Charming Small Town Alternatives to Popular Tourist Cities Chris Caggiano January 21, 2025 general, Sustainable Tourism As international travel surges, many iconic cities are grappling with overtourism. From Venice to Bali, once-idyllic destinations are becoming increasingly overcrowded, with long lines, higher prices, and diminishing returns for travelers seeking authentic experiences. In response, more and more people are choosing to take the road less traveled — literally. Rather than jostling through packed plazas or competing for a dinner reservation, savvy travelers are heading to smaller towns that offer similar appeal with smaller crowds. These under-the-radar destinations provide rich culture, stunning architecture, and local charm, plus the peace and space to enjoy them. Here are come of our favorite small town alternatives to the world’s most overrun, overcrowded, and overtouristed cities. Chioggia, Italy Instead of Venice — Visit Chioggia Venice’s beauty is undeniable, but with millions of tourists crowding its bridges and canals each year, the experience can feel more hectic than romantic. Just 30 miles south, the fishing town of Chioggia offers a peaceful alternative with similar charm. Often called “Little Venice,” Chioggia features quiet canals, stone bridges, and colorful facades. But unlike its famous neighbor, it’s a working town with far fewer visitors. You’ll find a lively fish market, relaxed waterfront cafes, and a much slower pace. Chioggia is also home to Sottomarina, a beach-lined district that adds a seaside element to your visit to Italy. Easily accessible by train or boat from Venice, it’s a great escape for those seeking the atmosphere of the lagoon without the crowds. Instead of Barcelona — Visit Girona Barcelona is known for its architecture, beaches, and energy, but it also faces major tourist crowds, long lines, and rising prices. For a quieter experience with just as much history and charm, head 60 miles northeast to Girona. This medieval town offers winding cobblestone streets, Roman and Moorish influences, and one of Europe’s best-preserved Jewish quarters. The colorful buildings along the River Onyar recall the vibrant facades of Barcelona’s Barri Gòtic, while Girona’s hilltop cathedral offers sweeping views. Girona is also a food destination, home to excellent Catalan cuisine and close to several Michelin-starred restaurants. Walk the old city walls, explore the Arab baths, or simply enjoy the slower pace of a town in Spain that’s steeped in history — but without the crowds. Kanazawa, Japan Instead of Kyoto — Visit Kanazawa Kyoto’s temples, geisha districts, and traditional charm attract millions each year, often crowding the very places travelers come to find peace. For a quieter but equally rich experience, consider Kanazawa on the Sea of Japan coast. Kanazawa offers beautifully preserved samurai and geisha quarters, serene gardens, and a thriving arts scene, without the overwhelming foot traffic. Kenrokuen, one of the top three landscape gardens in Japan, rivals any in Kyoto for beauty and tranquility. The city is also known for its craftsmanship, including gold leaf, lacquerware, and traditional silk dyeing. With its Edo-period atmosphere, modern museums, and excellent seafood, Kanazawa combines culture, history, and local flavor at a slower, more mindful pace. Instead of Paris — Visit Colmar Paris is a global icon, but it can also be overwhelming. Crowded museums, packed cafés, and non-stop foot traffic come with the territory. For a calmer, more storybook version of France, consider Colmar, a small town in the Alsace region near the German border. Colmar looks like it was plucked from a painting. Its timber-framed houses, colorful facades, and narrow canals give it a fairy-tale feel, especially in spring and summer when flowers spill from windowsills and bridges. The town offers a rich blend of French and German influences, visible in both the architecture and the cuisine. Rather than the grandeur of Paris, Colmar invites quiet walks, wine tastings, and long meals at family-run restaurants. It’s a place for slowing down and savoring the details, without the crowds and the rush. Naxos, Greece Instead of Santorini — Visit Naxos If your dream of Santorini includes quiet sunsets and peaceful cliffside walks, the reality may surprise you—especially in summer. The island’s popularity means cruise crowds, inflated prices, and packed photo ops. Naxos, the largest of the Cycladic islands, offers a more laid-back and less commercialized alternative. Here, whitewashed villages dot the hillsides, ancient temples and Venetian towers trace the island’s layered history, and local life hums at an unhurried pace. Beaches are wider, less crowded, and often just as beautiful. In the mountain village of Apeiranthos, marble-paved alleys lead to family tavernas that serve dishes made from local cheese and herbs. Naxos doesn’t try to impress with spectacle. Instead, it quietly delivers everything travelers come to Greece hoping to find—sun, sea, history, and the warmth of real island life. Instead of Amsterdam — Visit Haarlem Just 15 minutes by train from Amsterdam, Haarlem offers much of what people love about the Dutch capital—but in a smaller, calmer setting. Think canals, cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and world-class art, all without the crowds and tour buses. Rather than racing between major museums, you can take your time exploring the Frans Hals Museum or browsing centuries-old shops in the Gouden Straatjes, or “Golden Streets.” The central Grote Markt is perfect for people-watching, especially on market days, and the local beer scene — centered around repurposed churches and modern craft breweries — is reason enough to linger. Best of all, Haarlem feels lived-in. It’s a place where locals shop, cycle, and socialize, and where travelers can settle in instead of rush through. If you’re after the Netherlands experience