Israelis Advised to Explore Alternative European Destinations Beyond Tourist Hotspots
Translated & summarized from Channel 9 by baba
An Israeli travel article suggests alternative European destinations to avoid overcrowding in popular tourist spots. It recommends cities like Trieste instead of Venice, Valencia for Barcelona, and Lyon for Paris, among others, to offer similar experiences with fewer crowds and a more authentic feel.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israelis are advised to visit alternative cities to avoid tourist crowds in popular European destinations.
- Greece, the U.S., Italy, and Cyprus were top destinations for Israelis in 2025.
- Trieste, Valencia, Lyon, Rotterdam, Brno, Rovinj, Naxos, Porto, Azores, and Mauritius are suggested alternatives.
- These alternatives offer similar experiences with less congestion and greater authenticity.
- Choosing secondary cities or regions provides a richer travel experience beyond famous landmarks.
With popular destinations like Greece, Italy, Cyprus, France, Spain, and the United States continuing to draw large numbers of Israeli travelers, an article suggests exploring less crowded alternatives to enhance the travel experience. In 2025, Greece led as the top destination for Israelis with approximately 2.2 million passenger movements, followed by the U.S. with 1.6 million, and Italy and Cyprus with about 1.2 million each. However, the article notes that high tourist volume leads to increased prices, longer queues, and seasonal dependency.
To counter this, the piece recommends specific alternative cities for travelers seeking similar experiences without the overwhelming crowds. Instead of Venice, it suggests Trieste for its Italian charm, architecture, and cafes, offering a more relaxed atmosphere. For those drawn to Barcelona, Valencia is proposed as a vibrant alternative with a blend of city life and beaches, experiencing significant growth in tourism. Lyon is presented as a compelling substitute for Paris, highlighting its renowned French cuisine, architecture, and historical ambiance, while being more manageable in scale.
The article also proposes Rotterdam as an alternative to Amsterdam, showcasing its modern architecture and bustling port, offering a different perspective on the Netherlands. For a Prague experience, Brno is recommended for its historical sites, student population, and architectural gems like the UNESCO-listed Villa Tugendhat. Instead of Dubrovnik, Rovinj on the Istrian Peninsula is suggested for its picturesque coastal setting and similar Adriatic charm. Naxos is offered as an alternative to Santorini for those seeking the Greek island experience with more space and diversity.
Further recommendations include Porto as an alternative to Lisbon, providing a distinct Portuguese character with historic quarters and wine cellars. The Azores are suggested over the Canary Islands for travelers seeking volcanic landscapes and nature-focused experiences in Portugal. Finally, Mauritius is presented as a more diverse tropical destination compared to the Maldives, offering mountains, waterfalls, and national parks alongside beaches. The article emphasizes that choosing secondary cities, neighboring islands, or alternative regions within a country can provide a richer, less crowded travel experience, allowing visitors to discover a country beyond its most famous landmarks.