Globe Aware volunteers can check out these off-the-beaten-path summer destinations that remain hidden gems, including one volunteer vacation destination in South America!

10 Summer Travel Destinations That Are Still Hidden Gems

BY ROBYNNE TRUEMAN
May 29 2023
THE TRAVEL

Escape the crowds this summer by booking a trip to a destination that remains relatively unknown or isn’t as popular during this peak travel season.

Finding a unique destination to visit during the summer months when everyone is taking advantage of school holidays is challenging. Popular cities like Paris, with its iconic shopping streets, and Venice, with its famous canals, are overwhelmed with travelers during July and August, making them less attractive to those who prefer to get off the tourist trail.

Fortunately, there are still some hidden gems to explore in summer. Check out these off-the-beaten-path summer destinations that remain hidden gems.

10 Kiruna, Sweden
While everyone is heading to Stockholm (which offers plenty to do) for some summer sunshine, travelers seeking seclusion and unique experiences can head to Sweden’s far north in the city of Kiruna, which is one of the less-visited summer vacation destinations in Europe to visit. Explore Abisko National Park and experience the midnight sun.

• Top Thing To Do There: Visit Abisko National Park
• Average Daytime High In July: 17ºC
• Closest International Airport: Kiruna Airport (KRN)

9 Thessaloniki, Greece

The Greek islands are booming with tourism during July and August, so mainland Greece is the ideal choice for a Greek vacation without crowds. Skip Athens in favor of lesser-visited Thessaloniki (which still offers plenty of things to do and see).

• Top Thing To Do There: Visit the White Tower of Thessaloniki
• Average Daytime High In July: 32ºC
• Closest International Airport: Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia (SKG)

8 Berat, Albania

Albania doesn’t get as much attention from visitors as nearby Croatia and Greece, yet it shares a similar climate and gorgeous landscapes. Travelers who want a quiet summer getaway on a budget should add Berat to their list. Not only is this one of the most affordable cities in Europe to visit, but it’s also among the least crowded.

• Top Thing To Do There: Visit Berat Castle
• Average Daytime High In July: 32ºC
• Closest International Airport: Tirana International Airport (TIA)

7 Salento, Colombia
Summer is one of the best times of year to visit Medellín, Colombia, which is among the least-crowded summer vacation destinations to visit. While there, it’s a short bus journey to Salento, a must-visit destination for coffee lovers. It’s also the gateway to Cocora Valley, where the tallest palm trees in the world grow.

• Top Thing To Do There: Cocora Valley
• Average Daytime High In July: 23ºC
• Closest International Airport: El Dorado International Airport (BOG) or Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE)

6 Varna, Bulgaria
Varna is a port city in Bulgaria that offers various things to do and see and is one of the least-crowded summer vacation destinations in Europe to visit. Plus, it’s a hidden beach destination in Eastern Europe. While most people are heading to the Mediterranean for some summer sun, travelers can escape the crowds on the beaches of the Black Sea in Varna.

• Top Thing To Do There: Visit the medieval Aladzha Monastery
• Average Daytime High In July: 28ºC
• Closest International Airport: Varna International Airport (VAR)

5 Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia

Fly into Tunis and discover a hidden gem of the Mediterranean in Tunisia. Sidi Bou Said is a charming town just half an hour outside of Tunis that sits on the coast. Its whitewashed buildings and blue accents are reminiscent of Santorini, Greece.

• Top Thing To Do There: Visit Palace Dar Nejma Ezzahra
• Average Daytime High In July: 33ºC
• Closest International Airport: Tunis-Carthage International Airport (TUN/DTTA)
• Check out the various ways to enjoy visiting Sidi Bou Said in Tunisia before going.

4 Cuenca, Ecuador

Ecuador is an unassuming place to visit during the summer that sees warm temperatures and few crowds during this season. In particular, the city of Cuenca is easy for international visitors to fly into, with plenty to do and see. This spot is among the best summer vacation destinations without crowds and is primarily known for textile making, furniture, and other crafts such as shoes and hats.

Plus, the architecture in Cuenca is beautiful, while its food is definitely something to call home about. When strolling through the streets, travelers can feel the city’s rich history and the indigenous peoples who inhabited the land (such as the Cañari and Incan people) before the Spaniards arrived.

• Top Thing To Do There: Visit Calderon Park
• Average Daytime High In July: 20ºC
• Closest International Airport: Mariscal Lamar International Airport (CUE/SECU)

3 Riga, Latvia

Head to Eastern Europe this summer for lower prices and fewer crowds. The capital of Latvia, Riga, is one of the top hidden gem summer destinations and is a gorgeous city with a medieval old town. It sits on the Baltic Sea and has pedestrian-only streets in the historic center that are lined with boutique shops.

• Top Thing To Do There: Shop at Riga Central Market
• Average Daytime High In July: 24ºC
• Closest International Airport: Riga International Airport (RIX)
• Discover how to plan the perfect vacation to Latvia, Europe’s hidden gem yet beautiful nation.

2 Perhentian Islands, Malaysia

The Perhentian Islands are located in Besut District, Terengganu, Malaysia. The two main islands in this group where travelers will want to stay are Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil. Experience the sandy beaches and blue waters associated with popular South East Asian destinations like Koh Tao and Palawan without the crowds or high price tag.

All in all, these are among the best tropical islands without crowds to visit this summer but are still just as stunning as other beautiful islands around the world.

• Top Thing To Do There: Swimming at Teluk Keke
• Average Daytime High In July: 30ºC
• Closest International Airport: Kuala Lumpur Airport (KUL)

1 Almaty, Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is among the most underrated vacation destinations in the world. It’s starting to gain international attention in the tourism industry, but it still remains a relatively unknown destination for the average North American traveler. This means it’s the perfect time to visit this stunning destination before it starts to draw big crowds in peak season.

The summer months in Almaty are pleasant. From there, it’s approximately 9.5 hours by train to get to Lake Balkhash, the largest lake in Central Asia.

• Top Thing To Do There: Overnight trip to swim in Lake Balkhash
• Average Daytime High In July: 30ºC
• Closest International Airport: Almaty International Airport (ALA/UAAA)