You may not get to see iconic landmarks or eat at famous restaurants, but you will find space, peace, and a few surprises.
Destinations across Europe are battling overtourism – visit Venice and you'll have to pay a admission feesbook for Amsterdam and you will be asked to take a quiz about your vacation activities, go to the Canary Islands and you might see graffiti telling tourists to go home.
So it's no surprise that many travelers are looking for less busy alternatives, away from the crowds.
You might not get to see iconic landmarks or eat at popular restaurants, but you'll find space, peace, lower prices, and a few surprises.
Here are the best places to escape the crowds, according to Reddit travel forum users.
Greek Islands: Discover the secret to a long life in Ikaria
If you don't want to be one of the two million selfie-waving, sunset-chasing people who visit Santorini and Mykonos every year, there is no shortage of alternatives.
There are dozens of Greek islands that see far fewer tourist arrivals but still offer the holy trinity of whitewashed buildings, beaches and clear waters.
For a commenter on r/travel, Ikaria should be on your radar.
“Beautiful scenery in a wild and rugged style, although there are still beautiful beaches and incredible uncrowded hot springs,” the user explains.
The Aegean island is also one of the most exclusive blue zones in the world, where one in three inhabitants reaches the age of 90.
Follow the locals and enjoy a Mediterranean diet of fresh fish, vegetables and beans washed down with a glass of local goat's milk. Learn more Greek Islands for Foodies.
Remember that the Greek mainland is full of beautiful beaches, fewer crowds and friendly locals. Read our complete guide to Greek continent.
England: Explore the Wilderness of North Devon
Cornwall, on the south-west tip of England, is struggling with unsustainable numbers of tourists which are leading to parking problems, environmental damage and pressure on the region's infrastructure.
But head a little further north along the peninsula and you arrive in North Devon, another coastal beauty with far fewer visitors.
“It's quite isolated and not well served by transport to the rest of the region, let alone the country,” explains one Reddit user.
“But that’s part of what makes it beautiful.” The coastline features enormous cliffs and heights, as well as pristine beaches, lush forests and valleys. It's like the Oregon of the United Kingdom.
If you're looking for a luxury stay, the award-winning hotel Hotel in Watersmeet is famous for its spectacular views of the rugged coastline and easy access to the famous Woolacombe surf break.
Czechia: swap Prague flooded with tourists for Brno
Plagued by noisy tourism, a Prague district recently suggested banning inappropriate products. bachelor party for boys and girls costumes.
So leave the capital's drunken partygoers behind and explore CzechiaBrno, the second most serene city.
“It’s the most quaint and charming little town, with lots of cheap but very good cafes and restaurants – the perfect place to relax,” says one reviewer.
“It’s not on most tourists’ radar (everyone goes to Prague) and I hope it stays that way.”
You'll discover an architectural cornucopia of sumptuous Austro-Hungarian palaces, pastel-painted townhouses and the medieval Špilberk Castle.
Albania: Hike the Remote Theth Valley
Albania's coastline is growing in popularity as a cheaper alternative to Croatia, but its northern mountain ranges remain relatively unknown.
Deep in the heart of the so-called Cursed Mountains lie hiking routes that will take you through dizzying rock formations, flora-rich forests and isolated villages.
“The Valley of Theth offered incredible, breathtaking scenery, crystal blue rivers and beautiful mountains,” says one Reddit user.
“Good food and nice, welcoming people and very few tourists. One of a kind destination and I would recommend visiting before it becomes very popular.
Read our complete guide to learn how to hike the Hiking route from Valbona to Theth.