Mediterranean Summer: Where to Go Beyond the Crowds
The Mediterranean in summer? Not exactly a novel idea. From May through September, this sun-baked stretch of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East draws millions looking for heat, salt water, and little else. But a summer here can mean many things: savoring octopus drying on a line outside a Greek taverna, hunting for a handwoven rug in Marrakech, or sipping pastis as the sun sets over the South of France. With so many possibilities, narrowing down a single perfect spot can feel overwhelming.
To help plan your trip, we asked travel specialists who know the region inside out. Mina Agnos of Travelive says demand remains strong, but travelers are more thoughtful. “People want excitement and variety without the hassle,” she notes. Italy, France, and Greece still lead, but the real finds come when you zoom in.
In Greece, skip Santorini and Mykonos for Naxos, Paros, Milos, and the Peloponnese—easily reached from Athens with excellent beaches and food. Jeffrey Procopio of Audley Travel suggests starting in Athens with a private guide, then ferrying to Syros for neoclassical architecture, or exploring Tinos before winding down on the Athens Riviera.
Italy’s draw keeps growing, but the action is moving beyond the Amalfi Coast. Agnos points to Puglia, Sicily, Sardinia, and the Dolomites. In Sardinia, Procopio recommends a self-guided road trip from Cagliari through Oliena’s rugged interior to the emerald waters near Olbia.
Morocco pairs well with Spain or Portugal. Marrakech offers top-tier spas, and nonstop flights to Lisbon take under two hours. Spain’s coast runs from Costa Brava to Costa del Sol, easily combined with Barcelona’s beaches or a drive through Provence. France’s Côte d’Azur is seeing a glamorous revival with new hotels like Zannier Île de Bendor.
Portugal’s Alentejo region offers quiet vineyards, while the Azores and Madeira deliver dramatic nature. Croatia’s Dubrovnik remains a draw, but combining it with Slovenia and Montenegro gives a fuller Adriatic picture. Turkey’s southwestern coast, from Bodrum to Antalya, is ideal for a week-long gulet charter. And in Egypt, the new Grand Egyptian Museum and deeper explorations of Cairo, Luxor, and the Red Sea are drawing travelers who want more than a cruise.