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No passport required. No elbowing through resort crowds.

2 selling points for an awesome beach vacation from the get-go.

While everyone else is flocking to the usual San Juan tourist traps, travel experts are quietly sneaking off to a pristine, rainforest-fringed beach town just 45 minutes away. If you’re looking for cheap regional beer, world-class surfing, and zero cookie-cutter resorts, here is why you need to visit Puerto Rico’s best-kept secret.

We’re diving deeper into Puerto Rico’s treasure trove for a spectacular hideaway just touted by fellow travel experts as the ultimate paradise to kick back, recharge, and swap resort crowds for rainforest-lined shores in this practically unknown beach destination within an hour of San Juan.

Make sure you double-check travel alerts and tourist fees before your trip.

Luquillo: The Caribbean Haven You Didn’t Know You Needed

Hidden in plain sight on Puerto Rico’s main island, which is typically the gateway for most vacationers, it appears many have been doing it all wrong following the crowds to San Juan.

Those seeking a relaxing escape amongst some of the island’s clearest waters and top surfing conditions should be making their way to Luquillo.

No frills, no flash, and no selfie sticks cramping your space, this unspoken hideout is arguably Puerto Rico’s best kept secret for a myriad of reasons.

But if there’s one clear claim to fame it’s the vast array of restaurants — 60 of them in fact — that have mastered local favorite must-tries such as alcapurrias and mofongo.

This area is known as Kioskos de Luquillo, where not only can you indulge in Puerto Rican cuisine, but also a place to snag a souvenir at ample shops or try a cheap regional beer on a rickety barstool calling your name.

Astounding Nature: Jungles, Mountains & Pristine Beaches

Luquillo is tailor-made for travelers who want Puerto Rico’s wilder side without venturing far from the storied capital.

Days here can be as lazy or adventurous as you want: go beach-hopping between calm, palm-lined shores like Balneario La Monserrate and surfer-friendly stretches such as La Pared, then swap golden sand for dense jungle in nearby El Yunque National Forest, where trails, waterfalls, mountain views, and lush rainforest scenery make the island feel worlds away from San Juan’s untz-untzing nightclubs and hotel zone headaches.

For first-timers, Luquillo is an easy win: close to San Juan, backed by El Yunque, and packed with the kind of beaches that make you wonder why it isn’t more famous.

45 Minutes From San Juan: Easy Day Trips Or Extended Stays

Luquillo can be your main squeeze or an add-on, kind of like my Tinder history, except this town is a lot less messy and drama-free.

Reaching Luquillo from San Juan is pretty painless, especially if you rent a car and make the roughly 40-minute drive east on your own time.

Travelers without their own set of wheels can also book a taxi, rideshare, or private transfer, though it’s smart to arrange the return trip in advance rather than relying on last-minute availability.

Public transportation does exist in the form of públicos, but for most first-time visitors, it’s the least convenient option, as it can be a bit overwhelming, especially if your Spanish is muy malo.

Leave The Resort Bubble Behind: Luquillo Is Real Puerto Rico

With few name brands — only Wyndham and Fairfield — Luquillo is the type of place to ditch the wristband access and experience Puerto Rico without everything feeling cookie-cutter.

While some beachfront property costs an arm and a leg here, there are some charming boutique stays in the $100 range.

We’ve rounded out our top 4 best-value stays in July because, you know, inflation and stuff:

Sam Sears

Sam, our Senior Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 44 countries and written over 1500 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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Planning a trip to Europe but the likes of Paris, Rome, and London don’t exactly make your heart flutter? Listen, as incredible as those cities may be, between the throng of selfie takers and the fact that literally everything’s behind a $30 paywall, we get why some people might want to skip them altogether.

The Old Continent doesn’t need to be synonymous with hours-long waits to get into attractions, or $15 Aperol Spritz, though.

We’re called Travel Off Path after all, so you know we’ve got you covered, and in 7+ years of covering Europe, from the tried-and-true hotspots to the lesser-known gems, we might have struck gold in these 5 truly hidden cities.

No hefty price tags, no tour buses in sight, and even arguably… much safer.

Toruń, Poland

Everyone’s banging on about Warsaw and Kraków, and to some extent, even alternative city-break hubs like Gdańsk or Wrocław, but if there’s one Polish city that’s still nowhere near getting the attention it deserves, it’s the medieval, riverside gem of Toruń.

Blame it on the fact that it isn’t served by an international airport, and the nearest Ryanair base is some 90 miles away over in Poznań, but it seems only nostalgic Poles and curious Germans are making it out here for this picture-perfect, Old World escape.

The Old Town here is easily one of Poland’s prettiest historic centers, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gothic architecture, cobblestone streets, and brick-flanked squares peppered with a few iconic red-roofed landmarks here and there.

