It’s summer 2026, and as Europe’s best-known tourist spots heat up, many Brits are looking for places to get away from the usual crowds. In fact, Collins Dictionary added “coolcation” to its 2025 notable words list.
Another trend is “destination dupes”, which are places with a similar flavour to famous hotspots, but fewer crowds, lower prices, and a better chance of finding a table that isn’t booked up until September. Think Lecce instead of Rome, or Mdina instead of Dubrovnik.
1. Plovdiv, Bulgaria — best for an affordable and quiet city break
Plovdiv is one of Europe’s oldest cities, but still feels like the kind of place people stumble across by accident. It’s Bulgaria’s second-largest city, with a population of around 327,000, so it has plenty going on without feeling like the kind of summer stampede you get in Prague or Budapest.
The ancient Roman theatre is the big photo opp here, as well as charming cobbled streets, colourful old houses, relaxed cafés, and a creative quarter called Kapana.
It’s great if you like a slower pace, as you can wander through the old town and stop for a bite to eat without wincing at the bill.
2. Mdina, Malta — quiet city with historical roots
Mdina is known as Malta’s “Silent City,” so it’s perfect for a “quietcation”.
It’s a tiny fortified hilltop city of roughly 250 residents, with honey-coloured stone walls, narrow lanes, and lovely sea views. It’s reminiscent of Dubrovnik, Croatia, without the huge crowds.
It’s easy to combine with the rest of Malta, so you can visit for a morning or explore more after the day-trippers have thinned out. Early evening is ideal, when the stone starts to glow and the city earns its nickname.
3. Terracina, Italy — best for a cool beach break
Terracina’s sandy beaches sit on the coast between Rome and Naples, and the town stays quieter with a population of around 44,000 and modest numbers of tourists. Summer temperatures are often warm rather than punishing, staying mostly below 30°C at the height of summer. Ideal if you prefer not to melt like a gelato!
The Temple of Jupiter Anxur is well worth a visit, with stunning views over the coast and town below. You still get the romance of Italy in summer, just with a little more breathing room.
4. Gerês, Portugal — best for waterfalls, hiking, and cooler mountain air
Peneda-Gerês National Park is the king of “coolcations”. It’s in the lesser-known north of Portugal, close to the Spanish border, with scenic mountain roads, stone villages, waterfalls, and plenty of places to cool off in the fresh mountain air. It’s ideal for active travellers rather than fly-and-flop holidaymakers.
5. Thethi, Albania — off-grid mountain escape
Thethi is probably the most well-hidden gem on our list and is perfect for nature lovers. Tucked away in the Albanian Alps, it has plenty of unspoilt, clear rivers and dramatic peaks.
You can hike nearby trails, eat simple local food, and enjoy evenings in quiet taverns that feel a long way from the usual summer buzz. It does take more planning than a standard summer break, especially when it comes to transport, but that’s all part of its charm.
6. Aveiro, Portugal — best Venice alternative
Aveiro is often described as the Venice of Portugal, although the comparison doesn’t quite hold up. Aveiro does have canals, arched bridges, and colourful boats and barges, but it’s much gentler, smaller, and easier to enjoy at your own pace. It’s a lovely option for couples on a romantic break or anyone already visiting Porto, as it’s only around 35 minutes away by train.
You can wander the canals, try ovos moles, Aveiro’s famous sweet egg pastries, and head out to the nearby beaches if you want some sea air.
Before you go: tips for quieter European trips
Travelling away from the usual hotspots can make your summer trip feel more chilled, but it also means doing a bit more homework and prep before you go.
● Check transport links and times before you book, as smaller towns, mountain villages, and national parks may have fewer direct routes than major cities.
● Book accommodation early, because “less crowded” doesn’t necessarily mean “empty.”
● Download offline maps.
● Keep a backup bank card or some cash with you.
● Check your roaming charges before you leave.
● Keep an eye on your valuables too, especially in stations and markets.
● Use a top-rated VPN provider to protect your connection on public networks in airports, hotels, cafés, or train stations.
Enjoy Your Quieter European Break!
With a bit of planning, you can swap queues, crowds, and overpriced spritzes for quieter streets, cooler air, and the joy of feeling like you’ve explored somewhere your friends haven’t been.