This year has been a bumper year for overtourism, especially in popular southern European destinations such as Barcelona, Mykonos and Venice. Soaring hotel prices, irate locals, searing heat and an increasing number of anti-tourism protests added to this scenario, sometimes making holidays feel like far more trouble than they’re worth.
Several cities, such as Barcelona and Venice, had to implement measures to handle overtourism, such as limiting tourist accommodation in an attempt to phase out Airbnb, as well as restricting cruises and group sizes.
This has led to a shift in travel trends, with more visitors now wanting niche destinations, with fewer crowds and a more peaceful atmosphere- leading to the emergence of dupes for a number of popular European destinations.
But which are the best European destination dupes you need to add to your travel bucket list?
Girona: All the Catalan charm, none of the cruise ship chaos
Located just an hour away from Barcelona, Girona has emerged as a great dupe for the Spanish beach favourite in recent years. It offers similar Catalan charm and picturesque medieval architecture, with hardly any crowds.
Not only is Girona’s pace of life much more relaxed than Barcelona’s, but it is also much cheaper, which is a significant consideration for travellers going into 2026.
Girona also offers rich history and authentic, regional Spanish flair, making it a less-overwhelming experience than Barcelona’s hordes of cruise tourists.
Wander around narrow, cobbled streets admiring beautiful, historic buildings, which include a well-preserved Jewish Quarter (The Call) and a huge cathedral.
Travellers can walk on the Passeig de la Muralla, Girona’s ancient medieval city walls, for panoramic views, before heading to the Onyar River for the iconic colourful riverside houses.
The Pont de les Peixateries Velles (Old Fish Market Bridge) also has excellent photo opportunities. Head to the Arab Baths, a charming 12th-century Romanesque bath complex or head to the Art Museum or Cinema Museum for a dose of culture.
Tuck into xuixos, a local sweet pastry, or try tapas at places like Zanpanzar. Follow up with unique ice cream flavours like oven-baked apple and coconut and violet sorbet at the Rocambolesc Gelateria.
Stay in the Barri Vell (Old Quarter) area for walkability and medieval charm, or Montilivi for a quieter and greener time. If you’re looking to be near beaches, try Calella de Palafrugell, or Baix Empordà for a countryside vibe.
Ljubljana: Canals, cafés and old-world beauty without the sinking feeling
Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana, has increasingly been hailed as a dupe to Venice, with similar river vibes and waterways, pastel buildings, charming bridges and café culture. However, it is far cheaper and has fewer crowds, offering a more laid-back, pedestrian-friendly environment.
Wander around the car-free Old Town’s cobblestone streets, with Baroque and Renaissance architecture, hidden gems such as Locksmith Street and colourful houses.
Travellers can take the funicular up to Ljubljana Castle for panoramic city views and a deeper glimpse into the town’s history, or visit the Museum of Modern Art and the quirky House of Illusions.
Head to the riverbanks for a variety of outdoor dining options, the famous Triple Bridge and cruises. The whole of Ljubljana also has plenty of green spaces.
Dig into local dishes such as potica (nut rolls) and štruklji (dumplings), followed by trdelnik (sweet pastry).
Stay near the river or the Old Town for easy walking access and great dining options.
Tinos: Whitewashed villages and wild beaches
As more popular Greek islands get overrun by tourists, travellers are turning to lesser-known islands to catch a breather and enjoy natural beauty at its best.
One such island, Tinos, is the perfect dupe for Mykonos. Just a short ferry ride away from the far better-known island, it has traditional villages, stunning beaches and consistently gorgeous sunny weather- only with much fewer people.
Tinos is also cheaper than Mykonos and offers a more authentic Greek vibe and classic Cyclades experience, while being less commercialised. It is also great for those who want to escape Mykonos’ expensive party scene.
It is also a major pilgrimage site due to the Church of Panagia Evangelistria, and has a quiet spiritual feel, with a rich artisanal and marble sculpting tradition. Explore villages like Ktikados, wandering the marble streets, or head to the mountain village of Kardiani.
Beach lovers can relax at Agios Sostis or Agios Fokas, while enjoying a surf and boho vibe at Kolimbithra. Visit the unique 13th-century Pigeon Houses, as well as the Archaeological Museum, or head to local wineries like T-OINOS.
Nature lovers can also hike to Exomvourgo for panoramic island views. Try local cheeses like kopanisti and artichokes, as well as fresh seafood and fourtalia (potato omelette) at tavernas like O Ntinos or choose To Perivoli tis Kardianis for amazing views.
