When To Visit These European Destinations To Avoid The Crowds

If you love Europe but hate big crowds, this is the list for you.

Teal blue seas, ancient buildings, unique food specialities, and a heady mix of cultures. It’s no wonder that Europe receives over half a million tourists every year. It’s also an unfortunate truth that popular places like London, Paris and Barcelona get busy enough to cause anyone with the smallest levels of anxiety around crowds to have a meltdown.

If you want to avoid this stressful situation, check out this list of the best off-peak destinations to visit in Europe over the year.

January – Sevilla, Spain

While the rest of Europe shivers its way through the winter months, the warmest city in continental Europe experiences pleasant temperatures and an even more pleasant number of travellers checking out its flamenco dancing, tapas and stunning Moorish-Spanish architecture.

the Seville Cathedral with a sunset backdrop — Explore the Moorish-Spanish architecture in Seville. (Image: Sean Xu via Getty Images)

If you have more time to spare, expand your trip to the wider Andalusian area, visiting the Islamic palace of Alhambra in Granada, and the Alcazaba fortress in Málaga.

the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain — The Alhambra looms over Granada. (Image: traveler1116 via Getty Images)

February – Porto, Portugal

If you’ve ever walked down into the port wine cellars or climbed up the riverside slopes of Portugal’s second city in July, you will already know how busy (and hot) it gets in July. Escape this situation by coming to Porto in February.

the Porto Old Town at sunset — The sun-kissed Porto Old Town combines Gothic, baroque and modernist styles. (Image: joyt via Getty Images)

While you are very much not guaranteed the same level of sun, you can still get to those attractions, as well as spot azulejos ceramic tiles, admire its baroque architecture, look at the view from Porto Cathedral, and make your way very slowly through a chunky Francesinha sandwich.

the exterior of Carmelitas Church With Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Porto — Visit Carmo and Carmelitas double church in downtown Porto. (Image: Yana Marudova)

March – Florence, Italy

One of the most famous reasons people go to Florence, Tuscany is to see its art, architecture and grandiose history. Think the Duomo Cathedral, the Ponte Vecchio, Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s Birth of Venus at the Uffizi Gallery.

the Florence Cathedral in Italy — The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is one of the largest churches in the world. (Image: Siempreverde22 via Getty Images)

You know what you don’t need to see this? Good weather. This is why you should snatch the chance to visit Florence during the low season with both hands.

the Ponte Vecchio bridge in Arno River, Florence, Italy — The picturesque Ponte Vecchio bridge is one of Florence’s best sights. (Image: efired via Getty Images)

April – Istanbul, Türkiye

While April is edging closer to the beginning of Istanbul’s May to October higher season, it is also the time of the year when its gorgeous Tulip Festival begins.

tulips in front of Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Türkiye — Arrive in Istanbul when tulip season begins. (Image: Gulsen-Ozcan via Getty Images)

Make the switch from the Netherlands to Türkiye, and check out the millions of tulips that have been planted in the capital city in recent years.

Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Türkiye — The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque represents Byzantine architecture and art. (Image: plastic_buddha via Getty Images)

In-between, explore the world-famous Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace, walk through the Grand Bazaar and have a stem ‘n’ scrub at a hammam.

a look inside the Sultan Harem in Topkapi Palace — Topkapi Palace features a century-old Harem where Sultans lived with their families. (Image: Denis-Shevchuk via Getty Images)

May – Ionian Islands, Greece

All the groups of the Greek islands are stunning – and crawling with white-linen-wearing, selfie-photo-taking tourists in the summer. Instead, book a late spring holiday on the naturally gorgeous Ionian islands.

an aerial view of Navagio Beach, Ionian Islands, Greece — Nestled in the Ionian Sea, the wreck of the MV Panagiotis sits on Navagio Beach. (Image: Natalia Deriabina via Getty Images)

More off the beaten track at the best of times, these islands have wild cliffed beaches and small towns serving regional dishes like pastrokio, a dish of eggplant baked in a tomato sauce with eggs and cheese.

an aerial view of a beach in Corfu, Greece — Discover Corfu’s azure waters. (Image: SC Stock via Getty Images)

June – Sicily, Italy

It’s getting hotter in southern Europe, but it’s still before the European and American school holiday crowds hit in July.