There’s the Town Hall itself, an impressive medieval masterpiece that has remained remarkably intact since the Middle Ages, the atmospheric ruins of the Teutonic castle, and of course, the House of Nicolaus Copernicus at 15/17 Kopernika Street.

Yep, the famous astronomer was born in this small riverside city in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, and you can step inside his timeless, stepped-gable birthplace.

For all our fellow sweet fiends out there, Toruń’s signature specialty is actually gingerbread, or the local variation known as pierniki. This recipe has been passed down through generations since it was first documented in the 14th century, and it’s usually firmer, more heavily spiced, and far more aromatic than your average Christmas cookies.

Get them fresh at Café Lenkiewicz.

Average Prices In Toruń, Poland

• Hostel dorm bed: $12–25/night
• Hostel private room: $35–60/night
• 3-star hotel: $50–90/night
• 4-star hotel: $90–150/night
• Boutique hotel/upscale stay: $120–220/night
• Casual restaurant meal: $10–18/person
• 3-course dinner for 2 at a mid-range restaurant (with drinks): $55–90
• Takeaway meal (pierogi, kebab, pizza, fast casual): $5–10
• Coffee + pastry in a café: $3–6
• Beer in a bar: $3–5
• Cocktail: $8–14
• Taxi/Bolt ride across the city: $5–12
• Museum/attraction entry: $3–10

Timișoara, Romania

An overlooked city in western Romania, a far cry from the sea of concrete that is Bucharest, Timișoara looks like it could belong somewhere in Austria rather than a post-communist country still finding its footing.

Out with the clusters of grayed-out apartment blocks and Brutalist architecture, in with colorful historic buildings, Baroque facades, and gelato-fueled riverside strolls that just scream European summer.

Towering above the waterfront, the Metropolitan Cathedral is a towering Orthodox landmark certain to quench your architecture cravings, while Piața Libertății is where you go for quaint cafés, outdoor terraces, and the kind of slow people-watching that makes you forget you’re in one of Romania’s largest cities.

In classic Central-Eastern European fashion, Timișoara has an unrivaled café scene, and Naru, a stylish specialty coffee shop right on the square’s edge, is arguably the city’s best caffeine stop, serving up some seriously good espresso.

If you want something a little more unusual, head to the Communist Consumer Museum, a free exhibition tucked inside the basement of Scârț, a laid-back, local-frequented bar and cultural space housed in a historic villa.

This quirky recreation is probably the closest you’ll get to stepping inside an actual Romanian communist-era apartment without a time machine.

Average Prices In Timișoara, Romania

• Hostel dorm bed: $5–15/night
• Hostel private room: $25–40/night
• 3-star hotel: $45–80/night
• 4-star hotel: $80–140/night
• Boutique hotel/upscale stay: $120–200/night
• Casual restaurant meal: $8–15/person
• 3-course dinner for 2 at a mid-range restaurant (with drinks): $45–80
• Takeaway meal (pizza, kebab, Asian, fast casual): $4–10
• Coffee + pastry in a café: $3–6
• Beer in a bar: $2.50–5
• Cocktail: $7–1
• Taxi/Bolt ride across the city: $3–8
• Museum/attraction entry: $3–10

Romania Is One Of The Safest Countries In Europe

How safe is Romania at the minute, you ask?

Well, how about we put those old, tired Eastern Europe stereotypes to rest?

Romania currently scores an impressive 92 out of 100 on the Traveler Safety Index, based on reports from recent visitors.

As per the U.S. Travel Advisory, it is officially a Level 1 destination, meaning Americans may exercise normal precautions when visiting, thanks to relatively low crime levels compared to many European countries.

Jajce, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia remains a pretty offbeat destination for most travelers heading to Europe, but even if you can’t exactly pinpoint it on a map, chances are you’ve come across pictures of the iconic arched bridge spanning a turquoise river before.

That’s Mostar, one of the most photogenic medieval towns in Europe. Gorgeousness aside, it’s not exactly… ahem… crowd-free anymore, especially after years of social media virality. If you’re looking for the next Mostar before the secret is fully out, you might want to get yourself to Jajce ASAP:

This picture-perfect Ottoman-era town is built around a series of cascading waterfalls, with stone bridges and wooden pathways weaving around the rushing waters, and a peaceful promenade following the equally stunning, crystal-clear Pliva River.

Climb the cobbled lanes to reach Jajce Fortress, the 14th-century medieval stronghold overlooking the city, then swing by Konoba Slapovi, a cozy riverside taverna with a terrace opening right onto the famous waterfall.

Order the Bosnian classic ćevapi, or perhaps some grilled trout, and wash it down with a cold pint of Nektar beer while the sound of the roaring falls provides the soundtrack.