Stay in Tinos Town (Chora) for convenience, easy ferry access and great food, or Kardiani Village for spectacular sea views and a feel of village life.
Salerno: Dramatic coastlines and authentic Italian charm
Tired of the expensive Amalfi Coast’s crowds, but don’t want to miss the natural beauty and stunning landscapes? Head to Salerno, a hidden Italian gem and historic port city just up the coast to Amalfi, but offering very similar stunning views, medieval architecture and genuine Italian charm.
Food and drink, as well as accommodation is much cheaper in Salerno than the Amalfi Coast towns overrun with tourists. Being a lively working port city, it also allows visitors to immerse themselves deeper into local life, even in peak season, while having excellent bus, train and ferry connections to Positano, Amalfi, Pompeii and Capri.
Explore the Centro Storico’s medieval alleys and artisan shops selling leather and pottery goods, then head to the grand Salerno Cathedral with its awe-inspiring crypt.
Travellers can visit the ancient medical school’s Giardino della Minerva, as well as the Arechi Castle and the Municipal Villa. Stroll around the Lungomare Trieste promenade of head to nearby Vietri sul Mare for beach clubs. Don’t miss the street art and museums like the Museo Diocesano and the Archeological Museum.
Tuck into Salerno’s famous fresh seafood at spots like Mama Rosa and Cicirinella, or try a great Neapolitan-style pizza at Gli Esposito or Pizza de Michele, followed by a sweet treat like Dolce Pantaleone.
Stay in the Old Town (Centro Storico) for history and shopping or Lungomare or modern hotels, sea views and easy access to the promenade.
Rovinj: Medieval streets and Adriatic views, no Game of Thrones fans
Dubrovnik has been overwhelmed by Game of Thrones fans, among other tourists, in recent years, as well as party tourists, causing soaring prices and severe overtourism.
However, if you swap the Dalmatian region for the Istrian peninsula, you’ll find Rovinj, a small and relatively unknown town, offering a similar historic walled-city and fairytale vibe as Dubrovnik.
With Venetian architecture, beautiful Adriatic waterfronts and cobbled streets, Rovinj has far fewer tourists and is perfect for a romantic Croatian escape without Dubrovnik’s intense peak-season crush.
Enjoy turquoise waters and rocky swimming spots, as well as pastel-coloured houses and a charming hilltop church.
Wander the Old Town, with its art studios and galleries and visit the Church of St. Euphemia to climb the bell tower for panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and the town. Explore hidden coves or stroll along the waterfront promenade.
Nature lovers can walk or cycle in the beautiful Golden Cape Forest Park, or take a boat trip for some dolphin watching. Feeling adventurous? Take a day trip to nearby Venice for an added dose of romance and culture.
Dig into fresh seafood at La Puntulina, right on the water in the old town, or head to Croatia’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, Monte for a more luxurious fine dining experience. Don’t miss local delicacies like truffles!
Choose Valbruna for family-friendly options, or the Old Town for a car-free, atmospheric stay, while Lone Bay offers relaxation and beaches.
Toulouse: French elegance, food and space
Love French culture and Paris, but hate its Disneyfication in recent years? You don’t have to look much further than Toulouse for an amazing Paris dupe with similar romance, charm and culture in a more relaxed and affordable environment.
Toulouse also has unique terracotta architecture and is sometimes called The Pink City as a result. With a sunny southern French vibe, art and a walkable city centre, visitors can enjoy authentic French life here without the Parisian sticker shock.
Like Paris’ Seine, Toulouse has the Garonne River, complete with waterfronts and romantic bridges, perfect for long strolls. It also has the UNESCO-listed Canal du Midi for picturesque canal-side walks.
Wander through the Old Town to get up close and personal with the stunning pink brick architecture, especially around Place du Capitole or visit historic sites like the Romanesque Basilique Saint-Sernin and the Gothic Couvent des Jacobins. Cité de l’espace offers a fun, educational space experience, while outdoor lovers can enjoy a bike ride along the Garonne River.
Try local dishes like L’alicuit de canard (duck) and Cassoulet (a rich bean stew) along with regional sausages and sweet treats like croustade aux pommes (apple pastry).
Stay in the Capitole or Carmelite in the city centre if it’s your first time visiting, for easy access to key sights, dining and shopping or choose Saint-Étienne for historic charm and proximity to the river. Saint-Cyprien also offers a more local and vibrant feel with great food options.
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