8 Underrated Summer Destinations You Need to Visit Before Everyone Else Does
The Problem with Summer Travel
We all know the drill—summer rolls around, and suddenly, your dream destination turns into a theme park. You’re fighting for beach space, waiting an hour for an okay brunch, and somehow, even paradise feels… stressful?
I’ve been there. That one time in Santorini when I thought I’d wake up to a peaceful sunrise but instead got elbowed by 50 influencers trying to get the same ‘candid’ shot. Or that ‘secluded’ Italian beach that was actually packed like a sardine can.
But here’s the thing—there’s another way.
What if I told you that you could have crystal-clear waters, jaw-dropping views, and cultural experiences without the crowds, the sky-high prices, and the travel fatigue?
The Solution: These 8 underrated summer destinations will give you all the magic—without the madness. Get ready to plan your next trip before the world catches on.
1. Tinos, Greece 🇬🇷
Why it’s underrated: While Mykonos is flooded with tourists, Tinos remains a serene escape with boho-chic villages, quiet beaches, and an artistic vibe.
Best things to do: Wander through Volax village, experience the annual pilgrimage to Panagia Evangelistria, and swim at Kolymbithres Beach.
Who it’s for: Slow travelers & creatives who love Greek island charm without the party crowds.
Best time to go & how to get there: Visit May–September. Fly into Athens, then take a ferry from Rafina port.
2. Kotor, Montenegro 🇲🇪
Why it’s underrated: Dubrovnik is packed with tourists, but Kotor offers the same medieval beauty with fewer crowds and stunning fjord-like landscapes.
Best things to do: Hike to the Kotor Fortress for breathtaking views, kayak in the bay, or take a boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks.
Who it’s for: History lovers & adventure seekers who want a mix of culture, nature, and coastal charm.
Best time to go & how to get there: Best in May–June or September (skip peak season). Fly into Tivat Airport or take a bus from Dubrovnik.
3. Jujuy, Argentina 🇦🇷
Why it’s underrated: Patagonia and Buenos Aires get all the attention, but Jujuy is a secret paradise with rainbow mountains, indigenous culture, and ancient Incan trails.
Best things to do: Explore Quebrada de Humahuaca, take a llama trek with locals, and visit the Salinas Grandes salt flats.
Who it’s for: Adventure lovers & culture seekers who want a mix of nature, history, and vibrant landscapes.
Best time to go & how to get there: Visit May–September for dry season. Fly into Buenos Aires, then take a domestic flight to Jujuy.
4. Sumba Island, Indonesia 🇮🇩
Why it’s underrated: Everyone flocks to Bali, but Sumba is wilder, quieter, and home to untouched beaches, waterfalls, and rich indigenous culture.
Best things to do: Stay at Nihi Sumba (one of the world’s best eco-resorts), surf perfect waves, and explore traditional Sumbanese villages.
Who it’s for: Luxury wellness travelers & adventurers looking for an exclusive, off-grid escape.
Best time to go & how to get there: Visit April–October for dry season. Fly to Bali, then take a short domestic flight to Sumba.
5. Azores, Portugal 🇵🇹
Why it’s underrated: Think of the Azores as Europe’s version of Hawaii—volcanic landscapes, geothermal hot springs, and barely any crowds.
Best things to do: Swim in natural lava pools, go whale watching, and hike around Sete Cidades’ twin crater lakes.
Who it’s for: Eco-conscious travelers & outdoor lovers who want a unique mix of adventure and wellness.
Best time to go & how to get there: Visit June–September. Fly from Lisbon or major U.S. cities directly to São Miguel Island.
6. Luang Prabang, Laos 🇱🇦
Why it’s underrated: Thailand is always packed, but Luang Prabang is a peaceful, spiritual retreat with Buddhist temples, waterfalls, and rich French-Laotian culture.
Best things to do: Take part in the almsgiving ceremony, visit the stunning Kuang Si Falls, and unwind in riverfront wellness retreats.
