Underrated European Towns You’ll Love More Than Paris, Venice, and Amalfi

Aug 18

When most people think about Europe, the same names pop up first: Paris, Venice, Santorini, the Amalfi Coast. They’re on postcards, in every travel guide, and probably on your bucket list too. But anyone who’s been in peak season knows what it’s really like. You queue for an hour just to get into a museum. You pay €8 for a coffee that doesn’t even taste that good. And by midday, you’re shuffling through crowds so thick you can barely see the street in front of you.

That doesn’t mean those places aren’t worth seeing - they are. But the truth is, they’re not the only option. Europe is full of smaller towns and cities that have the same charm and history, but with space to actually enjoy them. Imagine grabbing a seat in a café where the waiter already knows half the customers by name, or wandering down a cobblestone alley where you don’t have to dodge a single selfie stick. Even something simple, like finding a bench by the river, suddenly feels like a luxury because it’s yours to enjoy in peace.

If what you really want is breathing room, good food that isn’t priced for tourists, and the feeling that you’re seeing a place as it actually is, these underrated towns will give you that. They don’t shout for attention, but that’s the point. You can linger, slow down, and come home feeling like you experienced somewhere… not like you just ticked it off a list.

Instead of Venice, Go to Ljubljana, Slovenia

Venice is beautiful, no question. The canals, the gondolas, the bridges - it’s one of those places you have to see once. But once you’ve fought through the cruise-ship crowds, overpaid for a coffee in Piazza San Marco, and realized that every restaurant within sight of the Grand Canal has the same laminated tourist menu, the magic can start to feel thin.

That’s where Ljubljana comes in. Slovenia’s capital has everything people love about Venice (water winding through the city, graceful bridges, pastel facades, and a romantic atmosphere) but without the stress. The Ljubljanica River runs straight through the old town, lined with leafy terraces and cafés where you can actually sit for an hour without being rushed. The famous Triple Bridge, designed by architect Jože Plečnik, is as striking as anything in Venice, and yet you’ll never feel like you’re being pushed along in a crowd.

What really makes Ljubljana stand out is the atmosphere. It’s small enough to feel intimate, but lively enough that you won’t get bored. Days here often start with a slow wander through the central market, where farmers sell seasonal fruit, vegetables, and wheels of local cheese. You can grab a coffee from one of the stalls and sit on the steps nearby, watching locals go about their routines. For a bigger taste of the city’s food culture, check out Odprta Kuhna, the open-air food market (spring through autumn) where chefs from across Slovenia cook everything from traditional dumplings to modern fusion dishes.

When you’re ready to step away from the riverside, you can head up to Ljubljana Castle (a short climb or a funicular ride) for views across the red rooftops. Or, if you’d rather keep things slow, walk through Tivoli Park, a huge green space right in the city center where locals picnic, cycle, or just stretch out in the sun. It’s the opposite of Venice’s tourist-packed alleys: wide paths, birdsong, and plenty of quiet benches where you can stop with a book.

Evenings in Ljubljana feel easy and local. Grab a table outside by the river, order a glass of Slovenian wine (the country’s vineyards are one of Europe’s best-kept secrets), and just watch the city glow as the lights reflect off the water. Instead of jostling for a spot on the Rialto Bridge, you’ll have room to breathe and actually enjoy where you are.

And then there’s the price tag. In Venice, a gondola ride or a simple spritz can easily set you back more than a full dinner in Ljubljana. Here, you can have a three-course meal at a cozy neighborhood restaurant without feeling like you’ve blown half your budget. It’s not just more affordable - it’s more enjoyable, because you’re not constantly calculating what you can and can’t afford to do.

For travelers who want the canal-side beauty, the architecture, and the romantic vibe (but without the crowds and stress) Ljubljana is the perfect swap. It gives you the magic you expect from Venice, but in a way that feels personal, calm, and refreshingly real.