Jajce is one of those ridiculously underrated places only Bosnians seem to know about, at least for now, so don’t be surprised if locals look genuinely confused when they spot a lost American wandering through town.

Average Prices In Jajce, Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Hostel dorm bed: $10–15/night
• Hostel private room: $25–45/night
• 3-star hotel: $45–80/night
• 4-star hotel: $90–120/night
• Boutique hotel/upscale stay: $100–160/night
• Casual restaurant meal: $6–12/person
• 3-course dinner for 2 at a mid-range restaurant (with drinks): $40–70
• Takeaway meal (pizza, kebab, fast casual): $3–8
• Coffee + pastry in a café: $2–4
• Beer in a bar: $2–4
• Cocktail: $6–10
• Taxi ride across the city: $3–7
• Museum/attraction entry: $2–6

You’re Exempt From Fingerprinting In Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of only a handful of European destinations right now where Americans are not required to undergo mandatory fingerprinting on arrival.

You must simply present:

• A valid passport
• Ensure it will not expire within 3 months from the intended date of entry
• Proof of return or onward ticket within 90 days of entry

This may not be the case for many other European destinations you could be thinking of on your next Eurotrip. These confusing rules have already led 44,000 travelers to be denied entry at the border, but you don’t have to share their same fate.

Use the Entry Requirement Checker to double-check the rules and requirements of every European destination out there.

Kavala, Greece

Perhaps the most underrated coastal city in Greece, Kavala has that good mix of Byzantine ruins, Ottoman heritage, beaches, and a beautiful seaside setting that’s genuinely hard to beat. The best part? None of the Thessaloniki or Halkidiki summer crowds.

If you feel like Thessaloniki could have been the perfect city escape if it just toned down the noise, chaos, and relentless traffic a little, then you’ll love Kavala:

It has none of the former’s congestion and big-city bustle. Instead, you get narrow stone-paved alleys, colorful houses with Turkish-inspired covered balconies, and a beautiful waterfront lined with seafood tavernas, cafés, and bobbing fishing boats.

Taverna Koutoukaki is probably one of the best tavernas you can stumble upon in Northern Greece, a cozy, family-run spot in the heart of the Panagia district, serving up grilled meats and fresh seafood.

Their grilled octopus with olive oil, lemon, and oregano? Honestly, worth the trip alone.

For epic panoramic views, don’t miss Kavala Castle, the medieval fortress perched atop the Old Town, and Kamares, the Ottoman aqueduct that still frames the historic core, arguably the city’s most recognizable landmark.

Kavala itself is a great hub for exploring the islands of the North Aegean, being a 1h15 ferry ride to Thasos, an incredibly lush island hugged by turquoise seas, and a hidden gem that maaay just be about to go mainstream.

Average Prices In Kavala, Greece

• Hostel dorm bed: $20–35/night
• Hostel private room: $45–80/night
• 3-star hotel: $70–120/night
• 4-star hotel: $120–220/night
• Boutique hotel/upscale stay: $150–300/night
• Casual restaurant meal: $12–20/person
• 3-course dinner for 2 at a mid-range restaurant (with drinks): $70–120
• Takeaway meal (gyro, souvlaki, pizza, fast casual): $5–10
• Coffee + pastry in a café: $4–7
• Beer in a bar: $4–7 Cocktail: $10–15
• Taxi ride across the city: $6–15
• Museum/attraction entry: $4–12

Ourense, Spain

Tucked away in the quieter northwestern end of Spain, in the Galicia region—which Americans can now fly direct from New York, by the way—Ourense is a small but incredibly atmospheric thermal city that will have you swooning when you least expect it.

As Burgas are a literal gift from nature of Roman hot springs in the heart of town, gushing all the way from the granite mountains to the west of Ourense, where it emerges at almost the boiling point, before it empties into the thermal pools downtown.

You can’t exactly bathe directly in the historic fountains, but there’s a pool right next to them, fed by the same geothermal waters, with temps reaching 100.4°F.

The Roman legacy doesn’t stop there: Ponte Romana de Ourense is a beautifully-preserved Roman bridge spanning the Miño River, and Ourense Cathedral, the stunning Romanesque treasure that rises above the Old Town’s medieval streets, hosts the famous Santo Cristo chapel.

Ridiculously ornate, mysterious, and completely unexpected.

Ourense is also home to some of the best polbo a feira in all of Galicia. If you’re unfamiliar with this delicacy, this is northwestern Spain’s signature paprika-sprinkled, olive oil-drizzled octopus, and you haven’t been to Ourense until you’ve hit up A Casa do Pulpo (get a glass of their Ribeiro wine for some extra Galician flair).

