Crowded beaches, long lines at galleries, and high hotel prices. Europe in summer can be stressful and expensive! But rest assured, despite Europe’s popularity as a summer holiday destination, there are still plenty of hidden gems to be discovered. From the Baltics to Scandinavia, we’ve put together our top tips for best European destinations to avoid the crowds this Summer.
Europe Destinations to Avoid the Crowds in Summer 2024
France
Visiting France this summer? Don’t be deterred by sporting enthusiasts descending on the country en masse. While most of the action will be centralised in Paris, be aware that locations nationwide will also be hosting certain events:
- Bordeaux – Football
- Nantes – Football
- Lyon – Football
- Nice – Football
- Marseilles – Football and sailing
- Lille – basketball and handball
Beat the crowds and head off the beaten track to our recommended sports-free zones. Bon voyage!
City Break
Swap swarmed Parisian boulevards with the cobblestoned lanes of Toulouse. Known as The Pink City, embrace la vie en rose strolling down winding streets lined with blush buildings. This southern belle is famous for its vibrant artistic scene, medieval architecture, and aerospace industry. Sample delectable local cuisine like foie gras and cassoulet at one of Toulouse's charming cafes or markets.
Country Escape
Just a short train ride from Paris, the Loire Valley embodies quintessential French charm. Quaint villages, vast vineyards and enchanting castles form the region’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. The majestic Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau are must-see attractions, offering a slice of local history. Absorb the stunning landscapes while sipping your way through wineries or get a bird’s eye view from a hot air balloon for a thrill-seeking alternative.
Coastal Retreat
While neighbouring Nice hosts football fanatics, Menton welcomes visitors seeking serenity. Known as “The Pearl of France”, Menton distinguishes itself as the refined counterpart to the glitzier locales of the French Riviera. This tranquil town’s proximity to the Italian border brings a hint of the Amalfi Coast to the Cote d’Azur. Admire scenic views framed by the Southern Alps, where colourful buildings overlook the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. From fragrant lemon groves to blissful beaches, this hidden gem’s understated elegance embodies a unique sense of 'je ne sais quoi'.
Albania
While countries like Greece and Croatia have become hugely popular with tourists hunting for a slice of beach, Albania has remained largely ignored as a tourist destination.
The Albanian Riviera (also known as Bregu) is a stretch of coastline that sits on the Mediterranean. This stretch of land is home to beautiful beaches, quaint villages, 2000-year-old ruins, rolling hills and friendly locals, not to mention typical mediterranean fare and fresh seafood galore.
Not only is Albania home to some of Europe’s last untouched beaches, it’s also a fraction of the price of other popular summer locations like Spain, meaning you can enjoy a little more luxury for your dollar.
Finland
Finland - a country with more saunas than cars, and home to an estimated 1,500 brown bears. What better way to get away from the crowds and up close and personal with Finland’s national animal (the brown bear) than on a trekking holiday through the serene Finnish forest?
Finland has over 40 national parks, giving you a varying range of hikes to choose from. National parks in Finland are extremely well managed, with clearly marked hiking trails, nature trails, lean-to shelters, and camp sites. As well as the brown bear, a 3-4-day trek also means you may spot seals, wolves, elks, wild forest reindeer, and more.
With 5.5 million inhabitants and boasting some of the cleanest air in the world, Finland makes for a great summer destination to avoid the crowds.
*2-night bear treks start at approx. $300
Bosnia and Herzegovina
20 years after the Yugoslav Wars and the Siege of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina is finally back on the map. This beautiful country remains largely untouched by tourism, but for how long?
Besides the well-trodden towns of Mostar and the slightly busier Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina offers incredible natural beauty. What’s more, influences from Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman and Islamic cultures shape its architecture, cuisine and everyday life.
The unspoiled beauty of this country makes it great for hikes, trekking, climbing and swimming in its lakes and rivers, like the stunning Kravice waterfalls. Entrance to these breathtaking falls is only approx. $3. The best thing? There’s barely anyone around.
Portugal
When compared to Spain, which gets an average of 75 million tourists a year, neighbouring Portugal attracts far fewer, at 10 million a year. While this may seem like a lot of people, it doesn’t take much to escape the crowds in Portugal.
Portugal boasts year-round mild temperatures, attractive prices, and plenty to see and do. It’s hard not to fall in love with its sleepy beach towns, empty beaches, quiet restaurants and abundance of authentic local experiences - minus the crowds.
Southern Portugal sees temperatures rise to 30 degrees, whilst the north remains comfortably cooler. Learn to surf, check out a festival, or visit vineyards all summer long.
*A wine tasting day tour up or down the Douro will set you back approx. $100.
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania
For an art-infused summer holiday without the crowds of France or Italy, it’s worth checking out the emerging art scene in countries like Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
The capital cities of Riga (Latvia) Vilnius (Lithuania) and Tallinn (Estonia) are all Unesco World Heritage Sites. The charming architecture of these cities sits in stark contrast to the brutalist monuments left by the Soviets. It’s a little-known fact however, that these cities also offer vibrant art scenes.
Highlights include the Lithuanian Art Museum and its 230,000-piece fine art collection, and
The Contemporary Art Centre and National Art Gallery with its 2,400 square meter exhibition space in Vilnius. Don’t forget to visit the Kumu in Tallinn, which is one Northern Europe’s largest art museums.
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