Tourists are encouraged to skip popular tourist destinations like Spain and go to lesser-known countries where protests will be ramped up. Spain destinations such as Tenerife and Barcelona have seen thousands of people protest overtourism. They point out issues such as shortages and overcrowding of housing due to high levels of tourism, and many visitors from the UK feel that they are rather unwelcome.
One travel expert has listed European locations if you want to avoid such protests and experience something a little new. Riviera Travel, a European river cruise and tour operator, analyzed European tourism statistics by Eurostat, revealing the 10 destinations with the fewest tourists on the continent. Riviera Travel product director Will Sarson explained: “Tourist hotspots can become overcrowded and prevent them from fully enjoying the break.”
According to their research, the most touristless country you can visit is Luxembourg. This small country is trapped between France, Belgium and Germany. It is one of the smallest countries in Europe and in the world, with just 2,590 square kilometers or 1,000 square miles.
Luxembourg is relatively close to the UK, but is largely unexplored by British tourists. And there are plenty to keep you busy during your stay, according to experts and previous visitors.
“Luxembourg is the least European country in Europe, according to 2023 Eurostat data, with tourists spending 3.4 million nights there,” says Riviera Travel. “In contrast, Spain is the most visited, with tourists spending 484.9 million nights. This hidden gem is an ideal place to escape the bustle of the holiday. Luxembourg, known for its rich EU history and medieval charm, offers insightful travel and beautiful scenes.”
Luxembourg's most famous site is the Chemin de la Corniche Scenic Walkway, offering stunning views of the area. There is also Vianden Castle, which boasts a fascinating history. There is also Casemate Duboc, a historic cave system that blew visitors away.
Plus, there are other stunning castles to visit, as well as many interesting museums and plenty of walks and hikes for nature lovers. For anyone who has visited Luxembourg before, they have said great things about what a small country offers.
One Reddit user wrote: “I stopped in Luxembourg as a joke on my way to Belgium. I loved my favorite part of the trip. There is a gorgeous historical museum to see. There is a World Heritage Site running around the old town. It's amazingly beautiful.
Another comment: “Luxembourg is great. I've always had a great time. The old town with its winding streets, castles and odd levels is very cool. It's a really fun place and I always enjoy going there.”
According to Riviera Travel, Latvia is the second-lowest tourist country in Europe, hosting only 4.3 million accommodations. The list is followed by Estonia, Malta, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary.
To travel to Luxembourg from the UK, you can fly directly from London Stansted, London Heathrow, London City and Manchester Airports. The flight time is approximately 70 minutes. In other words, it's a quick and easy trip.