Instead of Santorini, Go to Naxos, Greece

Santorini’s photos are everywhere… whitewashed houses spilling down the cliffs, blue-domed churches, and sunsets that make the whole sky glow. And yes, it’s beautiful. But it’s also crowded. Even in shoulder season, you’ll find yourself packed into Oia with thousands of other people, all elbowing for the same shot of the sun dipping into the Aegean. Prices are high, ferries are full, and dinner often comes with a waitlist.

If you want the Greek island beauty without the stress, Naxos is a game-changer. It’s the largest island in the Cyclades, but it somehow feels more relaxed than its famous neighbor. Life here still revolves around farming, fishing, and family-run tavernas (not just catering to visitors) and that gives it an authenticity that’s hard to find on Santorini these days.

The beaches alone are worth the swap. Instead of scrambling for a tiny patch of sand, you’ll find long, wide stretches like Agios Prokopios, where the water is so clear you can see your toes, or Plaka Beach, with soft golden sand and plenty of space to lay down a towel. Many of these beaches are lined with small tavernas where you can walk straight from the sea to a plate of fried calamari, a Greek salad, and a cold beer, all without breaking the bank.

Inland, Naxos is dotted with traditional mountain villages that feel a world away from the coast. Apiranthos, with its marble-paved alleys and stone-built houses, is a favorite for travelers who like a slower pace and fewer tourists. In Chalki, once the island’s administrative center, you can wander narrow streets, pop into family-run shops selling handmade citron liqueur, and sit in a shady square for a strong Greek coffee. These villages show you everyday island life in a way Santorini rarely can anymore.

Food is another reason Naxos outshines Santorini. The island is fertile, with olive groves, citrus trees, and herds of goats and sheep, which means much of what you eat is grown or raised right here. Order a plate of Naxian potatoes (the island is famous for them), try local cheeses like graviera, or sit down at a family-run taverna where grandma is still in the kitchen. Meals are hearty, affordable, and often come with a glass of house wine that costs less than bottled water in Santorini.

And when it comes to sunsets? You’ll still get the same fiery skies, but without the crowds. Head to the Portara, the giant marble doorway that remains from an unfinished ancient temple, and watch the sun drop behind the sea. It’s one of those places where you can actually hear the waves, not just the clicking of cameras around you.

The pace of life on Naxos is what makes it special. You don’t need to schedule every moment. You can spend the morning wandering a village, the afternoon napping under a tamarisk tree by the beach, and the evening eating seafood grilled over coals with your feet in the sand. It’s slow, it’s real, and it’s everything you imagine a Greek island holiday should be - just without the inflated prices and selfie-stick crowds.

If Santorini is the stunning cover photo, Naxos is the chapter where you actually get to live the story. And chances are, you’ll leave wishing you had discovered it sooner.

Instead of Paris, Go to Ghent, Belgium

Paris has its reputation for romance: the Eiffel Tower at night, the cafés of Saint-Germain, the Louvre’s endless galleries. But if you’ve been in peak season, you know how quickly the magic can fade. You spend more time in queues than in museums, a “simple” coffee on a terrace costs almost as much as lunch, and even a walk along the Seine can feel like weaving through a tourist conveyor belt.

If you love the idea of Paris but want something smaller, calmer, and more personal, Ghent in Belgium might surprise you. It has the same cobbled streets, river views, and café culture, but it’s scaled down in the best way. Instead of battling for space under the Eiffel Tower, you’ll find yourself sitting along the Graslei and Korenlei, a pair of historic quays where medieval guild houses line the water and locals gather in the evenings with a beer in hand. The vibe is less “bucket-list chaos” and more “let’s just hang out and watch the sunset.”

Ghent is also rich in history and art, but without the overwhelming size of Paris. You can walk through Gravensteen Castle, a 12th-century fortress right in the middle of town, climb the belfry for sweeping views, or spend an afternoon inside Saint Bavo’s Cathedral admiring the famous Adoration of the Mystic Lamb altarpiece. Unlike the Louvre, where you shuffle past masterpieces with hundreds of others, Ghent’s treasures feel accessible. You can actually take your time - no elbowing required.

