TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Summer vacations in Europe offer plenty of new experiences for travelers. These include exploring villages along cliff edges, hiking in lush green hills, or swimming and relaxing by the Adriatic or Mediterranean Sea.
However, a European summer getaway may bring about crowded restaurants or tourist attractions, especially during peak season. It is advisable to choose lesser-known destinations to have the optimal experience.
As reported by Conde Nast Traveler, here are the most popular destinations in Europe this summer, along with tips on how to visit them to avoid crowds.
Popular Summer Holiday Destinations in Europe
1. Slovenia
According to Virtuoso, a global luxury travel advisor, Slovenia is the top trending tourist destination in Europe this summer. Virtuoso's data shows a 473 percent annual increase in summer travel sales to Slovenia. This small country is bordered by Italy, Croatia, and Hungary. Despite its current trend, you can visit at the end of June or the beginning of September to avoid crowds.
Even so, Slovenia is quieter compared to other popular destinations during its peak season. Some less-known yet captivating places to visit are in Istria, which boasts historic towns and a blend of Slovenian, Croatian, and Italian culture. For nature enthusiasts, the Alpine Mountains are a must-visit.
2. Croatia
Croatia has been a popular destination in recent years, especially after the Game of Thrones series. This year, Croatia's popularity among travelers is expected to skyrocket even further, with a 356 percent increase in bookings compared to the summer of 2024.
Aside from its historical sites, most travelers are interested in enjoying its coastline and the scattered small islands in the Adriatic Sea. These small islands are key to avoiding crowds. Graham Carter, co-founder of the Unforgettable Travel Company, recommends islands like Vis and Brac instead of Hvar and Korcula.
Jan Acorn, a vacation consultant at Gateway Destinations, suggests visiting Croatia in May until mid-June. It is less crowded, although the water might be colder for swimming. For even fewer crowds, September is ideal, especially when the water is still warm for swimming.
3. Czech Republic
According to Virtuoso's data, summer vacation bookings in the Czech Republic have increased by 309 percent. Sarah Bala from Fora Travel recommends a summer vacation from early to mid-June, or from late August to early September. Aside from Prague, there are still many interesting places to explore in this country, such as Velka Amerika, or the 'Czech Grand Canyon,' and the Moravia region.
4. Turkey
Jonathan Alder, CEO of Jonathan's Travels, stated that the peak tourist season in Turkey is from July to November, coinciding with cruise ships docking in the country's ports. To avoid the busiest times, he suggests visiting in May, June, or from November to the end of the year.
First-time visitors to Turkey usually want to visit major cities like Istanbul, Izmir, and Cappadocia. Alder recommends exploring other areas such as Gallipoli and Troy. For beach destinations, he suggests visiting Cesme, located by the sea and popular among locals.
5. Austria
Summer in Austria will be enlivened by the Salzburg Music Festival, which lasts for six weeks. This is the best time to visit the city, yet it will be the busiest. For travelers who want to visit Salzburg during the festival, Gwen Kozlowski, president of Exeter International, a luxury tour operator, suggests staying outside of Salzburg and taking day trips there.
Other than Salzburg and Hallstatt, there are other popular cities such as St. Wolfgang, Gosau, Grundlsee, and Bad Ischl. Another option is to visit cities renowned for summer skiing, such as Innsbruck and Lech.
6. Hungary
Travelers visiting Hungary will likely choose Budapest with its bridges and riverside castles. The city will be very busy in the summer. Gwen suggests avoiding the busiest places during the busiest times. For example, avoiding visiting during the Hungarian Grand Prix from August 1 to 3 will help ensure fewer tourists. Apart from Budapest, there are other quieter regions in Hungary, such as the Tokaj wine region in and around Pcs.
7. Montenegro
Virtuoso's data shows a 24 percent increase in travel bookings to this small country in the Adriatic Sea for the months of June, July, and August compared to previous years. An easy way to avoid crowds is by steering clear from the peak summer months, which are July and August. The off-season here is very attractive, as warm weather in Montenegro lasts from April to October.
Elton Caushi, a travel specialist at Albania Trip, a travel planning agency throughout the Balkans, recommends visiting villages around one of the five Montenegrin national parks to enjoy a peaceful combination of fewer crowds and stunning landscapes. As for charming coastal towns in this country, Bar is one of them. It may not be as famous as Kotor, but it still has stunning castles, a rich history, nature, and is close to amazing coastal areas.
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