Europe's Most (and Least) Pampered Destinations, According to Europeans

In 2024, approximately 1.4 billion global vacations included travelers from Earth. Out of these trips, about 747 million had something to do with visiting a European nation. In simpler terms, despite covering only 6.8 percent of the world’s total landmass, Europe saw 53.3 percent of such tourist activities involving selfie sticks, crowded sidewalks, and extensive use of Airbnb services. tourists Given these statistics, it’s hardly shocking that large parts of the continent have forfeited their genuine character and fallen into the clutches of an anti-tourism sentiment. It’s somewhat unexpected to discover just how extensive this phenomenon is across Europe. hasn’t been spoilt, and does retain its character.

We sought insights from specialists based in seven of Europe's favorite locales—namely France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Turkey, and Portugal—to uncover areas that have been overly frequented. They also highlighted lesser-known spots where tourists can enjoy an enchanting experience away from crowded places. Below are their observations...

Explore:

• France
• Spain
• Italy
• Greece
• Croatia
• Turkey
• Portugal

France

Anthony Peregrine

Most spoilt: Saint Tropez

During a sweltering summer afternoon, St Tropez , a village with 3,586 permanent inhabitants, can frequently be flooded by as many as 80,000 tourists. Yes, you heard correctly: eight times four zeros per day. The last time I drove there in August, it took me two hours to cover the final two miles into town. During this journey, I was passed by elderly women using walking frames.

The whole Riviera gets packed during summertime, but St Tropez takes the crown with an overwhelming influx of visitors. The town acknowledges this issue. As stated by Mayor Sylvie Siri not long ago, "Avoid visiting in summer. Instead, plan your trip for springtime when it feels like the St Tropez from our younger days."

Of course, this depends on when you experienced your childhood. By the 1950s and '60s, Saint-Tropez had transformed from a small fishing and trading harbor into something akin to Paris' Saint-Germain-des-Prés but by the sea, teeming with unrestrained artists, musicians, authors, and their free-spirited companions. Soon after, the global elite arrived with their extravagant lifestyles, quickly followed by the general public, all eager to bask in the reflected glory.

Big celebrities may still arrive en masse via helicopter, but you won’t spot them as easily anymore; instead of catching sight of someone famous like Brigitte Bardot, what you will likely encounter are throngs of tourists filling up tight alleyways, all searching for affordable spots or attractions.

Sure thing, visit during springtime. The crowds will be less dense, yet you'll realize that St Tropez mirrors many other Mediterranean villages and doesn’t have an exclusive allure beyond being "St Tropez." Hence, this quaint coastal village retains its status as the most renowned holiday destination in Europe.

Least spoilt: Moselle

Moser County is located at the point where France meets Luxembourg and Germany, making it a place where different cultures often intersect: border forts stand as silent witnesses to this blend of influences. According to popular perception, when these regions aren't engaged in conflict, their inhabitants labor diligently in robust industries. This stereotype tends to deter visitors. It's a significant oversight. Having grown up in industrial Lancashire, I can assure you that fascination doesn't always stem from beauty.

There are scarcely any more captivating historical sites in France than the Maginot Line fortifications. Spread across the Moselle region, approximately 142 such structures stand several miles inland from the frontiers. Among these, the largest is the Hackenberg near Vécrincourt, sprawling over nearly 198 acres. Tourists can explore this vast network by riding an noisy electric tram through around six miles of subterranean passageways, linking everything from barracks to gun emplacements. This colossal feat of engineering evokes a sense of heroic determination.

The fact is that this fort, similar to others, is situated amidst a beautiful countryside featuring rivers, meadows, and forests that slope gently towards charming villages such as Rodemack and Sierck-les-Bains. These places have turbulent histories but offer an appealing current state. If these were located in Provence, they would attract crowds constantly. However, since they aren’t, they do not experience such high demand.

As you go along, Malbrouck Castle shares its tale with a gentle murmur instead of a dull historical monotone. In this year, 2025, it’s presenting an exhibit on Makoto Yukimura’s work. Vinland Saga And thus the terrain sweeps eastward toward the Vosges mountains and Bitche, where the fortress perched atop the town highlights the Moselle’s remarkable ability to bring history vividly to life.

The tour is movie-driven, with various scenes shown one after another in separate rooms within the citadel. Impressive. Moving further south, the Sainte Croix The animal park continues to be France’s premier collection of European wildlife, maintaining this status for 45 years now. Visitors can stay in wooden cabins, including treehouses, where they can sleep alongside bison, bears, and wolves.

Next, you head back to Metz, an exceptional yet underappreciated gem in France. With a military history featuring figures like Julius Caesar, Attila the Hun, and Charles the Great, along with serving as one of Europe’s mightiest fortresses during the 1800s, this place later developed a refined cultural atmosphere.