And then there’s the food scene. Paris is legendary, but also expensive and sometimes intimidating. Ghent is welcoming and a lot more affordable. Belgium is known for its beer culture, and Ghent has some of the best places to sample it, from old brown cafés that have been around for centuries to modern craft bars. Pair it with a plate of Waterzooi, the city’s creamy chicken or fish stew, or try simple frites dipped in mayo from a street stand. For dessert, grab a bag of cuberdons, cone-shaped raspberry candies that you’ll only find here. The whole experience feels local, not staged - you’re eating where the locals eat, at their pace.

One of the best things about Ghent is how livable it feels. The city center is mostly pedestrianized, so walking or biking is easy. There’s no constant honking of traffic, no rush, just the sound of bikes zipping past and church bells ringing on the hour. In the evenings, the medieval buildings are lit up beautifully, and you can wander the canals without having to fight through crowds. It feels intimate, like you’ve stumbled into a secret version of Europe that’s just as stunning as Paris, but more approachable.

And the location? That’s a bonus. Ghent is just 30 minutes by train from Brussels and under three hours from Paris, making it easy to pair with other spots. But unlike Paris, it’s not overwhelmed by day-trippers. If you stay a few nights, you’ll get to see the city at its best: mornings at the market, evenings by the river, afternoons spent wandering through neighborhoods where laundry hangs across the alleyways and kids ride bikes home from school.

Paris may have the name recognition, but Ghent has the heart. It gives you all the charm of a European city break (art, history, food, atmosphere) with space to actually enjoy it. And that might just be more romantic than the Eiffel Tower.

Instead of the Amalfi Coast, Go to Puglia

The Amalfi Coast has long been the postcard image of Italy: pastel-colored villages clinging to cliffs, turquoise coves, and winding coastal roads. But if you’ve ever visited in mid-summer, you know the reality - buses wedged into hairpin turns, crowds squeezing through Positano’s alleys, and hotel prices that can make your eyes water. It’s beautiful, yes, but it can also feel like you’re on someone else’s stage set.

Puglia, the region that forms the “heel” of Italy’s boot, gives you the same coastal drama and Italian charm without the chaos. Life here is slower, sunnier, and far more grounded in local rhythms. Instead of a string of overbooked luxury resorts, you’ll find whitewashed villages, family-run trattorias, and beaches where the loudest sound is the surf. It feels lived-in, not curated.

Start in the hilltop town of Ostuni, known as la città bianca (the white city). Its maze of narrow streets, arched stairways, and bright doorways is every bit as atmospheric as Amalfi’s villages, but with far fewer crowds. You can wander in peace, stopping at tiny shops selling olive oil, ceramics, or linen clothing made by local artisans. Just outside town, the countryside rolls with olive groves (some trees are centuries old) and masserie (fortified farmhouses) that now welcome guests for long, leisurely meals under the vines.

On the coast, Polignano a Mare is as striking as Positano but far less hectic. Houses perch right on the cliffs, looking out over dazzlingly blue water. The main beach, Lama Monachile, is framed by dramatic cliffs and a Roman bridge, but walk a little further and you’ll find smaller coves where you can swim almost alone. Unlike the Amalfi Coast, where every square meter of sand seems claimed by a sunbed rental, Puglia still has plenty of beaches where you can throw down a towel and relax at your own pace.

Food is where Puglia really shines. While Amalfi’s prices can make a plate of pasta feel like a splurge, here the meals are hearty, honest, and often astonishingly affordable. Try orecchiette, the region’s signature pasta, often tossed with turnip greens or rich tomato sauce. Order grilled seafood straight from the Adriatic, or sit down in a trattoria for focaccia barese, still warm from the oven. Even wine feels generous - a carafe of local Primitivo or Negroamaro often costs less than a coffee in Amalfi. The whole dining experience is slower, more welcoming, and without pretense.

And then there’s Alberobello, famous for its trulli houses: white, cone-roofed buildings that look almost fairytale-like. Wander through the quieter streets just outside the main tourist area and you’ll see how these homes are still lived in, with geraniums on the windowsills and laundry fluttering in the breeze. It’s authentic, not staged.

