Italy Doesn't Want You: Five Countries To Visit Instead
Overrun with tourists, most of Italy–albeit gorgeous–is kind of sick of summer travellers. But if it’s a European vacation with the country’s sparkling seas, stunning streets and sublime flavours you’re after, we have you sorted
As an avid traveller who spends six months a year travelling the world, Italy was always on the bucket list.
Now, after having spent almost two months travelling through it in 2025, I can safely say three things–it truly is beautiful, the food really is that great–and they really are beyond done with tourists. Apart from the fact that most of Italy was legitimately scorching (think 41°C in the day, 30°C at night, in June), there was also a palpable air of irate locals that were livid about being pushed–and priced–out of their home towns.
It was when I had walked by two consecutive walls with ‘Tourists, go HOME’ graffiti-ed across them that I started to think about how many places might’ve had so much of what Italy had to offer–but didn’t have the PR machinery (and word of mouth) to put it on our vacation radar. And so, I did a little digging, and found five countries that most frequent travellers choose to go back to in place of Italy when they want beautiful beaches, food, wine, nightlife; and, of course, and infinitely photographable streets.
5 Other Exciting Countries To Visit This Year
Malta
Perhaps it’s Malta’s proximity to Sicily, but you wouldn’t be remiss if you mistook the café-lined streets and grandiose staircases of Valletta or the stone balconies laden with laundry and historic port-town streets of Birgu (Vittoriosa) for Italy in photographs. A hidden gem that’s been coming more and more into the Mediterranean sun, Malta is full of fresh seafood, savoury pastries, clear blue lagoons and colourful summer festivals. Not only does it give you some of the best parts of an Italy vacation–it also gives you something truly unique that the frequent Europe traveller has yet to experience.
North Macedonia
The Amalfi Coast and Lake Como might be two of the most beautiful places in the world–there’s no one who doesn’t know it. The Amalfi experience invariably involves dodging through a zillion Instagrammers trying to take that perfect shot; and you pay through the nose for it. The small, sublime city of Ohrid (with a population of only 38,000) and its gorgeous Lake Ohrid has comparable views to offer–and a cosy town with just as much to do. Right near it is Kaneo, which will remind you instantly of the coloured buildings perched on the cliffs of Cinque Terre. Wine lovers should also find their way to the Tikveš region–their flagship red wine Vranec is especially fruity and robust.
Montenegro
Whether it’s the quiet sea air and medieval stone buildings of Budva Old Town (Stari Grad) that make you think of a Ligurian village, or the Como-esque baroque villas by the water of Perast, Montenegro has no dearth of tiny bylanes and open gardens that have a distinctly Italian energy–without the literal and figurative heat. The cuisine is a mix of Mediterranean, Balkan, and Turkish flavours, and the coastal beach clubs, open-air bars, and wild summer ragers (mostly in July and August) of Budva and Kotor will make you–and your credit card–glad you chose them instead.
Slovenia
With town piazzas that serve as the third spaces Italy is so famous for, local cuisine rife with fish, meat, cheese and desserts, and cerulean coastlines, Slovenia is a nomad favourite. Because it hasn’t quite been inundated with tourists (yet), locals are happier to have new faces in the fray. The Brda Wine Region will remind you of Tuscany, if it were significantly less overpriced. Pretty Piran has a glistening azure coastline and varicoloured, cosy buildings that make the perfect Instagram backdrop. Everywhere you go, you’ll find local versions of delicious Idrijski Žlikrofi (tiny, hat-shaped pasta dumplings) and Kraški Pršut (dry-cured prosciutto). And no hordes of sightseers in sight.
Croatia
Though this is the most popular destination of the entries on this list, Croatia, though perfect for anyone that goes to Italy more for the vibe than anything else, is still far less touristy than it. The food is the most like Italy; think pastas, risottos, seafood… and olive oil on everything. The locals are never found with an aperitivo in hand post-lunch, wine bars abound, and in terms of nightlife, Zrće Beach (Pag Island) and Dubrovnik all have distinctly different energies. Head to Split for a southern Italy port-city vibe, Istria for a Venice feel, and Hvar in case you’ve ever wondered what would happen if Amalfi and Ibiza had a lovechild.