While bookings to certain classic long-haul destinations have declined substantially, Europe is gaining popularity. But this raises a new question: Are those beautiful summer destinations overcrowded now?

Not necessarily. Some regions and hotels are taking a different approach. These places distribute visitor traffic more effectively, operate on a smaller scale, or are simply located away from major hotspots. Here, we’re introducing these kinds of destinations—ideal for a last-minute summer vacation offering peace and quiet, nature experiences, and real added value.

When popular vacation spots get too crowded

 The example of Berchtesgaden demonstrates just how quickly tourist destinations can become overrun. In 2021, a small natural pool above Lake Königssee gained worldwide fame on social media. On peak days, hundreds of people flocked to the spot simultaneously. The result was destroyed vegetation, a network of trails stretching for miles through the protected area, and massive strain on sensitive natural habitats. The national park administration finally closed the area completely to visitors.

What’s next for the Gumpen at the Königsbach Waterfall?

The “Instagram Grumpen” will definitely remain closed until October 2026. According to the National Park Service, a panel of experts will then decide if the natural environment has recovered enough to reopen.

The example highlights a fundamental problem with modern travel trends. Today, places are discovered not only through travel guides but also through TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and AI-generated travel recommendations. Within a few months, a quiet natural spot can turn into an international hotspot.

This makes the following question all the more important: How can you experience popular regions without becoming part of the problem?

Experiencing popular tourist destinations gently

Berchtesgaden without hotspot stress

The Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa Hotel has experienced the effects of social media tourism firsthand. The Färber couple, who run the hotel, carefully considered the matter with their team. Rather than simply sending their guests to well-known spots, the hotel now focuses on education and offering alternatives.

They deliberately direct visitors toward less-frequented (but equally beautiful!) hikes and quieter natural spots. They also explain the reasons behind certain protective measures. In their experience, this changes guests’ travel behavior. Those who understand why a place needs protection tend to treat it with greater respect.

Discover the Dolomites at a leisurely pace

The Dolomites are one of Europe’s most popular summer destinations (in part thanks to social media). However, some regions struggle every summer with heavy traffic, parking issues, and overcrowded viewpoints.

The Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel is located in the Seiser Alm area, right in the buffer zone of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site and surrounded by protected areas. As a result, there are strict access regulations. Private cars are only permitted on the Alm under certain conditions, and new construction is strictly limited. These regulations help keep the region relatively quiet despite its popularity.

The OLM Nature Escape in the Tauferer Ahrntal Valley, on the other hand, takes a highly personalized approach. Guests receive personalized tour recommendations tailored to the weather, time of day, and their interests. The goal is to experience nature rather than just checking off “must-see spots.”

Neuschwanstein without the constant stream of tour groups

Neuschwanstein Castle attracts millions of visitors every year. Especially in the summer, a tour can quickly feel like a trip to an amusement park.

That’s why the Hotel Das Rübezahl emphasizes strategic timing and alternatives, such as visiting earlier or later in the day, taking quieter hiking trails, and visiting lesser-known viewpoints around the castle. The hiking concierge, “Bergbaschdi,” can help you with these options.

To avoid waiting in line altogether, you can choose not to see the castle from the inside. Personally, I find that admiring the famous fairytale castle’s backdrop from a distance is enough (and it’s the best part anyway).

Tyrol—a highly touristic region striving to preserve nature

The issue of mass tourism in the Tyrolean Oberland is a major concern for host Marco Spiss, as he explains in this interview on our blog.

The Super.Summer.Card, in particular, has made the region even more popular. However, the municipality of Pfunds, where his Summit Lodges vacation homes are located, has implemented a series of environmental protection measures and has been a member of the Climate Alliance since the 1990s, for example. With his vacation homes, which accommodate up to six people, he also wants to do his part and explains that they are powered by 100% green electricity from Tyrolean hydropower.

Vacation spots that many people haven’t discovered yet

The Rhön as an alternative to overhyped destinations

While some places are crowded, other regions remain surprisingly quiet even though they offer incredible scenic beauty.