Average Prices In Ourense, Spain

• Hostel dorm bed: $20–35/night
• Hostel private room: $40–70/night
• 3-star hotel: $60–100/night
• 4-star hotel: $100–160/night
• Boutique hotel/upscale stay: $120–220/night
• Casual restaurant meal: $12–20/person
• 3-course dinner for 2 at a mid-range restaurant (with drinks): $70–120
• Takeaway meal (pizza, bocadillo, kebab, fast casual): $5–10
• Coffee + pastry in a café: $3–6
• Beer in a bar: $3–5
• Cocktail: $8–14
• Taxi ride across the city: $6–12
• Museum/attraction entry: $3–10

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

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Summer heat in Louisville can be unforgiving. By August, the humidity feels like a heavy wet blanket the second you walk outside. When Liz and I decide it is time to pack up the car and escape the Midwest heatwave, we are not looking to trade our sweltering backyard for a chaotic, over-commercialized boat ramp.

There is nothing worse than driving for hours just to fight for a parking spot or listen to a neighboring pontoon boat blast music across the water. We want towering pines, icy-cold freshwater, and the ability to launch a kayak without navigating a massive traffic jam.

If you’re exhausted by the gridlock at massive hubs like Lake Tahoe or the Ozarks, we’ve got you. There are still pristine pockets of the country that offer incredible small-town charm and blindingly blue water without the crushing summer crowds.

If you want to completely unplug and secure your peace of mind this summer, here are 5 of the best underrated, crowd-free U.S. lake towns you need to visit.

1. Sandpoint, Idaho (Lake Pend Oreille)

The Vibe: A massive, deep-water mountain escape.

The Ground Experience: Tucked in the rugged Idaho Panhandle, Sandpoint sits right on the edge of Lake Pend Oreille. This lake is visually staggering—it stretches for nearly 50 miles and is incredibly deep, carving right through the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountains.

Because it is so massive, the crowds simply disperse. You get incredible, quiet stretches of water perfect for fishing or paddleboarding. When you need a break from the lake, you can hike the 8-mile round trip up Scotchman’s Peak for a jaw-dropping panoramic view of the entire valley, or catch the lift at Schweitzer Mountain Resort for some epic downhill mountain biking.

2. Grand Marais, Minnesota (Lake Superior)

The Vibe: A moody, artistic harbor town.

The Ground Experience: Situated right on the massive, unpredictable shores of Lake Superior, Grand Marais feels completely removed from the typical Midwestern summer heat. It is the ultimate launching pad for the Gunflint Trail—a 55-mile paved road plunging deep into the wild forests near the Canadian border.

The town itself revolves around Harbor Park and Artist Point. The beaches here aren’t soft white sand; they are rugged, cobblestone shores where the water stays wonderfully frigid even in July. It is the perfect place to grab a coffee, walk the iconic break wall out to the lighthouse, and watch the massive lake freighters slowly slide across the horizon.

3. Chelan, Washington (Lake Chelan)

The Vibe: Glacier-fed waters and emerging vineyards.

The Ground Experience: Lake Chelan is a 50-mile ribbon of crystal-clear, glacier-fed water cutting through the Cascade Mountains. While it gets some regional attention, it completely flies under the radar on a national scale.

The lake is basically divided into two worlds. The lower end near the town of Chelan is heavily focused on an incredible, rapidly emerging wine scene, operating over 30 local wineries right on the water. But the true magic is uplake. You can book a ticket on the iconic Lady of the Lake ferry and ride it to Stehekin, a remote, completely off-the-grid community that can only be reached by boat or by hiking.

4. Wolfeboro, New Hampshire (Lake Winnipesaukee)

The Vibe: The ultimate historic New England summer.

The Ground Experience: Wolfeboro proudly calls itself “The Oldest Summer Resort in America,” tracing its roots back to a country estate established in 1771. Despite the title, it has masterfully avoided the massive, over-commercialized traps of other East Coast lakes.

Nestled on the eastern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, it offers a stunning, walkable downtown filled with classic New England architecture, local art galleries, and small marinas. Taking a historic ride on the M/S Mount Washington cruise ship as it blasts its arrival horn into the harbor is a summer tradition you cannot skip.

5. Bayfield, Wisconsin (Lake Superior)

The Vibe: The quiet gateway to the Apostle Islands.

The Ground Experience: Bayfield is a tiny, picturesque harbor town at the very northern tip of the Wisconsin mainland. It acts as the primary gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, a collection of 21 pristine islands and some of the most striking coastal scenery in the Great Lakes.

The main draw here is the incredible sea kayaking. You can launch from Meyers Beach and paddle out to the famous mainland sea caves, which have been beautifully carved out by the rough Lake Superior waves. Because the lake dictates the rules—and the water stays cold year-round—it naturally filters out the chaotic party-boat crowds, leaving you with total tranquility.

Skip the gridlock this summer. Load up the car, head to one of these off-the-radar lake towns, and actually enjoy the water.

