Tourists have been advised to skip popular tourist destinations like Spain and go to lesser-known countries as protests ramp up. Destinations in Spain, such as Tenerife and Barcelona, have seen locals out in their thousands protesting against over-tourism. They have pointed out problems such as a lack of housing and overcrowding due to high levels of tourism, leading to many visitors from the UK feeling rather unwelcome.
One travel expert has listed the places in Europe we should head to if we want to avoid such protests and experience something a bit new. Riviera Travel, a European river cruise and tour operator, has analysed European tourism statistics by EuroStat to reveal 10 destinations with the fewest tourists on the continent. Will Sarson, Product Director at Riviera Travel, explained: “Tourist hotspots can become overcrowded, preventing you from fully enjoying your break.”
According to their research, the least-touristy country you can visit is Luxembourg. This tiny nation is wedged in between France, Belgium and Germany. It is among the smallest countries in Europe and in the world, at only 2,590 square kilometres, or 1,000 square miles.
While Luxembourg is located relatively close to the UK, it is largely unexplored by British tourists. And according to experts and previous visitors, there is plenty there to keep you busy during a stay.
“According to 2023 Eurostat data, Luxembourg is the least touristy European country, with tourists spending 3.4 million nights there,” says Riviera Travel. “In contrast, Spain is the most visited, with tourists spending 484.9 million nights. This hidden gem is an ideal location to escape the holiday bustle. Rich in EU history and known for its medieval charm, Luxembourg offers an insightful trip and beautiful scenery.”
Some of the most famous sites in Luxembourg include the Chemin De La Corniche scenic walkway, which gives you great views of the area. There is also Vianden Castle, which boasts a fascinating history, and Casemates du Bock, a historic cave system that has blown away visitors before.
Additionally, there are other stunning castles to visit as well as interesting museums and plenty of walks and hikes for nature lovers. For those who have visited Luxembourg before, they have had great things to say about what the tiny nation offers.
One Reddit user wrote: “I stopped in Luxembourg almost as a joke on my way to Belgium, and I loved it, my favourite part of the trip. There is a history museum that is gorgeous to see, and there is the world heritage site of the wall that runs around the old city, it’s so surprisingly beautiful, and I recommend it to anyone in the area.”
Another commented: “Luxembourg is great. I always have a great time when I go. The old town with its winding streets, castles, and strange levels is super cool. Really fun place, and I always enjoy going there.”
According to Riviera Travel, Latvia is the second least touristy country in Europe, only hosting 4.3 million overnight stays. It is followed on the list by Estonia, Malta, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary.
To get to Luxembourg from the UK, you can fly directly from London Stansted, London Heathrow, London City and Manchester airports. The flight time is around 70 minutes, meaning it is a quick and easy trip to take.