5 Quiet Places to Spend Summer in Europe: A Small Guide
Summer in Europe often means crowded beaches, fully booked hotels, and long lines at every attraction. But if you’re craving something more peaceful—where nature, charm, and authentic culture replace the hustle—there are still a few quiet places to spend summer in Europe. Here are five tranquil European gems where you can relax, explore, and indulge, without the overwhelm of mass tourism.
1. Alonissos, Greece - 5 Quiet Places to Spend Summer in Europe
Best For: Nature lovers, hiking, crystal-clear waters
Why Go to Alonissos?
Tucked away in the Sporades island group, Alonissos is far less touristy than Santorini or Mykonos. It’s home to Greece’s first marine park, quaint stone villages, and some of the clearest waters in the Aegean.
Things to Do in Alonissos
- Hike the trails connecting old and new villages
- Go snorkeling or kayaking in the National Marine Park
- Visit the charming Old Town (Chora) for sunset views
- Take a boat trip to the nearby Blue Cave
What to Eat in Alonissos
- Kakavia – Traditional Greek fisherman's soup
- Feta in the oven with honey & sesame
- Fresh seafood at To Kamaki in Patitiri harbor (around €20 per person)
Estimated Costs
- Meals: €15–25 per person/day
- Accommodation: €50–100 per night (mid-range hotels or guesthouses)
- Daily budget: €80–120
2. Vipava Valley, Slovenia - 5 Quiet Places to Spend Summer in Europe
Best For: Wine lovers, cyclists, and countryside charm
Why Go to Vipava Valley?
Just a short drive from Ljubljana, the Vipava Valley offers rolling vineyards, quiet medieval towns, and epic views of the Julian Alps. It’s Slovenia’s best-kept secret for wine tourism—and it’s wonderfully peaceful in summer.
Things to Do in Vipava Valley
- Wine tasting in family-run vineyards
- Cycle through picturesque villages like Goče and Štanjel
- Visit Predjama Castle or hike nearby limestone gorges
- Paraglide for a bird’s eye view of the valley
What to Eat in Vipava Valley
- Frtalja – Herbal omelette native to the valley
- Jota – A hearty soup of beans, potatoes, and sauerkraut
- Dine at Gostilna Podfarovž (approx. €30 for a full meal with wine)
Estimated Costs
- Meals: €20–30 per person/day
- Accommodation: €60–90 per night (B&Bs and farm stays)
- Daily budget: €90–130
3. Picos de Europa, Spain - 5 Quiet Places to Spend Summer in Europe
Best For: Hikers, mountain air, and rustic escapes
Why Go to Picos de Europa?
While Spain’s beaches fill up, the Picos de Europa mountain range remains quiet, rugged, and beautifully green. Located in Asturias and Cantabria, this national park is a haven for fresh-air lovers.
Things to Do in Picos de Europa
- Hike the Ruta del Cares, one of Spain’s most scenic trails
- Explore lakes and gorges in Covadonga
- Visit quaint mountain villages like Sotres and Potes
- Go canyoning or horseback riding in the valleys
What to Eat in Picos de Europa
- Cabrales cheese – A strong blue cheese from the region
- Fabada Asturiana – Rich bean stew with chorizo
- Try Casa Cayo in Potes (around €25 per person with wine)
Estimated Costs
- Meals: €20–30 per person/day
- Accommodation: €50–100 per night (rural inns or small hotels)
- Daily budget: €90–140
Travel Tip: Create the perfect itinerary of Europe and be inspired by other travelers! 🧳 Download free for Android or for iOS.
4. Bregenzerwald, Austria - 5 Quiet Places to Spend Summer in Europe
Best For: Alpine meadows, architecture, and slow tourism
Why Go to Bregenzerwald?
Nestled in the Vorarlberg region, Bregenzerwald is an Austrian region of charming wooden houses, flower-filled valleys, and design-forward villages. It’s ideal for a quiet Alpine escape with plenty of hiking, biking, and cheese.
Things to Do in Bregenzerwald
- Hike the Wälderbähnle Trail or take panoramic chairlifts
- Visit artisan cheese dairies along the Cheese Route
- Explore the contemporary wood architecture in Bezau
- Attend a chamber music concert in a mountain barn
What to Eat in Bregenzerwald
- Bregenzerwald Bergkäse – Mountain cheese
- Käsknöpfle – Austrian-style cheese spaetzle
- Enjoy lunch at Hotel Gasthof Hirschen Schwarzenberg (€30 per person)
Estimated Costs
- Meals: €25–35 per person/day
- Accommodation: €70–120 per night (alpine inns or design hotels)
- Daily budget: €100–160
5. Lofoten Islands, Norway - 5 Quiet Places to Spend Summer in Europe
Best For: Dramatic scenery, long summer days, outdoor adventures
Why Go yo Lofoten Islands?
If you want to escape crowds completely and experience the midnight sun, head to the Lofoten Islands above the Arctic Circle. These islands offer unmatched beauty—soaring fjords, sea eagles, red fishing huts—and barely any tourists come July.
Things to Do in Lofoten Islands
- Hike to Reinebringen for unreal panoramic views
- Kayak between the islands
- Explore Nusfjord, a well-preserved fishing village
- Photograph the colorful rorbuer (fishermen cabins)
What to Eat in Lofoten Islands
- Stockfish – Dried cod, a regional delicacy
- Reindeer stew or Arctic char
- Cozy up at Børsen Spiseri in Svolvær (about €40 per person)
Estimated Costs
- Meals: €30–50 per person/day
- Accommodation: €100–180 per night (guesthouses or cabins)
- Daily budget: €150–230
Find Your Peaceful Slice of Europe
You don’t have to jostle through packed piazzas or wait hours for a table to enjoy summer in Europe. These quiet places to spend summer in Europe offer authentic culture, natural beauty, and plenty of space to breathe—often at a fraction of the cost of more famous destinations.
Quick Travel Tips
✅ Travel in June or early September for even fewer crowds
✅ Book rural accommodations early—they’re limited but charming
✅ Use an eSIM from Stippl to stay connected in remote areas
✅ Rent a car where possible—some of these gems are off the beaten path
✅ Learn a few local words—it goes a long way in smaller towns
Ready to skip the chaos and find calm? These five quiet destinations are calling. 🌿🇪🇺✨
