Adventure ToursEurope’s most iconic destinations—Italy, France, and Iceland—are on nearly every traveler’s bucket list. But with rising costs, crowds, and the constant hunt for something new, travelers in 2025 are swapping famous spots for their equally stunning “dupes.” These destination dupes offer all the charm and beauty of the classics—minus the inflated prices and tourist traffic.
From the canals of Venice to the volcanic landscapes of Iceland, here’s your guide to Europe’s best destination dupes worth exploring this year.
🇮🇹 1. Instead of Venice, Italy → Visit Annecy, France
Venice is iconic—but it’s also crowded, pricey, and slowly sinking under the weight of mass tourism. Enter Annecy, the “Venice of the Alps.”
Cradled between crystal-clear Lake Annecy and the snow-tipped French Alps, this town boasts pastel-colored houses, charming bridges, and a peaceful network of canals that echo Venetian romance—without the tourist chaos. You can rent a paddleboat, stroll the lakeside promenade, or enjoy raclette in a cozy café while gazing at the mountains.
Why it’s a great dupe:
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Fewer tourists, more nature.
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Perfect blend of French cuisine and Alpine serenity.
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Ideal for both summer boating and winter skiing.
🇪🇸 2. Instead of Barcelona, Spain → Try Valencia, Spain
Barcelona has long been the Mediterranean’s superstar, thanks to Gaudí’s architecture and its vibrant beach culture. But Valencia—Spain’s third-largest city—is quietly taking its place as a more relaxed, affordable alternative.
Home to futuristic architecture at the City of Arts and Sciences, golden beaches, and Spain’s best paella, Valencia offers everything Barcelona does, but with local authenticity and fewer crowds.
Why it’s a great dupe:
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Less touristy yet equally vibrant.
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Amazing food scene (especially seafood and paella).
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Walkable old town and a cleaner, quieter beach atmosphere.
🇨🇭 3. Instead of the Swiss Alps → Visit the Julian Alps, Slovenia
Switzerland’s Alpine views are world-famous—but so are its prices. For a similar (and arguably wilder) experience, head east to Slovenia’s Julian Alps.
Centered around Lake Bled and Triglav National Park, this region is a paradise of turquoise lakes, forested peaks, and fairytale castles. You can hike, kayak, or simply relax in a lakeside chalet that costs half what you’d pay in Switzerland.
Why it’s a great dupe:
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Breathtaking mountain scenery at a fraction of the price.
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Easy access to nature and outdoor adventures.
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Slovenia’s hospitality feels personal and genuine.
🇬🇷 4. Instead of Santorini, Greece → Go for Paros or Naxos
Santorini’s whitewashed cliffs and sunsets are Instagram legends—but they come with crowds and premium prices. Paros and Naxos, two neighboring islands in the Cyclades, offer equally enchanting white villages, golden beaches, and authentic Greek charm—without the tourist stampede.
Paros is chic yet relaxed, with boutique hotels and beach bars. Naxos, the largest Cycladic island, is greener, more family-friendly, and packed with ancient ruins and hidden coves.
Why they’re great dupes:
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Same Aegean beauty, half the cost.
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Easier to find local experiences and traditional food.
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More room to breathe, explore, and truly relax.
🇵🇹 5. Instead of Lisbon, Portugal → Visit Porto
Lisbon’s colorful trams and hills are irresistible, but Porto—Portugal’s northern gem—offers just as much history and charm, with a slightly moodier, more artistic flair.
Perched on the Douro River, Porto enchants visitors with tiled facades, soulful Fado music, and (of course) its signature port wine. The Ribeira District’s cobbled streets and riverfront cafés are as photogenic as any Lisbon scene, but with a gentler rhythm.
Why it’s a great dupe:
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Romantic riverside city with a strong cultural identity.
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Fewer tourists, more authenticity.
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Amazing wine tours and gastronomy.
🇨🇿 6. Instead of Prague, Czech Republic → Discover Wrocław, Poland
Prague’s Gothic spires and baroque squares have made it a magnet for city-breakers. But just across the border, Wrocław in Poland offers the same fairy-tale appeal—with lower prices and fewer crowds.
Wrocław is built on 12 islands connected by 130 bridges, giving it a unique, Venice-like charm. Its colorful market square, riverside walks, and lively student energy make it one of Europe’s most underrated gems.
Why it’s a great dupe:
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Stunning architecture and riverside scenery.
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Affordable food and accommodations.
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Youthful vibe with cultural festivals year-round.
🇮🇸 7. Instead of Iceland → Visit the Faroe Islands
Iceland’s volcanoes, waterfalls, and northern lights have made it a dream destination—but it’s no longer the secluded escape it once was. For those seeking the same untamed magic, the Faroe Islands offer an incredible alternative.
Located between Iceland and Norway, this archipelago features dramatic cliffs, grass-roofed houses, and fog-covered mountains. With only a small population, it feels like stepping into another world—peaceful, raw, and breathtakingly photogenic.
Why it’s a great dupe:
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Similar landscapes—volcanic, rugged, and surreal.
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Far fewer tourists.
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Great for hiking, photography, and wildlife spotting (especially puffins!).
✈️ Bonus Tip: How to Find Your Own “Destination Dupe”
The dupe trend isn’t about avoiding famous places—it’s about discovering new favorites that deliver the same experience more sustainably and affordably.
Here’s how you can find your own perfect dupe:
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Identify what you love most about your dream destination (architecture, beaches, food, mountains).
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Use travel forums or social media (like Reddit, TikTok, or Instagram) to explore hidden gems with similar vibes.
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Look at maps—neighboring regions often share landscapes and culture without the tourist rush.
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Travel off-season to enjoy top spots at lower cost and with fewer crowds.
🌍 Why Destination Dupes Matter in 2025
With climate change, over-tourism, and cost-of-living pressures, the new travel trend is about conscious exploration. Destination dupes allow travelers to:
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Support smaller local economies.
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Reduce crowding and environmental impact.
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Experience authentic culture and community.
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Stretch their travel budget further—without sacrificing quality.
Whether it’s sipping wine in Porto instead of Lisbon or watching the midnight sun in the Faroe Islands instead of Iceland, your next unforgettable European escape might just be the dupe of your dreams.
