Vinicius Costa’s five alternatives to Europe’s overcrowded capitals

Vinicius Costa’s five alternatives to Europe’s overcrowded capitals AI

Experienced traveller Vinicius Costa, who has visited more than 100 European cities, has picked five smaller cities to consider instead of busy capitals. UNIAN reports he recommends Cagliari, Brno, Limerick, Ponta Delgada (Azores) and Trondheim as quieter, characterful alternatives for European trips. Handy for Kyiv residents planning European travel who want smaller cities with beaches, medieval quarters or island scenery without capital-city crowds.

Travel writer Vinicius Costa, cited by UNIAN on 1 October 2026, used his experience from over 100 European cities to single out five places he says make good alternatives to crowded capitals. He published the list for Travel Off Path and framed each as offering the things visitors seek, but with fewer tourists.

Costa highlights Cagliari (Sardinia) for its pastel buildings, winding cobbled streets and genuine beaches; Brno as a smaller, less touristed Czech city compared with Prague; Limerick for its medieval quarter, riverside pubs and student atmosphere; Ponta Delgada on São Miguel (the Azores) for green landscapes, waterfalls and black-sand beaches; and Trondheim for its cathedral, colourful wooden houses and scenic quay. Readers should check travel details and opening conditions with official sources before booking.

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