Our clients are always looking for hidden gems, authentic experiences, and adventures away from the crowds. While summer travel is blissful, it is rarely feasible to enjoy popular cities without the throngs of tourists. And “high season” is growing longer and longer each year. Rather than waking up at 5:00 AM to see the Trevi Fountain with only 50 people instead of 200, we propose venturing into more undiscovered destinations. Instead of following Instagram hype, consider the quieter, more local, and still stunning towns that offer their own unique magic. If your heart is set on the Eiffel Tower, there is only one place in the world to go, but if you are happy to see AN ancient Roman Colosseum instead of THE Colosseum, there are countless amazing places with incredible, undiscovered potential.
If you’re planning to go to any of the countries below – please take a look at our under-the-radar recommendations. You may just find your new favorite destination!
France
For travelers seeking a big city with incredible food, green spaces, and a vibrant cultural scene, France offers a wealth of alternatives to Paris that capture the essence of French life without the saturation. These towns range from the gastronomic capital of the south to the historic river cities and the sun-drenched Riviera. In these cities, you’ll discover quaint sidewalk cafes, intriguing museums, and a range of architectural wonders.
[Photo Credit: Kayla via Shared Adventures — read about her honeymoon in France here!]
Lyon: As the gastronomic capital of France, it offers a Michelin-starred dining scene and charming architecture that feels intimately lived-in.
Avignon: The historic Palais des Papes dominates this medieval city, but its charm lies in the relaxed Provençal atmosphere, vibrant theater scene and countless art collections and exhibitions.
Nîmes: Home to one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world, this city blends ancient grandeur with a modern, sun-drenched lifestyle.
Nice: While the Promenade des Anglais is famous, the real magic is found in the old town’s narrow alleys, the Cours Saleya markets, and the stunning views from Castle Hill.
Toulouse: Known as “La Ville Rose” for its terracotta bricks, this city offers a perfect mix of aerospace history, vibrant student life, and the serene Canal du Midi.
Lille: Lille offers a delicious palate of variety. Walk between narrow cobblestone streets with pastel houses and the modern Euralille district with futuristic skyscrapers. Visit museums that host a diverse collection of sculptures and paintings, and weirder natural history. There’s a surprise around every corner.
Bordeaux: Beyond its world-class wines, this elegant city features stunning 18th-century architecture and a revitalized waterfront that is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Italy
While Venice, Florence, and Rome are the top three cities everyone knows, Italy has so much more to offer, especially in high season. These alternatives provide the same romantic and historical depth, with significantly fewer visitors.
If your idea of Italy involves winding cobblestone streets, cavernous churches with incredible frescos, and farm-to-table food, you don’t need to go to the big three to find it! Try the rolling hills and vineyards to the north, ancient monuments,and Renaissance architecture in the smaller towns, and seaside villages that are only a little less colorful than their famous neighbors.
[Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures Travel — read about her Tuscany Adventure here!]
Verona: This city is steeped in history through the ages. Visit the well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, medieval and Renaissance buildings and Juliet’s house complete with balcony.
Lucca: Encircled by perfectly preserved Renaissance walls, this Tuscan town invites cycling on top of the ramparts and offers a serene, unspoiled atmosphere.
Treviso: Often called the “Venice of the North,” this charming city features pristine canals and a relaxed pace that captures the true essence of Venetian life.
Piemonte: This region is a haven for wine lovers and foodies, offering rolling vineyards, truffle hunting, and elegant hilltop towns that are far less traveled.
Siena: Famous for its shell-shaped Piazza del Campo and the Palio horse race, Siena preserves a medieval soul that feels frozen in time.
Cilento Coast: With its dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and ancient Greek ruins, this area offers a wilder, more authentic Mediterranean experience than the Amalfi Coast.
Lerici: Perched on a peninsula in the Ligurian Sea, this picturesque village offers stunning sea views, a historic castle, and a tranquil harbor perfect for a romantic escape just below the Cinque Terre.
Greece
The classic route of Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos is losing some of its original charm due to overcrowding. We advocate for a wider array of stunning islands and ancient sites that preserve the authentic Greek spirit, featuring whitewashed villages, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and crystal-clear waters that remain accessible and serene. We definitely recommend checking out the rest of the mainland, but if you’re looking for an island paradise, these offer a beautiful experience.
Naxos & Paros: Naxos offers lush green landscapes and the largest ancient marble quarries, while Paros combines traditional villages with a sophisticated yet relaxed island vibe.
Milos: With its otherworldly lunar landscapes and hundreds of secluded beaches, this island provides a dramatic and less crowded alternative to the Cyclades.
Symi: This island is renowned for its colorful neoclassical architecture and tranquil bays, offering a peaceful retreat with a classic charm.
Folegandros: A hidden gem with dramatic cliffs and a charming main square, this island maintains a raw, authentic charm that appeals to those seeking solitude.
Hydra: This car-free island is famous for its donkeys, artist community, and pristine beaches that offer a serene escape.
Koufonisia: A group of three islands in the Cyclades, these small islands feature crystal-clear turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, and many hotels, restaurants and bars
Netherlands
In the Netherlands, Amsterdam is front and center, but the country has much more to offer for those looking beyond the main tourist trail and hoping to experience different architectural styles and local atmospheres. From the modernist port city to the historic canals of the “little Amsterdam,” these towns provide a more intimate glimpse into Dutch culture.
[Photo Credit: Leiden by Amanda MA via Unsplash]
Gouda: A typical Dutch city with its historic buildings, delicious cheese and, of course, a criss crossing of canals.
Rotterdam: As a hub of modern architecture and innovation, this city features striking bridges, futuristic buildings, and a dynamic waterfront that contrasts sharply with traditional Dutch towns.
Utrecht: Known for its unique wharf cellars along the canals and a lively student atmosphere, this city offers a cozy and authentic Dutch experience just a short train ride from Amsterdam.
Leiden: Photo-perfect, this town features tree-lined canals, windmills, wooden bridges and lush green spaces. With a wide range of museums and classic Dutch architecture, this is a perfect alternative to Amsterdam.
Spain
Sunny Spain is often synonymous with Barcelona and Madrid, known for vibrant culture, amazing food, tapas, beaches, history, and pumping nightlife. However, these incredible towns offer similar cultural richness and historical depth without the intense crowds of the major hubs, from the medieval streets of Catalonia to the Moorish heritage of Andalusia.
Girona: With its perfectly preserved Jewish Quarter and colorful houses along the Onyar River, this city offers a medieval charm that rivals Barcelona but with a fraction of the visitors.
Valencia: As the birthplace of paella, this city combines futuristic architecture with an historic old town and wide sandy beaches, offering a vibrant and authentic Spanish experience.
Bilbao: Home to the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum, this Basque city blends cutting-edge art with a rich culinary scene and a revitalized urban landscape.
Granada: Nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, this city is home to the majestic Alhambra and offers a unique blend of Moorish history and flamenco culture.
Seville: As the heart of Andalusia, Seville boasts stunning Moorish palaces, vibrant plazas, and a passionate flamenco scene that captures the soul of southern Spain.
Are you ready to start exploring the road less traveled? Let us know, and we can help you plan an adventure with the best of both worlds!
