Venice and the rest of Italy have struggled for years with overtourism. The city’s attempt to curb crowds has included introducing a tourist access fee, banning large cruise ships and limiting tour groups, but it still feels overwhelmed. Against that backdrop, many holidaymakers are looking for quieter alternatives that offer similar charm, minus the crowds.
According to new research by Travel Counsellors, over 28% of UK holidaymakers it surveyed now avoid destinations hurt by overtourism, and 37% have looked for so-called “destination dupes”, which are less busy places offering a comparable experience. Here are four charming alternatives to Venice that avoid packed piazzas and long queues.
Often dubbed the “Venice of the North,” Bruges offers romantic canals and medieval architecture but on a more manageable scale.
Its compact centre makes it ideal for strolls or quiet boat rides.
Visitors can enjoy chocolate boutiques, lace shops, and historic churches with fewer crowds.
It offers the same fairytale ambiance without the mass tourism feel.
Less than an hour from Venice, Chioggia is a colourful, fishing‑town gem at the southern tip of the Venetian Lagoon.
It mirrors Venice’s winding canals and bridges but at a fraction of the tourist volume.
Visitors can expect genuine local markets, seafood restaurants and narrow lanes filled with everyday Italian life.
Aveiro is nicknamed the “Venice of Portugal” and is quietly gaining popularity among travellers looking for water‑side charm in a relaxed setting.
Its canals are lined with pastel-coloured Art Nouveau façades, and moliceiro boats glide gently along.
The town combines a calm coastal feel with rich Portuguese culture, fresh seafood and nearby beaches, without the crowds.
Set beside shimmering Lake Annecy and surrounded by the Alps, Annecy twines pastel canals with mountain views and a well-preserved old town.
With flower-filled balconies, lakeside cafés and cobblestone streets, it feels like stepping into a painting.
Outdoor lovers can swim in the lake, hike nearby trails or simply relax with fewer tourists in sight.