Take advantage of this by sneaking down to the football islands of Sicily at the end of Italy’s boot.

the Ragusa Ibla in Sicily, Italy — Head to Sicily before the summer holidays begin. (Image: Da Liu via Getty Images)

Cool off on the hotter Sicilian days on one of the island’s many beaches and islands, or eat masses of sweet, icy granita, and spend the rest visiting palatial gold churches and devouring treats at one of its one-of-a-kind street food markets.

dried nuts and fruits in the Sicily Market, Italy — Don’t pass on the chance to explore Sicily’s markets. (Image: Lizzy Komen via Getty Images)

July – Innsbruck, Austria

While the rest of Europe swelters, the Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck escapes the worst of the heat. This Austrian town is rightly famous for its winter sports, but in summer, temperatures rise to pleasantly cool levels.

sunrise in Innsbruck, Austria — Watch the sun rise majestically over the Nordkette Mountain Range. (Image: Rudy Balasko via Getty Images)

Take advantage of this and spend sunny days hiking in the hills, exploring its Hapsburg royal past, and swimming in mountain lakes.

colourful houses by the lake in Innsbruck, Austria — Discover the colourful houses in Innsbruck. (Image: Torben Knauer via Getty Images)

August – England, Scotland and Wales, United Kingdom

While London and Edinburgh will be heaving (the former being very much on the travellers ‘to-do’ list, and the latter for hosting the world-famous Fringe Festival that month), England, the rest of Scotland and Wales, will be experiencing some of the best weather of the year.

the Caerphilly Castle in Wales — Wales has many castles to explore. (Image: krzych-34 via Getty Images)

Go fossil hunting on the beaches of Dorset, take long walks in the Lake District, check out the mighty castles of Wales and drink strawberry-flavoured Pimms in country pubs.

Dorset beach — Explore Dorset’s beaches. (Image: allou2 via Getty Images)

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September – Tromsø, Norway

While the northern lights are most associated with the depths of winter, you are just as likely to see the aurora borealis in September.

the Aurora borealis in Norway — There’s never been a better time to see the northern lights. (Image: Mu Yee Ting via Getty Images)

After you’ve looked upon this wondrous site in Tromsø, try your hand at foraging. Pick cloudberries, crowberries and lingonberries, porcini and hedgehog mushrooms.

Golden yellow Chanterelles Mushrooms — Norway’s most popular mushroom to pick is the chanterelle. (Image: Michael Workman via Getty Images)

October – Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Croatia’s summer visitors have gone, but the Plitvice Lakes Park remains open, with all lakes accessible before reduced access comes in on the first of November.

an aerial view of Plitvice National Park, Croatia — Stroll over the turquoise Plitvice Lakes. (Image: gydyt0jas via Getty Images)

The autumn leaves of oranges and faded greens fall on the reduced crowds, who can also rent rowing boats to cross the lakes. To make the deal even sweeter, there is a reduced price for off-peak entry.

autumn in Plitvice National Park, Croatia — Plitvice Lakes are stunning in autumn. (Image: serts via Getty Images)

November – Prague, Czech Republic

Despite the busyness in the warmer months, the Czech capital’s Bohemian charm keeps travellers coming back again and again.

a boat sailing along Charles Bridge, Vltava River in Prague, Czech Republic — Prague’s Charles Bridge is iconic. (Image: Travel Faery via Getty Images)

But in late autumn, you can still eat plates of hot Guláš (goulash), sip on its famously cheap and foamy beers, cross the Charles Bridge, wait for the figures of the Astronomical Clock to emerge at the Staroměstská Radnice town hall, and learn about Prague’s resistance in the Second World War.

the Astronomical Clock in Prague, Czech Republic — The Astronomical Clock strikes every hour. (Image: Jesus Barroso via Getty Images)

December – Paris, France

Paris, je t’aime. Just not in the smelly, busy and way too expensive summer high season.

Christmas in Paris — Christmas is a magical time to visit Paris. (Image: Felix Catana via Getty Images)

A far better option is to come to the French capital in December when the shop windows at Les Galeries Lafayette glitter with Christmas scenes, cups of chocolat chaud are a welcoming respite from the cold, Christmas Markets run at the Tuileries Garden, and you can escape the winter weather among the artworks in the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay.

the Louvre Museum in Paris — Escape the weather in The Louvre. (Image: Max Avans)

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

When to visit these European destinations to avoid the crowds