Even in the world’s most populous countries, there are unexplored destinations worth discovering.
The problem of hypertourism took on large proportions in Europe and tourists, according to Euronews, are becoming unwelcome in its popular spots. In Barcelona, protesters threw water on visitors, Venice now charges day visitors and Dubrovnik limits the number of visitors.
Top destinations are ‘hitting back’, with locals erecting fences and writing graffiti telling tourists to ‘go home’.
In these countries, however, there are destinations with fewer visitors, for those who do not prefer these “conflicts”.
There you can enjoy the fact that you will not be affected by the lack of hospitality, high costs, fully booked accommodation and not so good service due to the number of visitors.
France: The most visited country still has many undiscovered gems to discover
France may have asked visitors to avoid 20% of its top attractions, but that still leaves 80% to explore.
An easy way to find lesser-known places is to take a road trip in France and program your navigation systems to avoid toll roads. Tour stunningly beautiful villages, stop for delicious food, enjoy olive oil tasting and toast to great escapes.
Those who dream of the beach can head to the West Coast to enjoy the shores washed by the Atlantic Ocean. The cities of Biarritz, Arcachon and La Rochelle offer cosmopolitan French culture.
Spain is much more than popular destinations
A recent study by Google and Deloitte shows that Spain will overtake France as the most visited country in Europe by 2040.
Until then, there is plenty of time to take advantage of all that Spain has to offer. A vibrant and colorful country, Spain is much more than its famous beaches. Historic cities, imposing mountains and the Atlantic coast make Spain ideal for exploring.
Albania: A destination for true adventure in unexplored landscapes
Mass tourism has yet to conquer the harsh landscapes and undeveloped sights of Albania.
The country is a destination for real adventures. The Blue Eye, Ottoman cities and beaches that rival those of the Caribbean are Albania’s most famous attractions, but the real beauty lies in the hidden gorges, vast lakes and mountains.
Much of Albania’s beautiful coastline remains undiscovered by tourists.
Don’t expect the culture of France or the well organized tourism industry of Spain. Albania is still navigating its way through the frenzy of interest.
Italy: Discover lesser-known cities
Italy is home to some of the busiest cities in Europe. However, it can still provide a Robinson Crusoe experience.
Traveling in Tuscany offers travelers “isolation” from hypertourism and opens its doors to the famous landscapes and villages of the region. For a more authentic experience, choose agritourism. Some Italian farms offer guests warm accommodation and home-cooked food.
Head south to discover the ‘authentic’ Italy, where mass tourism captures the culture and beauty of the region. The coastal towns of Puglia, the archaeological sites of Sicily and the unspoiled beaches of Calabria outshine many of the attractions of northern Italy.
See the photogenic tulip fields and discover the endless canals by train in the Netherlands
The small but beautiful Netherlands offers plenty of opportunities, but remains relatively unexplored with the exception of Amsterdam.
Charming towns perfect for discovering on foot and a surprisingly impressive landscape that includes canals, windmills and vast expanses of photogenic tulip fields.
The excellent rail network makes the Netherlands easily accessible and no place is more than three hours away from Amsterdam by train. Cities such as Rotterdam and Groningen are nearby.
Portugal: Discover a treasure trove of history and culture
Lisbon and Porto offer culture, history and attractions that rival their more famous ‘neighbours’.
Make the most of your time in this small country – travel from Lisbon to Porto or vice versa as the two cities are only 200 miles apart. Moving from one city to another, tourists can comfortably explore the historic monuments, vineyards and Atlantic coast of Portugal without sacrificing valuable free time.
Discover the impressive coastal town of Nazaré and its big waves, visit UNESCO monuments such as the Monastery of Batalia and Fatima.
Slovenia: Underground caves and natural wonders
Slovenian culture combines influences from Croatia, Italy, Austria and Hungary.
While the Julian Alps dominate the north, Triglav National Park is one of the main attractions. Mount Triglav, pristine Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj offer adventure and outdoor activities amidst rich flora and fauna.
The mountains give way to the karst region in the south. Underground rivers and extensive UNESCO-recognized cave systems draw visitors on day trips from the Adriatic coast, which has a strong Venetian character.
Germany: Explore less popular destinations by taking a road trip or using public transport
Although well-known German attractions such as Munich’s Oktoberfest and Nuremberg’s Christmas market draw crowds of tourists, Germany’s lesser-known cities remain full of outstanding architecture and sophisticated culture.
With more than 150 themed and tourist routes, Germany invests in its excellent public transport and road network to encourage visitors to explore even more places.
Choose from themes such as castles, fairy tales, half-timbered houses, wine and even asparagus. The two most famous routes are the Romantic Road, a wonderful route through some of the most beautiful cities in southern Germany, and the German Alpine Road, an exciting route through the mountains of Bavaria.
Norway: History and landscapes far from hypertourism
If Europe’s historic cities are starting to get crowded and similar, Norway offers the ultimate in relaxation with its open spaces and Viking history.
The western fjords offer stunning scenery and outdoor activities such as swimming, zip lines and hiking. Although photos of the crowds at Trolltunga and Preikestolen often appear on Instagram, explore a little further to find impressive routes with fewer people.
Further north, Kystriksveien is perfect for a road trip. The road twists and turns along coastal islands and bays to the beautiful Lofoten Islands and the Arctic Circle.