Who it’s for: Mindfulness seekers & slow travelers who love a mix of spirituality, culture, and nature.
Best time to go & how to get there: Visit October–July. Fly to Luang Prabang Airport from Bangkok or Hanoi.
7. Bocas del Toro, Panama 🇵🇦
Why it’s underrated: Costa Rica gets all the hype, but Bocas del Toro is its lesser-known, bohemian beach paradise—think overwater bungalows and lush rainforests.
Best things to do: Island-hop between Playa Estrella & Red Frog Beach, stay in eco-lodges, and snorkel in clear Caribbean waters.
Who it’s for: Beach lovers & budget travelers wanting an off-the-grid, eco-friendly escape.
Best time to go & how to get there: Visit May–August for good weather. Fly into Panama City, then take a domestic flight or boat to Bocas.
8. Lofoten Islands, Norway 🇳🇴
Why it’s underrated: The fjords are famous, but the Lofoten Islands are a lesser-known dream for nature lovers—think colorful fishing villages and Midnight Sun hikes.
Best things to do: Kayak between islands, hike Reinebringen, and stay in traditional rorbuer cabins over the water.
Who it’s for: Photographers & adventure lovers seeking raw, dramatic landscapes.
Best time to go & how to get there: Visit June–August for endless daylight. Fly to Oslo, then take a domestic flight to Leknes or Svolvær.
Surprise!!! Bonus Destinations
9. São Tomé & Príncipe 🇸🇹
(A hidden African paradise!)
Why it’s underrated: Known as ‘Africa’s Galápagos’, this tropical duo of islands is a biodiversity hotspot with untouched beaches, cacao plantations, and rich Afro-Portuguese culture.
Best things to do: Hike through Obo National Park, visit Monte Café plantation, and relax at Praia Banana.
Who it’s for: Eco-travelers, wellness seekers, & adventure lovers looking for an off-the-radar, tropical paradise.
Best time to go & how to get there: Visit June–September. Fly into São Tomé International Airport (TMS) via Lisbon.
10. Ischia, Italy 🇮🇹
Why it’s underrated: While Capri is expensive and crowded, Ischia is its affordable, wellness-focused cousin with volcanic hot springs, medieval castles, and lush landscapes.
Best things to do: Soak in Negombo Thermal Park, visit Aragonese Castle, and enjoy fresh seafood at Sant’Angelo.
Who it’s for: Wellness seekers & couples looking for a luxurious Italian escape without breaking the bank.
Best time to go & how to get there: Visit April–October. Fly into Naples, then take a ferry to Ischia.
How to Find More Hidden Gem Destinations
Follow Local Travel Bloggers
Forget the big-name influencers promoting the same destinations—local travel bloggers have the inside scoop on places untouched by mass tourism. Look for bloggers based in your dream destination and check out where they go on weekends!
Use Google Maps & Zoom In
This is a pro hack! Go to Google Maps, pick a famous hotspot, and zoom out slightly—look for small islands, coastal towns, or countryside escapes nearby. Chances are, these places have similar beauty but fewer crowds.
Search for Alternatives to Tourist Hotspots
Over-tourism is real. But for every Santorini, there’s a Tinos. Instead of Bali, try Sumba. Swap Amalfi Coast for Ischia.
Try Googling:
👉 “Where to go instead of [popular destination]”
👉 “Hidden gems near [tourist city]”
Use Instagram & TikTok Wisely
Instead of searching #ParisTravel, try hashtags in the local language or look at lesser-used hashtags like #HiddenGemsItaly or #SecretBeaches. TikTok’s "Green Screen" trick also helps—find creators who highlight unknown locations.
Ask Locals Once You Arrive
Sometimes, the best hidden gems don’t exist online—but locals always know! Ask your Airbnb host, a café owner, or your tour guide: “Where do YOU go to escape the tourists?”
Which of these destinations are you adding to your summer bucket list? Or do you have a secret spot of your own? Drop it in the comments—I might feature it in my next post!
Share this with your favorite travel buddy before these places get too popular!
