PHOTO Romania, in a top of the destinations for 2026 lesser known, but full of charm / “East Camino” is competed with an island in Croatia
Four countries in Europe, including Romania, are in a top known, non-known and prepared destinations to receive visitors in 2026, while keeping their charm quiet.
As excessive tourism continues to threaten popular destinations in Europe, more and more travelers are looking for quieter escapades, according to Euronews.com. A report by the European Commission for Tourism shows that 55% of travelers are looking for niche destinations, and an increasing number of them have made the agglomeration a main priority.
Currently, many destinations in Europe are already preparing for next year's visitors, investing in sustainable practices and cultural tourism, but they are still little known.
The Tourism Company, based in Melbourne, in partnership with the most important trend forecasting agency in the field of tourism, GlobeTrender, has identified some of the less known places for “Not Hot List 2026”, its list that focuses on places prepared to receive visitors, but whose agglomeration is reduced. These are places where tourists can enjoy slow trips, nature and culture, while contributing to the wider spread of tourism.
“80% of travelers visit only 10% of the tourist destinations in the world,” says Erica Kritikides, General Manager of Experiences at Intrid Travel. “We want to change this situation, bringing to light the places that are ready to receive visitors and benefit from their presence.”
From a former Yugoslav military base transformed into a paradise of slow tourism in Croatia to a “East Camino” of 1,400 km in Romania, these destinations show that what is not “fashionable” can become the next great trend.
The “dream” island of Croatia
Former Yugoslav military base closed for strangers, the island of Vis opened visitors in 1989. While Dubrovnik and Split is facing supraturism, the island of Vis became an alternative to slow tourism in the Adriatic Sea.
The island has no cruise stations or airports, which separates it from the usual tourist routes. For many, this is the strength.
“Although some consider the isolation of the island a disadvantage, this is exactly how special,” Duje Dropuljic, Deputy Director at Intope Travel, said in the report.
In 2026, new routes for cycling and hiking will be opened here, which will complete outdoor activities, such as diving among wrecks, snorkelling or exploring the bright blue cave and the amazing left -handed bay. Food and wine are also favorite attractions.
A creative city of UNESCO gastronomy in Turkey
Located in the Anatolia region of south-east of Turkey, Gaziantep is a culturally rich city, but much less visited than Cappadocia, Istanbul or Antalya. Recent investments in heritage preservation and new travel routes in the big centers, such as London, put it on the tourist map for the coming years.
The creative city of UNESCO gastronomy, Gaziantep is famous for its abundant spices and for the delicious baclava.
Visitors can visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, explore the historical Castle Gaziantep to admire the city's panorama and the museum and can walk among the ruins of Belkis-Zeugma and Rumkale, a castle above a turning of the Euphrates.
“Now is the perfect time for travelers to discover this remarkable part of the world and to enjoy an authentic experience that the most crowded destinations have more and more difficulty to offer,” stressed Pelin Bengu, the general manager of Enter Travel.
“East Camino” of 1,400 km in Romania
Via Transilvanica in Romania, with a length of 1,400 kilometers, quickly becomes one of the largest long -distance hiking routes in Europe. Nicknamed “Camino of the East”, the route bursts through secular forests, rustic villages and 12 sites included in the UNESCO World Heritage.
Travelers can visit Saxon medieval cities, ruins and painted Dacian castles and monasteries, while crossing the spectacular landscapes of the Carpathians. At the end of a long day of hiking, they can be staying in traditional villages and can be delighted with tables prepared from local products.
The route is also an outdoor art exhibition, with kilometric terminals carved every kilometer. Next year, 170 km of new paths will be opened, the first phase of a 20 -year initiative to expand the Via Transilvanica route throughout Romania.
“For us, hospitality means creating authentic meeting points between hiking and locals – places where common tables, old stories and rhythm life are part of the journey as many miles,” said Anna Székely, vice -president of the Tășuleasa Social Association.
The European Culture capital 2026 is in Finland
Located just under the Arctic Polar Circle of Finland, the city of Oulu was appointed the European Capital of Culture 2026. The city takes advantage of this honor to present its creative innovation, the Arctic wild nature and the indigenous inheritance.
During this one -year program, the events organized by the Arctic Food Lab will highlight the culinary traditions in northern Finland, and the artistic installations inspired by the surrounding landscape and the practical workshops organized by the Sami people will bring Finnish culture to the center of attention.
“The year in which Oulu will be the European Capital of Culture in 2026 is a unique opportunity to present our unique northern lifestyle, creativity and experiences,” said Yrjötapio Kivisari, CEO of Visit Oulu.
This flourishing city on the Oulujoki river promises activities throughout the year. Visitors can do hiking, cycling, swimming and summer, and in winter they offer adventures on the ice cream.
Travelers can ski, go with snow rockets and look for the aurora borealis or get warmed while learning about local culture at the North Ostrobothnia Museum.
Main Photo Source: Dreamstime.com
