5 Underrated Mediterranean Cities With Less Crowds To Visit This Summer

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Enough with your Barcelonas, Marseilles, and Amalfis:

Contrary to what the average tourist might think, Mediterranean summers are actually about slowing down, savoring a gelato on a stone pier as the sun dips over a pastel-colored harbor, Vespa rides through postcard-worthy scenery, and soaking up all that ancient allure without rushing it.

The last thing you wanna do heading to Southern Europe this season is pick a spot that’s, ahem, overrun by cruise hordes.

I’ve had my fair share of European summers myself, 40+ countries and 100+ cities deep, so yeah, you could call me a self-proclaimed Euroexpert. And when I’m craving that Mediterranean magic and laid-back coastal vibe, these are the top 5 lesser-known gems I keep coming back to.

PLUS: We've created an interactive quiz for you at the end of this article to find out which destination matches your style perfectly. Scroll to the bottom to try it out!

Cartagena, Spain

A port city in Southern Spain largely ignored by tourists, Cartagena is the perfect mix of beach getaway and Old World charm.

Its UNESCO-listed Roman ruins are among some of the best-preserved I've seen anywhere in the basin, and ordering a cheeky sangria and tapas in a beachside bar here won't necessarily burn a hole in your wallet as it would in La Barceloneta.

The most breathtaking sights in town, you ask? How about an ancient theater dating back to the 1st century B.C., with surprisingly well-preserved stone seating and intricate stage details, or Casa de la Fortuna, an equally ancient villa decked out in Roman murals and mosaics.

The Historic Center itself is criss-crossed by palm-lined boulevards and dotted with grand turn-of-the-century buildings. If you think those eclectic Art Nouveau facades look impressive in places like Brussels and Riga, just wait until you see how they hit differently by the Mediterranean Sea.

The best part? None of Rome's surging mob.

Craving a little swim after that seafood paella? Cala Cortina is the place to go. This region of Spain isn’t exactly known for its turquoise seas—think more steel-blue, beautiful-all-the-same waters—yet this small cove tucked between cliffs has super calm, crystal-clear water, and way smaller crowds than usual.

Going to Europe this summer? You should know Americans are now subject to mandatory fingerprinting, and will soon be required to apply for a travel authorization to enter the Old Continent.

Before you fly, make sure you use the Entry Requirement Checker to verify the exact travel rules that apply at your destination at the time of your departure.

Ajaccio, Corsica

The capital of the criminally underrated French island of Corsica, Ajaccio is wedged between rugged hills and the bright-blue Mediterranean, and it's best known as the birthplace of Napoléon Bonaparte.

Maison Bonaparte is the Emperor's childhood home, now turned into a museum. It's small, but packed with period rooms and family artifacts, and the kind of unassuming, low-key, quietly iconic landmark that's city-defining.

Ajaccio Cathedral has this warm ocher-colored exterior that kind of glows in the sun, and once you step inside, the Baroque interior really leans into that ornate, Italian-church feel. Think gilded details, dramatic flourishes, the whole thing.

It’s also where Napoleon was baptized, so you can even check out the baptistery and stand in that bit of history for a moment.

Not far away, the Citadel sits right on the water: a 16th-century fortress that’s still partly in military use, which means you can’t roam the whole thing. But honestly, the real payoff is outside it anyway: the surrounding promenade gives you these unreal sunset views over the sea.

And then, right in the middle of town, Plage de Saint-François keeps things easy. Think less wild, hidden Corsican postcard beach, more “finish your café, wander five steps, and you’re in the sea”. Perfect for breaking up sightseeing without breaking stride.

Rethymno, Crete

Heraklion and Chania may get all the attention of Crete-bound tourists, but if you're asking me where you can get a finger on the throbbing pulse of Greece's largest island, I would say Rethymno in a heartbeat.

