I recently returned from a trip to Europe this spring, and the crowds were already overwhelming due to overtourism. This summer, as high-season travel rolls around, I am advising my clients to bypass the crowds and enjoy European charm the way it should be enjoyed.
Here are some of my top picks:
Slovenia: Beaches, Mountains & Vineyards
Slovenia quietly delivers everything travelers crave: Adriatic coastline in Piran, Alpine escapes near Lake Bohinj, and award-winning vineyards in Maribor. It’s Europe’s rare destination combining beach, mountains, wine, and sustainability without the crowds and you can enjoy a nice Bled Cake overlooking a castle to boot!
Costa Brava or Northern Spain for Spanish Beaches
Beyond Barcelona, Costa Brava offers rugged coastlines, hidden coves, exceptional cuisine, and Dalí-inspired artistic heritage. Seaside towns like Cadaqués and Begur blend Mediterranean beauty with understated sophistication, while Northern Spain, from San Sebastián to Galicia, delivers dramatic landscapes, world-class food, and authentic culture far from the crowds.
Scotland Beyond Edinburgh
Travelers are turning toward Scotland’s Highlands, Isle of Harris, Orkney, and the dramatic west coast rail routes for wild beauty and “slow travel.” Expect lochs, remote beaches, hiking trails, and storybook villages untouched by mass tourism.
Évora, Portugal
Évora offers whitewashed streets, Roman history, exceptional Alentejo wines, and a slower Portuguese rhythm. Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, it’s ideal for travelers seeking culture, gastronomy, and understated luxury beyond Lisbon and Porto. This can also be combined with any of the mentioned options for Spain or Madeira
Madeira & The Azores in Portugal
Madeira and the Azores offer volcanic coastlines, lush mountains, botanical gardens, and year-round mild weather. Known as the “Hawaii of Europe,” Madeira blends hiking, wellness, and refined island luxury, while the Azores remain remote, sustainable, and refreshingly untouched by mass tourism.
Heather Lane Chauny owns Heather Lane Adventures, a boutique luxury travel advisory firm specializing in unique, authentic experiences that connect travelers to local communities, culture, and conservation.