Avoid the overtourism trend in Europe
Overtourism is a buzz word that has frequently appeared in headlines as a result of the boomerang in travel following the Pandemic. And while having a bucket list of places that you desire to visit is a good thing, everyone else is doing the same and putting hot spots on their radar. It doesn’t help that many media outlets are driving these bucket lists with Where to Go Next headlines. My list of places to travel in 2025 will ignore these bucket lister hotspots. But if you plan your visit during prime travel periods such as Spring Break or Summer, you are still likely to encounter masses of tourists.
Visit to Istria
The Istrian Peninsula is part of Croatia and adjoins Italy and Slovenia. Many would call it ‘Italy light” due to shared cultural influences. Croatia has become very popular, particularly the Dalmatian Coastline – including Split and Dubrovnik - due to these famed coastal towns being featured in several seasons of Game of Thrones. So, to avoid the crowds, head to Istria!
I would suggest using Rovinj as a base for a visit to Istria, which is a charming seaside village on the west coast of the Peninsula. Rovinj is a delightful town and offers many different outstanding dining opportunities. Other key towns in Istria are a very short drive from Rovinj, which is another good reason to use it as your base. At the southern tip of Istria is Pula, the largest city on the peninsula, and the site of an incredibly well-preserved Roman amphitheater. After a visit to Pula, I would recommend driving north to Fazana for lunch and a swim. To the north of Rovinj is Poreč, a popular holiday destination, which has a nice old town center and a very interesting Euphrasian Basilica.
Visit to Slovenia
I think Ljubljana is one of the nicest capital cities in Europe - everything about it feels hip, from the very fit-looking Slovenians to the convivial outdoor dining terraces outside most restaurants in the old center. Slovenian gastronomy is amazing and seems like it is influenced by both Italian and Austrian cuisine. Every restaurant had very fresh fish – mostly sea bass and bream – as well as grilled octopus. The white wines were made from interesting grape varietals that we don’t see often – like Malvasia, Zellen and Ribolla Gialla – all very crisp and complementary to the fish and seafood.
A weekend tour should begin with an amble along the Ljubljanica River to encompass the University Plaza and the Park Zvezda. The Ljubljana Castle is a nicely restored treasure that comprises many important exhibits detailing the history of the city, including the separation of Slovenia from Yugoslavia. Predjama Castle is a short drive from there and is unique in that it is the largest cave castle in the world. The tour is self-guided, aided by QR code driven audio commentary throughout the exhibit.
Visit to the Northern region of Portugal
An authentic Portuguese experience away from the crowds can be had in the Northern region. Braga is an important hub for this area - it is the fourth largest city in the country and a religious hub for the north (although Fatima is the epicenter of religious pilgrimage in the country). A blatantly significant historical site is the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, located in the hinterland overlooking the city. It is a long climb uphill, best approached by mounting the long, zig-zagging staircase of nearly 600 steps that many pilgrims will do on their knees.
Old bridges feature prominently in the north of Portugal, among them the medieval bridge of Ponte de Lima, which is one of the oldest towns in the country. Another serves as the dramatic entry to the town of Barcelos – home of the rooster that serves as the national symbol of Portugal.
The Peneda-Gerês is the only national park in Portugal and is stunningly picturesque. It also contains some sites and wildlife that are unlikely to be found anywhere else in the country. In Lindoso is a collection of 19th century granite grain storage silos (espigueros - shown above) spread out among the slopes of a medieval castle.
The next instalment of best places to travel this year will feature the Alentejo region of Portugal, the Peloppenese Peninsula in Greece and the Côte d'Azur in France.
Bon voyage!
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