The real joy of Puglia is that you don’t have to chase anything. You can spend mornings walking through olive groves, afternoons on wide, sandy beaches like Torre dell’Orso, and evenings lingering over dinner as church bells echo through the piazza. The pace is generous, unhurried - the opposite of Amalfi’s packed-to-the-gills glamour.

For travelers who want that classic Mediterranean beauty but with more breathing room, Puglia is a revelation. It offers the coastal views, the history, and the flavors - but in a way that feels natural, authentic, and restorative. Amalfi may win on name recognition, but Puglia wins on experience.

Instead of Iceland, Go to the Faroe Islands

Iceland has become the go-to destination for travelers chasing dramatic landscapes: waterfalls tumbling into black-sand beaches, steaming hot springs, volcanoes, and endless skies. But with its rise in popularity, the experience has changed. Parking lots now sit at the base of once-remote waterfalls, tour buses pull up at the same viewpoints, and hotel prices have climbed sky-high. The wildness is still there, but it’s no longer just yours to savor.

The Faroe Islands, an 18-island archipelago tucked between Iceland and Norway, offer that same elemental beauty without the crowds. Think sheer cliffs draped in green, puffins nesting on sea stacks, and villages of turf-roofed cottages that look like they belong in a storybook. The difference is in the experience. Here, you can stand at a viewpoint or walk along a trail and hear nothing but the wind, the seabirds, and the ocean below. It feels untouched, as though you’ve stumbled into Europe’s last true secret.

Hiking is one of the best ways to experience the Faroes, and the trails are as breathtaking as any in Iceland. The walk to Sørvágsvatn Lake is unforgettable - this is the lake that looks like it’s floating high above the ocean, separated only by a cliff drop. Or head to Gásadalur village, once only reachable by footpath, where the iconic waterfall Múlafossur crashes straight into the sea. Even the more popular routes rarely feel busy; you’ll often share them with just a handful of other hikers and plenty of sheep.

The islands aren’t just about landscapes, though - they’re lived-in and deeply local. Tiny villages dot the coastlines, many with just a few dozen residents, colorful boats in the harbor, and grass-roofed houses designed to withstand the elements. Life here revolves around the rhythms of the sea and the seasons. Stop in a local café for a bowl of fish soup, or try skerpikjøt, the Faroese specialty of wind-dried lamb, often made right at family farms. Meals are simple, rooted in tradition, and best enjoyed slowly: the kind of food that makes sense in a place this rugged and raw.

Driving between islands feels like its own adventure. Winding coastal roads, undersea tunnels, and mountain passes connect the dots, and every turn reveals a new panorama. Cliffs dropping into foamy seas, valleys streaked with waterfalls, villages tucked into sheltered inlets. Unlike Iceland, where some drives can feel like crowded convoys of rental cars, the Faroes often feel like you have the road to yourself.

What makes the Faroes so powerful as an alternative is that they give you everything Iceland promises - but in a quieter, more personal way. You still get the jaw-dropping scenery, the sense of isolation, and the chance to reconnect with nature, but without the commercial rush. Days stretch long and slow, the light constantly shifting across the ocean and hills, and you get space (real space) to breathe it all in.

For travelers who crave landscapes that feel wild and unfiltered, the Faroe Islands are what Iceland used to be. It’s not about ticking off the “top 10 spots” - it’s about standing on a cliff with the Atlantic stretching to the horizon and realizing there’s nowhere else you’d rather be.

Why These Underrated Alternatives Might Change How You Travel

Here’s the truth: the “bucket list” cities and coastlines are famous for a reason. Paris will always have its romance, Amalfi its cliffside drama, Iceland its raw beauty. But when you only chase the names everyone knows, you often inherit their problems too - the inflated prices, the lines, the stress, the sense that you’re experiencing the version built for tourists, not the one locals actually live in.

