Summer 2024 was one marked by overtourism protests, as residents in Spain, Italy and beyond made it clear that tourists, although welcome, needed to be more considerate travellers. Post-pandemic, the influx of millions of visitors to tourist-strewn towns has, in some cases, risen to levels above those seen in 2019. Too much tourism threatens to disrupt residents and natural ecosystems and contribute to transport pollution. And whilst we would never wish to divert visitors from such culture-rich city break hotspots as Barcelona, Venice and Palma, many great European cities remain blissfully under the radar. Why not make 2025 the year of that discovery? |
|
|
Try visiting crowd-free alternatives such as Aarhus in Denmark, home to charming cobbled streets and a thriving craft beer scene, Tbilisi in Georgia, known as the birthplace of winemaking, curious Chemnitz in Germany, or Lodz in Poland, the land of luxury for less. Choosing a less-celebrated destination is a shrewd move: you can expect lower prices, thinner crowds and a warmer welcome. Who wants to be an "overtourist" in 2025? Not you. |
|
|
Don't forget to complete your registration |
We've noticed that you still have not completed your registration to The Independent. Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism. It allows us to better understand our readers and tailor your experience. |
By registering, you'll also gain access to a range of exclusive benefits, including: |
- Limited access to Premium articles
- Access to The Independent app
- Access to more than 20 newsletters
- Commenting on independent.co.uk
|
|
|
| Dozens of routes link UK airports with cities across Romania. Brasov in Transylvania (Wizz Air from Luton) provides an excellent introduction to medieval architecture and Carpathian landscapes. |
|
|
| The underrated northern Italian city of Trento, 60 miles north of Verona, is a former Roman frontier post in the foothills of the Alps. Much of the architecture has an Austrian look, including the handsome and sumptuously decorated castle. |
|
|
| Set sail this summer with Cruise Nation's handpicked deals to the Fjords, Mediterranean, Caribbean and beyond. Choose from top cruise lines like Cunard, MSC and P&O at unbeatable prices. Learn more. |
|
|
| Need an escape? Enjoy up to £200 off holidays and save up to 20% on Gatwick flights with British Airways. Choose from a range of dreamy destinations and book your next adventure for less! Learn more. |
|
|
| Craving a night out at the theatre? Love Theatre has unbeatable last-minute deals on West End shows, plus exciting London experience offers you won't want to miss. Learn more. |
|
|
| The city break with £2 pints and one of the world's best spas. |
|
|
Slovenia's population centres are like a smorgasbord of European history, culture and architecture, with Venetian and Roman influences woven in alongside a taste of the Balkans and the unmistakeable stamp of communism. |
|
|
| Slovenia's cities and towns are filled with culture but you won't find too many tourists. |
|
|
Our Pick: Today's Top Deal |
|
|
| Explore 52 of the UK's most unforgettable experiences with the highly-rated Achievable Adventures – now on sale. |
|
|
| 12 best travel pillows, tested on flights and train journeys. |
|
|
| The top mosquito repellents, tried and tested. |
|
|
Join the conversation or follow us |
|
|
Download the free Independent app |
|
|
Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Travel newsletter. To unsubscribe from The Independent's Travel newsletter, or to manage your email preferences please click here. This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345
Read our privacy policy and cookie policy
|
|
| |
.jpg?quality=75&width=1368&crop=3%3A2%2Csmart&trim=0%2C5%2C0%2C3&auto=webp)
