Brits have had it with sweaty queues, overcrowded beaches and paying £6 for an imported beer. This year, hotspots like Alicante, Corfu and Amalfi are being overlooked for less-visited detour destinations within driving distance, where travellers are offered more authentic experiences away from the heaving crowds.

These ‘detour destinations’ not only offer visitors more meaningful travel experiences, but the journey to them becomes just as significant as the destination.

Dimitris Floros, CCO at Welcome Pickups shares six of the best detour destinations for travellers looking for something a little different on their next European holiday.

Popular Detour Destinations

Denia, Spain

Located along the Costa Blanca, Dénia is a lesser-known gem offering a balanced blend of Spanish tradition and coastal beauty. Unlike more commercial resort towns, Dénia is cosmopolitan without being overrun by mass tourism, making it ideal for travellers looking for a more authentic coastal experience.

The historic quarter includes a hilltop castle with panoramic sea views, lively markets, and colourful streets lined with tapas bars while its beaches stretch for miles, perfect for both sunbathing and water sports.

Flights from London to Alicante from £27 (Expedia: one way August 19th)
Airport transfers approx 65 minutes
Average cost of a beer in Denia: £1.80
Average cost of a been in Alicante: £2.15

Chartres, France

Chartres is a captivating detour destination just an hour’s drive from Paris. It’s best known for its stunning Gothic cathedral, Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site admired for its towering spires, intricate stained glass windows, and sense of serenity.

Ideal for architecture lovers, spiritual travellers, or those seeking a slower pace, Chartres combines cultural richness with small-town charm. Its walkability and relaxed atmosphere make it a refreshing addition to a French itinerary, especially for visitors en route to the Loire Valley or the southwest of France.

Flights from London to Paris from £46 (Expedia: one way July 8th)
Airport transfers approx 2 hours
Average cost of a beer in Chartres: £5.50
Average cost of a been in Paris: £5.98

Brindisi, Italy

Located in the sun-soaked Puglia region of southern Italy, is an often-overlooked port city rich in ancient history and Mediterranean charm. Once a key hub of the Roman Empire’s Via Appia, Brindisi offers archaeological sites, Roman columns, and baroque churches with fewer crowds than cities like Bari or Lecce.

Brindisi is also a convenient entry point to other parts of Puglia, including Ostuni, Alberobello, and the Salento peninsula, and thanks to a regional airport and ferry links to Greece and the Balkans, it’s both a strategic and scenic stop for southern European travel.

Flights from London to Brindisi from £36 (Expedia: one way July 2nd)
Airport transfers approx 12 minutes
Average cost of a beer in Brindisi: £5
Average cost of a been in Bari: £4

Óbidos, Portugal

This postcard-perfect medieval town makes for a memorable detour in central Portugal. It’s home to narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed houses trimmed with blue and yellow, and vibrant bougainvillaea. The centrepiece is a well-preserved castle, now a pousada (historic hotel), offering panoramic views over the countryside.

While compact, Óbidos is packed with character making it ideal for a half-day stop or overnight stay. While some may find it touristy, it still holds authentic charm and is a lovely break from busier cities like Lisbon or Coimbra.

Flights from London to Lisbon from £27 (Expedia: one way August 25th)
Airport transfers approx 52 minutes
Average cost of a beer in Óbidos: £2
Average cost of a been in Lisbon: £3

Gjirokastër, Albania

Gjirokastër is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in southern Albania. It is a striking Ottoman-era city set on a hillside and built almost entirely from stone. The imposing Gjirokastër Castle overlooks the town and offers sweeping views of the Drino Valley, while also housing military exhibits and folklore festivals.

Despite its UNESCO status, the city remains affordable and relatively undiscovered, making it a rewarding detour for curious travellers venturing through southern Europe or en route to the Albanian Riviera. This hidden gem offers a quiet, culturally rich alternative to Albania’s beach towns, ideal for travellers interested in Balkan history, architecture, and authenticity.

Flights from London to Corfu (for Sarande, Albania) from £40 (Expedia: one way August 26th)
Airport transfers approx 75 minutes
Average cost of a beer in Gjirokastër: £1.74
Average cost of a been in Sarande: £2.18

Paros, Greece

Paros offers a perfect blend of quiet charm, great beaches, and cultural experiences, making it an excellent alternative to the more touristy Santorini and Mykonos. Unlike Mykonos, which can be overcrowded and expensive, Paros is more relaxed and affordable, with stunning beaches like Kolymbithres, ideal for those seeking both beauty and tranquility.

The Greek island also boasts scenic hikes and lovely old streets for exploration, along with good local dining. For a more varied experience, pairing Paros with a more popular island like Santorini or Mykonos can provide the best of both worlds.

Flights from London to Paros from £158 (Expedia: one way September 16th)
Airport transfers approx 34 minutes
Average cost of a beer in Paros: £4.27
Average cost of a been in Santorini: £4.27

Dimitris explains why detour destinations are emerging as the preferred choice for people seeking to venture beyond traditional tourism spots.

“Detour destinations are often real hidden gems. They’re typically 60 to 90 minutes from a major international airport, so close enough to popular cities or landmarks to offer ease of access and great value, but just far enough off the radar that they’re not overcrowded or overpriced.

“These towns and small cities let travellers tap into something more authentic: local food, regional character, and a slower pace that’s hard to find in capital cities swamped by tourism.

“The appeal lies in the contrast; detour destinations offer the comfort of accessibility, but with the excitement of discovery. For many of our travellers, these places aren’t just a detour, they’re the highlight of the trip.

“What makes it even better? Many of our local drivers know these hidden gems inside out. They’re not just there to drive, they offer tips, detour suggestions, and personal stories that often end up being the highlight of the trip. Travellers come for the big city, but leave talking about the lunch stop in a small village they’d never have found otherwise.

“Choosing detour destinations means choosing smarter, more sustainable travel, and coming home with stories worth telling.”