Top 15 Getaways for People Who Want to Avoid the Tourist Scene

The Azores, Portugal

Imagine a place where green pastures meet volcanic lakes, and the only crowds you’ll encounter are flocks of sheep. The Azores, a cluster of nine volcanic islands adrift in the Atlantic, offer a sense of untouched serenity that’s almost shocking in today’s world.

With about 1.5 million visitors a year, according to the Azores Tourism Board, these islands welcome far fewer travelers than mainland Portugal’s hotspots. Hiking along the crater rim of Sete Cidades or soaking in thermal springs beneath hydrangea-draped hills, you’ll often feel like you have the world to yourself.

Whale watchers come for the blue whales, but the real magic is in the slow pace of life and the honest hospitality of the locals. You won’t find sprawling resorts or crowded beaches here—just cozy guesthouses and farm-to-table meals.

This isolation and natural beauty make the Azores an inspiring escape for anyone desperate to dodge the tourist throngs.

Faroe Islands, Denmark

Perched between Iceland and Norway, the Faroe Islands are dramatic and wild—a place where puffins outnumber people. With just over 50,000 residents and only about 100,000 annual tourists (Visit Faroe Islands), the atmosphere here is one of peaceful seclusion.

Picture grass-roofed cottages, winding roads hugging sheer cliffs, and waterfalls tumbling into the sea. Hikers can traverse ancient sheep trails to hidden lighthouses, while birdwatchers marvel at colonies nesting on steep cliffs.

Local life is steeped in tradition; you might stumble upon a village celebration or be invited to share a meal of freshly caught fish. Despite a recent rise in popularity, the Faroe Islands retain an off-the-grid charm that feels worlds away from Europe’s busy capitals.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

The Lofoten Islands are a masterpiece painted by nature’s hand—jagged peaks, turquoise fjords, and fishing villages that look straight out of a storybook. While Norway as a whole is popular, Lofoten receives about 1 million visitors each year, making it a quieter alternative for adventure seekers.

Kayaking beneath mountain spires or cycling winding coastal roads, you’ll discover beaches as white as those in the Caribbean, but without the crowds. The local art scene is vibrant, with tiny galleries tucked into red-painted rorbuer (fishermen’s huts).

Fish drying racks and the scent of saltwater remind you that this is still a working community. Lofoten’s remote beauty and tranquil pace draw those looking to reconnect with nature, not Instagram influencers.

Svaneti, Georgia

In the high Caucasus, Svaneti feels almost mythical. This remote region, home to the Svan people, is famous for its medieval stone towers and snow-dusted peaks.

With only a few thousand tourists each year, Svaneti (according to local tourism reports) remains one of Europe’s last true wildernesses. Travelers trek ancient paths between villages, encountering friendly shepherds and sampling hearty mountain fare like kubdari pies.

The isolation means traditions persist—polyphonic singing echoes in the valleys, and old rituals are still observed. For those seeking a blend of adventure, culture, and untouched landscapes, Svaneti is both inspiring and humbling.

Gjirokastër, Albania

Gjirokastër, with its slate-roofed houses and hilltop castle, feels like stepping into a different century. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it draws only about 150,000 visitors annually, making it a serene haven compared to Europe’s more famous historic towns.

Wandering its cobbled alleys, you’ll discover Ottoman-era mansions, vibrant bazaars, and the echoes of ancient legends. The town’s museums and castle offer a glimpse into Albania’s complex history, while local kitchens serve up smoky grilled meats and tangy cheeses.

Gjirokastër’s understated charm and slow pace give travelers the gift of time—to linger over coffee, chat with locals, and feel truly present.

Isle of Skye, Scotland

The Isle of Skye is the stuff of legend, where mist-shrouded mountains and fairy pools spark the imagination. Welcoming about 600,000 visitors each year, Skye remains quieter than many Scottish destinations, especially in its more remote corners.

The island’s rugged terrain beckons hikers and dreamers alike, with trails leading to ancient castles, dramatic cliffs, and secluded glens. Wildlife enthusiasts might spot golden eagles soaring overhead or otters playing along the shorelines.

Villages like Portree offer a warm welcome, with friendly pubs and fresh seafood. Skye’s haunting beauty and sense of solitude make it a soul-stirring escape from the ordinary.

Salento, Colombia

Tucked in Colombia’s lush coffee triangle, Salento is a riot of color and warmth. Despite its growing fame, it draws only about 200,000 visitors a year (Salento Tourism), making it a gentle introduction to Colombia’s beauty and hospitality.

The town’s vibrant streets are lined with brightly painted houses, while the nearby Cocora Valley is home to towering wax palms that seem to touch the sky. Hikers, birdwatchers, and coffee lovers all find something to love here.

