European megacities are increasingly suffering from overtourism, museum queues and sky-high prices during the season. In 2026, more and more travelers are choosing less popular cities where they can travel more relaxed and feel the country's atmosphere more deeply. Find out more about 10 lesser-known destinations in Europe that will be an ideal alternative to the popular tourist capitals in 2026

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Popular tourist destinations in Europe host millions of people every year, but along with the beauty, they bring queues, overcrowded transportation, and high housing prices. In 2026, the problem of overtourism is becoming even more pronounced: even the off-season in cities like Venice, Barcelona, or Paris no longer guarantees a relaxing vacation.

At the same time, there are dozens of lesser-known cities in Europe that are not inferior in atmosphere, architecture, or gastronomy, but are much more comfortable for tourists. Such destinations are increasingly being chosen by travelers who want to avoid crowds, save money on travel, and discover new, unexpected locations.

In the previous article, we talked about the budget locations in Europe that are worth considering for a vacation in 2026.

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Why do tourists choose Europe without crowds in 2026?

The trend towards less popular destinations in Europe in 2026 is supported not only by the feelings of travelers, but also by specific statistics. More and more people are deliberately avoiding congested tourist centers and looking for alternatives with more comfortable travel conditions.

According to the Omio platform, in 2026:

- 21% of travelers are planning trips to lesser-known destinations

- 51% choose them because of lower prices

- 44% because of the smaller number of tourists

- 40% for the sake of unique culture and authenticity

The dynamics of bookings is particularly noticeable: trips to the cities of the so-called “second tier” have already increased by 34%, which indicates a shift in tourist priorities towards less congested locations.

The main discovery of the year was Segovia (Spain), with interest in this destination growing by 96%. The museum city 90 km from Madrid, its location on the St. James's Route, UNESCO status, Gothic cathedral and royal Alcazar made Segovia an example of how history, peace and beauty can be combined without tourist noise.

1. Segovia, Spain (+96%)

Segovia is a compact, historic city about 90 km from Madrid, which is conveniently accessible by high-speed train in less than half an hour, making it a good alternative to crowded capitals. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and combines the ancient Roman aqueduct, the Gothic cathedral, and the Royal Alcazar in one route, which can be explored on foot in one day without queues and crowds.

Segovia is also located on one of the branches of the Way of St. James, so it has a vibrant local infrastructure for travelers: small hotels, family-run restaurants with regional cuisine, and stable prices outside of peak dates.

2. Murcia, Spain (+86%)

Murcia is one of the most practical “anti-crowd” options in Spain in 2026: it is usually cheaper with accommodation and food than in Barcelona or the most popular resorts, but at the same time there is a full-fledged urban infrastructure (cafes, museums, normal public transport). The location is convenient because you can combine the city and the sea: in a short time, you can actually get to the coast and walk in the natural areas around without spending a day on the road.

Another advantage is the comfortable weather almost all year round. Therefore, Murcia is suitable not only for summer, but also for spring/autumn, when Europe often has a perfect balance of prices and weather without peak tourist waves.

3. Bari, Italy (+85%)

Bari is conveniently used as a base for traveling in the Puglia region. The city has a major railway junction. In 30-60 minutes, you can get to Alberobello from Trulli, Polignano a Mare, and Monopoli without renting a car. This saves time and money on logistics. The old town is compact and pedestrianized. The main locations are concentrated in one area. There are much fewer tourists here than in Rome or Florence. Even in the season, it is easier to get to St. Nicholas Cathedral and the waterfront without queues.

Prices in Bari are lower than in popular Italian cities. It is easier to find affordable housing. It's easier to dine in restaurants without tourist surcharges. The city is suitable for trips of 3-4 days with a rich program without traveling between cities.

To learn more about 5 underrated destinations in Europe that will surprise even experienced travelers, follow the link.

4. Antwerp, Belgium (+69%)

Antwerp is convenient for a short trip without a car. The train station has direct connections to Brussels, Amsterdam, and Paris, so the city can be easily integrated into a Benelux route. The historic center is compact: the Antwerp Cathedral, the Scheldt promenade, and the old neighborhoods are all within walking distance. There are significantly fewer tourists here than in Bruges, so visiting the main locations does not turn into queues.

