Think holiday, think busy landmarks or beaches, when all you’re craving is some peace and quiet abroad? Whether you’re after a city break, nature escape or a good ‘ol sunshine jolly that won’t see you fighting over a sunbed, these destinations deliver serenity big-time. 

La Palma, Canary Islands 

If the warm temps, otherworldly nature and family-holiday nostalgia keep inviting you to the Canaries, we’ve got just the place. Duck the British crowds and take off to our newest isle in this Spanish archipelago – La Palma. Think rugged volcanic trails, black-sand beaches and star-lit skies – the island is nicknamed La Isla Bonita after all. Base yourself in Los Cancajos or Puerto Naos for seaside strolls, tapas tasting and maybe a cocktail or two at sunset. Balance, right? 

Bergen, Norway 

Nothing recharges your social battery quite like cool mountain air and still fjord waters. And Norway is your gateway to these dramatic landscapes – we’re talking meandering trails leading to mirror-like lakes hidden in between mighty fjords. It’s cinematic and as peaceful as you’re going to get in Europe – perfect for introverts who feel the most alive in nature’s quiet. 

Reykjavik, Iceland  

Notice the pattern? Yep, Scandinavia is an introvert’s dream – polite, but unbothered locals, beautiful landscapes and heavenly pastries to sweeten the deal. Reykjavik is a great shout if you like to combine city breaks with day trips – there are sights and landmarks to tick off, but hop on a tour and you’ll be gazing at the Northern Lights or swirling around the Sky Lagoon in no time. 

Greek islands 

Think Greek holidays are all about smashing plates and staying out late? While it might be the case in some of the Greek party hubs, between the 227 islands (and that’s just the inhabited ones), there are plenty of quiet havens with off-the-grid written all over them. For example, Poros, Meganisi, Samos. If you don’t know, get to know. These isles bring out the best bits of Greece, minus the crowds. Picture crystal-clear waters washing gorgeous beaches, while the nearby taverna serves up mouthwatering meze aplenty. BRB, packing bags as we speak.  

Geneva, Switzerland 

Chocolate fans, skiing enthusiasts and introverts come together in Geneva. The centre of everything-Swiss welcomes quiet luxury lovers with its mountain-backed lake views and polished architecture. There’s plenty to see and do during the day between the United Nations’ HQ, the Red Cross and a selection of museums. And evenings here mean one thing only… it’s fondue time. Pair with a glass of wine and enjoy your peaceful city break. 

Tallinn, Estonia 

If you like your city breaks fairytale-style, Tallinn’s a dream. Big on charm, but not on chaos, this Baltic beaut is something out of a children’s book – cobblestone streets, candlelit cafés and pastel houses dusted with snow. Spend days exploring tiny bookstores, sipping hot choccy or mulled wine while wandering the Christmas markets. Did we mention it’s also not a big tourist trap either? It’s the perfect place to go off-grid for a few days and recharge while immersing yourself in the local culture.  

Top tip: travel off-peak 

Fancy ticking off the Colosseum in Rome, the Acropolis in Athens and the Eiffel Tower in Paris, but the thought of tourist flocks sends a chill down your spine? Consider quieter months for these bucket-list destinations! It might seem obvious, but these cities are full of things to do any time of the year. Plus, most of them will be at least a couple degrees warmer than UK, ever in winter – bring on the T-shirt weather in Athens in February…