Summer Travel Spots You Might Have Been Missing
Popular destinations tend to steal the spotlight, leaving countless breathtaking places overlooked. Many remain underrated due to remote locations or simply being overshadowed by neighboring hotspots. Yet these hidden gems offer fewer crowds and authentic charm that deserves attention. If you're craving something different this summer, it's time to look beyond the obvious. Discover where you should be headed before everyone else catches on.
1. The Azores, Portugal
Lush crater lakes and steaming hot springs define the Azores' untamed beauty. São Miguel's Sete Cidades and Furnas Valley offer the island's most striking scenery. Whale watching runs all summer, yet the islands remain peaceful and uncrowded, perfect for travelers craving raw nature over tourist-packed resorts.
Guillaume Baviere from Helsingborg, Sweden on Wikimedia
2. Kotor, Montenegro
Framed by a fjord-like bay and medieval stone walls, Kotor feels like a hidden Adriatic dream. Summer adds life with open-air concerts and lively festivals in its Old Town. You can climb to San Giovanni Fortress for stunning views, then unwind in the bay's tranquil hotels.
3. Salento, Colombia
Salento is a vibrant escape, situated in emerald mountains and surrounded by coffee plantations. Tourists often hike through the surreal Cocora Valley with its towering wax palms or join a bean-to-cup coffee tour. Mild summer weather and friendly locals give this vibrant town a laid-back energy.
4. Svaneti, Georgia
Towering mountains, ancient stone towers, and wildflower valleys define Georgia's remote Svaneti region. Mestia, one of the region's foremost towns, serves as a gateway to breathtaking glacier trails and the preservation of Svan culture. With snow gone, summer reveals sunny days and unspoiled charm rarely found anywhere else.
5. Faroe Islands, Denmark
The Faroe Islands are characterized by dramatic cliffs and large colonies of puffins. Summer daylight stretches into the night, making it perfect for boat rides and coastal hikes. Misty mountains and turf-roofed houses offer a fairytale setting, without the tourist bustle of many other Nordic destinations.
6. Puglia, Italy
Italy's sun-drenched heel is home to whitewashed towns, ancient olive groves, and quiet Adriatic shores. Towns like Alberobello enchant with whimsical trulli homes, while turquoise coves stretch along a coastline untouched by overdevelopment. The food is unmatched. Think orecchiette and fresh seafood served in humble, unforgettable settings.
7. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
Wrapped around a lazy bend of the Vltava River, Cesky Krumlov is a living postcard. Colorful Baroque facades lead to a fairytale castle, while summer festivals fill the streets with music and flair. It's Prague's quieter cousin, full of charm, but free of crowds.
8. Isle of Eigg, Scotland
Eigg, part of Scotland's Inner Hebrides, offers volcanic cliffs and the surreal "singing sands" that whistle underfoot. Summer is perfect for spotting dolphins and golden eagles along scenic walking paths. The island remains wonderfully uncrowded, making it ideal for a peaceful summer escape.
9. Jeonju, South Korea
Known as the birthplace of bibimbap, Jeonju blends culinary excellence with deep tradition. You can stay in a traditional wooden hanok home in the Hanok Village, then explore its summer streets glowing with lanterns. While culturally rich, Jeonju remains far less trafficked than Seoul or Busan.
10. Syros, Greece
For those seeking a Greek getaway with elegance and ease, Syros is a hidden gem worth savoring. It stays refreshingly low-key in summer, offering neoclassical charm in Ermoupoli and relaxed tavernas by quiet beaches. The island hosts authentic festivals that celebrate Greek culture without the tourist chaos.
Hans Peter Schaefer, http://www.reserv-a-rt.de on Wikimedia
11. Taranaki, New Zealand
Taranaki blends black-sand surf beaches with alpine beauty, all under the shadow of Mount Taranaki's symmetrical peak. The Coastal Walkway and Pukekura Park shine in New Zealand's mild winter months. Often skipped for Queenstown, it remains a stunning place for summer hiking and nature.
12. Lofoten Islands, Norway
With jagged Arctic fjords and fishing villages clinging to the shore, the Lofoten Islands feel otherworldly. Summer's midnight sun bathes the area in golden light for hours. Paddle between quiet beaches or hike cliffside trails, and enjoy serenity. Despite its growing fame, Lofoten still manages to avoid heavy tourist traffic.
Johannes Groll followhansi on Wikimedia
13. Campeche, Mexico
This Gulf Coast city features pastel facades and a beautifully preserved walled center. Evening festivals and colorful street performances bring life to its cobblestone streets. Edzna's nearby ruins offer a quiet, ancient alternative to crowded Chichen Itza. Warm breezes and fresh seafood seal the summer appeal.
14. Banska Stiavnica, Slovakia
A hillside town rich in medieval mining history, Banska Stiavnica shines in summer. Calvary trails and castle ruins overlook a quiet vicinity, while former mining reservoirs now serve as serene lakes for outdoor lovers. Skipped by most in favor of Bratislava, this gem remains refreshingly calm.
15. Paraty, Brazil
Paraty blends colonial elegance with tropical adventure along Brazil's Green Coast. Its cobblestone streets flood gently at high tide, creating a dreamy reflection of the historic center. Dense jungles and hidden beaches lie just beyond town. Despite its beauty, Paraty remains quieter than Rio de Janeiro.
Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net). on Wikimedia
16. Himachal Pradesh, India
This Himalayan region offers cool summer retreats far from India's sweltering plains. Tirthan Valley and Chitkul provide peaceful alternatives to the tourist-heavy hubs of Shimla or Manali. Rivers and monasteries combine with wildflower meadows to create the perfect setting for both adventure and reflection.
Timothy A. Gonsalves on Wikimedia
17. Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
Found near the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul, Karakol mixes alpine scenery with Silk Road intrigue. You can trek the Terskey Alatau range in warm summer weather, or explore local culture at the bustling Sunday animal market. It’s quiet, full of natural beauty, and rich in history.
18. Sidi Ifni, Morocco
Sidi Ifni's faded Art Deco facades and wide Atlantic beaches exude quiet charm. Surf by day, stroll beneath stone arches at Legzira Beach, then unwind with grilled seafood and ocean sunsets. Much better than the crowds of Essaouira, this mellow town is ideal for low-key exploration.
19. Tottori, Japan
Japan's only desert-like terrain unfolds in Tottori, where dunes invite camel rides and sandboarding. Nearby, the Uradome Coast offers summer activities, including kayaking and snorkeling, among its rugged rock formations. Often bypassed for Tokyo or Kyoto, this coastal prefecture stays peaceful—and surprisingly thrilling—during the dry, sunny season.
20. Prince Edward Island, Canada
Rolling hills and red-sand beaches alongside picturesque lighthouses capture PEI's gentle summer charm. Coastal drives reveal fishing villages and ocean views at every turn. The peak lobster and mussel season draws foodies, while Anne of Green Gables fans find literary magic.