The city is convenient for a gastronomic and museum weekend. There are many cafes and restaurants outside the tourist areas with adequate prices. Housing is easier to find in the middle price segment than in Brussels. Antwerp is also suitable as a base for 2-3 days for radial trips to Flanders without constantly changing hotels.

5. Ghent, Belgium (+66%)

Ghent is convenient for a quiet city trip without crowds. The historic center is compact and completely pedestrianized. Gravensteen Castle, canal promenades, and major museums are located nearby, so the city can be easily explored in 1-2 days without long travel. There are significantly fewer tourists here than in Bruges, even in season.

The city is well suited for a more budget-friendly trip to Belgium. It is easier to find affordable housing and inexpensive cafes in Ghent due to the large number of students. The railroad connection allows you to quickly get to Brussels and Antwerp without changing your place of residence.

6. Malaga, Spain (+63%)

Málaga is convenient as a base for combining city recreation and beaches. The international airport has many direct and low-cost flights, so the city is easy to include in a budget itinerary in Spain. The historic center is compact: Alcazaba, the Picasso Theater and Museum are all within walking distance. Outside of the peak summer months, the tourist load here is noticeably lower than in Barcelona.

The city is suitable for radial travel in Andalusia. You can reach Ronda, Nerja and the white villages of the coast in 1-2 hours. This allows you not to change hotels and build a rich route from one base. Accommodation and food prices in Málaga are more stable than in the resort towns of the Costa del Sol.

7. Faro, Portugal (+51%)

Faro is a practical base for traveling to the Algarve region without overpaying for resort cities. The international airport is located near the center, which simplifies logistics on the first and last day of the trip. From Faro, it is convenient to get to Lagos, Tavira and other coastal cities by train or bus without changing your place of residence. This allows you to explore different beaches and locations within a radius of one region.

The city is quieter than the popular Algarve resorts. It is easier to find accommodation at reasonable prices, especially outside the high season. Nearby is the Ria Formosa Natural Park with islands and lagoons, which can be reached by ferry from the city center. This is convenient for combining the urban format with natural routes without long travels.

8. Krakow, Poland (+51%)

Krakow is convenient for traveling for 2-3 days without intensive travel. The historic center is compact and suitable for walking routes. Most of the sights are centered around the Market Square and Wawel Castle. The tourist load here is lower than in Prague or Vienna, especially outside the peak months.

The city is favorable in terms of budget. Housing and food prices are lower than in Western Europe. It is easy to plan day trips from Krakow: the Wieliczka salt mines and the Auschwitz memorial complex are accessible by train or bus without renting a car.

9. Bruges, Belgium (+49%)

Bruges is convenient for a short trip of 1-2 days without a car. It can be easily reached from Brussels by train in less than an hour and a half. The historic center is compact: the canals, town hall, and medieval neighborhoods are all within walking distance. To avoid peak crowds, it is better to plan your visit on weekdays or off-season.

For a comfortable visit, it is important to choose the right time. Early morning and evening allow you to explore the center without tourist groups. At this time, it is easier to find seats in cafes and at viewpoints without queues. Accommodation in the vicinity of Bruges is often more affordable, and the center is conveniently accessible by public transport.

10. Rotterdam, Netherlands (+49%)

Rotterdam is convenient for city travel without congested tourist routes. The city has direct train connections to most major cities in the Netherlands, and Schiphol Airport is easily accessible by train in less than an hour. The center is compact and well suited for walking and cycling. It is convenient to combine the main locations in 1-2 days without rushing.

Rotterdam is suitable for those who want an alternative to Amsterdam. There are fewer tourists and more modern architecture. Many museums and waterfronts work without long lines, even in season. Accommodation is easier to find at a more reasonable price than in the tourist areas of Amsterdam, especially if you book in advance.

Alternative destinations, remote regions, natural parks or countries with limited infrastructure require increased attention to health insurance. In the event of an emergency, treatment or evacuation can cost thousands of euros.

Choose health insurance that is suitable for active and responsible tourism in 2026.

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