Parks are plentiful, with the golden Jaumont stone shining throughout the grand central area. The St Etienne cathedral boasts what might be the planet’s most inspiring display of stained glass artwork—and modern art converges at the Metz location of the Centre Pompidou. You can savor Quiche Lorraine, Potée Lorraine, and Mirabelle plum tarts, paired with French Moselle wine, all while enjoying the solitude as others find themselves elsewhere.

How to do it

Drive - Metz is about 4 hours and 30 minutes from Calais - or fly Stansted to Luxembourg And rent a vehicle for the next hour to head towards Metz. For accommodation, the Hotel de la Cathédrale is the main, historically significant option (prices double at £88). Further beyond Metz, the premier lodging in this region is the Domaine de la Klauss in Montenach Family-operated with a five-star ambiance perfectly suited for the countryside setting. It also boasts an excellent spa and a Michelin-star restaurant (double rooms starting at £204).

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Spain

Sally Davies

Most spoilt: Seville

It was a freezing winter day in 1992 when I first arrived in Seville. The trees were heavy with oranges and the smell of black tobacco drifted through narrow whitewashed streets. The Barrio de Santa Cruz was another world, a place where doughty ladies in housecoats scrubbed their front steps and geranium-filled patios could be glimpsed through iron grilles.

Modern-day Santa Cruz has transformed significantly. It's believed that approximately 60 percent of the apartments have become vacation rentals. As a result, these terraces now echo with the sounds of festive returnees. Is this the least appealing area in Spain? Certainly not at all. However, unless its thoroughfares rid themselves of Giralda-branded refrigerator magnets and risqué shirts, much of its previous allure will remain absent.

Least spoilt: Extremadura

Just a few hours' drive north of Seville lies an entirely different narrative. Largely uninhabited and scorched by intense heat for most of the year, Extremadura might at first appear as one of Spain’s least welcoming areas. However, it manages to captivate visitors almost instantly.

A number of its towns—including Cáceres and Trujillo—are amongst the most spectacular in Spain, constructed during the prosperity of the 16th century. conquistadores They are filled with palaces and churches, showcasing medieval and Renaissance architecture that has been beautifully maintained, much favored by filmmakers yet unfamiliar to most global travelers.

To the south lies Mérida—a city that appears primarily functional at first glance but boasts an impressive array of well-preserved Roman ruins recognized by UNESCO. Further ahead is the small town of Zafra, known for its stylish colonnaded plazas and intricate religious buildings.

These communities are encircled by productive farmlands and the dehesa (akin to wooded meadows) known for producing some of the nation’s top-quality goods, particularly the black-footed pigs raised on acorns, yielding exceptionally sweet and aromatic meat. jamones Extremadura is likewise the origin of smoked paprika. pimentón And some remarkably fine wines. It’s puzzling why it hasn’t attracted mass tourism yet, but here’s hoping it stays that way for a good time to come.

How to do it

Stay at the Parador de Trujillo Set in a 16th-century convent, priced at £67 per night onwards. The closest airport offering direct flights from the UK is Madrid.

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Italy

Lee Marshall

Most spoilt: Venice

It should not be surprising when I suggest that Venice is Italy’s most pampered destination—largely due to its abundant charm and allure. The introduction of a €5 tourist entry fee on busy days during the spring and summer of 2024 generated over triple the expected revenue for the city, yet did little to deter visitors. The mix of inexpensive airfares and online popularity ensures that tourists frequently surpass local inhabitants by a ratio of two-to-one.

It adds stress for everyone involved. Last fall, when I exited the principal Santa Lucia train station one day, the line for the (expensive) waterbus to St. Mark’s was incredibly lengthy, making me wait about an hour before boarding. Consequently, similar to numerous others, I chose to walk instead, adding myself as another tourist struggling through the narrow streets and overpasses of Venice with a cumbersome suitcase.

Least spoilt: Umbria

I am reluctant to recommend the area referred to as "Italy's Green Heart." After all, I decided to make my home here. because It remains incredibly untouched. However, I find solace knowing that Umbria will perpetually serve as an alternate choice for travelers: situated away from major railway lines and boasting just a tiny airport, reaching it requires some effort. The pilgrim city of Assisi, which houses the relics of Saint Francis, draws most of the visitors. Elsewhere, there's ample room for all, along with many amiable residents who rarely encounter tourists, making you likely become a (much-appreciated) spectacle.

Similar to its neighbor Tuscany, this area boasts an array of distinct small towns, each boasting their own culinary specialties and customs: Spoleto, famous for its summertime music and art fest; sophisticated Todi; Orvieto, known for its extensive network of subterranean passages and stunning cathedral; and Gubbio, which exudes such authentic medieval charm that one can easily imagine bumping into Dante strolling along the cobblestone streets.

