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10 Best summer destinations in Europe without crowds and overpricing

If you’re craving a European summer without the chaos of packed piazzas, overpriced hotels, and elbow-to-elbow sightseeing, you’re not alone. While much of Europe gets overrun in high season, there are still places where you can breathe, explore, and soak in culture without the crowds.

Europe in Summer Without Crowds: 10 Amazing Destinations to Explore in Peace

I handpicked these 10 destinations, from the Baltic Sea to the rugged corners of Scotland, that offer space, beauty, and authenticity. I want to show you that Europe in summer without crowds is absolutely possible.

best countries for first female solo travel

Why I Started Searching for Europe in Summer Without Crowds?

After a few summers squeezed between tour groups and inflated prices, I started craving something different – places where I could slow down, hear the local language, and still find a table at a café without a reservation. This post is for those of us who still love Europe in summer but want the magic without the madness. These are the places I’ve found peace, beauty, and space to breathe. And I think you’ll love them too.

I visited most countries in Europe, many of them multiple times. But for the last 11 years or so, I have only been visiting Europe as a tourist or to see my family. It shocked me how quickly Europe changed and how the masses of tourists transformed calm towns into a battlefield. London, Rome or Paris have always been popular, so it’s not surprising to be surrounded by crowds. Nonetheless, it became tiresome. But the crowds expanded into places that once were not so popular.

Just to give you a little example. I first visited Florence and Pisa maybe 15-16 years ago. It was crowded at an acceptable level given the uniqueness of the towns. They were always popular and on the bucket list of many Europeans. For Polish people, Italy was one of the top choices for holidays abroad. I then visited Florence again 8 years ago. I kid you not, by 8 am, I could barely cross the main square- it felt like being at a concert, that packed it was. To get a nice photo of Florence without crowds (the one below), I got up around 5 am and went for a stroll. I am not sure, but can only imagine that nowadays, even 5 am won’t give you too much space and peace.

My top resources to use for Europe

  • Accommodation: Booking.com– simply because I can keep all the booking in one place. I also use Airbnb in Europe and so far I did not have any issues.
  • Flights: Skyscanner – compare different airlines and routes as there are plenty cheap flight options. I then book flights on specific airline websites.
  • Transportation: 12Go for buses and trains and LetsFerry for boat bookings (for example from Helsinki to Tallin).
  • Car rentals: I have been only using DiscoverCars for the last few years and was happy with them 90% of the times.
  • Tours and activities: Depending on a city and availability I either use GetYourGuide or Viator (compare the prices because sometimes for a similar tour they vary).
  • Places and restaurants: I use TripAdvisor all the time to check reviews of places, restaurants, coffee places and attractions.
  • City walks: You can download maps with attractions listed through GPSmyCity to be used without the internet. The other great option for cities in Europe is We Go Trip for immersive audio tours that you can listen at your convenience to without paying much while walking around the city.

europe in summer without crowds

Here are my 10 destinations that will allow you to visit Europe in summer without crowds

Estonia

Estonia is truly fascinating. I only spent a few days there, but I already know I will be back. Estonia and the other Baltic countries are perfect for a solo trip, especially if it is your first one going abroad on your own. Estonia often flies under the radar, but its mix of medieval charm and northern wilderness makes it a dreamy summer destination.

While Tallinn’s Old Town gets its share of visitors (but nothing unbearable), you’ll find serenity in places like Lahemaa National Park, with its forest trails, bog boardwalks, and historic manors. Or head to Saaremaa Island, where windmills, lighthouses, and coastal villages transport you to simpler times. Estonia’s long summer days are perfect for lazy seaside walks, quiet castle visits, and kayaking through calm lakes.

  • Crowded: Tallinn’s Old Town (especially on cruise ship days), but not too crowded still
  • Uncrowded: Lahemaa National Park, Saaremaa Island, Haapsalu

See also: 

Europe in summer without crowds

Poland

You want to visit Europe in summer without crowds? Poland might be the perfect choice.

