The quietest destinations to visit in Europe

March 25, 2021

Despite popular opinion, Europe isn’t a one-size-fits-all-type-of-location,it’s a diverse continent packed with all different cultures, landmarks, thingsto do and people to meet along the way. When planning a trip, it can be trickyknowing where to begin, but we’re here to share some glorious, quieterdestinations that can be catered to you and your needs.

Whether you’re someone who prefers your holiday to bepeaceful, or simply aren’t a fan of large tourist crowds, here are the topquietest destinations to visit in Europe.

For the city lover

Stockholm, Sweden

Scandinavia is a generally underrated area with plenty ofcountries and cities that are worth the visit. Although its Sweden’s capitalcity, Stockholm is never really thought of as a ‘must-see’ city, compared toRome and Paris, when really, it has an incredibly unique appeal about it.

Stockholm has the clean and minimalistic look about it witha friendly and charming appeal, where you’ll always feel like home. Regardlessof it being lesser-known, the city has lots to do including its gorgeous oldtown, packed with old-world charms, the many museums, Royal Palace, cathedraland many more sights. Art galleries and the food scene are also big draws tothe city with their unique take on both.

Basel, Switzerland

The picture-perfect colourful buildings are the first thingthat comes to mind when we think of Basel in Switzerland. The quaint city isoften forgotten about compared to Zurich and Geneva, however, has a charm aboutit that’ll leave you wanting more.

The walkable city, located along the river Rhine has acombination of art and culture to experience. From the top museums scatteredacross the city including the Kuntsmuseum, to the quaint old town and minstersto see; there’s always something new to lay your eyes on. The sereneenvironment doesn’t really encompass the city vibe.

Sintra, Portugal

Sintra is a city like no other with its colourful palaces, endlessnature reserves and pretty sights – so much so that wherever you look that itdoesn’t feel real. And, throw in the Portugese charm, and it doubles up with asafe and fun haven of things to do, with the quieter appeal.

This city has a royal significance and that means palacesand castles aren’t in shortage with many to add to your agenda. After roamingthe royal paths, there is also an entre historical complex to venture aroundand lots of beaches to put your feet up after a day of walking.

For the beach enthusiast

Mlini Bay, Croatia 

Mlini Bay is a fishing village located around 15 minutes’drive from the hub of Dubrovnik, Croatia’s most popular city, and offers theserene environment we all look for in a beach getaway.

The pebbly shores of Mlini Bay are one out of a travelbrochure with crystal clear waters, sun beds across the pebbles and rockyterrain surroundings. The joys of the bay don’t stop there with a longpromenade packed with plenty of eateries, a nearby old town with old-schoolcharm about it, and the bay is a recluse spot to set up base for day trips intothe busier areas of the region.

Icmeler, Turkey 

Turkey is renowned as a key beach summer spot for manytravellers, with crowds flocking to the country per year. However, it’s not allcrowds and jam-packed tours in every area of Turkey with the little-known Icmeleroffering a tranquil and off-the-beaten-path vibe.

Icmeler is 8 kilometres from the esteemed Marmaris and haslots on offer to see and do. The pine forest haven is home to the brightestblue waters and long stretches of soft-sanded beaches. Icmeler’s main beach isa hub for water sports but there is also a quiet tucked-away area for those whoprefer to experience the serene way of beach life. Turkish bars, a brilliantrestaurant scene and the greeting of a beautiful beach sunrise each day areonly a few reasons to go out of hundreds.

Eraclea Minoa, Sicily, Italy

Italy is a gorgeous place to visit, regardless of the timeof year it is, and Sicily is one of the less visited locations with lots instore. Sicily is quite a large region and has plenty of different areas toexplore, however, Eraclea Minoa is the perfect pick if you’re looking for thepretty Italian vibe, without the hustle bustle.

Eraclea Minoa is an archaeological site which offers one ofthe best beaches in all of Sicily and a must-see for all those beach lovers.The area isn’t just one of fab shores, there’s a lot of history to experiencewith Roman ruins and an old Greek theatre to explore. Although the mainattraction is the beach and area, it boasts a gorgeous surrounding village toexplore and set base in.

For nature fans and hikers

Tuscany, Italy

The Tuscan hills are one of absolute wonders and a locationevery nature lover will absolutely adore. Tuscany is located in central Italyand is home to the capital Florence and surrounding areas with beautifulscenery, art galleries, vineyards and a whole host of the best food you’ll evereat.

The region is pretty large but there is a bit of somethingfor everyone, depending on the type of holiday you’re looking for. Florence isa hub for art, shopping and museums, whilst the quainter towns of Lucca andSiena focus more on the authentic Italian charm with their cathedrals and amiablewalkways.

But, for nature lovers as a whole, stepping away from themain towns is where it’s at in terms of the best scenic views and experiences.The Tuscan hills provide views for days and whether you’re on a wine tour, hiringa vespa to drive around or simply jumping in your car to explore the unknown,you’re guaranteed to not only remember the views, but your stomach will be justas pleased with the top level of cuisine.

Isle of Skye, Scotland

Connected to the north western side of Scotland by bridge,the Isle of Skye offers out-of-this world views and experiences that everyhiker fan will love.

It’s a hikers’ paradise boasting plenty of different trailsand landscapes to explore, and breathe in that freshness of sea air as youreach the top. There’s everything from iconic landmarks including Old Man ofStorr and castles to distilleries and waterfalls. Get your hiking boots, araincoat and a flask ready for the adventure of a lifetime in the Isle of Skye.

Durmitor, Montenegro

As part of the Dinaric Alps, Durmitor is located in north-westernMontenegro and is home to the Durmitor national park, the last remainingunspoiled wilderness areas in Europe. Known for its limestone peaks andstunning glacial lakes, its home to 48 peaks and has a mountainous terrain.

The park has countless areas to explore and things to do,and the best way most travellers do it is set their base in Žabljak, Durmitorall year round and then set foot into the park for an adventure never forgotten.Whether you’re a newbie hiker or do it regularly, in Durmitor National Park, thereare endless amount of laid-out walking trails and hidden coves to explore. And,the wildlife scene and number of waterfalls are only a handful of things to seeand do in the natural wonder that is this national park.

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