These six wonderful European cities offer tourists pleasant prices and a lack of crowds.
Popular tourist destinations like Barcelona or Venice have been struggling with the consequences of overtourism for years, imposing new restrictions and taxes on visitors.
However, this does not stop many tourists from flocking there en masse, especially during peak season. Other travelers, tired of the crowds on the streets and the long lines everywhere, are looking for alternative vacation options.
Meanwhile, the publication Euronews Travel named wonderful cities that can replace the most” hot ” points in Europe, without losing the quality of rest.
1. Girona instead of Barcelona
This ancient Spanish city, located just an hour’s drive from Barcelona, has become an excellent alternative to its popular neighbor in recent years. Girona offers a similar Catalan charm and picturesque medieval architecture, but it is less crowded with tourists. Additionally, it is significantly cheaper to visit.
2. Ljubljana instead of Venice
While the famous Italian water city cannot stop the flow of tourists, even by charging an entrance fee to the historic center, the Slovenian capital offers the same water channels, cozy cafes, and ancient architecture, with pastel buildings, charming bridges, and a majestic castle. However, it is much cheaper and has fewer tourists, making it a quieter and more pedestrian-friendly destination.
3. Tinos instead of Mykonos
As popular Greek islands become overcrowded with tourists, travelers are increasingly looking for alternatives to relax on spacious beaches and enjoy the natural beauty. One such island, Tinos, is an ideal substitute for Mykonos. Just a short ferry ride away from the much more well-known island, Tinos boasts traditional villages, stunning beaches, and consistently beautiful sunny weather – but with far fewer people. Tinos is also cheaper than Mykonos and offers a more authentic Greek experience and a classic Cycladic vibe, while being less commercialized. It is also perfect for those who want to avoid the expensive nightlife of Mykonos.
4. Salerno instead of the Amalfi Coast
This hidden Italian gem and historic port city, located just up the coast from Amalfi, offers tourists very similar stunning views, medieval architecture, and authentic Italian charm. However, food, drinks, and accommodation in Salerno are much cheaper than in the tourist-filled cities of the Amalfi Coast. As a bustling working port city, it also allows visitors to immerse themselves in local life, even during peak season, with excellent bus, train, and ferry connections to Positano, Amalfi, Pompeii, and Capri.
5. Rovinj instead of DubrovnikAdvertisementad
In recent years, Dubrovnik in Croatia has been packed with Game of Thrones fans and partygoers, which has led to skyrocketing prices and an excessive influx of tourists. However, if you trade the Dalmatian region for the Istrian Peninsula, you can discover Rovinj – a small and relatively little-known city that offers a similar historical atmosphere to Dubrovnik’s fairytale fortress city. With its Venetian architecture, beautiful Adriatic coastline, and cobblestone streets, Rovinj is much less touristy and is perfect for a romantic vacation in Croatia without the intense tourist crowds during peak season.
6. Toulouse instead of Paris
You don’t have to go far to find an amazing equivalent of Paris with similar romance, charm and culture, but in a more relaxed and accessible environment, while devoid of “Disneyfication”. Toulouse boasts a unique terracotta architecture that is sometimes referred to as the “Pink City”, and thanks to the sunny atmosphere of southern France, the art and pedestrian center of the city, visitors can enjoy authentic French life without the Parisian price shock.