Opening Times
Travel should feel like an escape, not an endurance test. Yet for many holidaymakers, the journey starts with packed terminals, long queues and overcrowded attractions.
If you’re craving a more relaxed way to travel, choosing a crowd-free destination could be the perfect solution. From charming canal towns to peaceful Greek islands, there are plenty of places where you can enjoy incredible scenery, culture and local experiences without battling the crowds.
Here’s why quieter destinations deserve a spot on your travel wish list.
Why choose a crowd-free destination?
Travelling somewhere less busy isn’t just about avoiding queues. It can completely change how you experience a holiday, giving you more time and space, and more opportunities to enjoy the moment.
1. Less hassle, more relaxation
Popular tourist hotspots can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially during peak season. Choosing a quieter destination means fewer crowds, less rushing around and more opportunities to explore at your own pace. A slower pace can help you switch off and return home feeling genuinely refreshed.
2. More authentic local experiences
Smaller destinations often provide a closer connection to local culture. Without large numbers of tourists, it’s easier to discover traditional food, meet local people and experience everyday life. These are often the moments that stay with you long after your holiday ends.
3. More room in your budget
Less crowded destinations can sometimes be more affordable than their famous counterparts. Accommodation, restaurants and attractions may offer better value, helping your holiday budget stretch further. That means more opportunities to enjoy your trip without constantly keeping an eye on your spending.
4. Quieter airports and smoother journeys
A calmer airport experience can set the tone for your entire trip. Smaller airports often handle fewer passengers than major hubs, which can mean shorter queues, less waiting around and a more relaxed start to your holiday.
Our favourite crowd-free alternatives in Europe
You don’t need to sacrifice beautiful scenery or memorable experiences to avoid the crowds. These destinations offer many of the same highlights as some of Europe’s most popular hotspots, just with a little more breathing room.
Instead of Venice, visit Colmar, France
Often called “Little Venice“, Colmar combines colourful half-timbered houses, picturesque canals and a fairy-tale atmosphere. Unlike Venice, you’ll find quieter streets and plenty of opportunities to soak up the scenery at a leisurely pace.
Top things to do in Colmar include:
- Take a peaceful boat trip along the canals
- Explore the charming old town
- Visit traditional Alsatian markets
- Discover the famous Alsace Wine Route
How to get there:
Fly into Strasbourg Airport or Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport, both of which are around one to one-and-a-half hours away by road or rail.
Instead of Santorini, visit Amorgos, Greece
Amorgos offers the whitewashed villages, dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters that visitors love about Santorini, but with a much more relaxed atmosphere. This traditional Greek island remains largely untouched by mass tourism, making it ideal for travellers looking to slow down and unwind.
Top things to do in Amorgos include:
- Visit the spectacular Monastery of Hozoviotissa
- Swim and dive in the waters featured in The Big Blue
- Discover secluded beaches and hidden coves
- Explore traditional villages and local tavernas
How to get there:
Fly to Athens and continue by ferry through the Aegean Sea. The journey itself is part of the experience, offering stunning island views along the way.
Instead of Paris, visit Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana combines riverside cafés, beautiful architecture and a thriving cultural scene in a compact, walkable city. Its pedestrian-friendly centre, green spaces and laid-back atmosphere make it an appealing alternative for travellers seeking a city break without the crowds.
Top things to do in Ljubljana include:
- Cruise along the Ljubljanica River
- Visit Ljubljana Castle for panoramic views
- Browse the colourful Central Market
- Relax at one of the city’s many riverside cafés
How to get there:
Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport is relatively small and easy to navigate, helping you start your trip on a calmer note.
Instead of Barcelona, visit Girona, Spain
If you love Barcelona’s blend of history, culture and great food but could do without the crowds, Girona is a fantastic alternative. This charming Catalan city offers colourful riverside houses, winding medieval streets and impressive architecture, all with a much more relaxed atmosphere. You’ll find plenty of character packed into a compact, walkable city, making it easy to explore at your own pace.
Top things to do in Girona include:
- Wander through the beautifully preserved medieval Old Town
- Walk along the ancient city walls for panoramic views
- Visit Girona Cathedral, home to one of the widest Gothic naves in the world
- Explore the colourful houses lining the Onyar River
- Enjoy local Catalan cuisine in traditional restaurants and cafés
How to get there:
Girona-Costa Brava Airport is located around 12km from the city centre and offers connections from several UK airports. Alternatively, high-speed trains connect Girona with Barcelona in around 40 minutes, making it easy to combine both destinations into one trip.
Instead of Dubrovnik, visit Kotor, Montenegro
If Dubrovnik’s stunning coastline appeals to you but the cruise ship crowds don’t, Kotor offers a quieter alternative. Nestled between dramatic mountains and the sparkling Bay of Kotor, this UNESCO-listed town combines medieval charm, beautiful scenery and a more relaxed pace of life.
Its winding stone streets and historic squares provide all the character of the Adriatic, without the hustle and bustle of one of Europe’s busiest cruise destinations.
Top things to do in Kotor include:
- Climb the fortress walls for breathtaking bay views
- Explore the maze-like streets of the Old Town
- Take a boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks island
- Enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants
- Discover nearby villages dotted along the bay
How to get there:
Fly into Tivat Airport, located around 15 minutes from Kotor, or Podgorica Airport, which is approximately 90 minutes away by car.
How to find your own crowd-free destinations
Looking beyond the most popular tourist hotspots can uncover some truly memorable places. Here are our tips to help you discover your own crowd-free destinations:
- Choose destinations served by smaller airports. Regional airports often connect travellers to destinations that don’t receive the same visitor numbers as major tourist centres. Exploring routes from smaller UK airports could introduce you to somewhere completely new.
- Travel during the shoulder season. The months just before and after peak summer can offer the best of both worlds: pleasant weather and fewer visitors. May, September and October are often ideal for enjoying popular destinations at a more relaxed pace.
- Follow travel blogs and local recommendations. Travel writers and experienced explorers often share hidden gems that don’t appear on every holiday brochure. Looking beyond mainstream guides can help you discover destinations with a more authentic feel.
- Explore lesser-known regions. Sometimes the best alternative isn’t a different country, it’s a different part of the same one.
Start your holiday with a quieter UK airport
Your journey begins long before you arrive at your destination. Choosing a smaller airport can help create a more relaxed start to your trip.
- Humberside Airport (HUY) – One of the UK’s quieter commercial airports by passenger numbers, Humberside offers a calm, straightforward travel experience with relatively low footfall.
- London Southend Airport (SEN) – A convenient alternative for travellers in the South East, Southend’s compact terminal can make travelling feel less stressful.
- Teesside International Airport (MME) – Known for its friendly atmosphere and easy-to-navigate layout, Teesside can help make airport travel feel refreshingly simple.
- Norwich Airport (NWI) – Offering connections across Europe, Norwich combines convenience with a more relaxed pace than many larger airports.
Escape the crowds and discover something new
The most memorable holidays aren’t always found in the world’s busiest destinations. Travelling beyond the usual hotspots can help you discover hidden gems while avoiding the stress that often comes with popular tourist destinations.
And remember, your holiday starts the moment you leave home. Choosing quieter airports, travelling during shoulder season and exploring lesser-known destinations can all help create a smoother, more enjoyable trip.
Wherever your next adventure takes you, don’t forget to arrange travel insurance before you go. With InsureandGo travel insurance, you can travel stress-free and focus on making the most of every moment.