with room to breathe, Haarlem delivers. Sibenik, Croatia Instead of Dubrovnik — Visit Šibenik Dubrovnik is stunning, with its medieval walls and Adriatic views, but it’s no secret, especially to cruise ships. At peak season, the Old Town can feel more like a backdrop than a living city. For a place in Croatia with the same coastal charm and historic appeal, but far less hustle, try Šibenik. This small Dalmatian city is full of character. Its maze-like stone alleys climb up from the waterfront to reveal Gothic and Renaissance architecture, small wine bars, and quiet courtyards. The UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St. James anchors the town center, while two hilltop fortresses offer sweeping views across the bay. Unlike some of its flashier neighbors, Šibenik is still very much a place where people live, not just visit. It’s also a great jumping-off point for exploring nearby islands or Krka National Park, known for its waterfalls and walking trails. Instead of Prague — Visit Český Krumlov Prague’s spires, bridges, and cobblestone alleys are magical, but its city center is often packed shoulder to shoulder with tourists. If you’re looking for a similar fairy-tale atmosphere on a smaller, quieter scale, head south to Český Krumlov. This riverside town in the Czech Republic is a showcase of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, with a dramatic castle perched above the Vltava River. The old town is compact and walkable, its narrow streets filled with artisan shops, cafes, and galleries. The pace is slow, inviting you to linger by the water, explore the castle gardens, or catch a summer performance in the castle’s open-air theater. While it sees visitors in peak season, Český Krumlov still feels intimate and welcoming, especially in early spring or late fall. It captures the romance and history of Prague, but with the charm of a place frozen in time. Bath, England Instead of London — Visit Bath London is full of iconic sights, but it can be exhausting. Between busy Tube stations, dense crowds, and long queues at major attractions, it’s easy to feel rushed. For a more relaxed and elegant experience while you’re in the U.K., consider Bath, a historic city nestled in the English countryside. Famous for its Roman-built baths and honey-colored Georgian architecture, Bath offers centuries of history alongside cozy charm. The Royal Crescent and Bath Abbey provide stately grandeur, while the thermal waters and tranquil parks encourage rest rather than rush. Literary fans can follow in Jane Austen’s footsteps, and food lovers will find no shortage of tearooms, gastropubs, and small markets. Bath is walkable, scenic, and easy to reach by train from London in under 90 minutes. It offers culture without chaos, history without the hurry, and atmosphere that begins the moment you arrive. Instead of Bali — Visit Lombok Bali’s beaches and temples have made it world-famous, but decades of overdevelopment and overtourism have changed its rhythm. Traffic-clogged streets and busy beach clubs can make it hard to connect with the island’s natural and spiritual roots. For a more serene escape, look to nearby Lombok. Lombok has much of what draws people to Bali — lush rice fields, waterfalls, volcanic peaks, and Hindu temples — but with far fewer visitors. Its coastline is dotted with quiet beaches and surf spots, especially in the south around Kuta and Gerupuk. Inland, you’ll find traditional villages and trails leading to Mount Rinjani, the second-highest volcano in Indonesia. Travel here feels slower and more grounded. Many areas remain undeveloped, and the local Sasak culture is still deeply woven into daily life. Whether you’re surfing, trekking, or simply watching waves roll in from an empty stretch of sand, Lombok offers a different kind of island magic. You Might Also Enjoy: Crowded in Kyoto: A First-Hand Account of Overtourism in Japan Lombok, Indonesia FAQs: Q: How can I reach these small towns if they aren’t near major airports? A: Many are accessible by regional train, bus, or ferry from nearby cities. It’s best to check local transit options in advance, and consider renting a car if you want more flexibility, especially in rural areas. Q: Are these towns good for travelers without a car? A: Some towns are very walkable and have public transport connections. Others may require a car for full access. Research your destination’s infrastructure before you go, and look for bike rentals or local taxis if needed. Q: Will I need to speak the local language in these smaller destinations? A: Basic English is often understood in tourist-friendly areas, but learning a few local phrases is helpful and appreciated. Bringing a translation app can also be a great backup while traveling off the beaten path. Q: When is the best time to visit these towns? A: Visiting in the shoulder seasons — spring or early autumn — usually offers the best balance of weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. Summer can still be pleasant but may bring more domestic tourists. Q: Are accommodations limited in small towns? A: Some towns have fewer hotel options than big cities, but you’ll often find boutique hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals. Booking ahead — especially in high season — is recommended. Q: What kinds of activities can I expect in these towns? A: Expect a mix of history, nature, food, and local culture. You might find walking tours, museums, markets, hiking trails, or seasonal festivals. The pace is often slower, which encourages deeper, more mindful exploration. Q: Can I visit more than one of these towns in a single trip? A: Yes, especially if they’re in the same region or country. Combining 2–3 small towns with flexible travel days can create a more rewarding and relaxed itinerary than racing between major cities. Do you have any small town alternatives to overcrowded tourist cities? Tell us about them in the comments below!
