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We know what you're thinking, ‘the year's barely started', but if you dream of that idyllic Mediterranean summer across the pond, the time to plan and get those bookings in is right now, before prices start rising as we approach the high season.
On that note, if you hate crowded places and you don't want to spend much, you might want to avoid Europe's tried-and-true vacations: by that we mean Italy's rugged Amalfi Coast, Greece's party capital of Mykonos, and France's trendy Côte d'Azur.

How about taking some inspiration from experts instead?
In keeping with tradition, the experienced team of travelers behind world-renowned Condé Nast has picked their ‘Best Places to Go in Europe in 2025‘, and surprisingly to some, 3 underrated beach destinations have been included, starting with Marseille:
Marseille, France
The oldest city in France and one of our own top picks for foodie hotspots in the country, Marseille is a coastal metropolis centered around a bustling old port and lining a turquoise Mediterranean.

If you're expecting to find some of that French high life and chicness, you should know Southern France, and Marseille in particular, exists in a completely-different microcosm to that of Paris:
Historic neighborhoods like Le Panier have narrow pathways bordered by pastel-colored edifices in classic Italian fashion, while the Calanques National Park, a short half-hour bus drive from the city center, is famous for its secluded beaches flanked by towering cliffs.
Locals are also far more laid-back in Marseille––none of that Parisian reservedness and stuck-up attitude––and everything seems to run on Southern European time, and love it or hate it, multiculturalism is undoubtedly one of Marseille's greatest strengths.

It hosts large communities of Italians, Spaniards, Arabs, Asians, and even Armenians, and needless to say, its diverse food scene lives up to expectations: for an unlikely Franco-Armenian fusion, check out Le Grim'o, and for the best couscous in town, Sur le Pouce is a strong contender.
Athens Riviera
Even if you haven't been, you probably know Athens already for its iconic hilltop temple and its lively Plaka district, dotted with family-run eateries serving Yaya‘s pastitsio recipe.

Something you might not be aware of, however, is that Athens is incredibly close to the beach, more specifically, only 30 minutes, and its adjacent, 35-mile-long Riviera remains a largely overlooked gem for the millions of tourists lining up for the Parthenon every year.
Located on the Saronic Gulf, Glyfada is one of many peaceful beach towns foreigners are yet to discover, home to its fair share of great seafood restaurants (Sardelaki has top-notch prawns), and it's contrasted by a more upscale, rapidly developing Vouliagmeni:

Your typical resort hotspot, it has a hotel zone fringed by a sandy beach, as well as a buzzing shopping scene, not to mention the nearby Lake Vouliagmeni, which the settlement is named after, is a warm-water basin year-round, thanks to the thermal springs that feed it.
Elsewhere in family-friendly Varkiza, there's a long sand strip dotted with loungers and beach bars, whereas its perfect antithesis Anavyssos has uncrowded swimming spots and a landmark winery––Strofilia Estate––to its name.
Arrábida, Portugal
Portugal is widely known for its culturally rich cities of Lisbon and Porto and the postcard-ready, sun-drenched Algarve Coast, though there remains over 380 miles of coast unaccounted for.

One of these patches of coastline the Portuguese have managed to keep a secret for years is Arrábida, 40 minutes south of Lisbon, and a nature park comprising rugged coastal drives, hiker-friendly peaks, and tourist-free coves paved with golden sands.
In short, Arrábida will appeal primarily to nature lovers, thanks to its rich marine life, lush vegetation, and epic viewpoints, and the fact they're on the UNESCO watchlist for Biosphere Reserves.
Galapinhos, Portinho da Arrábida, and Figueirinha are three of the park's most popular beaches, and they're well-frequented by Lisbon residents in summer.
That being said, culture enthusiasts will not be let down, either:

Overlooking the trio of beaches, there's a preserved 16th-century monastery, the Convent of Our Lady of Arrábida, and over in Sesimbra, a trendy surf town on the outskirts of the park, a medieval Moorish castle can be visited.
CN Traveler suggests you stay at Hotel Casa Palmela for its tranquil atmosphere, stunning architecture, with 18th-century tiles and whitewashed walls, and privileged location within the park––personally, we like something a little more upbeat.
In Setúbal, the largest settlement in the area, boasting a big choice of restaurants and a charming Old Town, you'll find amazing hotels for a small fraction of the price, starting from as cheap as $60.
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