Looking for a summer escape that has it all—crystal-clear blue water, endless sunshine, postcard-perfect towns—but without the cliché itineraries or influencer stampede? These destinations deliver all the magic without the madness.
Think of them as the effortlessly cool younger siblings of the more overexposed hot spots: just as beautiful, rich in culture, and full of charm—but a little quieter, a little less traveled, and refreshingly off the Instagram circuit. No overpriced beach clubs, no jostling for the "perfect" sunset snap—just laid-back beauty and authentic vibes.
Whether you’re dreaming of picking lavender in a sun-drenched field, catching world-class waves, sipping wine at a tucked-away vineyard, or swimming in hidden turquoise coves, these under-the-radar gems are ready to surprise you—in the best way.
Antibes, France
Seen Score: 10
Recommended length of stay: 1 week.
Last Seen: Summer 2024.
Antibes is a solid 10—no notes. It’s one of those places that makes you question why you’ve ever vacationed anywhere else. With its dreamy Antibes old town, sparkling coastline lined with mega yachts, world-class art, and seafood so fresh it basically swims onto your plate, Antibes is easily the crown jewel of the Côte d’Azur.
Think of it as everything people wish Nice would be—minus the gridlock, crowds, and tourist traps. Antibes travel is quieter, chicer, and feels effortlessly, authentically French. If you're wondering where to base yourself along the Riviera, this is your spot.
Start with the Cap d’Antibes coastal walk—a breathtaking trail hugging the sea, winding past rocky cliffs and hidden coves, ending with a dip in the ultra-exclusive Billionaires Bay. Charter a boat or yacht to cruise the Riviera like it’s your full-time job. Back on land, don’t miss the Musée Picasso Antibes—Pablo himself lived and painted here—and the cozy galleries and ceramic studios that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a living watercolor.
Every turn is photo-worthy: vine-draped alleyways, sun-drenched plazas, quaint cafés, and boulangeries. It’s one of those towns where “just walking around” is the main event—and a totally satisfying one at that. For a splurge, grab a drink at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, where old-school glamour lingers (and where Sofia Richie recently got married), or head a few minutes down the coast to Juan-les-Pins, Antibes’ more relaxed neighbor.
Evenings shine at the Provençal market—lobster rolls, savory crepes, and a crisp glass of rosé while golden hour turns the streets into a movie scene.
Pro tip: The train station just outside the old town’s ramparts makes exploring easy. Go west to Cannes for upscale beach clubs and red carpet energy, or east toward Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Èze, and Villefranche-sur-Mer—each more charming as you approach the Italian border.
If you’re renting a car, take a quick 30-minute drive to Saint-Paul-de-Vence—a must-see medieval village packed with art galleries, cobbled lanes, sweeping valley views, and enough Provençal wine to make you cancel your return flight.
Antiparos, Greece
Seen Score: 9
Recommended length of stay: weekend.
Last Seen: Summer 2025.
Just a 10-minute ferry from its louder, flashier sister, Paros, Antiparos is where you go to catch your breath—and maybe a sunset that’ll make your Instagram jealous. This off-the-beaten-path island oozes chic, rich vibes and polished aesthetic, proving that good things can come in small packages.
For daytime chill, Beach House serves up soft sand, clear waters, and a boho-chic vibe—just be sure to book ahead! Head to the southwest coast for golden hour: sip cocktails at Captain Pipinos or nearby seaside spots in Agios Georgios, while boats drift lazily by, like they own the place. Don’t miss hidden gems like Faneromeni Beach and Paradise Bay, where the turquoise waters are practically begging for a di
As the day dims, make a beeline for Sunset, the island’s namesake restaurant, for the best unobstructed sunset views—whatever cocktail in hand floats your boat. And yes, stop by The Rooster, whether for craft cocktails or a stay in their private villas, where you can embrace nature and pretend the island is yours alone.
Antiparos nightlife? Think of that effortlessly cool friend who’s fun without trying. Cozy bars filled with locals and travelers, live music that sets the vibe, and a few select spots where you can dance late—no earplugs needed, and definitely no accidental Paros- or Mykonos-style raves.
Cascais, Portugal
Seen Score: 8.1
Recommended length of stay: long weekend
Last Seen: Spring 2025.
Cascais you later! (Cringe, but we had to.) Just 30 minutes from Lisbon, Cascais feels like stepping straight into a postcard. This polished yet relaxed coastal town offers golden beaches, cobblestone streets, lively plazas, and charming local bars.
Take a dip just steps from your seafood lunch, sip a caipirão (Portugal’s herbal version of a mojito), or watch fishermen’s boats bob in the harbor while enjoying grilled octopus or prawns that taste like summer in every bite. Don’t miss high-end canned sardines—they’re shockingly good—or indulge in rich codfish stew paired with a crisp glass of vinho verde and an ocean breeze.
While parts of Cascais cater to tourists, wander a bit and you’ll find its quieter side: winding alleys, cozy cafés like The Coffee or Euphoria, and hidden corners full of old-world charm. When happy hour hits, grab a cocktail at Hotel Albatroz with panoramic views that might make you Google “how to move to Cascais.”
At night, the town buzzes. People fill the plazas, pubs come alive, and spots like Solo Club keep the party going late. For dramatic Atlantic vibes, head to the cliffs at Boca do Inferno, or escape the crowds with a boho drink at Palaphita Cascais. For a splashier dinner, book a seaside table at Maré by José Avillez, where the ocean practically joins you at the table.
