You can shut your eyes to avoid unpleasant sights, squeeze your nose to shut out bad smells, and close your mouth to keep the terrible tastes out. But noise is a tricky one, because even the old-fashioned method of sticking your fingers in your ears won’t quite succeed in evincing the clatters and crashes of life. Plus, you’d look silly wandering around with fingers in your ears, (especially if they’re not yours). Whether it be the drone of the drill or the tumult of the tractor, noises can be awful for your mental health and general well-being. So, the last thing you want is to find yourself in a noisy environment on holiday - the supposed perfect retreat for repose. Yet, you’re in luck. In this very journal post, we here at Plum Guide will suggest all manner of quiet holiday destinations where you can avoid the crowds. - and you can trust us, because we are the experts when it comes to this stuff. We’ll take you on a journey to the coastline of Croatia, the vineyards of Tuscany, and the cobbles of the Cotswolds among other top spots adorned with our most beauteous of homes.
Block out the noise in Istria County, Croatia
White and brown rocks next to the calm sea in Istria County, Croatia
If you’re looking for quiet holiday destinations (why else would you still be reading this journal post?), then look no further than Istria County in Croatia. The peninsula juts out into the sea on the country’s Adriatic Coast, making for unforgettable coastal views. You’ll catch hints of Italian in the patter of locals in market towns, while you're hobbling between the cobbling of the alleys and piazzas of such quaint towns as Poreč and Brijuni. In Pula, the beaches are complemented by Roman Ruins, as well as the tall tower of the Pula Castle. Rovinj is also a gorgeous hamlet, known for the St. Euphemia Church on a hilltop overlooking the sandy strands.
White Truffle, Plum Guide home in Croatia
Take a quiet trip to Tuscany, Italy
A large sculpture in the hallway at Gallerie degli Uffizi, Florence, Italy
Nothing will take you further from the noises of home life than the hills and valleys of Tuscany. The tranquillity of it all will even take on a deeper meaning when you’re struggling for balance after five wine tastings in a row. Pop into the towns and cities to see such iconic sights as the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Uffizi Galleries in Florence. Then, it’s back out to the quietude of the quintessential Tuscan countryside, stopping in for a few glasses (or bottles) at the Tenuta Torciano, the Antinori nel Chianti Classico, or the Azienda Agricola Montefioralle Winery.
When in Metato, Plum Guide home in Tuscany, Italy
Get away from it all in The Cotswolds, UK
A country lane by cottages and green plants in the Cotswolds, England, UK
It’s like taking a trip back to a simpler time, when the sounds of motorways and drills were just a thing of the…well, the future. Here, you can enjoy utter silence away from the crowds, as you stroll over meadows and undulating fields. Make your way through the myriad of hamlets and villages - you wont struggle to find cobbled lanes, old-world churches, or pubs. Drop in at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, and spend a day at the Cotswold Motoring Museum.
The 99 Yew Trees, Plum Guide home in the Cotswolds, England, UK
Cherish the silence of Paphos, Cyprus
Tombs of the Kings, Paphos, Cyprus
Paphos is a Greek word that means ‘utter silence’. Not really, we made that up, but it sounds plausible, right? The city is actually famous for being the alleged birthplace of the Goddess Aphrodite. Rummage through old tombs and fortresses at the Paphos Archaeological Park, before unwinding with a trip to one of the spectacular sandy beaches. You can catch a tan while relaxing in the utter bliss of noiseless surroundings - we'll see you there.
Goddess of Love, Plum Guide home in Cyprus
Forget the noise in Joshua Tree
A large collection of rocks with green plants under a blue sky in Joshua Tree National Park, USA
It’s time to head to the desert. In Joshua Tree, you’ll discover one of the most picturesque, other-worldly destinations on the planet. Sprawling plains and unforgettable hiking trails will have you feeling like the only person on earth (unless the kids are being particularly loud). Stay in one of our exclusive Plum Guide homes, and stargaze to your heart’s content to the sound of nothing but a gentle breeze. Snap picture after picture to remember the holiday that finally granted you true peace - something to look back on when you’re back home in the restless city.
Enjoy the peace of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
People at a cafe in a quiet street in Marseille, France
Vive la tranquillité. We’re on the south coast of France, or as you might know it, the Côte d’Azur. As the world-renowned home of glitz and glamour, the French Riviera is packed with star-studded attractions. Explore exclusive resorts and casinos slotted (the operative word) between restful islands and beaches. Work on your tan in the calanques of Marseille, and visit the quaint town of Aix-en-Provence - once frequented by Paul Cézanne, Émile Zola, and Ernest Hemingway.
Relish the calmness of Lake Tahoe, US
An aerial view of trees and mountains by a large lake in Lake Tahoe, USA
We complete our list of quiet holiday destinations in the scenic Lake Tahoe. In summer, hike up and down the surrounding mountains, and try your hand at water sports on the water (where else?). Relax on the shore by the lake, and relish the feeling of being away from the bustling city life. As winter falls, take to the slopes of the Heavenly Ski Resort and zoom through the snow at top speeds.
