Escape the Crowds and Explore the Best of Europe

Summer vacations in Europe offer a plethora of exciting experiences for travelers. From exploring villages along cliff edges to hiking in lush green hills, or swimming and relaxing by the Adriatic or Mediterranean Sea, there’s something for everyone. However, with the peak season comes crowded restaurants and tourist attractions. To make the most of your European summer getaway, consider visiting lesser-known destinations.

According to various travel reports, the following are the most popular destinations in Europe for summer 2025:

Slovenia is the top trending tourist destination in Europe this summer, with a 473 percent annual increase in summer travel sales. This small country is bordered by Italy, Croatia, and Hungary. To avoid crowds, consider visiting at the end of June or the beginning of September. Some lesser-known yet captivating places to visit in Istria boast historic towns and a blend of Slovenian, Croatian, and Italian culture. For nature enthusiasts, the Alpine Mountains are a must-visit.

Croatia has been a popular destination in recent years, especially after the Game of Thrones series. This year, Croatia’s popularity among travelers is expected to skyrocket even further, with a 356 percent increase in bookings compared to the summer of 2024. To avoid crowds, consider visiting islands like Vis and Brac instead of Hvar and Korcula. Visiting Croatia in May until mid-June or September is ideal, as the water is still warm for swimming.

The Czech Republic has seen a 309 percent increase in summer vacation bookings. A summer vacation from early to mid-June or late August to early September is recommended. Aside from Prague, there are still many interesting places to explore in this country, such as Velka Amerika, or the ‘Czech Grand Canyon,’ and the Moravia region.

Turkey is a popular destination, with the peak tourist season from July to November. To avoid the busiest times, consider visiting in May, June, or from November to the end of the year. First-time visitors to Turkey usually want to visit major cities like Istanbul, Izmir, and Cappadocia. However, exploring other areas such as Gallipoli and Troy is also recommended. For beach destinations, consider visiting Cesme, located by the sea and popular among locals.

Austria will be enlivened by the Salzburg Music Festival, which lasts for six weeks. This is the best time to visit the city, yet it will be the busiest. For travelers who want to visit Salzburg during the festival, consider staying outside of Salzburg and taking day trips there. Other than Salzburg and Hallstatt, there are other popular cities such as St. Wolfgang, Gosau, Grundlsee, and Bad Ischl. Another option is to visit cities renowned for summer skiing, such as Innsbruck and Lech.

Hungary will likely see travelers visiting Budapest with its bridges and riverside castles. The city will be very busy in the summer. To avoid the busiest places during the busiest times, consider avoiding visiting during the Hungarian Grand Prix from August 1 to 3. Apart from Budapest, there are other quieter regions in Hungary, such as the Tokaj wine region in and around Pcs.

Montenegro has seen a 24 percent increase in travel bookings to this small country in the Adriatic Sea for the months of June, July, and August compared to previous years. To avoid crowds, consider steering clear from the peak summer months, which are July and August.

The off-season here is very attractive, as warm weather in Montenegro lasts from April to October. Visiting villages around one of the five Montenegrin national parks is an easy way to enjoy a peaceful combination of fewer crowds and stunning landscapes.

For a more detailed guide on each destination, consider consulting with travel experts or doing further research.