We are all familiar with how city life can get tiring at times. Traffic jams, horns honking, buses running late, and the constant commotion can wear us down more than we’d like. Before we know it, our minds drift away to some faraway lands where the only sounds are those of birds chirping and the wind swaying the branches of tall pines. For those in search of tranquility, these quiet holiday destinations in Europe offer the perfect retreat, allowing you to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in serene landscapes.
If these images resonate with you, you’ve likely found yourself browsing lists of quiet holiday destinations in Europe, perfect for a quick getaway. Fortunately, the list of peaceful destinations is endless, and we’ll highlight a few that truly deserve mention.
Top 12 Quietest Destinations in Europe
Giardini Naxos, Sicily
Have you ever wondered what a timeless place looks like? The southernmost Italian island of Sicily embodies that image perfectly. Once you set foot on its soil, the charm of its small villages and secluded beaches captivates you. These spots seem untouched by time. Giardini Naxos, a small resort on the eastern coast of Sicily, is a perfect example of this ageless charm.
Archaeologists and historians believe this spot marks where the first Greek colonies in Italy formed, with many excavation sites showcasing remnants of those ancient times. Just a little uphill, you’ll discover the charming town of Taormina, where the Ancient Theater and Villa Comunale will take your breath away. Perched on a hill, this town offers a splendid view of Mount Etna, Italy’s biggest active volcano. It comes as no surprise that even the greatest of writers found peace here and made it immortal through their pen. It was DH Lawrence who perhaps gave the most accurate account of Taormina’s beauty by saying that “here the past is so much stronger than the present, that one seems remote like the immortals, looking back at the world from their otherworld.”
Kefalonia, Greece
It is by all means impossible to come across a list of the best-hidden locations on Earth without the Greek islands being anywhere outside the top five. The island of Kefalonia might as well be number one on any list and there are several reasons why this is so. First of all, not only does this picturesque island offer extraordinary beaches but it is also abundant in historical monuments, from ancient fortresses all the way to underground catacombs and caves.
Still, you won’t be able to fully experience the magnificence of this island until you visit the majestic Myrtos beach. Since you can’t fully access this beach by car, it remains seldom overcrowded, guaranteeing peace and quiet, especially from May to mid-June. The turquoise color of the sea you often come across may seem like an overdone photoshop manipulation but it is actually as realistic as it gets.
Read more: Exploring Greece – How to See the Most of Samos in a Weekend
Zurich, Switzerland
When escaping the crowds, people often think of secluded beaches and deep forests, so they usually leave cities off the list. But is this really the case? It goes without saying that Switzerland is home to many rural destinations guaranteed to soothe your soul but one city, in particular, is an actual urban sanctuary of peace. It is Zurich.
Believe it or not, this city ranks as one of the quietest in Europe and faces the least noise pollution, a problem the WHO recognizes as health-threatening, like exhaust fumes and air pollution. The river Limmat divides the city into two equally beautiful parts where it eventually streams into Zürichsee (Lake Zurich). Although the nightlife and shopping centers are bountiful, the city is far from being hectic. This is why Zurich is ideal for a weekend getaway – an urban jewel oozing with peacefulness.
Faroe Islands, Denmark
For those who prefer vast, open spaces with minimal vegetation, Denmark hides 18 small islands, their grassy pastures changing color up to twelve times a day. The islands’ mild climate and unique geographical position contribute to the cleanest air in the world.If these facts are not convincing enough, let us just add that the temperature on the Faroe Islands hardly ever drops below 0 in the winter and almost never goes beyond 25 in the summer.
Being isolated, just 50,000 residents live across these islands, scattered around individual islands. It is only the island Lítla Dímun that is entirely uninhabited although it is possible to visit it. Still, the steep slopes of this small rock, often topped with a cloudy cap, make even the most audacious explorers hesitate before even getting close.The weather conditions have to be perfect to make the climb possible since the only way to do it is by the ropes. Nonetheless, the other islands are equally sublime and peaceful, instilling an immediate otherworldly feeling.
Kõrvemaa Nature Reserve, Estonia
Just 50 km east of Estonia’s capital city Tallinn, Kõrvemaa Nature Reserve spreads over the area of 130 square kilometers. Its thick forests, swamps and lakes are home to some of the rarest bird species on Earth. Many local bogs have wooden trails and sandy roads that lead into an untouched wilderness that will irrefutably leave no person indifferent.
The hiking trail that goes through Kõrvemaa Nature Reserve is only a small portion of the Oandu-Aegviidu-Ikla hiking route – the one that meanders through the whole country. There are great chances you will come across the most famous bog in this part of the reserve, the Kakerdaja bog. This bog is beautiful regardless of the season and the versatile flora and fauna of the place paint a remarkable picture to keep in your memory forever.
Liège Province, Belgium
Belgium is perhaps the reason why people claim that petite countries often hide extraordinary places that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Don’t be fooled by its size because this small European country rightfully takes pride in magnificent scenery and breathtaking nature.
