If you’re looking for an escape from the crowds, this is the list you need! There are still parts of Europe where people can actually breathe, walk freely, and enjoy themselves without being surrounded by large crowds of people.
You could roam through medieval towns without anyone around you, or you could stand looking at a mountain in silence. That’s what countries with fewer visitors like these offer.
For instance, Liechtenstein, which is located between Switzerland and Austria, is a small country with a population of around 37,000 people. With only about 300…400, and a lot of countries have more than that now travel to visit it each year; this type of tourism can provide you with an opportunity to visit places such as Vaduz Castle or to take walks through their vineyards without feeling crowded or rushed.
If you do not want to enjoy your solitude with thousands of others, go to Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia, which hides many centuries of history. It would be one of those places where you would feel the beauty of the view, and due to the limited number of tourists will feel more connected to the culture, food, and way of life.
You may already know about Luxembourg, but not as a potential travel destination—which is precisely how this little country brings diversity. Aside from being one of the most important banking centres in Europe, Luxembourg is home to beautiful green valleys and spectacular castles and fortresses that are not well-known.
If you prefer a coastal vibe, Latvia provides you with a totally different kind of beach vacation option as Jurmala will provide you with endless stretches of soft, white sand that are quite peaceful when compared to the hustle and bustle of the Mediterranean Sea shoreline. In addition, you can see beautiful examples of art nouveau architecture in Riga which adds to the mix of an artistic yet easy-going atmosphere.
Montenegro sits at an interesting crossroads. There are some very popular spots in Montenegro (like Budva) located on the coast, however once you migrate away from these locations, the country is very montane and has several beautiful parks such as Durmitor National Park to enjoy with few people around.
Another surprise is Estonia which is modern and innovative in terms of business technology, but Tallinn’s old town looks like it stepped out of the Middle Ages. While the streets of old town Tallinn are well-maintained and clean, it is not overrun with large crowds of people, making exploring much more enjoyable than in other cities with large crowds.
Albania’s Southern Coastline is gradually becoming more popular with tourist. The Albanian Riviera is gaining the spotlight, while other northern regions like Theth and Valbona have yet to get overshadowed by mass tourism. They remain untouched and unspoilt, rich with natural beauty.
Lithuania has an artistic vibe in its capital city Vilnius (for example) but also has unique natural areas like the Curonian Spit. The affordability, and low number of tourists (especially compared to other major European cities) give it a special, creative energy.
Malta may be small but still packs plenty of attractions, atmosphere and activities to keep you busy enough to enjoy them without encountering the crowds associated with larger urban destinations. Valletta’s cobblestone streets, Mdina’s relaxing atmosphere and the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon are a winning combination of cultural richness and relaxation.
Serbia has a lot to offer in their capital city Belgrade; however the majority of tourism occurs in the city, but outside the city limits, it becomes much more peaceful. There are many wonderful old monasteries, beautiful countryside and an authentic experience in rural areas so you don’t feel overwhelmed by the crowds typically found in other regions of Europe.
Overtourism is changing the way people view and interact with cities such as Paris, Venice and Barcelona than what they used to experience in the past (sometimes the memories come from good times but later feel bad).
There are so many hidden gems in Europe that aren’t showcased by all of the popular social media influencers. Often, low-key spots are better, more intimate, and create a stronger connection between you and the memories you bring back with you.
When traveling outside of the main tourist areas, you will often have the best time because you’re not around everyone else.