Tyler Fox

Tyler is our Managing Editor and Writer. After spending years reading, writing, and obsessing over travel (while taking trips as often as possible of course!), he aims to give readers the best and most balanced experience possible when exploring the site.

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World-famous for its incredible food, flawless mega-resorts, and direct flights from almost every major airport, Mexico is the undisputed heavyweight champion when Americans crave a sunny getaway. ✈️

There are just two small “buts” that you probably know all too well if you have ever vacationed in major hubs like Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, or Puerto Vallarta.

First, when you are fighting for a lounge chair on a public beach packed with thousands of your fellow tourists, it does not exactly give you that relaxing deserted island vibe. Second, if you want actual peace and exclusivity, you have to be ready to drop upwards of $600 a night at a luxury all-inclusive property.

But do not worry, there is a perfect middle ground. If the idea of an overcrowded resort pool sounds like an absolute nightmare, these three Mexican beach towns are still completely under the radar.

They boast stunning ocean views, incredibly small crowds, and best of all, they are beautifully cheap.

El Cuyo, Yucatan

If you want the ultimate anti-Cancun experience, you need to head a couple of hours north of the Riviera Maya to the sleepy town of El Cuyo. This is where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean Sea, and it is a total hidden gem. You will not find a single massive mega-resort here. Instead, you get sandy dirt roads, brightly painted pastel houses, and absolutely massive stretches of empty white-sand beach.

The entire vibe of the town is centered around kite-surfing, eating fresh seafood, and just slowing down. Because it is largely untouched by mass tourism and heavy development, the prices are a fraction of what you would pay down the coast in Tulum or Playa del Carmen.

You can easily snag a beautiful beachfront Airbnb or a small eco-boutique hotel room without destroying your vacation budget. When it is time to eat, you can wander into town and grab an incredibly fresh plate of ceviche or street tacos for just a few bucks.

Nature lovers will also be completely captivated by the nearby Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, where you can take a cheap boat tour to see massive flocks of pink flamingos in the wild. It is the absolute perfect spot for travelers who just want to unplug, walk barefoot everywhere, and enjoy a quiet sunset without hearing loud club music pumping from a hotel next door.

San Pancho, Nayarit

Over on the Pacific coast, Sayulita used to be the cheap, quiet surfer town everyone loved to escape to. But over the last decade, it got completely overrun by massive crowds, and the local prices skyrocketed. Thankfully, just a few minutes up the road sits San Pancho, which perfectly captures exactly what Sayulita was fifteen years ago.

San Pancho, officially named San Francisco, is quietly known as the cultural heart of the Riviera Nayarit. It has a massive, gorgeous golden-sand beach that is rarely crowded, a deeply laid-back local community, and a very authentic Mexican charm that is hard to find these days. The town is filled with small cultural centers, local art galleries, and mom-and-pop bakeries lining the cobblestone streets.

When it comes to your wallet, San Pancho is incredibly budget-friendly. You can easily find affordable, rustic guesthouses right near the sand for a fraction of what a standard resort costs down in Nuevo Nayarit. For lunch, you can grab a freshly caught fish of the day, pan-seared to perfection at a local palapa right on the beach, for under ten dollars.

You even get access to incredible community projects, like local sea turtle release programs that happen right on the shore. It gives you that magical, laid-back surf town energy without the overwhelming crowds or the inflated tourist price tags.

San Agustinillo, Oaxaca

Oaxaca is already globally famous for its world-class regional food, but its rugged southern coastline is hiding some of the best-kept secrets in all of Mexico. Tucked away perfectly between the much busier towns of Mazunte and Zipolite, San Agustinillo is a tiny, peaceful fishing village that is absolute magic.

The town basically consists of one main road that tightly hugs a stunning, golden-sand bay.

The water here is much calmer than the surrounding beaches, making it a fantastic spot for swimming or taking a casual boat tour out to spot dolphins and sea turtles. It truly feels like a place time simply forgot.

Because Oaxaca is already one of the most affordable states in Mexico, your dollar goes incredibly far here. You can easily live like royalty on a basic backpacker budget. Think open-air, rustic cabañas overlooking the crashing waves for less than fifty dollars a night. You can eat mind-blowing, authentic regional dishes right on the sand for practically pennies.

There are no massive hotel chains trying to up-sell you on expensive excursions. Instead, your biggest daily expense might just be renting a cheap surfboard or buying a cold drink to watch the sunset. It is the ultimate escape for travelers seeking genuine peace, quiet, and the cheapest, most delicious tacos on the planet. 🌮

Be sure to check the latest travel alerts for where you are planning to vacation in Mexico.

Whether you choose the Gulf, the Pacific, or the rugged southern coast, stepping slightly off the beaten path will save you a fortune and give you the relaxing, crowd-free vacation you actually deserve. 🧳

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Love it or hate it, Paris is without question one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Trust me, I’ve been living here for 5+ years now, and I’m yet to run out of breathtaking sights and flowery cafés to discover.

