Ditch the tourist traps for these underrated European alternatives

The travel bug might just bite you back this year as a relatively new phenomenon threatens holiday plans: overtourism. It’s becoming hard to ignore, as more than 1.5 billion people globally are expected to travel abroad this summer. According to satellite data collected by French company Murmuration, 80 per cent of those holidaymakers will be visiting only 10 per cent of the world’s tourist destinations. That’s a lot of crowds in only a few places.

Locals in some tourist destinations are now so fed up that they’re fighting back. Barcelona is a global holiday favourite and sees more than 27 million visitors annually, which is wild when you consider the permanent population of the city is only 1.62 million. Residents of one Barcelona suburb hit headlines recently by taking matters into their own hands: they’ve had their local bus route taken off Apple and Google maps. La Salut is home to Park Güell, the city’s second most popular attraction after the Sagrada Familia. Now, tourists won’t be able to find the bus route in the hopes of freeing up access for elderly locals who rely on it for transport.

Across the med in Italy, another place which has become synonymous with overtourism is Venice. The ‘floating city’ has become so overrun that locals can’t get around, as narrow walkways and bridges form most of the main routes around the city. To tackle the problem, the city is introducing a tourist tax for visitors who are only there for the day. Anyone who isn’t staying overnight will have to book their visit online in advance and pay €5 (£4.30). What’s more, from the beginning of June this year, tour groups in Venice will be limited to 25 people and loudspeakers will be banned. Attenzione pickpocket!

And if you’re thinking of escaping to the Canary Islands, they’re also rallying for limits on overtourism. Tenerife and Lanzarote are suffering from overcrowding, with officials exploring the possibilities of visitor caps and a tourism tax.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Europe has an abundance of quaint towns, sandy beaches and exciting nightlife to discover. If you want to avoid the crowds and do your bit to tackle overtourism, or if you just need some fresh travel inspiration, check out these underrated destinations which deserve your attention just as much as their popular counterparts.

Swap Barcelona for Valencia

Barcelona may seem like a dream destination, nestled on the coast of the Mediterranean and packed with glorious heritage and architecture. But locals aren’t thrilled about swarms of tourists descending on the city, with hoards of cruise passengers adding to the overcrowding.

Instead of Barcelona, try Valencia. This beautiful port city sits on the same coastline, a couple of hundred miles further south. It’s steeped in history and has tons of amazing things to do and see, including a planetarium, an oceanarium, and an interactive museum. Not to mention the stunning beaches and walking trails, which won’t be as packed as those in the capital. What’s more, research by DFDS found that Valencia is the most affordable city in Europe for a pint of beer. We’ll cheers to that!

Stay: Hotel Balneario Las Arenas

Perfectly positioned with direct access to the beach, this luxury hotel offers everything you need for an unforgettable getaway. The rooms are bright, modern, and offer stunning sea views.

Rooms from £235, hotelvalencialasarenas.com

Do: Valencia Bullring

Built between 1850 and 1859 and inspired by the Colosseum of Rome, Plaza de Toros de Valencia (or Valencia Bullring among us Brits) is one of the city’s top attractions. A trip to Spain wouldn’t be complete without some matador action, with the bullring open as a museum from Tuesdays to Sundays.

Tickets from 2€, visitvalencia.com

Eat: Arroceria Maribel

What better way to soak up true Spanish culture than through traditional dishes? Arroceria Maribel offers authentic paella in a scenic location with friendly staff — who won’t mind you stumbling over your order in clumsy Spanglish.

5 Carrer de Francisco Monleón, arroceriamaribel.com

Swap Santorini for Naxos

Santorini is a Greek destination which has turned into a social media nightmare. People queue for hours just to get the perfect Instagrammable selfie, and you’ll struggle to maintain any personal space if you do decide to visit.

If that kind of thing isn’t your vibe, try Naxos instead. This idyllic island has long stretches of pristine beach for you to enjoy, along with ancient ruins and traditional white-washed buildings. It’s equally as aesthetic as Santorini but without the droves of tourists.

Stay: Medusa Beach Resort

This elegant hotel sits right on the beach and offers all the ingredients for a blissful and tranquil holiday. Sip cocktails at the beach bar, take a dip in the seawater pool, and relax with regular yoga sessions.

From £1,238 per person based on two sharing for a seven-night stay including return flights from Gatwick, 23kg per person luggage allowance, accommodation with breakfast, and return high-speed ferry transfers. Visit Sunvil for more information.

Do: The Temple of Apollo

This ancient temple provides breathtaking views, which are especially captivating and romantic at sunrise and sunset. There’s free parking nearby and it’s well worth the climb to the top, with many visitors reporting an emotional and spiritual experience.

Free, Islet of Palatia, Naxos Town

Eat: Yucca

For trendy evening vibes, Yucca is a must. The relaxed beach bar-style restaurant serves delicious local Greek cuisine alongside unique cocktails, plus live music to keep the party going.

Plaka Naxou, studiosathina.gr

Swap Mykonos for Koufonisia

If ever there was a destination that has become a target for overtourism, it’s Mykonos. Packed with celebrities rubbing shoulders with the wealthy elite, Mykonos has now been dubbed Greece’s ‘designer island’.

Instead of Mykonos, try Koufonisia. A pair of islands, this destination is an (as-yet) unspoilt utopia of white sand beaches, azure waters, and plenty of lively hotels, bars, and restaurants. It’s been dubbed the ‘Mykonos of the Cyclades’, so while everyone is arguing over who has the best #nofilter sunset shot, you’ll be making memories to last a lifetime.

