Love Venice? Hate the crowds? These stunning canal cities are gorgeous alternatives
Here’s a breakdown of some sensational tourist destinations to help you avoid the crowds.
Tourism in Europe is, in some locations, just too much. As social media pumps out content for the latest TikTok trend, crowds continue to grow, leading to some places turning into hellish sardine tins full of people in khaki trousers holding camera phones.
Take Venice, for example. Its allure is undeniable but overwhelming crowds are a fact of life in the small town that welcomed almost 6 million people last year.
If huge numbers of people aren’t your thing, check out these enchanting canal cities that offer similar charm without the headache.
Treviso, Italy
Often overshadowed by its famous neighbour, Treviso is a charming city of nearly 94,000 in the Veneto region of Italy. With its idling canals, medieval architecture, and numerous piazzas, Treviso offers a relaxed and authentic Venetian experience.
Visitors can stroll along the Sile River, explore the historic centre, and stuff their faces with local delicacies like radicchio and prosecco. “We are very proud of our city,” Alessandro Manera, Treviso’s deputy mayor, told the BBC. “It was something of a challenge to show that an Italian city could win [the European Green Leaf Award]. The target of the award isn’t to [be] the most lovely, green city in Europe. It’s about showing who is improving.”
Aveiro, Portugal
Known as the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro is a coastal city renowned for its picturesque canals and charming architecture.
Aveiro’s Art Nouveau buildings, adorned with intricate tiles, line the canals. Visitors can enjoy leisurely boat rides, explore the city’s historic centre, and indulge in local delicacies. With its relaxed pace and scenic beauty, Aveiro provides a delightful alternative for canal enthusiasts.
Utrecht, Netherlands
Utrecht’s canal system offers a distinctive blend of history and modernity. The city’s canals are unique due to their wharves and wharf cellars, structures that date back to the Middle Ages. These cellars, once used for storage and trade, now house shops, cafes, and residences, creating a vibrant atmosphere along the waterways.
The Oudegracht, Utrecht’s main canal, is lined with these distinctive structures, offering a stunning setting for visitors. The city’s rich history, combined with its lively cultural scene, makes Utrecht a compelling destination for those seeking a canal experience with a Dutch twist.
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