Tired of Europe’s crowded hotspots? Put these ‘not hot’ destinations on your 2026 itinerary
As overtourism continues to threaten popular European destinations, more travellers are seeking quieter escapes.
According to a recent report by the European Travel Commission, 55 per cent of travellers are looking for niche destinations, and a growing number have made avoiding crowds a main priority.
Now, many destinations across Europe are preparing for travellers by investing in sustainable practices and cultural tourism, but they’re still flying under the radar.
Travel company Intrepid, in partnership with Globetrender, has identified some of these lesser-known spots for its Not Hot List 2026, which focuses on places ready to welcome visitors but with a fraction of the crowds. These are places where travellers can enjoy slow travel, nature and culture while helping spread tourism benefits more widely.
“Eighty per cent of travellers visit just 10 per cent of the world’s tourism destinations,” says Erica Kritikides, general manager of Experiences at Intrepid Travel. “We want to change that by shining a light on places that are ready to welcome visitors and benefit from their presence.”
From a former Yugoslav military base turned slow-travel haven in Croatia to a 1,400km ‘Camino of the East’ in Romania, these destinations prove that ‘not hot’ might be the next big thing.
Hike, snorkel and savour native wines in Vis Island, Croatia
A former Yugoslav military base shut off to outsiders, Vis Island opened to visitors in 1989. While Dubrovnik and Split struggled with overtourism, Vis Island has emerged as a slow-travel alternative in the Adriatic Sea.
The island has no cruise stops or airports, disconnecting it more from mainstream tourist trail. That, for many, is the selling point.
“While some see Vis’ remoteness as a drawback, it’s exactly what makes Vis so special,” Duje Dropuljic, assistant manager at Intrepid Travel, said in the report.
In 2026, new cycling and walking trails will open, complementing outdoor activities such as shipwreck diving, snorkelling or exploring the luminous Blue Cave and stunning Stiniva Cove.
Food and wine are also a favourite draw. Try traditional dishes such as peka (slow-cooked fish or meat under a bell) and Komiška pogača (savoury pies with onions, fish and tomatoes), paired with wine made from native grapes, including a fruity Vugava and Plavac Mali, a rich, full-bodied red.
Feast on baklava and soak up history in Gaziantep, Turkey
In Turkey’s southeastern Anatolia region, Gaziantep is rich in culture but far less visited than Cappadocia, Istanbul or Antalya. And recent investments in both heritage preservation and new travel routes from major hubs such as London have put it squarely on the map in the coming years.
A UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, the city is famed for its abundant spice markets and mouthwatering baklava.
Visitors can tour the Zeugma Mosaic Museum to admire the renowned “Gypsy Girl” mosaic, explore the historic Gaziantep Castle for panoramic views of the city and a museum and wander around the ruins of Belkis-Zeugma and Rumkale, a castle perched above a bend in the Euphrates River.
“Now is the perfect time for travellers to discover this remarkable part of the world and enjoy an authentic experience that busier destinations increasingly struggle to offer,” Pelin Bengu, Intrepid Travel’s general manager for Turkey, pointed out.
Wander Carpathian forests and villages on Romania’s Via Transilvanica
Romania’s 1,400-kilometre Via Transilvanica is fast becoming one of Europe’s great long-distance walking routes. Dubbed the ‘Camino of the East’, the trail winds through ancient forests, rustic villages and 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Travellers can visit medieval Saxon towns, Dacian ruins and castles, and painted monasteries while traversing dramatic Carpathian landscapes. At the end of a long day’s hike, they can stay in traditional villages and tuck into farm-to-table meals washed down with pălincă (plum brandy).
The route also doubles as an outdoor art exhibition, with unique carved milestone markers at every kilometre.
Next year, 170km of new paths will open, the first phase of a 20-year initiative to expand the Via Transilvanica route across Romania.
“For us, hospitality means creating genuine meeting points between hikers and locals - places where shared meals, old stories and the rhythm of rural life are as much a part of the journey as the miles walked,” said Anna Székely, vice-president of the Tășuleasa Social Association.
Fill up on Finnish culture in Oulu
Located just below Finland’s Arctic Circle, Oulu has been named the European Capital of Culture 2026. The city is using this honour to showcase its creative innovation, wild Arctic nature and Indigenous Sámi heritage.
During this one-year program, events by Arctic Food Lab will highlight northern Finland’s culinary traditions, while art installations inspired by the surrounding landscape and hands-on workshops hosted by the Sámi people will bring Finnish culture to the centre stage.
“Oulu’s year as European Capital of Culture in 2026 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase our unique northern lifestyle, creativity and experiences to the world,” said Yrjötapio Kivisaari, CEO of Visit Oulu.
But Oulu offers more than short-term programming. This thriving city on the Oulujoki River promises year-round activities.
Summer visitors can hike, bike, swim and sauna-hop in summer, while winter brings frozen-sea adventures.
Travellers can ski, snowshoe and search for the elusive Northern Lights, or stay warm while learning about local culture at the Northern Ostrobothnia Museum.