Pedestrians and bikers will find plenty to enjoy: I highly recommend exploring the Valnerina, an area characterized by highland meadows, visually stunning monasteries, and swiftly moving rivers, with the charming historical town of Norcia at its heart—a place known for competing delicacies like truffles and cured meats. However, this locale offers continual unexpected discoveries as well. Just recently, I came across something new: Meunier , an acclaimed pizzeria located near Perugia offers a choice of handcrafted champagnes. You can enjoy dinner here along with a glass of sparkling wine for under €30 per person.

How to do it

Fly to Perugia with Ryanair . See Telegraph Travel's guide to top accommodations in Umbria .

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Greece

Heidi Fuller-Love

Most spoilt: Mykonos

According to Greek newspaper Kathimerini Illegal construction is "unstoppable" on the island of Mykonos in the Cyclades archipelago, which is evident everywhere. Beyond the narrow streets lined with boutiques and the charming area known as Little Venice, new hotels are proliferating rapidly. vlita Wild greens and makeshift beach clubs thrive like weeds.

Introduce sunbeds priced at €300 each and overpriced eateries, and it comes as little surprise that there was a 7 percent drop in international flights to the "Island of the Winds" between January and May 2024, as reported in a study. airport operators Fraport , as visitors (like myself) opted to allocate their funds elsewhere.

Least spoilt: Thassos

The northernmost islands of Greece, although a bit cooler compared to their southern counterparts, often remain off the radar for tourists. Just a quick 10-minute ferry ride over the crystal-clear waters from the cliffside town of Kavala brings you to Thassos. The nation's 12th biggest island It is a fragrant mixture infused with thyme and pine, capturing all the highlights of what the northern islands excel at.

Homer's inspiration for Calypso, the island of the Sirens, was The Odyssey In the 5th century BC, Thassos was part of the Delian League, a coalition of Greek city-states, which earned it the moniker "Athens of the North." Today, remnants such as monumental archways surrounding kitchen gardens, ancient sarcophagi stacked along roadways, and enormous stone walls on the hills serve as testaments to its past grandeur.

The island boasts around 60 beaches, featuring sands as pristine and white as those found in any Caribbean locale. The traditional taverns here offer wallet-friendly options amid the alpine-like villages nestled within its rugged terrain. As you dine outdoors, observe sunlight reflecting off the slate rooftops while the cook prepares mouthwatering chunks of herb-seasoned pork souvlaki over an open flame. This experience perfectly captures why locals are content keeping this gem hidden from the world.

How to do it

Olympic Air Flies from Athens to Kavala. Journey from Keramoti in Kavala to Thassos’s principal port of Limenas using Thassos Ferries in around 30 minutes. Louloudis Boutique Hotel And the spa located close to Skala Rachoniou’s sandy beach offers accommodations starting at €110 per room.

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Croatia

Jane Foster

Most spoilt: Dubrovnik

Summer guests may enjoy strolling the charming cobblestone streets of the picturesque car-free ancient towns in Dubrovnick, Split, Zadar, and Rovinj, where historical structures have undergone meticulous restoration. However, gentrification has diminished the traditional lifestyle, which was characterized by close-knit communities. Houses that were once home to multi-generational local families are now trendy Airbnb rentals during the summertime but remain empty throughout the colder months.

The street-level areas, which were formerly bustling neighborhood cafes, bakeries, and bookstores throughout the year, are now dominated by quick-service food establishments, temporary cocktail lounges, and travel agencies, often closed for large portions of the year. Although these historic districts have become more sanitized, their long-standing communities, along with their original character and flaws, have essentially disappeared.

Least spoilt: Velebit

The harder it is to reach a location, the greater the chance it has stayed untouched. Coastal development is limited in Croatia, which means you won't encounter unsightly beach resorts like those found in certain other Mediterranean nations. However, if you're seeking an authentic retreat surrounded by virgin landscapes, consider venturing into the mountains instead.

The imposing Dinaric Alps create a formidable mountain barrier along the Croatian coastline, with the Velebit range—home to bears, wolves, lynx, and chamois—being particularly striking. This region boasts an awe-inspiring rugged limestone terrain known as karst topography. North Velebit National Park features majestic limestone mountains (reaching heights above 1,600 meters), dense woodlands of soft oaks, Oriental hornbeams, beeches, and black pines, along with meticulously kept hiking paths marked by red-and-white signs, alongside a botanical garden highlighting native rocky flora.

Southeast from here, Paklenica National Park Includes two rugged gorges that are favorites among hikers and rock climbers, along with the Manita peć cave, which features stunning stalagmites and stalactites. To the south, the park is bordered by the winding River Zrmanja, known for activities like rafting and kayaking.

