How to beat the crowds and get a bargain
By Kerry Parnell
No crowds, bargain accommodation, plenty of availability and pleasant weather - four reasons why you should consider visiting Europe in the shoulder-season.
I travelled to Mallorca this August, in peak-season. I had a wonderful holiday in the beautiful island in Spain’s Balearics, but temperatures were in the high 30s and as we sat sweltering over dinner one evening, I admit, I Googled, “What is the weather like in Mallorca in April and May?”
The answer is, lovely. Average temperatures in spring, in Mallorca, Ibiza and southern Spain, for example, are in the low 20s, which means you can actually see a lot more sights, as you can hike the mountains without fear of heat stroke and still go for a swim and enjoy a cocktail in the sunshine. Best of all, there are no crowds, which means you can visit popular sites without the queues.
It’s well-known Europe is suffering from over-tourism, with Barcelona recently capping cruise ship arrivals and Venice introducing a daily entry fee of €5 during peak-season.
So, it’s becoming increasingly good sense to visit in the shoulder season – spring or autumn. Admittedly, some things will be shut, particularly in beach resorts, but don’t let that put you off, as instead, you’ll be more likely to enjoy the places locals hang out, anyway.
Here’s three places to stay in Europe, off-season:
Entry-level: The Hoxton, Florence
Found all over Europe, the urban-cool Hoxton hotels, with chic rooms and great restaurants, are a great place to stay and have an excellent loyalty program called Dis-loyalty. The latest branch is opening in Florence, with a seafood restaurant and garden terrace. Rooms are from around €149 per night until March 3, with a member’s rewards offer.
Getting there: Many airlines, such as Singapore Airlines and Etihad, offer flights from Australia, with connections in Rome, or you can catch a high-speed train.
Visit: thehoxton.com; destinationflorence.com
Price: from €149 (around AUD $240) per night
Mid-range: Villa Llosia, Mallorca
Mallorca is a popular summer holiday destination, thanks to its stunning beaches, but if you go in April or May, you’ll also be able to make the most of its mountain ranges, as it becomes prohibitively hot for walking, later in the year. Prices are substantially lower, too. We stayed at the excellent three-bedroom Villa Llosia near Alcudia and in April, you can rent it for $1,500, a quarter of the price it goes for in August.
Getting there: Check Skyscanner for multiple routes from Australia via European hubs such as London, Madrid or Milan.
Visit: vintagetravel.co.uk; skyscanner.net
Price: from £798 (around $1,500) per week
Luxe pick: Le Bristol, Paris
If you want to go all-out, then where better than Paris’ grande dame, Le Bristol, on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. It celebrates its 100th birthday in 2025, with refurbished suites and a new menu at its triple-Michelin-starred restaurant, Epicure. It has an offer for autumn and winter, with rooms from €1,430, plus breakfast.
Getting there: Qantas has non-stop flights to Paris from Perth.
Visit: oetkercollection.com; qantas.com
Price: from €1,430 (around $2,300) per night