Poland in summer offers more than just Krakow’s cobblestones and mountain resorts. In the east, Podlasie is a cultural mosaic of wooden villages, Orthodox churches, and primeval forests.

The Bieszczady Mountains are ideal for travelers seeking wild trails and misty valleys far from tourist noise. I am discovering Bieszczady this year and it’s a place where you can really relax and recharge.

For something different, explore the Lubusz Wine Region in the west.  Yes, Poland has vineyards (although the wine is not that amazing, in my opinion, but what do I know)! It’s all authentic, peaceful, and delightfully affordable.

Crowded: Krakow, Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains and some seaside towns (e.g. Tricity)
Uncrowded: Podlasie, Bieszczady Mountains, Lubusz Wine Region

See also:

Europe in summer without crowds

Lithuania

Curonian Spit, a UNESCO site, is Lithuania’s best-kept summer secret . It is a sandy peninsula of shifting dunes, pine forests, and sleepy fishing villages. Rent a bike, watch the sunset from Parnidis Dune, or spot cormorants along the water. Inland, Aukštaitija National Park offers hiking, canoeing, and peaceful lakeside villages.

Even in Vilnius, it’s easy to find quiet corners with locals enjoying slow summer evenings.

Crowded: Vilnius Old Town (but compared to Rome, Milan or Paris, it was not crowded at all)
Uncrowded: Curonian Spit, Aukštaitija National Park

See also:

lithuania in 5 days

Latvia

While Riga is charming (and often crowded), places like Kuldīga — with its red-tiled roofs, waterfalls, and sleepy streets – feel like time travel. Head to Cape Kolka to see where the Baltic Sea meets the Gulf of Riga, or hike in Gauja National Park, Latvia’s oldest and most scenic national park filled with sandstone cliffs, forest trails, and medieval castles. It’s peaceful, poetic, and refreshingly local.

When I visited Riga, there was a huge folk festival taking place, which brought lots of people from the whole country. However, even then, it was not difficult to walk around or find table in a restaurant. It might had been considered crowded for Riga, but really, I didn’t find it overwhelming. Even on the picture below you can see that there’s nobody around and it was taken in the afternoon in the Old Town.

Crowded: Riga (especially the old town)
Uncrowded: Kuldīga, Cape Kolka, Gauja National Park

Serbia

Serbia surprised me in all the best ways. While Belgrade is lively and a little gritty (in a good way), rural Serbia is a haven for peaceful summer escapes. Tara National Park is a lush, mountainous wonderland where you can hike along emerald rivers, cruise the Drina, or spot brown bears (from a safe distance).

Uvac Canyon, with its winding river bends and dramatic viewpoints, is almost unreal,  and almost always uncrowded (in was one of my favourite spots in Serbia). The village of Mokra Gora, with its scenic narrow-gauge train and traditional wooden houses, shows you what a slower life that feels like and it is far removed from modern tourism.

Crowded: Belgrade’s nightlife district and fortress in summer
Uncrowded: Tara National Park, Uvac Canyon, Mokra Gora

Slovakia

Beyond Bratislava, Slovakia offers a quiet kind of magic. The High Tatras are popular with hikers (these mountains are shared with Poland- you might have heard of Zakopane and Morskie Oko), but go off-season or choose lesser-known trails and you’ll have the alpine meadows to yourself.

For pure peace, head to the Slovak Paradise National Park: all mossy gorges, wooden ladders, and waterfalls. In the east, the Tokaj wine region and medieval towns like Bardejov feel untouched by time. Slovakia is compact, incredibly green, and full of gentle surprises for those who wander.

Crowded: Bratislava’s Old Town
Uncrowded: Slovak Paradise National Park, Bardejov, Tokaj Wine Region

See also:

Finland

Finland does summer in the most serene way. Everyone talks about Lapland in winter, but try it in July- it’s magical under the midnight sun. T

he Lakeland region, with its thousands of quiet, glassy lakes, is made for slow mornings, sauna evenings, and endless swimming. Even Helsinki feels relaxed, more like a seaside village than a capital. Rent a bike, island hop around the archipelago, or retreat to a forest cabin. You’ll feel the Finnish concept of sisu — that calm resilience — sink into your bones.

