Bored with Europe’s crowded hotspots? Put these ‘not hot’ destinations in your 2026 itinerary

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As overtourism continues to threaten popular European destinations, more travellers are searching for quieter escapes. 

In keeping with a recent report by the European Travel Commission, 55 per cent of travellers are in search of area of interest destinations, and a growing number have made avoiding crowds a major priority. 

Now, many destinations across Europe are preparing for travellers by investing in sustainable practices and cultural tourism, but they’re still flying under the radar.

Travel company Intrepid, in partnership with Globetrender, has identified a few of these lesser-known spots for its Not Hot List 2026, which focuses on places able to welcome visitors but with a fraction of the crowds. These are places where travellers can enjoy slow travel, nature and culture while helping spread tourism advantages more widely.

“Eighty per cent of travellers visit just 10 per cent of the world’s tourism destinations,” says Erica Kritikides, general manager of Experiences at Intrepid Travel. “We would like to alter that by shining a light-weight on places which are able to welcome visitors and profit from their presence.”

From a former Yugoslav military base turned slow-travel haven in Croatia to a 1,400km ‘Camino of the East’ in Romania, these destinations prove that ‘not hot’ may be the following big thing.

Hike, snorkel and savour native wines in Vis Island, Croatia

A former Yugoslav military base shut off to outsiders, Vis Island opened to visitors in 1989. While Dubrovnik and Split struggled with overtourism, Vis Island has emerged as a slow-travel alternative within the Adriatic Sea. 

The island has no cruise stops or airports, disconnecting it more from mainstream tourist trail. That, for a lot of, is the selling point. 

“While some see Vis’ remoteness as a drawback, it’s exactly what makes Vis so special,” Duje Dropuljic, assistant manager at Intrepid Travel, said within the report.  

In 2026, latest cycling and walking trails will open, complementing outdoor activities reminiscent of shipwreck diving, snorkelling or exploring the luminous Blue Cave and stunning Stiniva Cove. 

Food and wine are also a favorite draw. Try traditional dishes reminiscent of peka (slow-cooked fish or meat under a bell) and Komiška pogača (savoury pies with onions, fish and tomatoes), paired with wine comprised of native grapes, including a fruity Vugava and Plavac Mali, a wealthy, full-bodied red. 

Feast on baklava and take in history in Gaziantep, Turkey

In Turkey’s southeastern Anatolia region, Gaziantep is wealthy in culture but far less visited than Cappadocia, Istanbul or Antalya. And up to date investments in each heritage preservation and latest travel routes from major hubs reminiscent of London have put it squarely on the map in the approaching years. 

A UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, town is famed for its abundant spice markets and mouthwatering baklava. 

Visitors can tour the Zeugma Mosaic Museum to admire the renowned “Gypsy Girl” mosaic, explore the historic Gaziantep Castle for panoramic views of town and a museum and wander across the ruins of Belkis-Zeugma and Rumkale, a castle perched above a bend within the Euphrates River. 

“Now could be the right time for travellers to find this remarkable a part of the world and luxuriate in an authentic experience that busier destinations increasingly struggle to supply,” Pelin Bengu, Intrepid Travel’s general manager for Turkey, identified. 

Wander Carpathian forests and villages on Romania’s Via Transilvanica

Romania’s 1,400-kilometre Via Transilvanica is fast becoming one in every of Europe’s great long-distance walking routes. Dubbed the ‘Camino of the East’, the trail winds through ancient forests, rustic villages and 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Travellers can visit medieval Saxon towns, Dacian ruins and castles, and painted monasteries while traversing dramatic Carpathian landscapes. At the tip of an extended day’s hike, they will stay in traditional villages and tuck into farm-to-table meals washed down with pălincă (plum brandy).

The route also doubles as an outside art exhibition, with unique carved milestone markers at every kilometre.

Next yr, 170km of latest paths will open, the primary phase of a 20-year initiative to expand the Via Transilvanica route across Romania. 

“For us, hospitality means creating real meeting points between hikers and locals – places where shared meals, old stories and the rhythm of rural life are as much an element of the journey because the miles walked,” said Anna Székely, vice-president of the Tășuleasa Social Association.

Replenish on Finnish culture in Oulu

Situated slightly below Finland’s Arctic Circle, Oulu has been named the European Capital of Culture 2026. Town is using this honour to showcase its creative innovation, wild Arctic nature and Indigenous Sámi heritage. 

During this one-year program, events by Arctic Food Lab will highlight northern Finland’s culinary traditions, while art installations inspired by the encompassing landscape and hands-on workshops hosted by the Sámi people will bring Finnish culture to the centre stage. 

“Oulu’s yr as European Capital of Culture in 2026 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase our unique northern lifestyle, creativity and experiences to the world,” said Yrjötapio Kivisaari, CEO of Visit Oulu. 

But Oulu offers greater than short-term programming. This thriving city on the Oulujoki River guarantees year-round activities.

Summer visitors can hike, bike, swim and sauna-hop in summer, while winter brings frozen-sea adventures.

Travellers can ski, snowshoe and seek for the elusive Northern Lights, or stay warm while learning about local culture on the Northern Ostrobothnia Museum.