The Rhön, a low mountain range in Germany, is one such place: sweeping views, hiking trails, a light-pollution-free zone and star park, and comparatively little hustle and bustle make the region particularly appealing to last-minute travelers looking to escape the typical summer hotspots.

Hotel STURM in Mellrichstadt explains that tourism doesn’t have to be curtailed everywhere. In some regions, like theirs, guests are essential to preserving the local infrastructure in the long term.

During your summer vacation, enjoy the natural swimming pond (filled with Grander water), gaze at the night sky, take short hikes through the moors, and sample the hotel’s snack garden. A wide variety of berries ripen here in the summer. 😉

Lake Constance without the glitzy hustle and bustle

Even on popular Lake Constance, you can find quiet spots. The Naturesort Gerbehof, for example, is a bit more secluded and appeals to people who want to stay longer and consciously take their time exploring the region: cycling, farm-fresh produce, nature, tranquility, and “soul wellness”. Regions with significant seasonal fluctuations benefit from guests who stay longer and travel outside peak periods, such as school vacations.

By the way: Outside of Baden-Württemberg school holidays, Gerbehof is adults-only!

A countryside getaway in Lower Saxony

Not every summer trip has to be to the beach or the mountains. In particular, many people in 2026 are rediscovering destinations that can be easily accessed by train or (electric) car.

The family-run Hotel Okelmann’s in Warpe demonstrates how relaxing a laid-back, countryside getaway can be: old trees, regional cuisine, ample space, and, most importantly, peace and quiet.

If you want to travel with your dog, Hotel Okelmann’s is the perfect choice for you. The two sisters who run the hotel have dogs of their own and offer all kinds of accessories and treats for your pet in the small concept store located in the café. Okelmann’s is also a great choice if you’re interested in yoga and singing bowl massages. Owner Maren is a certified yoga instructor who offers classes and mini-retreats—even ones you can attend with your dog.

Last but not least: a small island with only one hotel

The Croatian island of Iž has remained quiet to this day, especially compared to other coastal towns in Croatia. This is partly because the tourist infrastructure has been kept small on purpose.

The Hotel Korinjak is the only hotel on the island. It does not cater to large group tours; rather, it attracts independent travelers who enjoy vegetarian cuisine, like to relax by the sea with breathwork and yoga, and appreciate the wide variety of workshops and the Mediterranean scenery.

Conclusion: Perhaps you can be part of the solution

Mass tourism isn’t just caused by “too many people,” but also by the way people travel: as quickly as possible, seeing as much as possible, and seeking out the most spectacular sights. If you want things to change, you can start by making a difference yourself!

You can help regions the most by taking the time to really get to know them. Stay longer. Be considerate of nature. Find your own photo spots instead of following Instagram recommendations.

Many of the accommodations featured here show what that can look like and can assist you with personalized recommendations off the beaten path.

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Der Beitrag Peaceful and quiet summer destinations in Europe that offer added value erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

At least that’s according to Trip.com’s latest “How Europeans Travel” analysis of travel behavior. Of course, Trip.com isn’t the measure of all things, but we always find it exciting to look at (and share with you) commercial travel trends. It helps you see if you’re riding the wave with your travel ideas – or going against the tide. And sometimes such analysis gives you some pretty good food for thought. For example, if you really want to visit this summer’s hot destination with everyone else. Or if it’s better to save it for fall or winter, when everyone else has already moved on to the next trend.

Mediterranean vacations are in in 2023

Back to the survey: Trip.com’s analysis shows that the travel market is back in full swing and has even picked up compared to 2022. Everyone is in a vacation mood! Most Europeans will travel within Europe.

By the way, Trip.com Group is a Chinese company and one of the largest online travel agencies in the world after Expedia.

Long-distance flights down significantly

In the summer of 2019 – before the Corona outbreak – Trip.com recorded 47.5 percent long-haul flights in flight bookings. That has now dropped dramatically. In 2023, only 13.2 percent of bookings were long-distance and a full 67.3 percent were short-distance.