Sustainable tourism is a priority, so you’ll find eco-friendly lodges and genuine community-run tours. Salento’s charm lies in its authenticity—a place where life moves at the unhurried pace of a handpicked coffee bean.

Piran, Slovenia

Piran is a delightful surprise—a coastal town that feels both Mediterranean and uniquely Slovenian. With just around 100,000 visitors per year, Piran remains refreshingly uncrowded compared to its Italian or Croatian neighbors.

Its narrow, winding streets are lined with pastel houses and Venetian-style palaces, while the main square opens onto shimmering views of the Adriatic. Seafood restaurants serve up the day’s catch, and sunsets from the old city walls are simply unforgettable.

Here, the rhythm of life is dictated by the sea and the laughter of locals, not the ticking of a tour bus clock.

Terschelling, Netherlands

Terschelling, one of the Dutch Frisian Islands, offers windswept dunes, endless beaches, and a world of calm. Welcoming about 500,000 visitors a year (Terschelling Tourism), it’s a sanctuary for cyclists, hikers, and those craving space to breathe.

The island’s nature reserves are brimming with rare birds and wildflowers, while tiny villages offer cozy cafes and friendly faces. Sustainability is a way of life here, with many locals using bikes or horse-drawn carts to get around.

Whether you’re watching seals from the shoreline or stargazing on a clear night, Terschelling soothes the soul with its gentle pace and unspoiled beauty.

Hokkaido, Japan

Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, feels like a world apart from bustling Tokyo or Kyoto. Even with 10 million visitors annually, its vastness means you can wander for hours without seeing another soul.

In winter, powdery snow draws skiers to Niseko, but the rest of the year is all about wildflower fields, volcanic lakes, and soaking in open-air hot springs. The island’s indigenous Ainu culture adds a fascinating layer, and the seafood—especially uni and crab—is legendary.

Hokkaido’s focus on nature and authentic experiences makes it a rare gem for travelers who want to see Japan beyond the neon lights.

Tbilisi, Georgia

Tbilisi is a city of contrasts—ancient churches stand beside quirky modern architecture, and the aroma of baking bread drifts through winding alleys. Drawing around 2 million visitors each year, Tbilisi still feels undiscovered compared to Europe’s capitals.

The city’s charm lies in its unpredictability: sulfur baths bubble beneath medieval domes, artists sell paintings along the river, and bustling markets overflow with spices and laughter. The local cuisine is unforgettable—think khinkali dumplings and cheesy khachapuri bread.

Tbilisi’s welcoming spirit and rich culture offer a taste of adventure without the overwhelm of mass tourism.

Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor, cradled in a fjord-like bay, is a place where history and nature collide. With about 1 million visitors a year, it remains less commercialized than many Mediterranean hotspots.

The medieval old town, a labyrinth of stone alleys and hidden courtyards, invites endless exploration. Climb the ancient fortress for panoramic bay views, or savor local seafood in a harborside café.

Kotor’s relaxed vibe and stunning landscapes make it an inviting refuge for those tired of crowded beaches and long lines.

Matera, Italy

Matera’s ancient cave dwellings, carved into pale cliffs, have witnessed millennia of history. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it welcomes about 500,000 visitors annually—far fewer than Rome or Florence.

Here, you can wander through stone labyrinths, dine in candlelit grottoes, and imagine life in a city that once sheltered monks and artists. Matera’s authenticity is its greatest treasure; traditions are alive in local festivals, and artisans still craft pottery as they have for centuries.

The sights, sounds, and stories of Matera linger long after you leave.

Tofino, Canada

Tofino, perched on Vancouver Island’s wild west coast, is where rainforests meet the roaring Pacific. With around 1 million annual visitors, Tofino manages to keep its laid-back, small-town vibe thanks to its dedication to sustainability.

Surfers brave the waves, while hikers explore ancient cedar forests and beachcombers search for driftwood treasures. Wildlife abounds—bald eagles, whales, and bears are regular visitors here too.

Tofino’s cozy cafes and Indigenous-owned businesses add to its welcoming atmosphere. The sense of remoteness and connection to nature make Tofino a balm for busy souls.

Valletta, Malta

Valletta, the tiny but mighty capital of Malta, is a city where history seeps from every stone. Despite attracting about 2 million visitors annually, it remains less hectic than most European capitals.

Baroque palaces, golden forts, and winding alleys whisper tales of knights and pirates. Local markets bustle with life, and the Mediterranean sparkles beyond ancient harbor walls.

Valletta’s blend of old and new—traditional bakeries next to buzzing art galleries—creates a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. For those who crave culture without chaos, Valletta delivers in spades.

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