There’s just one major downside—other than dealing with the hellish French bureaucracy and passive-aggressive boulangers—and you probably know where I’m going with this… as the most visited city in the entire world, it can get a tad… overwhelming, particularly in summer.

Between the Insta girlies flaunting their custom beret hats and the long wait lines to get into literally any museum, that romantic French getaway you’ve envisioned can quickly turn into a disastrous Emily in Paris skit, minus the designer bags, whimsical feel, and a stronger stench of sweat and sewage.

I’m a Paris local, and if you’re heading to the City of Lights this season looking for some authentic French flair, I have one piece of advice for you: leave town, even if only for a day. And no, I don’t mean go to Versailles.

France’s true magic lies in the smaller, more quaint towns that have not been flogged to death by travel publications, and where tourists rarely dare venture out to. These feel less like, ‘oh, a medieval church right by a busy thoroughfare!’, and more like ‘this entire place feels like it’s frozen back in the 1500s’.

Here are 5 of the most incredible, Travel Off Path-certified medieval town escapes within easy reach of Paris:

PLUS: We’ve built an interactive quiz for you at the end of this article to find your perfect match!

Provins

Distance from Paris: 59 miles

How to get there: 1h20 train from Paris-Est

Round-trip ticket fare: $5.70–$5.80

One of the easiest countryside escapes out of Paris, Provins is a seriously overlooked UNESCO-listed town that boasts perfectly preserved town walls and medieval-era timbered buildings that look like they belong on a storybook cover.

The town square is picture-perfect, flanked by galleries and boutique shops, and nearby, you’ll find two of Provins’s most iconic monuments:

Collégiale Saint-Quiriace, a collegiate church Joan of Arc herself attended a mass in, and the Caesar’s Tower (Provins), a sturdy, hilltop stronghold commanding a sweeping panorama of the cobble-paved maze below, and the wider Île-de-France country.

If you’re coming to Provins in June, you’ll want to hit up Les Médiévales de Provins, a medieval festival set along the old walls. Think knights prancing about with their horses, jousting, falconry, and costumes everywhere.

Now, for my fellow sweet fiends out there, make sure you swing by Gourmandises médiévales, a medieval-themed dessert shop just off the town square where every biscuit on displayed is inspired by 15th-century recipes.

You can even try the original macaron, prior to all the innovative fillings being added.

Reims

Distance from Paris: 90 miles

How to get there: 50 minute high-speed train from Paris-Est

Roundtrip ticket fare: $34–$68

A small city roughly an hour’s train ride away from Paris, Reims is the forgotten cultural powerhouse that gets routinely overshadowed by the City of Light’s glitziness.

The whole world hasn’t been able to shut up about Notre-Dame de Paris for centuries now, but little do they know France’s most historically significant Gothic queen is not the one by the Seine, over in the capital, but right here in Reims:

Notre-Dame de Reims feels grander, more richly carved, taller, and for over 800 years, it’s where the Kings of France were crowned, from Louis VIII to Charles X.

All the way back in the year 498, it also hosted the baptism of Clovis, the guy that basically kickstarted the Kingdom of the Franks, which would later on become… well, France.

Unsurprisingly, Clovis is not buried there, but in the Basilique Saint-Remi, on the edge of the Historic Center. It may not be the cathedral, but it has an equally impressive collection of stained glasswork, and a majestic Gothic choir.

Medieval treasury aside, Reims used to be one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire. Now, it’s not like there’s a whole plethora of ancient ruins left to admire, however, it does boast the perfectly preserved Porte de Mars, a 1st-century triumphal arch built around the same time as the Pont du Gard.

Check Entry Regulations For Europe Ahead Of Flying

If you’re flying to Europe this season, you should know a lot has changed as far as entry regulations are concerned.

Americans are now required to consent to getting fingerprinted, and having a photo taken for digital registration upon arrival, and real soon, they will also be expected to apply for a mandatory travel permit ahead of flying.

The time of ‘just grabbing that passport and winging it at the airport’ is over. Flying internationally now requires a great deal of advance-planning, especially as a U.S. passport holder.

Check the latest Entry Requirements that apply at your destination, be it France or elsewhere in the continent, on this page.

Beauvais

Distance from Paris: 50 miles

How to get there: 1h15 by train

Roundtrip ticket fare: $23–$34

I just know the name ‘Beauvais’ raised some suspicious eyebrows.

Listen, I’ve been there more times than I’d like to admit: taking that dreadfully-long, 1h30-hour shuttle to Beauvais Airport, Ryanair’s 50-mile-out Paris hub, just to shave $20 off that flight ticket, and to say I’m scarred for life would be a huge understatement.

