'Mini Venice' where tourists enjoy cafes and boating on canals without crowds

31 October 2023 , 12:43

798     0

A romantic destination without the crowds of Venice (Image: Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Brits looking for a romantic getaway with the boats and canals like Venice - but without the crowds - have the perfect place not too far away.

Venice is the dream location for many with St Mark’s Cathedral standing out amidst the stunning architecture along the waterways. But it comes at a price literally with the cost of food and accommodation as well as vast crowds especially in the summer months.

And there is another spot which has waterways, cycle paths and no roads which is closer to home in the Netherlands. Giethoorn is a quaint village which is unknown to many but dubbed the Venice of the Netherlands.

It is ideal for a romantic holiday away where people can enjoy the water and not yet need to worry about long queues of other tourists. It is located just an hour and a half from Amsterdam in the Dutch province of Overijssel, Giethoorn has a population of just 2,795 people.

Giethoorn is a quaint village (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

It's certainly a contender for the perfect peaceful getaway, with the charming thatched roof cottages and wooden arch bridges (there are more than 180 of them) making you feel like you've stepped back in time. Sail the canals in the summer and stop off at one of the many quaint cafes for a snack or ice skate along the frozen river in the winter, reported the Express.

Eight remote and beautiful but brutal jobs if you want to leave it all behind

The village is on a canal network (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

While visiting you can rent whisper boats but if you prefer land to water, you can visit the town's museum or stroll the Binnenpad footpath that's like walking onto a film set. Still not convinced? The TripAdvisor reviews of Giethoorn speak for themselves. "It's so incredibly charming to walk along these canals," said one satisfied customer. "Every step is worth taking a break, taking a pic and taking in the charming scenery. It's just so amazingly beautiful."

It is an attractive destination throughout the year (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Another said: "You can travel in boats to enjoy the beauty of the village. The beauty of the journey is amazing." A third raved: "The whole of Giethoorn is very easy to walk and to get around. Most sights are at the main canal. "It's all suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. But it's partly unpaved and some short bridges are a bit steep. Some extra help might be required." And it's not just tourists who rave about it's beauty. It's so pretty it's been named one of the 50 most beautiful villages in the world according to Conde Nast Traveler.

Tim Hanlon