Travel analysts see two reasons:

1. European travelers are still waiting. (That means, long-distance travel is being postponed because people are still critical of the pandemic years and feel safer vacationing closer to home).
2. Long-distance travel is seen as a sin against the climate (With increasing environmental awareness, more and more vacationers are foregoing long-distance travel. If you’re interested in this topic, we recommend our blog post Are we still allowed to fly?)

Top 10 travel destinations in Europe in summer 2023

According to Trip.com, these are the top 10 destinations for Europeans:

• Spain
• Italy
• United Kingdom
• Greece
• France
• Portugal
• Germany
• United States
• Turkey
• The Netherlands

As you can see, the USA is the only long-haul destination in the top 10 and the only one outside of Europe.

Sustainable holidays in the Mediterranean

In addition to individual countries, the analysis showed that the Mediterranean is a popular destination.

If you’re thinking, “Oh, I’d love to go to the Mediterranean,” we have some sustainable accommodations to recommend:

A’ Crápa Mangia – sustainable vacation rentals in the Mediterranean

Our Green PearlsⓇ partner A’ Cràpa Mangia is a lovingly restored country estate in southern Italy. It consists of nine apartments, each of which has a terrace with a direct view of the sea. “Relaxation and leisure activities” can be found here in abundance. In addition to the beach, there are many hiking trails, medieval villages, the submerged city of Punta Licosa and the famous archaeological site of Pompeii to visit.

Or how about spending the winter there? Stefany from Green Pearls® had just tried it last winter and really loved it. Read: Winter in Cilento

ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA – Luxury on a natural beach

If relaxation and recuperation are the most important travel criteria for you, the ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA is perfect for you. It has a large spa area with indoor pool, outdoor pool, natural pond, steam bath, saunas, fitness area and relaxation areas.

There is also direct access to the beach. This is a protected area and difficult to access (except from the resort). It is therefore one of the most beautiful beaches on the Italian island and the resort contributes significantly to its maintenance.

Relais del Maro – Relaxation in Liguria

Not directly on the Mediterranean Sea, but not far from it, is the Relais del Maro in the small town of Borgomaro. Being an albergo diffuso, the hotel is spread over several rooms in historic buildings in the village. There’s a pool, whirlpool, romantic garden and terrace, as well as delicious breakfasts and pastries. From here you can explore the tranquil Italian idyll on foot or make excursions to the Ligurian Sea and the Côte d’Azur (France).

Holidays in the Canary Islands

Since Spain is one of the most popular destinations for Europeans, we have two more recommendations for you in Spain, or more precisely, in the Canary Islands, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel – Wellness by the Atlantic Ocean

The OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel is perfect for a wellness and beach vacation. It is located on the volcanic Canary Island of Tenerife, right on the Atlantic Ocean. All rooms and suites have ocean views. You can swim in the sea, in the salt water pools or in the swimming pool. There’s also a spa and sauna area and daily yoga.

Casa León Royal Retreat – Boutique Hotel in Gran Canaria

Casa León Royal Retreat is located in the interior of Gran Canaria, but a shuttle bus brings you to the beach several times a day. The family-run property, with its pool and native plants, also offers a variety of activities through its in-house “Lion Program”. These include hiking, sports, and a tapas cooking class.

This is how Europeans travel: Two-thirds of Germans focus on health and fitness on vacation

A survey by Marriott Bonvoy, the bonus program of the Marriott Hotel Group, complements the analysis of European travel behavior. It showed that 66 percent of Germans pay attention to “health and fitness” while on vacation. This is despite the fact that only 26 percent of them exercise regularly at home!

