Travel

Avoid the Crowds | Destinations to Visit

We all know how disappointing it can be when a destination giving you serious wanderlust becomes subject to “The Beach” effect. When a little slice of paradise unfortunately falls victim to mass tourism and you ultimately spend your annual leave fighting the crowds rather than exploring what the country has to offer. We feel your pain…and that’s why we’ve put together our top 5 under the radar destinations to visit to avoid the crowds. Say bon voyage to the 9-5 and hello to ultimate relaxation.

Rolling Stone

#1- Malcesine, Province of Verona, Italy

Love the thought of bread, olives, oil and crystal clear lakes? Bordering Lake Garda is the rural town of Malcesine in northern Italy, an important agricultural region of Italy which is known for its produce of beautiful and pure olive oils. A stone’s throw away from Lake Garda, majestic Malcesine is caught in the middle of the stunning lakes and mountains, with spectacular landscapes and traditional cobbled streets, appreciate the rural architecture and enjoy the local Italian cuisine.

Malcesine Tourist Offices

#2 Kythira, Greece

Arguably one of the most desirable (and under the radar) Greek Islands, Kythira is located just 12km from the idyllic Peloponnese’s Lakonian Peninsula. If picturesque waterfalls, beautiful beaches and lack of tourists sounds up your street then this Greek Island is the one for you. Greece is renowned for its offering of islands, rife with history, architecture as well as it’s very pleasant temperatures and Kythira is no exception. Explore the islands quirkyness, gorges, cliff faces, traditional cuisine and crystal clear waterfall pools to take a dip in.

#3 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Balkans have become quite the destination for tourists with most flocking to neighbouring Croatia for its soaring temperatures, scenic views and sunsets. But if you’re looking for something a little less crowded, equally as gorgeous and thriving with culture, take a detour south to Mostar, Bosnia. Dubbed by some as a better alternative to Dubrovnik, Mostar is famous for it’s 16th century Ottoman bridge – Stari Most which crosses the Neretva river. The perfect destination for a cultural trip, Mostar offers a relaxed atmosphere, stunning architecture, traditional cuisine and flourishing markets. In the height of the summer months, Mostar is also host to a diving competition, in which locals plummet off the Stari Most bridge battling for the highest score.

cliffdiving.redbull.com

#4 Brno, Czech Republic

Avoid the swarms of tourists in Prague and head south west to Brno. Soak up the second largest city in the Czech Republic’s history, culture and explore a network of underground caves without a hen or stag do in sight. Particularly impressive is the cities historic architecture, wander the streets of the Gothic Old Town and enjoy vibrant cafes and restaurants. If you’re a nature enthusiasts, the Moravian Karst is a must visit. Described as one of the Czech Republics natural wonders, it’s of the largest karst areas in the whole of Europe and boasts roughly 1100 caverns and gorges open for guests to explore.

#5 Ouarzazate, Morocco

Just south of Morocco’s High Atlas mountains lies the rural city of Ouarzazate, also known as the gateway to the Sahara Desert. One of the largest film studios in the world, Atlas Studios is located here, which has meant Ouarzazate has featured in a plethora of film and TV shows including Game of Thrones and Lawrence of Arabia. Framed by picturesque mountains with a selection of gorges to explore if you fancy something a little different, this is the place to come if you’re looking for a less busy Marrakesh. Home to a 19th-century palace, mosaic covered buildings and a variety of kasbahs you’ll find yourself mesmerised by the terracotta hues of the Moroccan architecture.