With the increase in tourism in various regions of Europe, there are more and more people looking for destinations where it is possible to rest with tranquility and without crowds. Some European islands stand out precisely because they offer broad spaces, preserved nature and little density of visitors.
LESS COMPETITED DESTINATIONS
There are several European islands with little density of visitors. According to the Daily Mail, the Svalbard archipelago, located between Norway and the North Polo, is the place with the lowest concentration of tourists, registering only 2.4 visitors per square kilometer.
This remote location of strict climate and limited access contributes to its exclusivity and low occupation. Still, it is sought by those who want to observe natural landscapes and wildlife in ‘pure state’.
Soon after comes the archipelago of åland, autonomous territory under administration of Finland, with an average of 269 sleeping per square kilometer. This set of islands in the Baltic Sea offers a serene alternative and very different from usual tourist destinations.
Characteristics of the åland archipelago
Åland consists of about 6,500 islands, of which only about 60 are inhabited. This geographical dispersion and low population density make it possible to ‘find’ peace and silence even during the summer months, according to the same source.
The capital of the archipelago is Mariehamn, often nicknamed by local inhabitants as “the smallest metropolis in the world.” The city stands out for the wooden houses and wooded parks.
Visit Finland, cited by the same source, recommends Mariehamn as a basis for visits to the archipelago, noting that “wooden houses and green parks provide the perfect scenario for a vacation in a small town or as a starting point for a trip through the åland islands.”
Activities and Natural Landscape
From the capital it is possible to make boat excursions through the neighboring islands. These crossings allow us to explore the archipelago in a quiet and close way.
When rowing in the waters between the islands, it is possible to spend a whole day without finding anyone but an occasional seal or a white-wing eagle.
The climate in åland during summer is mild, with temperatures that can reach 25 ° C in July and August, the above -mentioned source states. Although they are not traditionally bathing destinations, the islands offer conditions considered pleasant for outdoor activities.
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How to get to åland
The most usual route goes through a flight to Helsinquia, followed by a trip from Ferry to Mariehamn. This connection allows you to reach the archipelago, despite its location away from the main tourist circuits.
Other unmarked European islands
In addition to Svalbard and åland, there are other islands in Europe that remain relatively free of large crowds. Gotland, located off the Swedish coast, is an example of this. The island is known for combining historical heritage with rural landscapes and little tourist density.
In Greece, some less known islands also offer quieter experiences. Chios, for example, has an average of only 353.81 tourists per square kilometer, far below the most famous islands in the country.
Evia, another Greek island, has an average of 419 tourists per square kilometer. Despite being close to Athens, according to, it remains a destination with less international visibility and less mass tourism.
Hydra, belonging to the Sanotheric Islands group, is referred to for maintaining its beauty and authenticity. It is often compared to Santorini in visual terms, but with the advantage of attracting much less visitors.
Islands with higher tourist concentration
On the other hand, some island destinations in Europe record a huge influx of tourists. Among all, Malta occupies the first place, with about 38,700 sleeping per square kilometer. This density is quite higher than average, which reflects the growing popularity of the archipelago.
On the Spanish islands there is also a high concentration of visitors. In Lanzarote, the average is 21,673 sleeping per square kilometer. Soon after Ibiza and Formentera with 17,183 overnight. Tenerife and Gran Canaria also have high numbers, placing themselves among the most frequented islands of the European continent.
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