6 quiet destinations to visit in Europe during the summer
Well-known holiday destinations in Europe, such as Rome, Lisbon or Mallorca, attract many tourists every year, but there are also many pleasant and quiet holiday destinations. We have chosen six of these peaceful and quiet places to visit in Europe during the summer for you!
1. Sardinia, Italy
Beautiful Italy! The beautiful Italian island of Sardinia is a perfect and peaceful holiday destination. This island of about 1.64 million inhabitants is big, but it has many hidden coves, cute villages and beautiful nature where you can easily find peace.
Tip: visit the authentic village of Castelsardo, where all the houses are built on a hill around the cove, so all the houses in this village have views of the beautiful blue sea. Do you want to visit Sardinia and still want to find crowds? Then discover the capital, Cagliari, where you will find many Italian and Spanish influences.
2. Karpathos, Greece
Ah Karpathos, what a peaceful Greek dream destination it is. Rhodes’ little brother and home to some 6,511 inhabitants, Karpathos has everything you’d expect from a Greek island. Therefore, in Karpathos you can find picturesque villages, cozy narrow streets and beaches with crystal clear water. Also be sure to visit one of the cozy restaurants in the capital Karpathos Town and enjoy a delicious Greek dinner while watching the sun disappear into the sea.
3. Menorca, Spain
Menorca is a Spanish island located next to the popular Ibiza and Mallorca. Menorca is generally a bit more unknown than these islands. In our opinion, Menorca is quieter, but still has a lot of beauty to offer. Also, Menorca is one and a half times the size of Ibiza, so there is much more to discover!
On this island, enjoy the wind blowing through the Spanish palm trees, eat delicious tapas in one of the authentic Spanish restaurants, and discover the ancient architecture found on the island. Do you like adventure more? Then discover nature in Menorca. In fact, Menorca is 40% (!) forested, allowing you to take beautiful walks and explore the island’s traditional pines and marine pines.
4. Calabria, Italy
Calabria is the southern region at the tip of the boot of beautiful Italy. Calabria is generally a quieter region than Tuscany or Veneto, so you can easily avoid the large tourist crowds here. The region is known for its fantastic crystal clear waters and beautiful beaches. So make sure you book a stay by the sea if you plan to travel to Calabria for a vacation! The city of Scilla and the Sila National Park are also highly recommended if you are in this region on vacation.
Tip: try Italian cuisine in one of the many restaurants that you will find in the picturesque towns of this province.
5. Azores, Portugal
The Azores, a Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, is a truly fantastic holiday destination. The islands have everything you expect as a tourist. Beautiful beaches, great nature and a wonderful climate, you have it all in the Azores. Do you want to know something extra for yourself during a trip to this archipelago? It is not yet well known to most tourists, but the best way to explore the Azores is with a car so you can take it with you from one island to the next on a boat. So when do you go on vacation to this quiet beach vacation?
Tips: Discover the Azores in 10 days by car through our blog.
6. Kefalonia, Greece
Kefalonia, along with Karpathos, is another laid-back Greek holiday destination well worth a visit. Kefalonia has colorful houses, typical Greek restaurants with blue chairs, and many beautiful caves. The island lies between Lefkas and Zakynthos, so a trip to one of these islands during your vacation is certainly a possibility. Do you want to spend the night in Kefalonia? Then take a boat trip to one of the caves, such as the Melissani cave, and discover the impressive underwater world.
