When it comes to planning your 2025 holidays, you may find yourself considering ditching some of the more traditional destinations and opting to try somewhere new.
In recent years, many popular destinations have become overrun with tourists, and so some Brits are beginning to plan getaways to further flung and less-touristy places.
Highlighting the way in which our travel habits are changing, Time Out wrote: “By 2050, it’s thought that travellers will no longer be heading to overtouristed areas like Barcelona – rather, today’s lesser-travelled destinations will be seeing higher tourist footfall.”
With this in mind, Riviera Travel has listed 10 European countries that are less touristy than popular spots such as Spain, France, and Italy.
Topping the list was the landlocked country of Luxembourg, just one hour and 15 minutes from the UK by plane or between five and six hours by train.
Luxembourg is a great choice for most types of holidays, from a family holiday to a romantic getaway for couples – although it is not quite the right choice for a relaxing beach holiday, given its landlocked nature.
Luxembourg’s capital city is Luxembourg City, which is the most popular destination in the country and is teeming with tourist attractions.
The visitluxembourg highlights some of the must-see attractions in this city, writing: ” Built on the foundations of a formidable fortress, history and culture can be found at every turn in the city centre. From its UNESCO World Heritage Site Old Quarters to the Petrusse and Bock Casemates and National Museum, the must-see sights are all within walking distance.”
History fans may also want to make a beeline for the stunning Cathédrale Notre-Dame or the beautiful Grand Ducal Palace, the official residence and workplace of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg.
About a half hour drive from the city is Berg Castle, where the Luxembourg family live, with the Grand Palace typically only used for official state business. To maintain the privacy of the royal family, only the outside of Berg Castle can be visited.
Other areas of the country to visit include the northern region of Eislek, home to some gorgeous forests, the fort of Vianden and Clervaux Castle, and the stunning western and central region of Guttland, known as the Valley of the Seven Castles.
Another region is Mullerthal, known as ‘little Switzerland’, with Visit Luxembourg writing: “The Mullerthal is a magical place with long-established traditions: several of the award-winning hiking trails actually have their origins in the 19th century. Many paths lead to Echternach, the historical and cultural centre of the Mullerthal region.
“The largest town in the region is the home of one of Luxembourg’s most important traditions. At the Echternach Hopping Procession on Whit Tuesday of every year, thousands of people dance around the great abbey in a unique hopping step accompanied by traditional music. The procession was awarded UNESCO World Cultural Heritage status in 2010.”
Europe’s top ten destinations with the fewest tourists
- Luxembourg
- Latvia
- Estonia
- Malta
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Bulgaria
- Romania
- Hungary