Summer holidays are just around the corner, but as UK tourists head to Spain, Portugal and Italy, locals in these countries are taking a stand.
This week, residents of Spain’s Canary Islands have taken to the streets to protest against mass tourism.
Tens of thousands have gathered on the seven main islands of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera and Lanzarote, urging visitors to stay away.
In particular, campaigners are calling on authorities to reduce the number of short-term rentals and create more affordable homes for people who live on the islands year-round.
Solidarity protests are also taking place in Barcelona, Valencia and Madrid.
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The protests are an echo of last year, when authorities across Europe attempted to curb the impact of rising tourist numbers.
As well as continued protests in Spain, in Italy, Venice introduced its controversial day-tripper tax and Roman authorities implemented crowd controls to reduce the chaos around major landmarks such as the Trevi Fountain. Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, also saw it’s tourist taxes hiked, and more anti-tourism protests.
If you’re looking to avoid adding to the pressure, and want to explore some lesser-known destinations, Metro has rounded up a list of alternative travel spots for your next trip.
Kotor, Montenegro
Nestled in a bay between the Adriatic Sea and a sweeping mountain range, Kotor, in the south of Montenegro, has winding streets, romantic squares and breathtaking bay views.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, it dates back to the 12th and 14th centuries. Tourists can hike up to Kotor Fortress, explore the labyrinth-like Old Town, or take a boat trip around the bay.
For a culinary delight, an oft-recommended restaurant is Tanjga. The bustling BBQ spot is considered one of Kotor’s best, serving up hearty portions of traditionally cooked Montenegrin grill.
While Kotor can get busy during the warmer months, Bokeška Night is an annual boat parade in August, with colourful floats culminating in a huge street party in the main town.
There’s even an underwater wine cellar. A floating bar serves wine aged beneath the waves, along with fresh food and waterside views.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Lake Bled is one of Slovenia’s most popular tourist attractions, and it’s easy to see why.
The picturesque blue-green lake framed by tall mountain peaks is often compared to the likes of Italy’s Garda and Como. With a small island featuring a church at its centre and a cliff-top medieval castle overlooking the water, it’s giving fairytale, with one Tripadvisor reviewer saying it’s ‘one of the most romantic places I’ve ever seen’.
There’s plenty to do here too. You can walk the full loop around the lake, which is a manageable 6km and will take about an hour and a half. Of course, there are boat trips available too. Many head to the church, where it’s said if you ring the bell and make a wish, it’ll come true.
There’s also more adventurous options from paddleboarding to Zipline Dolinka, the longest in Europe which features 4km of ziplining.
For those with a sweet tooth, Lake Bled is home to the Bled Cream Cake, or kremsnita. The custard-y treat is a local favourite and a must-try.
Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia
Another waterside destination is Lake Ohrid, which sits on the border North Macedonia and Albania.
Known for its crystal-clear waters, it’s one of the oldest and deepest lakes on the continent. The tranquil lake sits next to the town of Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest settlements, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Make sure you take a stroll along the boardwalk, which connects Ohrid to the popular Potpesh Beach. Watch the boats sail by and admire the views.
For architecture, you’re spoilt for choice, there’s Samuels Fortress, which dates back to the 4th century, and the Ancient Macedonian Theatre of Ohrid which was once used by the Romans for gladiator fights.
What’s more, Lake Ohrid is cheap. Visitors can find accommodation for less than £20 a night and local beer for under £2.
For a fun souvenir, take home some Ohrid pearls. These aren’t the kind you’ll find in an oyster, but rather they’re made with ground shells. Much of the making process is kept under wraps, but you’ll find lots of boutiques and shops selling the unusual jewels around the town.
Lefkada, Greece
Nicknamed the ‘Greek Caribbean’, Lefkada is an island off the west coast of Greece.
Lefkada is small — at just 35km long, it takes about 2.5 hours to drive the perimeter on well-paved roads with decent signage. Sleepy traditional villages break up the journey, a sort of ‘land that time forgot’ where locals spend hours sipping strong coffee on the veranda.
While beaches such as Porto Katsiki and Milos regularly rank in Lonely Planet’s top 10, ask around and you’ll discover hidden gems. When Metro’s Alice Murphy visited the island recently, locals encouraged her to head to Kalamitsi, a coastal village surrounded by four beaches: Gaidaros, Kavalikefta, Vrachos and Avali.
And you won’t go hungry. Bakeries here are unfettered by tourist prices, with authentic pastries such as spanokopita (spinach and feta pie) and kourabiedes (Greek butter cookies) for less than €2.
Even better value are Lefkada’s off-beat tavernas, which serve moreish plates of saganaki (fried cheese with honey), calamari, mussels and grilled octopus with glasses of chilled red wine for as little as €16 a head.
Estepona, Spain
There are plenty of untouched destinations in Spain that haven’t been overtaken by mass tourism. One of those is Estepona, a charming, lesser-known village to the west of Costa del Sol, Southern Spain.
Metro’s Sophie-May Williams visited the ‘humble town’ last year. While 12 million international tourists flocked to the Andalusian region in 2023, she notes that only 253,376 (2%) of people stopped in Estepona.
Walk from Playa de la Rada beach to Estepona’s blue and white marina, where the roadside overflows with shrubs and palm trees. The small whitewashed houses of the Old Town are decorated with bright pink flowers (Bougainvillea) and polka-dotted plant pots.
The floral spectacle reaches a stunning crescendo in the Plaza de las Flores, a square in the centre of town, where hundreds of flowers bloom around a Baroque fountain.
It’s also where tourists flock for lunch. There are four main tapas bars in the square, and as Sophie says ‘it doesn’t matter which one you go to’.
There is also a 12-mile stretch of sandy beaches to relax on, along with beach bars to grab a bite and quench your thirst.
Jersey, Channel Islands
Just 14 miles off the coast of France, head to Jersey and you’d be forgiven for thinking you were on the continent. It’s somewhat mind-boggling: you can sink a pint at a traditional English pub, then head to the capital, St Helier, and shop at a Norman food market.
Metro’s Kristina Beanland visited Jersey and ‘fell in love’ with the laid-back island, and its stunning scenery.
Go in the summer and head to St. Brelade’s Bay, loved for its wide expanses of golden sand and the original Jersey Crab Shack.
Thrill seekers should also take a trip on a RIB with Jersey Seafaris. One of their most popular tours takes you to The Ecrehous – a small group of isolated islands just eight miles from France. You might even spot some dolphins (and brace yourself for some high-speed doughnuts in the harbour).
If it’s a rowdy pub you’re after, the Trafalgar Arms in St Aubin is the place to quench your thirst – be prepared for your night to escalate.
Plovdiv, Bulgaria
One of Bulgaria’s hidden gems is Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in Europe.
Founded in 6000 BC, history buffs can marvel at the remnants of the city’s past, including the Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis, which dates back to Roman times, and the cobbled streets of the Old Town, which mix medieval and 19th-century architecture.
But there’s more to the city than once was. The Kapana Art District is a lively neighbourhood, known for being a hub of creativity. Grab a coffee, wander round this colour area and admire the street art.
It’s easy to get to as well. Ryanair flies direct to Plovdiv from London Stansted, Birmingham Airport or Manchester Airport for as little as £30 for a round trip.
Meanwhile, Plovdiv can be reached in under two hours by car from the Bulgarian capital Sofia.
This article was originally published January 28, 2025.
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