With the summer knocking on the door, the urge to explore new destinations and escape the monotonous daily routines becomes intense. However, popular tourist destinations tend to be overcrowded and may not offer the peaceful and relaxing vacation experience one craves. So, why not try something different this summer by exploring the least-crowded vacation spots in Europe?

From secluded islands to picturesque mountain villages, this article lists some of the least crowded vacation spots in Europe, offering a unique and tranquil holiday experience. So, buckle up and get ready to escape the crowds and enjoy the much-needed peace and quiet.

Related: These Are The 10 Most Beautiful Europe Destinations

10 Faroe Islands, Denmark

Houses on the Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands is a self-governing archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean, halfway between Norway and Iceland. It is an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark, known for its rich cultural heritage, rugged landscapes, and wildlife, including guillemots, fulmars, and large populations of seals and whales.

The Islands consist of 18 islands, with a total land area of approximately 1,400 square kilometers characterized by volcanic cliffs, green valleys, and fjords. Visitors to the Faroe Islands can experience the unique landscapes with outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing and the local culture and traditions, including native cuisines and dishes such as fermented lamb and fish.

9 San Marino

Guaita Fortress, San Marino

San Marino is a small landlocked country in the middle of Italy, one of the smallest countries in the world, with a total area of only 61 square kilometers known for its beautiful medieval architecture, stunning mountain landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Founded in 301 AD, the country is one of the oldest surviving sovereign states in the world and a popular tourist destination to experience beautiful medieval architecture, such as the Three Towers of San Marino, one of the country's most iconic landmarks. In addition to its historic attractions, the country has several parks and reserves surrounded by the beautiful Apennine Mountains allowing visitors to enjoy activities such as hiking and mountain biking.

8 Andorra

Estany Primer lake in Andorra

With a total area of only 468 square kilometers, Andorra is a small landlocked country between France and Spain in the eastern Pyrenees Mountains. Despite its small size, the country is known for its stunning mountain landscapes, ski resorts, and tax-free shopping. The country has several ski resorts, including Grandvalira and Vallnord, offering tourists a range of skiing and snowboarding opportunities.

Additionally, Andorra features stunning mountain landscapes with crystal-clear lakes and several nature reserves, including the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Besides its outdoor attractions, the country has several museums and art galleries, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and the local art scene of the region.

Related:10 Vacation Spots In Europe That Won't Break The Bank

7 Åland Islands, Finland

Aland Islands, Finland
Photo by Ozan Öztaskiran on Unsplash
A Beautiful View of Aland Islands In Finland

The Åland Islands are an archipelago of over 6,700 islands and skerries located in the Baltic Sea, between Sweden and Finland. The islands have a distinct cultural identity with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Stone Age. The main town of the Åland Islands is Mariehamn, popular for its picturesque waterfront and charming streets, with several museums and galleries exhibiting the islands' maritime history and art scene of the region.

The Åland Islands are known for their stunning natural beauty, with rugged coastlines, rocky islands, and lush forests, featuring several nature reserves, including the Åland Archipelago National Park, offering various opportunities for boating, sailing, fishing, hiking, and kayaking.

6 Liechtenstein

View of Castle in Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is a small landlocked country between Austria and Switzerland, known for its stunning mountain landscapes offering world-class ski resorts, medieval castles, and tax-free shopping. Situated in the heart of Europe, the country features several picturesque villages, lakes, and nature reserves, including the Ruggeller Riet, a national natural reserve inhabiting a variety of bird species with several hiking trails and birdwatching opportunities. Besides the various outdoor attractions, the country has a rich cultural heritage reflected in its local art galleries and museums.

5 Isle Of Man

Round Tower At The Peel Castle Isle of Man
Shutterstock
Round Tower At The Peel Castle, Isle of Man

The Isle of Man is a self-governing British Crown dependency between Great Britain and Ireland in the Irish Sea, popular for its stunning natural landscapes and unique cultural traditions. The island has a history of human habitation dating back to prehistoric times, with several historical and cultural landmarks, including the medieval castle of Castle Rushen, the Tynwald Hill, and the neolithic burial tombs at Maughold.

Besides the historic attractions, visitors to the island can enjoy beautiful views of the coastline, and picturesque villages with its famous steam railway and electric tramway, offering a nostalgic glimpse of the past.

Related: 10 Hidden Fall Gem Destinations In Europe

4 Guernsey

Hanois Lighthouse, La Forêt, Guernsey
Photo by Enrapture Captivating Media on Unsplash
Beautiful View Of Hanois Lighthouse, La Forêt, Guernsey

Guernsey is a beautiful island in the English Channel, off the coast of Normandy, France, known for its stunning beaches, unique culture, and rich history dating back to the Neolithic period. The island has several stunning beaches with a mild Mediterranean climate, such as Petit Bot Bay and Vazon Bay, making for a perfect winter getaway.

Guernsey is also home to several historic landmarks, including Castle Cornet and the Little Chapel, one of the smallest churches in the world, dating back to the mid-nineteenth century. Besides all the tourist attractions, the island has a rich food scene featuring a blend of British and French flavors, with popular dishes including Guernsey bean jar and Guernsey Gâche.

3 Svalbard, Norway

svalbard, norway at night

Svalbard is an archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, an unincorporated territory of Norway, known for its rugged coastline, stunning natural landscapes, and rich history. Visitors to the archipelago can explore the vast glaciers, snow-covered mountains, and diverse wildlife, including walruses, polar bears, and Arctic foxes.

In addition to the natural beauty, the region features several historic landmarks and cultural attractions, including the Svalbard Global Seed Vault and the Svalbard Museum, showcasing the history and culture of the archipelago. The archipelago is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as snowmobiling, hiking, and dog sledding.

2 Sark

Sark Island, United Kingdom 
Photo by Ben Grayland on Unsplash
Sark Island, United Kingdom 

Sark is a small island in the British Channel Islands, located between the coasts of England and France. One of the defining features of Sark is its lack of cars, with bicycles and horse carriages as the primary means of transportation on the island, offering a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere for the visitors to enjoy the island's beautiful scenery without noise and air pollution.

​​​​​​Sark is also known for its stunning natural landscapes, including rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and rolling hills with several nature reserves and protected areas, offering various hiking, cycling, and bird-watching opportunities.

Related: Natural Beauty: Top 10 Prettiest Destinations In Europe

1 Gibraltar, United Kingdom

Europa Point, Gibraltar
Photo by Petr Slováček on Unsplash
Beautiful View Of Europa Point In Gibraltar

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula in the Mediterranean Sea. The territory is a must-visit vacation spot known for its stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and unique cultural blend of British, Spanish, and North African influences, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions.

One of the most famous features of Gibraltar is the Rock of Gibraltar, a massive limestone monolith rising over 400 meters above sea level, featuring several iconic landmarks, including St. Michael's Cave, the Moorish Castle, and the Great Siege Tunnels. Visitors can explore these landmarks and enjoy various recreational activities, such as rock climbing and hiking while soaking in the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the North African coast.