Though it's not typically included on your average first-timer Crete itinerary, this is where you'll find the most beautiful selection of Venetian-era mansions, former Ottoman mosques, and narrow lanes draped in bougainvillea.

A lively fishing town during the day, and a peaceful seaside retreat at golden hour, when everything softens.

Perched on a slight elevation above town, Fortezza of Rethymno is a late-medieval castle boasting panoramic views over rooftops and the Aegean, and down by the Venetian Harbor, there are always colorful boats bobbing about, and a hearty seafood mezze waiting for you in one of the waterfront tavernas.

Of course, there are beautiful paradisiacal beaches nearby. This is Crete, after all.

Don't miss Preveli, one of the island's most unique swimming sites: it's a river running through a palm-lined gorge, emptying straight into the sea. You get freshwater, saltwater, and tropical-like palm trees, all in one spot.

Safety remains a primary concern for Americans flying abroad, and they're 100% correct in being overcautious. It's not like the world is at its most peaceful state right now.

In order to avoid unpleasant surprises at your destination, double-check the Travel Alerts and safety regulations that apply on the Travel Advisories page.

Taranto, Italy

Tucked away in the quieter end of Puglia—Apulia, whatever you call it yourself—Taranto is one of my go-to spots for less polished, authentic Southern Italy. You know, none of Amalfi's star-studded beach clubs, or Tropea's jam-packed beaches.

The thing I love the most about it is it revolves around an island-Old Town: the local Città Vecchia sits on an island between the Ionian Sea and a saltwater lagoon, and other than its scenic lungomare being an absolute delight to stroll, it's Italy before the Instagrammers came.

Expect crumbling palazzi, quiet alleys flanked by family-owned trattorie, where food is likely to be prepared by someone's nonna in their spare time, laundry lines between skinny buildings, and flashes of real Italian life layered over Ancient Greek structures.

Yep, you read that right.

Taranto was originally founded as a Spartan colony in the Italian peninsula, and other than the remains of temples scattered all over the place, you can visit MArTa, an archaeological museum home to one of the country's most expansive Ancient Greek collections.

Make sure you visit the Aragonese Castle down on the harbor for sunset: it’s one of those spots where the whole place just turns gold as the light drops.

If you time it right, you can pair it with a bit of action from Ponte Girevole, Taranto’s iconic rotating bridge. It opens up for naval traffic and slowly swings across the water, linking the old town with the newer side. There’s something oddly hypnotic about watching it move while boats pass through underneath.

Wondering how safe Italy is to visit at the minute? Here's what travelers have been reporting:

Piran, Slovenia

You probably know Slovenia for its cute medieval towns, Central European style, epic alpine nature, and crystal-clear lakes tucked beneath snow-capped peaks, but did you have any idea that Slovenia also has a Mediterranean coastline? It’s short, only 29 miles long, but packed with charm and Venetian flair.

One of those towns is Piran, or as I like to call it, the Pearl of the Slovenian Riviera. Think Croatia’s Adriatic Coast, just a little more compact, quieter, and with fewer crowds doing the full summer chaos thing.

It’s the country’s postcard coastal town: compact, walkable, and basically built for wandering. A good starting point is Tartini Square, the central plaza named after Italian violinist Giuseppe Tartini, ringed by elegant Habsburg façades and soft pastel buildings that glow in the afternoon light.

From there, continue up toward the hill, weaving your way along narrow lanes hugged by old walls, and take in the red rooftops you can’t see from down below in the medieval maze.

At the top of the hill, St. George’s Parish Church is perhaps Piran’s most iconic structure. It’s a soaring Venetian-style landmark with a bell tower you can climb for views over the Gulf of Trieste, which the town sits on, and even across to Italy on a clear day.

Back down by the water, the harbor promenade has fishing boats, calm waves, and cafés with terraces spilling right onto the edge of the sea. It’s one of those Mediterranean spots where you don’t really “do” much—you just loop around the peninsula, take a few photos here and there, and soak in the vibes.

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