British tourists have been urged to skip some of Europe’s top destinations this summer in favour of underrated hidden gems.
And it could be the right time to swerve the more popular spots with Santorini introducing a hefty cruise tax and protests hitting Spain‘s leading destinations.
So, where should you go instead?
Dimitris Floros of Welcome Pickups, a transportation service provider, says: ‘Detour destinations are often real hidden gems.
‘They’re typically 60 to 90 minutes from a major international airport, so close enough to popular cities or landmarks to offer ease of access and great value, but just far enough off the radar that they’re not overcrowded or overpriced.
‘These towns and small cities let travellers tap into something more authentic: local food, regional character, and a slower pace that’s hard to find in capital cities swamped by tourism.’
Denia, Spain
Dimitris says: ‘Located along the Costa Blanca, Denia is a lesser-known gem offering a balanced blend of Spanish tradition and coastal beauty’
Travel experts have recommended Denia as the ideal spot for an uncrowded Spanish holiday this summer.
Dimitris says: ‘Located along the Costa Blanca, Denia is a lesser-known gem offering a balanced blend of Spanish tradition and coastal beauty.
‘Unlike more commercial resort towns, Denia is cosmopolitan without being overrun by mass tourism, making it ideal for travellers looking for a more authentic coastal experience.’
Dimitris recommends checking out the town’s historic quarter with its hilltop castle and dipping in and out of tapas bars.
Fly to: Alicante from £27
Chartres, France
Located just an hour’s drive from Paris, Chartres is best known for its Gothic cathedral which is a registered UNESCO site
If Paris’ crowds put you off exploring the French capital, Dimitris recommends exploring Chartres instead.
Located just an hour’s drive from Paris, the town is best known for its Gothic cathedral which is a registered UNESCO site.
Dimitris adds: ‘Chartres combines cultural richness with small-town charm. Its walkability and relaxed atmosphere make it a refreshing addition to a French itinerary.’
Fly to: Paris from £46
Brindisi, Italy
The travel expert describes Brindisi as an ‘often-overlooked port city rich in ancient history and Mediterranean charm’
Next on the list is Brindisi, which is located in Italy’s southern ‘sun-soaked Puglia region’. Tourists will find ancient Roman sites and fewer crowds than in nearby Bari or Lecce.
The travel expert describes it as ‘often-overlooked port city rich in ancient history and Mediterranean charm’.
Tourists can also visit the wider Puglian region from Brindisi with the Salento peninsula with its attractive beaches not far away.
Fly to: Brindisi from £36
Obidos, Portugal
Obidos ‘is home to narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed houses trimmed with blue and yellow, and vibrant bougainvillea’
This ‘postcard-perfect medieval town’ is the ideal detour stop in central Portugal, says Dimitris.
He says: ‘It’s home to narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed houses trimmed with blue and yellow, and vibrant bougainvillea.’
The travel expert claims it offers a ‘lovely break’ from Portugal’s busiest cities – Lisbon and Porto.
Fly to: Lisbon from £27
Gjirokaster, Albania
Gjirokaster ‘remains affordable and relatively undiscovered, making it a rewarding detour’
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gjirokaster is located in southern Albania and the city is built almost entirely from stone.
Dimitris says: ‘The city remains affordable and relatively undiscovered, making it a rewarding detour for curious travellers venturing through southern Europe or en route to the Albanian Riviera.’
He says that the hidden gem town is a ‘quiet’ and ‘culturally rich alternative’ to Albania’s beach towns.
Fly to: Corfu from £40
Paros, Greece
‘Paros is more relaxed and affordable, with stunning beaches like Kolymbithres, ideal for those seeking both beauty and tranquility’
This island is an ‘excellent alternative to the more touristy Santorini or Mykonos’, says Dimitris.
He claims: ‘Paros is more relaxed and affordable, with stunning beaches like Kolymbithres, ideal for those seeking both beauty and tranquility.’
The travel expert recommends hiking or exploring the island’s historic streets to find local restaurants.
Fly to: Paros from £158
Prices correct at time of writing and found on Expedia by Welcome Pickups
