UK’s quietest summer holiday destinations revealed – Top spots for a crowd-free escape

Anyone who has travelled during the school summer holidays knows the feeling of the 6am dash for a sunbed. The crowded beaches where finding a patch of sand feels impossible. The hour-long wait for a restaurant table because you were too relaxed to think about booking ahead.

For many families, avoiding crowds like this simply isn’t an option. With school term dates dictating when they can travel, most are forced to holiday during the busiest weeks of the year.

But, while you can’t always change when you travel, you can change where you go. So where are you likely to find the least crowds during the summer holidays?

A data study by Solmar Villas looked at more than 160 destinations around the world and suggested the best places to visit with the least amount of people – and if you’re picturing remote corners of the world that take three flights to reach, think again.

Several Greek islands top the list, with Alonissos taking first place as the least crowded destination during the UK school holiday season. Despite offering the same crystal-clear waters and traditional tavernas that draw millions to Greece every summer, the island attracts far fewer visitors than household names such as Rhodes, Corfu or Crete.

Neighbouring Skopelos, famous for its starring role in Mamma Mia!, also makes the top three.

Spain performs strongly too. El Hierro, the smallest and least-visited of the Canary Islands, ranks second overall, while La Gomera, La Palma, Costa Verde and Cantabria all feature among the destinations where travellers are least likely to find themselves squeezed into packed resorts.

The research also suggests that smaller islands may hold the secret to escaping peak-season chaos. Around two-thirds of the highest-ranking destinations are islands, many of which attract loyal visitors without ever becoming mainstream tourist hotspots.

Meanwhile, long-haul destinations including Thailand, Vietnam, Brazil and the Caribbean all feature in the rankings.

The 20 Least Crowded Destinations During the School Holiday Peak Season

There you have it – it looks like Greece and Spain are the top spots for a low-crowd family holiday this summer.

So, if you’re planning a family getaway, trying one of these destinations could result in you spending less time queueing for a sunbed and more time enjoying your holiday. Where are you going to try first?

Feature Image – Villa Martha, Paxos