 20% of destinations, there are still 80% of attractions waiting to be discovered. The globe’s most frequented country holds a multitude of off-the-beaten-path treasures largely untouched by tourists.
One effortless way to discover off the beaten path destinations is to embark on a road trip through rural France and set satellite navigation systems to bypass toll roads. The countryside in France is breathtaking – take in views of charming villages, halt for a hearty meal, taste local olive oil, and celebrate a memorable getaway.
Those dreaming of the beach can head to the West Coast, where waves of the Atlantic Ocean batter long expanses of sand. The towns of Biarritz, Arcachon, and La Rochelle offer a sophisticated form of French metropolitan culture.
Lovely villages with cobbled streets and whitewashed houses in the Spanish countryside or the northern corners of Asturias. White peak in the Pyrenees, the Cantabrian Mountains, or the Sierra Tejeda mountains in the province of Granada. Cathedrals, artistic treasures in Mad Jadore Collectacaora municipality, desertified plains, and themed facilities among underwater. Nonetheless, we know Spain for beaches and popular destinations.
According to recent research by Google and Deloitte, Spain is expected to surpass France as Europe’s most visited country by 2040.
There’s ample opportunity to experience all that Spain has to offer before then. A vibrant and colourful country with a palpable energy and passion coursing through its culture
With its historic cities, rugged mountain ranges, and a dramatic Atlantic coastline, Spain offers an exciting invitation to further exploration.
Albania: A destination for true adventurers in unexplored regions of untouched nature
and undeveloped attractions.
Albania offers a haven for authentic adventure. Its well-known attractions include the Blue Eye, Ottoman towns, and beaches that compare favorably to those found in the Caribbean, but the country’s true charm lies in its concealed gorges, expansive lakes, and rugged mountains that are not easily accessible.
You shouldn’t expect the cultural vibe of France or the well-developed tourist infrastructure of Spain. Albania is still adjusting to the surge in popularity and excitement that it’s seeing now.
Italy: Explore Hidden Gems in These Off-the-Radar Cities
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A Tuscan road trip provides travellers with a welcome escape from crowds and showcases the region’s renowned landscapes and picturesque hill towns. To experience the authentic, rural charm of the area, consider staying at “agriturismos,” or agricultural tourism facilities, as opposed to hotels. A number of operating Italian farms, similar to bed-and-breakfasts, offer guests comfortable accommodations and hearty home-cooked meals.
Head south to discover the “true” Italy, where mass tourism crowds compromise the region’s culture and beauty. The picturesque coastal towns of Puglia, Sicily’s ancient archaeological sites, and Calabria’s pristine beaches rival some of the most renowned northern Italian destinations.
The Netherlands: Gaze upon picturesque tulip fields and serene canals on a delightful train journey
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Intimate, pedestrian-friendly cities and an unexpectedly breathtaking landscape featuring canals, windmills, and approximately 24,685 hectares of picturesque tulip fields.
Excellent trains make the Netherlands easily navigable, and no place is farther than three hours from Amsterdam by train. Cities like Rotterdam and Groningen can be reached easily.
Portugal: Discover a wealth of history and cultural heritage
Porto and Lisbon offer culture, history, and attractions that are on par with those of their more renowned neighbours.
Because only 200 miles separates the cities, tourists can easily explore Portugal’s historic sites, vineyards, and Atlantic coast, switching between one city for the other, ensuring a seamless experience without excessive time spent traveling.
Discover the majestic coastline of Nazaré, known for its powerful ocean waves, and experience the historical richness of Portugal at UNESCO-listed sites such as the Monastery of Batalha, where strong emotions of devotion abound, and Fátima, a place where faith is palpable. Between urban stops, head to the picturesque vineyards of Torres Vedras, situated just north of Lisbon.
Slovenia: Discover subterranean cavities and authentic natural attractions
The culture is influenced by Croatia, Italy, Austria, and Hungary.
While the Julian Alps loom large in the north, Triglav National Park stands out. Peak Mount Triglav, pristine Lake Bled, and Lake Bohinj offer a wealth of adventure and outdoor activities amidst a rich variety of flora and fauna.
The mountains transition into the Karst region of the south. Underground rivers and vast UNESCO cave systems attract visitors on day excursions from the Adriatic coast, which has a distinctly Venetian atmosphere.
Germany: Discover hidden gems on a scenic drive or by using public transportation
While popular German attractions like Munich’s Oktoberfest and Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt attract a massive crowd, Germany’s lesser-known towns are proving to be abundant in exquisite architecture and sophisticated culture.
Roads and public transportation systems to get visitors off the beaten path to discover even more of the country.
Select from themes such as castles, fairy tales, half-timbered houses, wine, or even asparagus. The two most renowned routes are the Romantic Road, a charming journey through some of southern Germany’s most picturesque towns, and the German Alpine Road, an exciting drive through the mountains of Bavaria.
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boasts the perfect refuge with its vast unspoiled landscapes and rich Viking heritage.
The Western Fjords offer breathtaking scenery and thrilling outdoor activities like swimming, ziplining, and hiking. Although one often sees images of crowded areas like Trolltunga and Preikestollen on Instagram, venture a bit further to discover remarkable, lesser-known trails with fewer crowds.
Further north, the Coastal Route (Kystriksveien) is ideal for a road trip. The road twists and turns along the edge of coastal islands and inlets towards the breathtaking Lofoten Islands and the Arctic Circle.
Contrary to the headlines, much of Europe still offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere for tourists, although some research may be needed to find the most receptive destinations.
This article was produced by Media Decision and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.