What most BVA-bound travelers don’t know is that the shoddy, two-terminal airport is in fact named after Beauvais, a hidden gem of Hauts-de-France that barely gets any tourists.

I only found out about it myself when I had to fly out of BVA and the shuttle buses were pulled off due to a strike, and I first had to get on the train to Beauvais town, then the local bus to the airport… and I immediately regretted not having come a little sooner to spend a couple more hours there.

Beauvais has the most hauntingly-beautiful, unfinished medieval cathedral, with its huge Astronomical Clock and a Gothic choir that just happens to be the highest in the world, at 48.5 meters.

The Old Town is compact, but uber cute, with its cobblestone lanes that all lead to the cathedral, and one of its best-kept secret is the old hospital, Maladrerie Saint-Lazare, where leper victims were housed between the 12th and 13th centuries.

If you have time, which wasn’t the case for me, do stop by MUDO, or Musée de l’Oise, an art museum housed in the former Bishop’s Palace.

It’s only a few steps from the cathedral, and apparently they have a great mix of medieval and modern art, or swing by a Carrefour, stock up on your picnic essentials, and live out your best French life at Parc Marcel Dassault, a big expanse of green on the outskirts of town.

Honfleur

Distance from Paris: 122 miles

How to get there: 2 hour train from Paris Saint-Lazare to Deauville + 20 minute bus to Honfleur

Roundtrip ticket fare: $57–$114

Honfleur doesn’t exactly scream hidden gem anymore—it’s one of those places Parisians themselves love to name-drop when the sun comes out—but it somehow still manages to feel like a local secret, and authentically French once you’re actually there.

I visit different parts of Normandy every year, and whether I’m headed to the D-Day beaches or the coastal stretch between Deauville and Étretat, you can rest assured a pit stop in Honfleur is in the cards.

This is not just another pretty harbor town; it’s the harbor town. It has a whole cluster of tall, skinny houses in muted, weathered pastel tones arranged around a medieval marina, or Vieux Bassin, and between the bobbing boats and the reflection of the buildings on the water, the whole thing looks almost surreal.

Or as if someone carefully staged it for a painting… which, as it turns out, they sort of did.

Honfleur is the effective birthplace of Impressionism, where artists Monet and Boudin spent hours obsessing over that soft, early-evening golden glow, waterfront reflections, and those big, blue Normandy skies.

Walking around the Old Town feels like stepping into a painting: endlessly charming cobbled lanes, half-timbered abodes, and cozy art galleries tucked into basically every corner. My favorite thing to do in Honfleur, you ask?

Well, other than paying the unique Église Sainte-Catherine a visit, a wooden church built by shipbuilders and the oldest surviving timber structure of its kind in France, I just have to pop round one of the waterfront terraces and get my dish of fresh oysters and moules frites overlooking the harbor.

Wondering how safe is France at the minute? Their passive-agressiveness aside, we do love our frog-eating friends, but if there’s one thing they love other than their larger-than-your-head baguettes and complaining is… a good old-fashioned strike.

Check Travel Alerts Before Flying Abroad

Year in, year out, travelers headed to France are faced with major travel disruption due to protests, or a sudden political upheaval that throws the entire country into turmoil.

The best way to anticipate major events is checking constantly the latest travel alerts issued to the Traveler Dashboard, and verify the actual safety levels on the ground on the Traveler Safety Index, whose score is based off of visitors’ own reports.

Right now, France scores a decent 86 out of 100:

Chartres

Distance from Paris: 56 miles

How to get there: 1 hour train

Roundtrip ticket fare: $24–$36

File this under “best cathedral day trip from Paris, no contest”:

Dominated by a UNESCO-listed Gothic masterpiece—one of the very first churches ever awarded World Heritage status—Chartres Cathedral feels like Paris before the 19th-century development boom and mass tourism absolutely did its thing and changed it for good.

Chartres Cathedral may be the star of the show, with its mismatched spires and ridiculous display of stained glass, but the real magic kicks in once you step outside. Most tourists hop off the train, beeline straight to the cathedral, snap a few pics, and call it a day.

After you say your little silent prayer, don’t leg it just yet.

The Old Town spills out from the cathedral square in a maze of stone-laden streets and timbered houses, market squares lined with weeping willows, and stone bridges stretching over the scenic Eure River.

It’s not just a half-day box-tick. It’s a full-on medieval time warp.

Whenever things get a bit much in my 15th arrondissement Paris nook, and I need a change of scenery, Chartres is where I go to catch a proper breather, particularly around the “Lower Town” area, where you’ll find old washhouses along the riverbank and barely another soul in sight.

Keep it simple: grab a pastry from Maison Lemaire—I’m partial to their chaussons aux pommes—wander aimlessly, and let the cathedral drift in and out behind a row of rooftops, then reappear again down the next alley. It’s got a habit of following you around, no matter where you end up.