If you have a car, take a scenic drive to Praia da Adraga—a rugged beach framed by massive boulders. And if time allows, don’t miss Sintra, just 30 minutes inland, a fairy tale of misty forests, hidden gardens, and castles like Pena Palace.
Cascais may start as a quick Lisbon day trip—but you’ll wish you’d booked a few extra days.
Comporta, Portugal
Seen Score: 7.4
Recommended length of stay: long weekend.
Last Seen: Spring 2025.
Comporta, Portugal, is the ultimate escape for anyone seeking a subdued summer vibe. Just two hours south of Lisbon along the stunning Alentejo coast, it’s the kind of place that makes you wonder how it’s stayed so under the radar. With its raw, rugged beauty, Comporta feels untouched and effortlessly cool—think barefoot luxury with a bohemian twist.
Getting to Comporta requires a car, a great playlist, and maybe a brief existential crisis on a dirt road—but once you arrive, the change is undeniable. The pace slows, your shoulders drop, and suddenly your phone doesn’t seem nearly as interesting. This is Comporta travel at its finest—no blaring beach clubs, no influencer photo shoots, just understated style and salty sea air.
The village of Comporta and nearby spots like Carvalhal and Brejos are dotted with whitewashed cottages, boutique hotels Comporta, and low-key villas blending seamlessly into the landscape. Days revolve around sun, sea, and sand—claim a sunbed at Praia da Comporta, Carvalhal, or Pego Beach, and settle in. Swim, surf, read, nap, repeat. For the active traveler, gentle surfing or long walks through rice paddies and pine forests offer peaceful exploration—but truly, doing nothing here feels like doing everything.
When golden hour hits, grab a table at Restaurante Sal, Sublime Beach Club, or Comporta Café, where rosé flows freely and house music hums—all while staying barefoot and salty from the beach. For overnight stays, Sublime Comporta and Quinta da Comporta are minimalist heaven—five-star perks wrapped in soothing neutrals, infinity pools, open-air yoga decks, and spas so good that relaxing becomes the main event.
Pro tip: Book early and rent a car—Comporta may feel like a secret, but the secret’s out.
Mallorca, Spain
Seen Score: 7.6
Recommended length of stay: long weekend.
Last seen: Summer 2022.
Mallorca isn’t just crowded beaches and busy resorts—it’s a laid-back island full of stunning natural beauty, charming villages, and unforgettable food and nightlife. For a subdued summer, explore the island’s quieter treasures.
Start in Pollenca, a historic town with cobblestone streets and a thriving art scene, perfect for leisurely strolls and soaking up authentic local life. Nearby, Fornalutx, often called one of Spain’s prettiest villages, charms with stone houses and fragrant orange groves. For a memorable meal, hit Es Turó, serving fresh, elevated Mallorcan cuisine with spectacular views.
Beach lovers will love Cala Deià, a small cove with crystal-clear waters and a boho-chic vibe, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or sunbathing. Add Cala Molí, a tranquil, secluded beach and one of Mallorca’s hidden gems. Beyond these, the island offers countless secret coves waiting to be explored.
When hunger strikes, check out La Bodeguilla Palma for Mediterranean flavors, or Ombu Tapas for modern spins on classics. For cliffside dining, book Cas Patro March overlooking the sea.
For stays, Belmond Hotel Deià offers luxury surrounded by olive groves, while Bikini Hotel Mallorca is chic and beachfront. Low-key nights call for cocktails at Chapeau 1987 or Bar Abaco, while nightlife adventurers can hit Magaluf clubs like BCM or Tito’s.
No Mallorca trip is complete without exploring Palma’s historic center—narrow streets, the gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria, and a mix of traditional and modern dining and bars.
Mallorca travel is all about balance: peaceful seaside days, vibrant nights, rustic villages, and cosmopolitan charm—a subdued summer where every moment feels effortlessly perfect.
Sitges, Spain
Seen Score: 7.2
Recommended length of stay: long weekend.
Last seen: Summer 2018.
Just a short drive from Barcelona, Sitges, Spain is a hidden gem for travelers looking to avoid the party crowds of Ibiza, Mallorca, and Marbella. It’s perfect for a subdued summer escape—imagine Mediterranean charm without the noise, and plenty more sangria.
For peaceful beach days, head to Platja de Sant Sebastià, a quiet spot ideal for slow swims and soaking up the sun. If you want a bit more energy but still no wild parties, Platja de la Fragata offers watersports and a relaxed promenade lined with cozy cafés and boutique shops—no inflatable unicorns in sight.
Sitges’ historic center is a charming maze of narrow streets and whitewashed buildings, centered around the graceful Church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla, dramatically overlooking the sea. Wander galleries and museums showcasing the town’s artistic spirit—all without dodging selfie sticks.
When hunger strikes, check out La Zorra or Fragata for delicious local fare. Cocktail hour is all about chill vibes and expertly mixed drinks: unwind with a mojito or caipirinha at El Pou, sip a Sitges Sour at Picnic Bar, or enjoy a sunset drink at La Sitgetana Craft Beer.
As night falls, Sitges stays inviting without turning into Ibiza’s louder cousin. Bars along Passeig de la Ribera and Carrer del Pecat (aka Sin Street) provide the perfect setting to toast the day—no earplugs required.
Whether it’s a laid-back day trip from Barcelona or a slow-paced seaside retreat, Sitges travel offers charm, sun, and sangria—a subdued Spanish summer that’s refreshingly off the beaten path.
Honorable Mentions
Alghero, Sardinia, Italy
Last seen: Summer 2024.
Biarritz, France
Last Seen: Spring 2025.
Aix-en-Provence, France
Last Seen: Summer 2024.