How to do it

Responsible Travel provides a seven-day " North to South Velebit Hike in Croatia holiday, accompanied by an experienced local guide (you can opt for self-guided tours as well), including stays at mountain huts, starting from £611 per person, not including flights.

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Turkey

Terry Richardson

Most spoilt: Antalya

Even though I resided in Antalya for numerous years and continue to adore it because of its incredible blend of the shimmering Mediterranean Sea, renowned 300 days of annual sunlight, dramatic mountainous landscape, and abundance of historically significant locations with striking settings, one cannot deny that the substantial influx of visitors has somewhat diminished its appeal.

In 2024, the region welcomed a historic total of 17.3 million tourists, among whom Russians were the most numerous with 4 million, followed closely by British travelers at approximately 1.57 million. As tourism becomes predominantly centered around all-inclusive resorts located southeast and southwest of Antalya City, this area is rapidly shedding its distinct Turkish character and evolving into just another Mediterranean destination.

Least spoilt: Datça Peninsula

Stretching out towards the west from Turkey’s mainland, the Datça Peninsula juts forth as a rugged strip of limestone into the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea. Accessible via a main route that cuts through the crowded coastal town of Marmaris, you'll find another popular spot, Bodrum, roughly 20 nautical miles away across the Gulf of Gökova to the northwest. Despite being close to these bustling vacation hubs, this tranquil, thinly populated peninsula has stayed largely untouched by mass tourism.

Lodging options in Datça town and the surrounding villages and hamlets—such as Hayitbükü, Ovabükü, and Palamutbükü—are primarily limited to family-operated guesthouses and boutique hotels. The restaurants here tend to be traditional Turkish eateries with an unpretentious ambiance, focusing mainly on local cuisine. meze and grilled fish.

The striking ancient remains of Knidos at the peninsula's end draw a moderate crowd, though many tourists arrive via boat tours. Beyond swimming off the pebble-strewn shores and enjoying the sight of secluded coves, as well as admiring the rolling hills dotted with almond and olive groves along with the nearby Greek islands of the Dodecanese archipelago, there isn’t much else to do around this area.

How to do it

Take off from Gatwick and land at Dalaman with Wizz Air . The boutique Bademli Konak In Datça town, you get good value for money, with double rooms starting at £65 per night.

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Portugal

Oliver Balch

Most spoilt: Porto

When an American tour group visited my favorite local spot, bifana When they chimed in about the "amazing" aroma of those thinly sliced pork sandwiches and proceeded to take a photo for their Instagram story, I realized Porto was destined for great things. former “hidden gem” was sealed.

Like many historic European cities, Porto, Portugal's stunning secondary metropolis, suffers from its numerous appealing features: its striking array of blue-and-white azulejo-adorned churches, its picturesque skyline adorned with brightly colored multi-level homes, its charming Douro River lined with an assortment of bridges, and naturally, its invitation for a wine-filled celebration at one of its several riverside port lodges. Therefore, given the seven million annual tourists, it has ceased being overshadowed by Lisbon, standing tall as more than just an afterthought.

Minimally pampered: The southwestern shore of Algarve

If "Algarve" makes you think of meticulously maintained golf courses, crowded seaside spots packed with sardines, or British-themed bars serving all-day breakfasts, then this isn’t where you should be. Cleanse yourself from thoughts of Albufeira, Faro, and Vilamouru, and venture westward towards the untamed shores of the Lagos and Vila do Bispo areas instead.

Sitting at the southernmost tip of the nation, this lesser-known part of Portugal’s coast along the Atlantic offers a retreat for people seeking to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and dip into the more basic joys of existence temporarily.

Regulations limiting development have ensured that this environmentally sensitive area remains largely free of accommodations like hotels or resorts. In their place, you'll find extensive stretches of crumbling limestone and sandstone cliffs, expansive sandy dunes, and coastal scrublands typical of the Mediterranean region. While cycling is possible, walking provides the best experience when following the coastline all the way through. The stretch between Lagos and Sagres, covering approximately 30 miles, offers ideal conditions for a relaxed three-day hike.

Taking things slowly allows ample opportunity to savor the marine breeze and enjoy leisurely gazes at the ocean vistas, as well as indulge in extended, relaxed meals. Be sure not to skip out on dining at Zavial, a seaside eatery situated right where the shore meets the waves along the aptly named Praia do Zavial. Here, you can relish dishes made from just-snagged monkfish, sea bass, and anything else pulled from the shimmering waters nearby.

How to do it

Fly to Faro with Ryanair or Jet2 . Check out our selection of the top hotels in Lagos. .

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