42 Travel Destinations That Are Perfect for People Who Hate Crowds
5. The Alentejo, Portugal: Where Time Slows Down

While the Algarve is packed with sun-seeking crowds, Portugal’s Alentejo region is a peaceful oasis of rolling vineyards, medieval villages, and golden plains. The slow-paced towns of Évora, Monsaraz, and Marvão offer a taste of old-world Europe without the tour buses. You can sip local wines, explore Moorish castles, or stroll through endless olive groves in near solitude. The region is also home to some of Portugal’s best food, from rustic farm-to-table dining to Michelin-starred cuisine.