These six wonderful cities in Europe delight tourists with pleasant prices and the absence of crowds.
Popular tourist cities like Barcelona and Venice have been suffering from the consequences of overtourism for years, coming up with new restrictions and taxes for visitors.
However, this does not stop many tourists, who continue to flock there, especially in peak season. Other travelers, tired of the crowds on the streets and lines everywhere, are looking for alternative options for their vacations.
Meanwhile, Euronews Travel has named wonderful cities that can replace the hottest spots in Europe without losing the quality of the vacation.
1. Girona instead of Barcelona
This ancient Spanish city, located just an hour's drive from Barcelona, has become a great alternative to its popular neighbor in recent years. Girona offers similar Catalan charm and picturesque medieval architecture, but is virtually free of tourists. Moreover, it is significantly cheaper to vacation there.
2. Ljubljana instead of Venice
While the famous Italian city on the water cannot stop the flow of tourists, even after introducing an entrance fee to the historic center, the Slovenian capital offers guests the same water canals, cozy cafes, and ancient architecture, with pastel buildings, charming bridges, and a majestic castle. However, everything here is much cheaper and there are far fewer tourists, making Ljubljana more peaceful and pedestrian-friendly.
3. Tinos instead of Mykonos
As popular Greek islands are overcrowded with tourists, travelers are increasingly seeking alternatives to relax on spacious beaches and enjoy natural beauty. One such island, Tinos, perfectly replaces Mykonos. Just a few minutes by ferry from the much more famous island, it boasts traditional villages, stunning beaches, and consistently beautiful sunny weather — only with far fewer people. Tinos is also cheaper than Mykonos and offers a more authentic Greek atmosphere and classic Cycladic experience, while being less commercialized. It is also great 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. Additionally, food, drinks, and accommodation in Salerno are much cheaper than in the overcrowded tourist towns of the Amalfi Coast. Being a lively working port city, it also allows visitors to immerse themselves more deeply in local life even during peak season, while having excellent bus, train, and ferry connections to Positano, Amalfi, Pompeii, and Capri.
5. Rovinj instead of Dubrovnik
In recent years, Croatian Dubrovnik has been overwhelmed by fans of "Game of Thrones" and partygoers, leading to a sharp rise in prices and an excessive influx of tourists. However, by swapping the Dalmatian region for the Istrian peninsula, one can discover Rovinj — a small and relatively unknown town offering a similar historical atmosphere of a fairytale fortified city, just like Dubrovnik. With Venetian architecture, beautiful Adriatic Sea promenades, and cobbled streets, Rovinj is much less touristy and is perfect for a romantic getaway in Croatia without the intense influx of tourists during peak season.
6. Toulouse instead of Paris
You don’t have to look far to find an amazing alternative to Paris with similar romance, charm, and culture, but in a more tranquil and affordable setting, devoid of "Disneyfication." Toulouse boasts unique terracotta architecture, which is why it is sometimes called the "Pink City," and thanks to the sunny atmosphere of southern France, art, and the pedestrian city center, visitors can enjoy authentic French life without the Parisian price shock.
