Americans are flocking to Europe’s hot spots. Here’s where Europeans are going instead
Europe’s hot spots, from the sun-soaked French Riviera to the idyllic Greek islands, are witnessing a significant surge of American tourists this summer. As the season progresses, these popular destinations are preparing for an even greater influx of visitors from across the Atlantic.
Travel insurance provider Allianz Partners’ analysts anticipate a 55% rise in American arrivals, surpassing the numbers from last summer. The impact of these bustling crowds is palpable, even without joining the lengthy queues at sought-after attractions.
The throngs of people waiting for a treat at an Instagram-famous gelato shop or lining up for a Vatican tour are a testament to this. Tania Swasbrook, co-founder of luxury travel consultancy Vgari Lifestyle, has noted an increase in bookings, with this year being busier than the last and popular cities reaching full capacity.
To avoid the crowds, Swasbrook suggests her clients explore “parallel countries” and locations. These are European destinations that, while offering similar beauty and attractions, are not as frequented by American tourists.
North Jutland, Denmark
Southern Europe is known for its bustling crowds during the summer months. The region can also experience intense heat, particularly in July and August. For instance, temperatures in Seville and other southern Spanish areas have recently soared past 43.3 Celsius (110˚ Fahrenheit). Given these conditions, it might be worth exploring alternative holiday destinations. If a beach holiday in Denmark has never crossed your mind, now could be the perfect time to give it some thought.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
Less than two hours by car from Italy’s extremely popular Lake Como, the glamorous Swiss mountain town of St. Moritz, located in the Engadin Valley, offers a more tranquil summertime lakeside retreat.
The Camargue, France
International tourists are drawn to the long-famous Côte d’Azur’s yacht-filled waters and high-profile towns such as St.Tropez, Nice and Cannes. However, southern France has much more to offer than these predictable locations.
Alentejo, Portugal
When Arlindo Serrão wants to spend time on the Portuguese coast, away from the tourist crowds of the cities and more popular beach destinations in the country’s far south, he leaves Lisbon for a special stretch of coast in the Alentejo region.
Montenegro
Bypass Croatia’s overcrowded Dubrovnik, a favourite of “Game of Thrones” fans, and opt for less crowded locations in neighbouring Montenegro instead.
Costa de la Luz, Spain
Spain’s Costa de la Luz rewards adventurous travellers who know to look beyond the Mediterranean.
Aeolian Islands, Sicily, Italy
Sicily’s relaxed Aeolian archipelago entices with an uncrowded appeal that the Amalfi Coast or Capri can’t match.
Senja, Norway
Far removed from the crowds and heat of southern Europe, Senja is Norway’s second-largest island (outside of Svalbard) – yet it sees far fewer summer tourists than the more popular Lofoten Islands, roughly five hours by car to the south.
Zadar Archipelago, Croatia
The coastline and islands around Zadar in Croatia offer an experience that’s “a world apart” from more crowded points south such as Split, Dubrovnik and the island of Hvar, suggests Alan Mandic of Croatian travel agency Secret Dalmatia.
Pelion Peninsula, Greece
With such spectacular coastline and mountains to explore, Greeks tend to holiday in their own country during the summer, says Andria Mitsakos, founder of luxury lifestyle brand Anthologist.
Coastal Albania
Far less overwhelmed by tourists than neighbouring Greece to the south or Italy across the Adriatic, the Balkan Peninsula country of Albania is still somewhat of a secret closely guarded among savvy travellers – but one unlikely to stay on the down-low for long.
In a nutshell, Europe’s hot spots are preparing for an influx of American tourists. Meanwhile, Europeans are choosing to explore lesser-known, yet equally captivating places. These include the tranquil landscapes of Slovenia and Pantelleria. The vibrant culture of Paros and the untouched beauty of Montenegro are also attracting visitors. These hidden gems provide a unique, crowd-free experience. Therefore, when planning your next European adventure, consider these less frequented locales. They offer a blend of beauty, culture, and tranquillity. These destinations provide a refreshing contrast to the bustling tourist hot spots. So, for a unique European experience, these lesser-known locales are worth considering.
