This was published 5 years ago
Most popular domestic destinations for European travellers: Where the locals go
By Ben Groundwater
Corsica is littered with charming seaside towns.Credit: Shutterstock
Where do the locals go? That's something travellers are always asking, something they're always hoping to discover. Locals know best, right? They know the secret hideaways, they know the tourist-free gems.
It makes sense that you would want to holiday where the locals are holidaying. These destinations usually provide a different perspective on a country, and get you away from the standard boozy foreigner crowd to instead allow an insight into the culture of locals at play.
This is particularly true of Europe, where the most popular and most predictable destinations – Rome, Barcelona, Venice etcetera – are probably not going to appeal to those who live in proximity. Locals will be trying to avoid the crowds, not follow them.
So… where do the locals go? It's summer in Europe right now, prime holidaying season, so it seems like that continent is the ideal one to focus on. And thanks to data from Expedia and Kayak, we've captured those preferences.
ITALY
Sardinia
I can give anecdotal confirmation of the truth of this, because I was in Sardinia a few years ago and it was absolutely packed with domestic Italian tourists. Sardinia is phenomenally popular with locals. According to Expedia's figures for Italy, Costa Smeralda, the flawless coastal area in Sardinia's north, and Cagliari, the island capital in the south, were the two most searched for destinations within Italy for travel this summer. Go there and you'll see why: it's stunning.
Rimini
Here's an interesting one. The third most searched for destination within Italy was Rimini, a seaside town on the Adriatic coast, part of the Emilia-Romagna province. This is a classic European holiday destination, all beach umbrellas at the lido by day, and doof-doof clubs and Eurotrash by night. A visit to Rimini in summer will certainly be a genuine Italian cultural experience, though it might not be the one you were picturing.
Trapani/San Vito Lo Capo
Taking out fourth place was Trapani, a coastal town in Sicily that also provides access to San Vito Lo Capo, which has got charm for days thanks to its clear waters and crescent-shaped beach. Trapani itself is great too, with plenty of history on its Old Town streets, as well as a modern culture of great food and wine. More than enough to get you by if the sun isn't shining.
See also: 20 things that will surprise first time visitors to Italy
FRANCE
Les Calanques
The French, admittedly, do indulge in a few of their own cliches. However, we'll get to that later. For now, let's focus on the local secrets, because while all of the foreign tourists are getting their beach time in at hugely popular spots such as Nice and Antibes, the French are looking elsewhere. Namely, they're focused on an area called Les Calanques, a series of amazingly beautiful bays and beaches between Marseilles and Cassis. This area was the fourth most popular in Expedia searches from within France.
Paris
The Louvre Pyramid in Paris. Credit: Shutterstock
That's right, Paris. Not exactly a secret is it? However, the French capital is hugely popular even with domestic travellers. The city ranked fifth on travel site Kayak's list of most-searched destinations by Europeans this summer, and it's No. 2 on Expedia's searches from within France. It seems even the locals can't resist an overpriced cafe au lait and a distant glimpse of the Mona Lisa.
Corsica
Remember how Sardinia was so popular with Italians? Well, Corsica is the direct French equivalent, a sunny island in the middle of the Mediterranean with charming seaside towns, rugged hilltop villages, craggy mountain ranges and beautiful beaches, and it's just as insanely popular. Southern Corsica ranked No. 1 on searches from within France for this summer; Northern Corsica was No. 3.
See also: Ten ways to avoid looking like a obvious tourist in Paris
SPAIN
Mallorca
Palma de Mallorca beach, Spain.Credit: Shutterstock
Where do Spaniards like to spend their holidays? Mallorca, as it turns out. In particular Palma de Mallorca. That coastal city was the most searched-for destination in all of Europe on Kayak, and No. 2 from within Spain on Expedia. Mallorca, in the Balearic Island chain, does have charm to burn, with all the sandy beaches and clear seas you could hope for, plus a local culture distinct from Spain's (though not too distinct), good food, nice scenery, and, of course, a party if you really want one.
Alicante
If you head to Alicante, on Spain's east coast, looking for peace and quiet, you're going to be disappointed. Alicante is wildly popular: it was the No. 1 most searched-for destination within Spain. It's also just wild, with a mix of boozy foreigners and dancefloor-loving locals keeping the good times going at most hours of the day. There's also a beach, a castle, an Old Town, and plenty of great restaurants to pass the time before the party starts again.
Cadiz
Here's something a little different. Cadiz, in southern Andalucia, is probably popular among local Spaniards because of its beaches, which can be found on either side of the city. For foreign visitors, however, Cadiz has a lot more to offer: namely, a history that stretches back more than 3000 years, which manifests itself in cathedrals, churches and Roman ruins, as well as a friendly modern culture of good food and good times.
Have you discovered any local secrets in Europe? Have you been to any holiday destinations that seemed to be locals-only?
Email: b.groundwater@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Instagram: instagram.com/bengroundwater
See also: 20 things that will surprise first-time visitors to Europe
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