Venice now imposes day-tripper fees, and Dubrovnik caps the number of tourists it welcomes.
Popular tourist spots are pushing back, with residents setting up barriers and spray-painting signs that say “leave” to visitors.
If the clash between tourist spending and exhausted local residents doesn’t appeal to you, consider heading to Europe’s less well-known destinations.
You can now relax knowing that you will not have to deal with the unwelcome reception, excessive costs, fully booked accommodations, and subpar service often encountered due to a large number of visitors.
France: The world’s number one destination still harbors hidden treasures waiting to be explored.
France has requested visitors to omit its top 20 per cent of most visited attractions, leaving 80 per cent still accessible for discovery. The most frequented country in the world has numerous hidden treasures that lack tourists.
A straightforward way to discover off-the-beaten-path destinations is to take a French road trip and have your satellite navigation system steer you clear of toll roads. Rural France has a lot to offer – you can drive through picturesque countryside villages, stop for a casual meal, taste various olive oils, and enjoy a rewarding get-away.
Those imagining a beach getaway can head to the West Coast, where the Atlantic waves crash against miles of sand. The towns of Biarritz, Arcachon, and La Rochelle feature cosmopolitan French culture.
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Research conducted by Google and Deloitte predicts that Spain will surpass France as Europe’s most visited country by the year 2040.
There’s ample time to still experience everything that Spain has to offer. A lively and colourful nation with energy and enthusiasm in its very heart.
Geographically diverse regions, including historic cities, rugged mountain ranges, and an unspoiled Atlantic coastline, make Spain an attractive destination for further exploration.
Albania: A destination for genuine adventure in untamed, unspoiled environments.
and undeveloped attractions.
Albania is a destination for a genuine adventure experience. The Blue Eye, historic Ottoman cities, and beaches comparable to those found in the Caribbean are some of the country’s most renowned attractions, yet its true splendor lies in concealed canyons, expansive lakes, and inaccessible mountain ranges.
Don’t expect the French culture or the well-oiled tourist infrastructure of Spain. Albania is still discovering its footing in an explosion of interest and attention.
Italy Beyond the Usual Destinations: Uncover Hidden Gems in Unconventional Cities
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A Tuscan road trip provides a refuge from crowds and reveals the region’s famous landscapes and hill villages. For a more genuine, rural experience, choose “agriturismos,” or agricultural tourism, instead of hotels. Some working Italian farms, similar to bed-and-breakfasts, offer visitors comfortable lodging and hearty meals.
Head south to discover the “authentic” Italy, where mass tourism is overburdened, and the region’s culture and charm are struggles to be appreciated. The coastal towns of Puglia, the archaeological ruins of Sicily, and Calabria’s pristine beaches surpass many popular attractions in northern Italy.
The Netherlands: Observe picturesque tulip fields and scenic canals via a train journey.
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The city is intimate and walkable, and despite its natural beauty, it also boasts an unexpectedly stunning landscape featuring canals, windmills, and an impressive area of nearly 24,685 hectares of picturesque tulip fields.
A well-developed rail network makes the Netherlands easy to traverse, and no destination is farther than a three-hour train journey from Amsterdam. Major cities such as Rotterdam and Groningen are also conveniently accessible by train.
Portugal: Discover a rich heritage of history and culture
Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, and its northern counterpart, Porto, boast a rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks that rival those of their more famous neighboring cities.
The two cities are only 200 miles apart. This close proximity enables tourists to travel easily between them, allowing visitors to explore Portugal’s historical landmarks, wine farms, and Atlantic coastline without wasting a lot of valuable free time.
Renew yourself by nature’s sway from Nazaré’s vast beach and strong waves to the widely recognized UNESCO attractions, such as the Batalha Monastery and Fátima, characterized by deep reverence. Between urban areas, visit the vibrant vineyards located near Lisbon in the town of Torres Vedras.
Slovenia: Excursion to subterranean caverns and natural marvels
This city has its culture influenced by Croatia, Italy, Austria, and Hungary.
While the Julian Alps take centre stage in the north, Triglav National Park is a standout attraction. Mount Triglav, the pristine Lake Bled, and Lake Bohinj provide endless opportunities for adventure and exploring amidst a wide range of flora and wildlife.
The mountains shift and make way for the south’s Karst region. Interesting underground rivers and a number of extensive UNESCO cave systems attract visitors on day trips from the Adriatic coast, which has a distinctly Venetian flair.
Germany: Discover a lesser-known destination on a road trip or by public transport
While famous German destinations like Munich’s Oktoberfest and Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt attract countless tourists, Germany’s lesser-known towns abound with exceptional architecture and sophisticated culture.
Moderate and light hiking trails, as well as rural
Follow routes with themes such as castles, fairy tales, half-timbered houses, wine, and asparagus. The two most popular routes are the Romantic Road, a charming journey through some of southern Germany’s most beautiful towns, and the German Alpine Road, a thrilling drive through the mountains of Bavaria.
A place for wintersports-Ålesund-Filefjell, offering off-piste skiing and the tranquil atmosphere of a winter wonderland
Enhances peace of mind with its expansive open landscapes and rich Viking heritage.
The Western Fjords present breathtaking scenery and thrilling outdoor pursuits such as swimming, ziplining, and hiking. Although images of crowds at Trolltunga and Preikestollen often appear on Instagram, consider venturing beyond the tourist hotspots to discover less crowded hiking paths.
To the north, the Kystriksveien Coastal Route is ideal for a scenic road trip. The road winds and curves along the edges of coastal islands and inlets towards the picturesque Lofoten Islands and the Arctic Circle.
Despite the headlines, a significant part of Europe remains unaffected by the negative sentiment towards tourists. With some investigation, cautious travelers can still discover numerous destinations around the world that enthusiastically welcome visitors from other places.
This article was written and produced by Media Decision, and is distributed by Wealth of Geeks.