At 53 percent, swimming is the most popular vacation sport. This is followed by fitness in the hotel gym and yoga. You want to know more about how to stay fit on your vacation? Check out our blog post: Fitness Vacation in sustainable accommodations

Finally, let’s recap – if you are traveling like most Europeans this summer, you

– prefer to travel within Europe in 2023
– Choose accommodation by the sea/Mediterranean
– want to relax on holiday
– Leisure activities should also be offered
– Swimming and sports are important

Do you think so too? Tell us in the comments if the trend analysis applies to you, or if your perfect vacation looks completely different! And if you are planning to travel with the family – check out:

12 ideas for a sustainable family summer vacation

This one focuses on activities you can do while on vacation, such as SUPing, adventure bridge climbing, or wildlife watching.

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Do you want to save the hotel recommendations for later? Then the easiest way is to use Pinterest!

Der Beitrag How to travel the top destinations in Europe 2023 sustainably erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Pure excitement: Schloss Wartegg

The enchanting Schloss Wartegg on Lake Constance has already reopened and we are reminiscing about our last visit: back then, bright blue skies and sunshine awaited us. Walks in the extensive castle gardens, to the castle’s own beehives and meet the castle sheep and then a short tour through the Demeter Garden, which looked quite impressive this time last year. One more walk to the shore of Lake Constance before we returned hungry to the hotel and tasted the spectacular dishes of the castle kitchen… that’s where we’d like to be right now!

A dream of sustainability: Genießerhotel Die Forelle

Hotels in Austria are also allowed to open their doors to guests again under strict hygiene conditions at the end of May – perfect for the summer vacation!

Genießerhotel Die Forelle is located directly on the beautiful Weißensee lake in Carinthia. Did you know that the lake is the highest bathing lake in the Alps? Of course, this is only one reason for our excitement. 🙂 The hotel and the accompanying restaurant will spoil you with seasonal and regional dishes while setting new standards in sustainable cuisine: hotel manager and head chef Hannes Müller is not only a celebrated, hatted chef, but is also committed to sustainability with his heart and soul. For the last ten years they have been pursuing the goal of “import self-sufficiency” and currently offer 99% of their dishes completely free of imported ingredients. In addition, there is a project called “Generation Conscience”, in which all processes are scrutinised with regard to their sustainability and possible improvements. Apart from the delicious food, we are also looking forward to the beautiful nature: whether it’s walking around Lake Weissensee or hiking in the Alps – we (and you) will never get bored here.

By the way, Hannes confirmed the following: “We want to offer our guests a wonderfully relaxed stay and of course we pay attention to all hygiene regulations.

Further readings: Meet the chef: Hannes Müller of the Genießerhotel Die Forelle

Recovery for the whole family: Biohotel Grafenast

Are you one of those who have had to combine home office and homeschooling? This is quite a feat for families – and the Biohotel Grafenast in Tyrol is just the right place to recharge your batteries! Special offers for families and children can be found here. But even at “normal” times the hotel is perfect for a family vacation and offers various options to enjoy activities together as a family or even separately.

Charging the batteries at the Naturhotel Waldklause

How about a relaxing walk through the Ötztal mountains to draw energy from nature for everyday life after a stressful time? Discover the barefoot path where you can not only see but also feel nature and if you return to the Naturhotel Waldklause tired, the Nature Spa is waiting for you. In the evening you will be pampered by the regional delicacies. Arrive, relax, enjoy is the motto here. 

Relaxation in nature: summer vacation at Naturhotel Outside

Hiking past clear mountain lakes and rushing streams, through larch forests and meadows – the Naturhotel Outside is situated in one of the most beautiful places on earth: the breathtaking mountain world of East Tyrol! The hotel is expected to be open again from mid-June, and we are already looking forward to our summer vacation with hiking tours followed by relaxing in the spa before visiting the Inside restaurant, where chef Verena Ganzer will surprise us with creative, delicious cuisine…

Further readings: Meet the chef: Verena Ganzer of the Naturhotel Outside in Osttirol

Have you already made your first travel plans? Where do you want to go?

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Der Beitrag Travel dreams for the summer vacation: reopened hotels in Austria and Switzerland erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.