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Escape the crowds: discover niche destinations for 2026!
In 2026, discover lesser-known, sustainable destinations in Europe and worldwide while avoiding over-tourist hotspots.
Escape the crowds: discover niche destinations for 2026!
Overcrowded hotspots in Europe face a serious problem of overtourism, affecting travel experiences for tourists while having a negative impact on the environment. Loud Euronews 55 percent of travelers are increasingly looking for niche destinations to avoid crowded places. This development is forcing European destinations to invest in sustainable practices and cultural tourism.
Erica Kritikides from Intrepid Travel highlights that around 80 percent of travelers only visit 10 percent of travel destinations. This imbalance has led to initiatives such as the “Not Hot List 2026” being created. This list, created by Intrepid Travel and Globetrender, focuses on lesser-known destinations that are ready to welcome visitors and benefit from tourism.
Alternative travel destinations in Europe
The “Not Hot List 2026” presents a number of destinations that are off the typical tourist path. This includes:
- Insel Vis, Kroatien – Ehemaliger Militärstützpunkt, bekannt für seine neuen Rad- und Wanderwege, die 2026 eröffnet werden. Aktivitäten wie Tauchen und Schnorcheln, sowie lokale Gerichte wie Peka machen die Insel zu einem besonderen Ziel.
- Gaziantep, Türkei – Weniger besucht als andere Städte wie Kappadokien, bietet diese UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy eine reiche kulinarische Kultur mit Gewürzmärkten und Baklava.
- Via Transilvanica, Rumänien – Ein 1.400 Kilometer langer Fernwanderweg, der durch malerische Dörfer und UNESCO-Welterbestätten führt und im nächsten Jahr um 170 km neue Wege erweitert wird.
- Oulu, Finnland – Kulturhauptstadt Europas 2026 mit vielfältigen Aktivitäten, darunter Wandern, Radfahren und schwimmen.
Sustainable travel as an answer to overload
The challenges of overtourism made it necessary to look for sustainable alternatives. Loud The Green Voyage The idea of regenerative travel, which has become popular in Costa Rica, leads travelers to actively participate in conservation projects and improve the health of their destinations.
In addition, the concept of “slow travel” is promoted in the Scottish Highlands. Travelers are encouraged to explore the region at a leisurely pace to learn more about the culture and less-visited villages. Alternative destinations in Italy, such as Puglia and Basilicata, also offer rich experiences without the crowds that often flood cities like Venice and Rome.
Through these initiatives, travelers can not only reduce the impact of overtourism, but also actively contribute to supporting the local economy.