5 Places to Visit Before They Get Crowded

Europe is full of hidden treasures beyond the classic tourist destinations. It's high time to visit them before everyone else does.

As beautiful as they may be, Venice, Nice, and Santorini have in common the fact that they are crowded tourist cities that often offer a reality quite different from the perfect vacation destination portrayed on Instagram. However, there are equally stunning destinations in Europe that are still unknown to many.

Menton, France

The coastal city of Menton capitalizes on its colorful house facades and the typical charm of the French Riviera.

Palm trees, gastronomy, and the French Riviera... We're not talking about the very popular cities of Nice and Cannes, but about a small hidden town on the French Riviera: Menton. Located near the Italian border, it seduces visitors with its typical French charm and microclimate.

Due to its protected location, Menton is the warmest place on the French Riviera in winter and boasts over 300 days of sunshine per year. It's no wonder that Menton is also called the city of Lemon. The mild climate is particularly conducive to citrus cultivation. Whether it's a visit to the baroque old town, a walk along the seafront, or through the blooming gardens, Menton is a real gem.

Antiparos Island, Greece

If you love Greek islands, you've probably heard of Paros. But have you ever heard of its neighboring island, Antiparos? Unlike Paros, it's less crowded and has a much more peaceful pace of life.

With its fine sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, mystical underwater cave, and the capital and only town on the island, Chora, Antiparos invites discovery and relaxation. The island is accessible after a short boat or ferry crossing from Paros.

Dinant, Belgium

Crossed by the Meuse, the charming little town of Dinant invites visitors to all kinds of water activities in summer.

Planning a city break but not sure where to go? Why not make Dinant your next destination? Located an hour and a half's drive from Brussels, this small Belgian town looks like it's straight out of a picture book. The colorful small houses, cliffs, and the Meuse make Dinant the perfect backdrop for photos.

This refined little town allows visitors to taste local specialties, admire the view from the cable car, and enjoy summer water activities. The region around Dinant also invites hiking, cycling, and castle visits.

Ksamil, Albania

What looks like Saint-Tropez or Capri is actually the Albanian town of Ksamil: crystal-clear turquoise waters, immaculate beaches, and paradisiacal landscapes make Ksamil the ideal place for a summer vacation away from the crowds.

To reach the place, the simplest way is to go through Corfu. After the one-hour ferry crossing to Saranda, it only takes a half-hour bus ride to reach this earthly paradise with typical Albanian hospitality.

Nerja, Spain

Just 45 minutes from Málaga, the most popular tourist destination in southern Spain, is the coastal town of Nerja, on the Costa del Sol in Andalusia. Sun, sea, fresh fish, wine, and flamenco are on the menu in this former fishing village.

Nerja has more than beautiful beaches to offer. Its old town with its Andalusian-style cobbled streets is full of whitewashed houses. Whether as a day trip from Málaga or a vacation destination, Nerja is definitely worth a visit before it gets too crowded.