Many popular tourist destinations have been hit hard by overtourism following the pandemic. Europe is seeing locals being priced out of rental homes by vacation rentals, while gentrification makes costs soar. In other destinations, residents protest against the crowds brought in by low-cost flights and the cruise industry. Particularly in 2024, things have truly come to a head as even visitors find their favorite destinations too crowded and noisy. Meanwhile, what was thought to be a golden opportunity, even digital nomad visas are causing problems with residents and putting a strain on local services.

As 2024 came to a close, many new regulations were put in place to try to battle visitor numbers. This led to tourism taxes and even selfie bans in certain locations, with Mallorca and Venice trying hard to handle unsustainable crowds.

Seeking alternatives to overtourism in Europe

But it isn’t just the locations themselves that are suffering. Many travelers are now seeking alternative locations where they can have a relaxing vacation, while still bringing benefits to the destination and its residents. The following destinations in Europe still welcome travelers, remote workers and digital nomads with open arms.

Extremadura, Spain luring digital nomads

While Barcelona and Mallorca’s residents want to chase away tourists, Extremadura is luring digital nomads with €15,000 ($15,470) grants. The autonomous community borders Portugal and is one of the country’s lesser-visited regions. Meanwhile, the area boasts beautiful nature reserves and mountain scenes and a capital full of Roman ruins.

To give the economy and local population a boost, authorities have set aside €2 million ($2,062,706) to help relocate 200 remote workers and digital nomads to the region. Find more information here and appreciate what friendly Europe has to offer.

Party in Romania, Europe

Romania has joined the Schengen Zone, making visitors in the EU travel area quicker and easier. Since joining, the country has been working to boost visitor numbers. Greenland in Europe has launched a number of campaigns, including TouristGo.ro, an initiative calling on music lovers to experience the Electric Castle Festival in July 2025.

Meanwhile, in a promotional video, organizers say they are trying to help Spain’s battle against overtourism by attracting them to Romania instead. The tongue-in-cheek video above gives an idea of their ongoing campaign.

Meanwhile, on the tourism website, various slogans welcome visitors. One reads:

In some cities they don’t want you, but in Romania we love you.

and:

While some places struggle with too many visitors, others would love the attention.

Meanwhile, the website offers plenty of information on what to see and do in Romania, and what to eat and enjoy.

Greenland opens new airport to attract tourism

Nuuk Airport opened on December 1, 2024, and offers routes connecting the city with most of the towns in Greenland, as well as international destinations. The aim of the new airport is to increase the number of tourists visiting the country. Meanwhile, Greenland has plans for a second international landing strip in the popular northern city of Ilulissat in 2026.

Moreover, the country hopes to attract year-round tourism. However, while tourists travel to Greenland in the summer months to participate in adventure sports and nature tourism, it is hard to attract visitors during the cold and dark winter months.

Meanwhile, the country is setting up accommodation options like aurora cabins and igloos to tempt travelers to its lesser-visited northern regions, in search of dark sky and celestial experiences.