Off the radar: 7 less crowded European destinations to enjoy the summer

BarcelonaThe countdown to summer is on more than ever. The days are getting longer, and everyone is eager to make plans and think about what to do during their vacations. The desire for a getaway is stronger than ever. But which destination should you choose? Paris, Rome, London, New York... The great classics still preserve authentic corners, but they are also synonymous with overcrowding, lines, and tons of people everywhere. If you want ideas for traveling without rushing, without feeling like just another piece of clothing in a tourist-filled landscape, you're reading the right article. Forget the crowded streets and the same-old postcards and give yourself the opportunity to discover places where you can still sense the essence, see surprising landscapes, hear unadulterated history, taste good food, and feel the excitement of exploring an authentic place. Are you up for it? It's time to look beyond the radar and experience a different summer.

Albanian Riviera, Albania

Although it's increasingly receiving tourists in search of the most authentic Mediterranean, Albania remains an unexplored gem compared to neighboring Croatia and Greece. The Ionian coast, known as the Albanian Riviera, can be enjoyed without the crowds. Furthermore, prices remain much more affordable than in neighboring countries.

Dhermi: With idyllic beaches and cobblestone streets, one of the most famous spots on the Albanian Riviera.

Ksamil: Known as "Europe's Caribbean" for its crystal-clear waters.

Berat: The "City of a Thousand Windows," with fascinating Ottoman architecture.

Umbria, Italy

If you're enchanted by the beauty of Tuscany but want to avoid the crowds, Umbria is the perfect choice. A mosaic of rolling hills, lush forests, and medieval villages steeped in history, nature, culture, and gastronomy. Spring is the perfect time to explore: the weather is pleasant, the fields are in bloom, and wineries open their doors for wine and local produce tastings.

Assisi: the birthplace of St. Francis, with a stunning basilica.

Orvieto: with its spectacular duomo and top-quality white wines.

Spello: a fairytale village full of flowers and cobbled streets.

Zagori, Greece

Far from the islands and touristy Athens, Zagori, located in the imposing Pindos Mountains, is one of Greece's best-kept secrets. This mountainous region in the north of the country is full of stone villages, lush forests, and spectacular gorges. In spring, nature awakens and temperatures are ideal for enjoying the many hiking trails that connect the villages and centuries-old stone bridges. A true paradise for nature and hiking lovers.

Must-sees:

The Vikos Gorge: one of the deepest in the world and with incredible views.

Monodendri: one of the most beautiful and best-preserved villages in the region.

The stone bridges of Zagori: like those at Kokris, Missis, and Plakidisi, they look like something out of a fairy tale.

Alentejo, Portugal

If the Algarve seems too touristy for you, Alentejo is one of the most authentic and least crowded regions in Portugal. It's a vast, sparsely populated territory where the pace is leisurely and nature blends with history. It offers pristine beaches, white villages, castles, and a rolling landscape of vineyards and olive groves. Its beauty lies in its simplicity: archaeological wealth, monumental heritage, and exquisite cuisine, accompanied by internationally recognized wines. With a perfect balance between cultural and nature tourism, the Alentejo invites you to discover it slowly and lose yourself among rural paths, local markets, and charming taverns.

Must-sees:

Évora: a UNESCO World Heritage city with a Roman temple and cobblestone alleyways.

The beaches of the Costa Vicentina: wild and spectacular, on the Atlantic coast.

Monsaraz: a fortified village overlooking Lake Alqueva.

Maramureș, Romania

When people think of Romania, many people think of Transylvania and its mysterious castles. But in the north of the country, you'll find rural and authentic Europe. Maramureş is one of the most authentic and least-known regions for travelers; a paradise of wooden villages, green meadows, and horses pulling carts. Here, traditions are kept alive, and Easter is a perfect time to experience local festivities. The wooden churches are World Heritage Sites and look like they're straight out of a fairy tale. But beyond its unique architecture, Maramureş stands out for its hospitality and home-style cuisine. Add Baia Mare, Viseo de Sus, Sighetu Marmației, or the picturesque Iza Valley to your must-see list.

Must-sees:

Săpânța Merry Cemetery: with colorful tombstones and humorous epitaphs.

Mocănița Steam Train: runs through the Vaser Valley between forests and mountains.

Friesland, Netherlands

Friesland is not like the rest of the Netherlands. This northern region is dotted with small towns, farms, and water, a place that breaks with the typical image of the area. Here, the landscape is wilder, the Frisian language coexists with Dutch, and life revolves around nature and water. Among green pastures, you'll see sheep and cows grazing, while you walk through historic villages built on the hills and along the canals that crisscross the landscape. Leeuwarden, the capital, is the cultural heart of the region, but the true charm lies among the villages that line the Elfstedentocht road. The islands are the other jewel of the territory: with long, fine sandy beaches, dune forests, and charming villages, they are ideal for relaxing, walking, and enjoying the silence of the Wadden Sea.

Must-sees:

Harlingen, Hindeloopen, and Sneek: three towns steeped in history and charm.

The Frisian Islands: especially the Schiermonnikoog, a natural paradise.

The Wadlopen Experience: walking along the sandbanks of the Wadden Sea at low tide.

Saaremaa and Hiiumaa Islands, Estonia

Far from the beaten tourist trail, in the Baltic Sea, there are two islands that are a haven of calm and unspoiled nature. Saaremaa, the larger island, captivates with its rural atmosphere, rich medieval heritage, and almost untouched coastline. Its heart beats in Kuressaare, its small but charming capital, famous for its 14th-century castle and also for the Angla windmills, an icon of the island. Hiiumaa, its little sister, is a paradise for disconnecting, with endless forests, lonely lighthouses, and deserted beaches. It offers a wilder experience, with pristine beaches and lighthouses with incredible views that invite you to pause.

Must-sees:

Kuressaare Castle: a witness to centuries of Baltic history and one of the best-preserved castles in Europe.

Kaali Crater: an impressive imprint of a meteorite that fell thousands of years ago.

Kõpu Lighthouse: one of the oldest in Europe, with spectacular views.