Choosing places like Ljubljana, Ghent, Puglia, Naxos, or the Faroe Islands isn’t about being contrarian or avoiding the classics altogether. It’s about giving yourself a different kind of trip. These destinations are just as beautiful (sometimes even more so) but they allow you to actually live in them for a few days instead of rushing through. You can walk into a café and recognize the same regulars each morning, stumble across a market that isn’t staged for photos, or linger at a viewpoint with no one else around. That sense of space and authenticity is what makes travel feel meaningful.

There’s also something grounding about knowing your visit has a positive ripple effect. Smaller towns and lesser-visited regions welcome travelers in ways that overcrowded places can’t anymore. Your stay helps keep family-run hotels, village cafés, and artisan shops alive. Instead of contributing to overtourism, you’re part of a healthier balance that makes your trip feel good on both sides.

And practically speaking? You’ll spend less money and less energy. Rooms are more affordable, dinners don’t come with tourist markups, and you’ll leave feeling recharged rather than wrung out. It’s the kind of travel that lingers longer… not because you saw the “top 10 sights,” but because you slowed down enough to notice the little things: the smell of bread baking in a side street, the way light hits the rooftops in the evening, the sound of church bells echoing across an empty square.

So the next time you plan a European trip, pause before booking the usual suspects. The magic you’re chasing (the charm, the history, the landscapes, the food) is often stronger in the places no one told you to visit. These underrated destinations don’t need a spotlight to shine; they just need you to show up, slow down, and give them a chance.

More Slow-Travel Ideas Beyond the Bucket List

If discovering quieter, underrated destinations is your style, you’ll probably love exploring some of Europe’s other overlooked corners. For example, if you enjoy the atmosphere of Ghent or Ljubljana, you might also appreciate the peaceful cottage stays in Drôme Provençale - a part of southern France where time seems to move even slower than the lavender-scented breeze read more here.

For those drawn to the soul of Spain beyond Barcelona and Madrid, our guide to quiet Spanish towns highlights places where you can sip coffee in sunlit plazas without the rush of tour groups discover them here.

And if you want a city trip that still feels cozy and approachable, Basel in Switzerland offers an inviting mix of small cafés, local art spaces, and riverside walks that are perfect for independent travelers find the guide here.

FAQ: Underrated European Towns and Alternatives to Popular Destinations

What is the best alternative to Venice without crowds?
If you love the canals and charm of Venice but want fewer tourists, Ljubljana in Slovenia is the best option. The Ljubljanica River runs through the old town with bridges and riverside cafés that feel just as romantic, but the city is far less crowded and more affordable.

Which Greek island is better than Santorini for a quiet holiday?
Naxos is often called the best alternative to Santorini. It has beautiful beaches, traditional whitewashed villages, and amazing sunsets - but without the cruise ship crowds or sky-high prices. It’s one of the most relaxed Greek islands for solo travel and couples alike.

Is Ghent worth visiting instead of Paris?
Yes. If you’re looking for a city with history, Gothic architecture, canals, and culture but without the overwhelming crowds, Ghent in Belgium is an excellent alternative to Paris. It’s smaller, more affordable, and still full of museums, castles, and great food.

What is a cheaper alternative to the Amalfi Coast in Italy?
For travelers who want Amalfi’s beauty without the high prices, Puglia is the top alternative. Villages like Ostuni and Polignano a Mare have the same Mediterranean feel, while food and hotels cost much less. Plus, you’ll find long sandy beaches instead of overcrowded cliffside spots.

Are the Faroe Islands a better alternative to Iceland?
If you want Iceland’s dramatic scenery but without the bus tours and rising costs, the Faroe Islands are a fantastic choice. You’ll see waterfalls, puffins, and rugged cliffs, but with far fewer visitors. It’s ideal for hiking and slow travel.

When is the best time to visit underrated European towns?
For most underrated destinations, the best times to visit are spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October). Naxos and Puglia are great before the July/August rush, while Ghent and Ljubljana are lively but not crowded in May and September. The Faroe Islands are best in summer when the days are long and wildlife is active.

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