Stay: Olvos Koufonisia

This stunning hotel oozes charm and exclusivity in an untouched paradise. Feel like a celebrity as you escape the crowds and discover unspoilt beaches, modern rooms, and gourmet food.

Rooms from £154, olvoskoufonisia.com

Do: Boat trip to Rina Cave

This unforgettable day-trip will have you feeling like Princess Grace of Monaco. Spend the day sailing the tranquil waters of the Aegean alongside dolphins, swim in the turquoise waters of Rina Cave and enjoy a delicious Greek barbecue served on board paired with local wines.

From £70 per person, jasondailycruises.gr

Eat: Laska

Indulge in romantic sunsets on the outdoor terrace while you tuck into modern Greek cuisine made with fresh, local produce. Chef Sifis Manouselis is all about the relaxed, bohemian vibe, reinventing Greek classics with flair.

Ano Koufonisi, laskarestaurant.com

Swap Amsterdam for Ghent

Amsterdam is a city fighting back against overtourism by introducing bans on new hotels, short-term holiday lets, and even souvenir shops. Why? The impact of overtourism in Amsterdam is displacing young people and families, who are finding they can’t get on the property ladder because so many buildings are being rented out as holiday homes.

Instead of Amsterdam, try Ghent in Belgium. It’s an effervescent cultural hub with incredible medieval architecture and a pedestrianised centre which is perfect for exploring. The climate is pleasant and there are plenty of exciting food markets and quirky bars to discover.

Stay: 1898 The Post

This luxurious hotel is situated right in the city centre and features a unique tower offering panoramic views. The rooms are tasteful while maintaining the historic charm of the area, and the hotel offers multiple bars to suit every mood from cosy and intimate to lively and exciting.

Rooms from £183, 1898thepost.com

Do: Gravensteen Castle

This enchanting medieval castle is like something straight out of a Grimm fairytale. The mysterious ‘Castle of the Counts’ intertwines the political and social history of the city and will transport you back to the 12th century.

Tickets 13 euros, visit.gent.be

Eat: Roots

This Michelin-starred restaurant is the ideal place to enjoy authentic Belgian food in a fine-dining setting. The knowledgeable staff can suggest wine pairings for your food, with notable dishes including coffee shrimp and duck canette.

5 Vrouwebroersstraat, rootsgent.be

Swap Prague for Wroclaw

The Czech Republic is another country introducing measures to crack down on overtourism, with Prague being the main target. Locals are finding themselves dealing with hoards of drunken tourists in an area which is meant to be residential, but is fast turning into a tourist-only zone.

Instead of flocking to Prague, try Wroclaw instead. This Polish city sits on the beautiful Oder river and is lined with elegant pastel-coloured townhouses (like something out of a Wes Anderson film). Dramatic history rubs shoulders with dazzling architecture as the Gothic town hall looms over the main square, and there are plenty of ways to entertain yourself from a charming market square to electrifying nightlife.

Stay: Altus Palace Wrocław

You don’t have to be a lover of architecture to appreciate this magnificent hotel in the heart of the city. Situated in the former historic Leipziger Palace, you can expect elegance and luxury at every turn. It’s got heated bathroom floors (yes, really) and stunning views - and it’s pet friendly, so you can even bring along your four-legged BFF.

Rooms from £151, hotelaltuspalace.pl

Do: Cocktail Bar by Incognito

This intriguing Speakeasy-style cocktail bar is a true hidden gem, concealed under an unassuming coffee shop. Forget the usual menu of pina coladas and pornstar martinis, the skillful bartender will ask what you like and then craft a bespoke drink just for you. It’s cosy and intimate with friendly staff and vintage music that will transport you back in time.

Plac Solny 11, koktajlbar.com

Eat: Restauracja Przystan

With a fabulous terrace overlooking Parisian-style buildings, this fine-dining restaurant brings together the best of European flavours. You can indulge in luxurious dishes like lobster ravioli or beef carpaccio, or go for something more adventurous like zander (a fish similar to perch) or rabbit.

Księcia Witolda 2, przystan.wroc.pl

Swap Croatia for Montenegro

Major Croatian cities like Dubrovnik and Split are finding themselves being added to the list of places buckling under the pressure of overtourism. It could be that Game of Thrones is to blame as many of the show’s scenes were filmed there, or it could be that it’s a cultural hub with just as much beauty as its Adriatic neighbour Italy.

Instead of Croatia, try Montenegro. The two countries are neighbours so you can still enjoy the Mediterranean coastline and beautiful weather. Montenegro boasts rugged mountains and enchanting medieval villages, and is much cheaper than more popular destinations. If you like nature, Durmitor National Park features natural wonders including limestone peaks, glacial lakes, and the 1,300m-deep Tara River Canyon.

Stay: Forza Mare Hotel

This boutique hotel is tucked away on the tranquil shores of the Bay of Kotor. Each of the ten rooms is uniquely decorated according to a different theme, from Africa to India, Dubai to Japan. The decor is timeless and romantic, with gorgeous views across the water from the hotel’s private beach. A spa and wellness centre will help you unwind and relax, and the venue even caters to weddings.

Rooms from £239, forzahotels.com

Do: Kotor Old City

Step back in time in this magnificent medieval town and discover stunning architecture, charming alleys and ancient churches. It’s small enough that you can take in most of the old town within an hour or two, depending how gently you stroll.

Free, visit-montenegro.com

Eat: Konoba Catovica Mlini

This high-end restaurant ticks all the boxes: delicious food, incredible atmosphere and attentive staff. Enjoy the magical ambience with a range of traditional food, including fish and cheese dishes paired with local wine.

Boka Kotorska, Morinj, catovica-mlini.com