For me, Finland is an amazing escape for foodies. In the whole Europe, all the food I ate in Finland is in the top 5 for me.

Crowded: Helsinki in July (especially during events). I went in July and compared to other countries in Europe, it wasn’t crowded at all, but rather lively. 
Uncrowded: Finnish Lakeland, Åland Islands, Lapland in summer

See also: Helsinki in Summer: Where to Wander and What to See for a perfect city break guide

Albania

Albania has been called “the last hidden gem of the Mediterranean” — and it’s not just hype. While the beaches of Sarandë and Ksamil are gaining popularity, much of the country is still gloriously underexplored.

The mountainous north, especially the Valbona Valley, is a jaw-dropping place to hike in peace. Inland towns like Gjirokastër and Berat (both UNESCO sites) offer cobbled streets, Ottoman houses, and hardly any crowds, especially early in the day. Even coastal towns like Himara ( my personal favourite) feel refreshingly local, with warm hospitality and dramatic landscapes.

Crowded: Ksamil beaches in peak summer
Uncrowded: Valbona Valley, Gjirokastër, Himara

See also: Renting a car and driving in Albania in 2025: All you need to know

Galicia, Spain

Galicia is Spain’s moody, misty corner: green, wild, and full of soul. While most tourists flock to Barcelona or the Costa del Sol, this northwest region remains off the beaten path.

The Rías Baixas coastline has secluded coves, seafood shacks, and vineyards growing Albariño grapes. Inland, you’ll find medieval monasteries, ancient pilgrimage routes, and Celtic ruins hidden in the hills.

Santiago de Compostela can get busy, but towns like Lugo or Ourense offer rich history without the rush. Galicia is for slow days, sea breezes, and quiet magic.

After doing dozens of road trip across Europe, the one we did in Galicia in summer, still remains one of the most memorable ones.

Crowded: Santiago de Compostela (especially in late July)
Uncrowded: Rías Baixas, Lugo, Ourense

See also: 

Slovenia

Slovenia is compact, green, and wonderfully calm, if you know where to look. Lake Bled is iconic, but venture beyond and you’ll be rewarded. Lake Bohinj, just a short drive away, gives even more dramatic mountain scenery with a fraction of the crowds.

The Soča Valley is a turquoise dream for rafting, hiking, and just staring at the river (trust me, it’s mesmerizing). The Karst region, with its caves and quiet wine villages, is another gem few explore. Slovenia feels like the best of the Alps and the Balkans rolled into one, but softer, simpler, and slower.

Crowded: Lake Bled in July- the tarffic to get there is bad
Uncrowded: Lake Bohinj, Soča Valley, Karst Wine Region

See also: How to maximize your trip to Lake Bled, Slovenia: hidden gems and best photo spots

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Please note that this post included affiliate links, when you decide to purchase anything through these links I get a small commission at NO extra cost to you, it helps me to keep running this blog! I only promote products and services I use or would use myself. All images are the property of Postcards from the World and cannot be used without permission.

Europe in summer without crowds

Use my favourite travel resources to plan your dream trips

  • Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
  • Travel Payouts is my favourite platform for monetizing the blog.
  • Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
  • Get Your Guide is my place to go for searching and booking tours and excursions, especially when I travel solo.
  • World Nomads and EKTA travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
  • WeGoTrip sends you audio guides to your mobile, so you can visit places while learning history and interesting facts easily and for little money.
  • Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money. You can even save 50%.
  • Trip Advisor– amazing for good quality recommendations.
  • Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.
  • Airalo is my eSim choice for alternative data abroad.

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Europe in summer without crowds

Ania is a founder of Postcards from the World, a place where she wants you to be inspired to travel and visit new places This is also a place where you can find tips and honest travel guides to help you with you plan your dream trips with ease.

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