GO HERE, NOT THERE …
As overtourism ruins some of the world’s best-loved places, some of the Telegraph’s seasoned travellers suggest new ways of beating the crowds
Europe’s most overcrowded destinations are popular for a reason. They offer cultural, gastronomic and architectural delights and — in our opinion — should be seen at least once in a lifetime. But for anyone looking for something quieter, here are some of the best alternatives.
Instead of Barcelona, GO TO SAN SEBASTIÁN
Andy Lynes, The Telegraph’s gourmet travel expert, says: This upmarket seaside town has food and drink running through its veins with its thrilling pintxo (Basque-style tapas) bar scene, sociedades gastronómicas (private dining clubs) and superb seafood.
Instead of Dubrovnik, GO TO ZADAR
Natalie Paris writes: The southern stretch of Croatia’s Dalmatian coast is saturated with sunseekers in the summer months. Head north to Zadar, however, and you will find a region rich in history and natural beauty which is still relatively undiscovered. You can wander quiet streets, enjoy cheaper prices than in Dubrovnik, and sail to beaches on remote islands.”
Instead of Skye,
GO TO SUTHERLAND
Caroline Shearing says: Go here for peatlands cloaked in purple heather, white sand beaches washed by turquoise waves and the opportunity to explore a neardeserted corner of Britain. Large lonely lochs, vast glacial valleys and the distinctive shape of inselbergs — monolithic mountains such as Suilven and Stac Pollaidh — dominate the landscape.
Instead of Venice, GO TO TRIESTE
Helen Pickles says: To discover the secret of a happy life, head to Trieste, the Italian port tucked alongside the Slovenian border. The Triestini embrace life with a passion that is palpable and infectious, if the chatter at evening aperitivo is anything to go by. And at the merest hint of sunshine, Triestini are off to the nearby seaside, Barcola, even in November — and even though it’s a concrete strip.
Instead of Amsterdam, GO TO THE HAGUE
Lee Marshall writes: I found myself warming to The Hague precisely because it’s the sort of place where you feel under little pressure to tick off sights on a checklist. Which is not to say that this city of half-a-million inhabitants does not have its must-sees — such as the swathes of Mondrians in the Gemeentemuseum, an intimate, rhythmic building that broke new ground in museum design when it opened in the ’30s. —