Over-crowding in destinations isn’t limited to Italy anymore. We’re seeing it across southern Europe in destinations like Greece, France, and Spain. Leading travel insurance provider Allianz Parners recently found that there is an incredible 34% increase in Americans traveling to Europe this summer compared to this time in 2023. Crowds coupled with surging heat waves in recent summers can ruin a vacation, no matter how carefully you plan it. This has spawned a trend in alternative destination travel. But even the alternatives are starting to feel strained. Take Croatia for example. For the past decade, the southern part of the country has been touted as a delightful alternative to Italy with a more favorable price tag and less crowds. Now though, Croatia’s prices are rising; and it’s not Europe’s best kept secret. Crowds flock here in the summer to see scenery made popular by Game of Thrones and to experience a similar (but not identical) landscape as Italy.
The surge in European travel necessitates a little creativity and a deeper dive into discovering other options that have character and remain relatively untouched. Not all areas of Italy are swarming with crowds. While choice accommodations along the Amalfi Coast start booking up a year in advance, you could base yourself in Sorrento for a similar atmosphere and be within a short drive to the famous coastline. Sardinia is a beautiful option if you’d like to experience an Italian island without the crowds. Located west of the Italian peninsula and immediately south of Corsica, Sardinia is Italy’s second largest island and is a gem that has gone widely undiscovered by travelers. For a more pastoral atmosphere, consider Italy’s Puglia region. Teeming with olive groves, pristine beaches, and ancient whitewashed cities, Puglia is perfect for the traveler who longs for local immersion. Rent an e-bike and explore the countryside with centuries-old farmland and miles of Mediterranean coastline. Learn how to make mozzarella and sample your work. Stay in unique accommodations with stone walls, soaring ceilings, and wide-open views of the sea.
If you’re looking for places other than Italy, Portugal is a great European destination to keep in mind. In addition to must-see sights in Lisbon like Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Castelo de São Jorge, and Alfama, wine lovers should explore Porto, famous for its port wine. If river cruising interests you, there are itineraries along the Duoro River with wine tastings and castle tours. If you prefer to remain on land, you can temper your urban experiences in Lisbon and Porto with a visit to Madeira, Portugal’s set of rugged volcanic islands north of the Canary Islands. Similar to Hawaii with its lush, volcanic landscape and crystal-clear waters, Madeira is famous for its (you guessed it!) wine of the same name, the traditional thatched roof houses at Santana, and dozens of hiking trails with breathtaking views.
A trip to Puglia, Sardinia, or Portugal will be filled with culture, discovery, a little bit of adventure, and delicious food and wine. While all these places will surpass hotspots like Rome, Venice, and the Greek Isles when it comes to crowd congestion, they are not identical by any means. If you want to experience the famous monuments of Rome and Athens, nothing will compare. Shoulder seasons are getting softer, but a trip to Greece or Italy in April or October will be much more pleasant than in June, July, or August. Work with SBT to get VIP access to some of the more popular sites, i.e. private tours, after-hours visits, and skip those long lines. But if you’re longing for a European vacation where you can meet and learn from the locals, immerse yourself in your destination, and experience the beauty around you without competing for breathing room, you’ll appreciate these hand-picked spots.
Send us a note and let us know what destination is pulling at your heartstrings. We’d love the opportunity to help you learn more about it.