Why have we picked Belgium’s Liège Province in particular, you wonder? Truth be told, provinces like Flemish and Namur are equally astounding, but Liege wins when it comes to serenity and stillness. Liege is home to countless castles and manors scattered around the countryside, one of them being Chateau de Modave which is located just above a stunning valley. Although it’s hard to go on a single hiking route to fully perceive just how beautiful Liege is, embarking on the one that would lead you from Esneux to La Roche aux Faucons is probably the one worth mentioning and experiencing. Once you get to La Roche, the panoramic view of the meandering Ourthe River is sure to instill a sense of awe and peace.
Read more: The 20 Best Places to Visit in Europe in March
Tossa de Mar, Spain
While Spain is widely known for the hustle and bustle of Madrid and Barcelona, it hides a diversity of natural splendors that will remain deeply rooted in the memories of those who visit. One of such memorable places is Tossa de Mar, a town on the sun-kissed coasts of Costa Brava.
What makes this little coastal jewel unique is its rich history, ancient villas and undoubtedly, the stunning beaches Platja Gran and Platja d’es Codolar. It is abundant in medieval architecture which still shows no signs of wear and tear, evoking the atmosphere of ancient times. Perhaps the most famous of all is Castillo de Tossa de Mar (Tossa de Mar Castle) whose impressive stone walls surround the old town. Finally, for those who want to get off the beaten track, Platja Vallpresona offers an ideal secluded beach just 11 kilometers north of Tossa de Mar. This little hidden beach comprises larger rocks and sand as well as magnificent reefs that make snorkeling adventure a must.
Corsica, France
A good reason explains why people often call this island “the isle of beauty” and “the land of contrasts.” Although it owes its worldwide fame to France’s most prominent statesmen Napoleon Bonaparte who was born in Corsica’s capital Ajaccio, there is the vast specter of astounding sceneries and natural beauties to this island that are no less attention-worthy.
To begin with, what fascinates visitors the most is the utterly stunning Restonica valley. The chilly pools are well worth the dip and their immaculate transparency is almost dreamlike. The quietness of this valley comes from a perfect mixture of pines, rocks, and exciting trails that will keep you wandering to your heart’s content. It goes without saying that the coastline of this island is exceptional and it stands in sharp contrast with the edgy mountains. A charming small town of Zonza is an exceptional base for walks around the surrounding areas which are sure to lead you towards the Bavella Needles, a lacework of formidable pointy rocks, pine trees and jagged peaks.
Bled, Slovenia
Lying at the foot of the Slovenian Alps, Bled is one of the world’s tiniest travel destinations you should visit before you die. Despite growing popularity in the past decade, the surrounding landscape and serene atmosphere remain untouched.
Apart from the iconic island located in the middle of Lake Bled, there are other unbelievably charming sites to visit. The first spot on your list should be the Royal Bled Golf terrain, which ranks among the most beautiful golf courses in Europe. Visiting Bled must include a trip to the Triglav National Park, located in the immediate vicinity. The Park’s major feature is Lake Bohinj – the largest glacial lake in Slovenia, as well as the ethereal Vintgar gorge. All in all, visiting Bled is a great way to stay active and relaxed, with countless opportunities to go hiking on long-distance paths or simply taking a stroll around the lake.
The Azores, Portugal
In case you were wondering what European Hawaii would look like, the Azores archipelago is as close to it as it gets. Located about 800 miles off the coast of Portugal, these nine volcanic islands are home to crater lakes, waterfalls, and fishing villages.
These islands also carry the nickname Europe’s secret islands of adventure. Not only do they offer tremendously captivating hiking routes but they are also famous for whale and dolphin watching. Back on land, Gruta das Torres is one of the longest lava tubes which allows visitors to descend deep underground to inspect strangely-shaped stalagmites.
Sligo, Ireland
Sligo is a little seaport town in the northwest of Ireland, only three hours away from Dublin but still charming enough to steal the show.
This town has a special atmosphere to it, starting from the green pastures and dark seas to the mysticism of the places like Creevykeel and Carrowmore, all of which mix into a unique ambiance. Sligo is widely known for its Neolithic cemeteries and Ireland’s most distinctive mountain, Benbulben, which gained its unique form when Ice Age glaciers sheared their way through the top thousands of years ago. It is these sites and many others that tell the story of magnificent Irish landscapes, making it an oasis of calmness and placidity.
Brasov, Romania
Romania could easily be one of the most overlooked tourist destinations which makes it an absolutely ideal travel destination if you are looking for a place to enjoy the lovely scenery without swarms of people crowding the space.
One of those heavenly destinations in Romania is definitely Brasov, a charming gateway to Transylvania’s castle region and grandiose landscapes. The very town is abundant in churches and monasteries, some of them dating back to the 14th century. Piatra Craiului National Park and the Bears’ Sanctuary are an ideal opportunity for nature lovers to enjoy fresh air and the richness of flora and fauna. In order to get the full picture of this tranquil place, you could take a cable-car ride that leads to the top of the Tampa Hill, guaranteed to make you fall in love with this city’s quaint charm and timelessness.
So, snapping back to reality and all you hear is the fuss of the busy city life. It doesn’t have to stay that way if you set your mind to one of these destinations and start packing your suitcases. After all, Europe is just a ticket away and you can start making unforgettable memories this very second.