For those sticking around into the evening, stay put for Chartres en Lumières, a summertime event where over 20 landmarks across the city get lit up with artistic projections. The whole place turns into an open-air light show, and believe it or not, it still manages to feel charmingly understated rather than touristy.

Now take this quiz to find your perfect medieval match!

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

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Mass tourism has been a real menace.

I know someone who recently let his intrusive thoughts win, rhetorically asking if there’s even an ethical way to be a tourist anymore.

Hippy-dippy stuff aside, yes, there is — and it starts with doing just a teeny-weeny bit more research instead of jam-packing the same already-overflowing destinations to the gills.

The truth is, there are thousands of places across the world that still want to welcome you with open arms — and you don’t have to be a “local” to do so.

A short hop from Athens is an astonishingly beautiful island locals have kept tight-lipped about for years.

Whether we’re the good guys or the bad guys for revealing it, we’re stoked to introduce Greece’s “anti-Santorini” — a blue-and-white dreamscape with less-packed alleyways, quieter beaches, and far more palatable prices.

Be sure to check the latest Travel Alerts & Entry Requirements before your trip.

Kythnos Boasts More Than 50 Beaches With No Crowds

Greece might as well not exist for half the year, as most travelers scope out its whitewashed islands in the literal heat of summer.

Of course, Santorini is the mecca, sitting fat and happy atop just about every traveler’s wishlist despite its bank-draining prices and elbow-to-elbow maze of alleyways where everyone is after the same snapshot of blue-domed churches and caldera views.

As we’ve reported over the years and continue to preach — without passing the Joel Osteen collection plate — there are numerous other islands that will have you forgetting all about Santorini before you even check in to your hotel.

If you want to quite possibly be the only tourist at any given time, at certain beaches, Kythnos is just the place.

There are more than 50 beaches packed into this rather small, lesser-known island.

According to TripAdvisor, these are the top 5 to scope out for your next Greek adventure:

1. Kolona Beach:
2. Apokrousi Beach
3. Gaidouromantra Beach
4. Lefkes Beach
5. Skilou Beach

You might be wondering why the third best is bolded, and we’re glad we read your mind.

Despite being ranked #1, Gaidouromantra, a name I hope to never spell again, actually holds the most rave reviews for its “clear waters”, “virgin environment”, and lack of people, overall.

It’s your own little slice of paradise you didn’t know existed.

As for the above photo of the double-sided beach, a rare place where you wish you had eyes in the back of your head, that’s Kolona Beach.

You can easily see why it’s ranked first.

A Quick Zip From Athens

You’ve made it Europe, all the way to Greece, so now you might be in the mood for a jaunt in a jiffy.

Athens is one of Europe’s most well-connected cities, but it’s all but obligatory to hop aboard a boat in one form or another with so many inviting islands nearby.

Kythnos is one of the most accessible from Greece’s largest hub and bustling capital, which is surely one of those places packed to the gills with crowds, with so many storied landmarks drawing travelers in worldwide.

To escape those crowds, you can simply head southeast to Lavrio port.

The crossing takes approximately 1 hour by speedboat or about 1 and a half hours by conventional ferry for under $20, which is another reason so many locals favor Kythnos as their go-to tourist-free hideaway.

It’s Not All Beaches: Enjoy Similar Santorini Vibes 💙🤍

If you’ve stuck with us this far, you might be wondering “where are the Greek vibes?”.

We get it — some of Kythnos’s beaches are isolated, so it may appear at first glance like it’s a desolate island with no dreamy townscape to wander.

That’s not the case…

Kythnos’ main town is Chora (also known as Mesaria), and it delivers the Cycladic charm travelers seek in Santorini — you know, whitewashed buildings, cobblestone lanes, blue-painted decor, open shutters, quaint churches, floral-draped tavernas, and shops tucked along the main street.

You won’t bat an eye at prices here, whether it’s arriving by boat or staying a while. Unlike the triple-digit rates in Santorini, you can find cozy digs like Kythnos Bay for just $75 in July, which can be booked here.

How Safe Is Greece To Visit This Summer?

Greece is largely viewed as a haven for tourists throughout summer, even though Athens gritty graffiti-lined streets might persuade you otherwise.

According to our Safety Index, the current safety score rated by fellow travelers like you and me sits at an impressive 89/100:

Sam Sears

Sam, our Senior Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 44 countries and written over 1500 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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Forget the Amalfi Coast and the $400-a-night villas, Mallorca with the distasteful Brit-led stag dos, and Mykonos’ surging cruising hordes—now with Emily i̶n̶ ̶P̶a̶r̶i̶s̶ in Greece approaching, to say that godforsaken island is crowded would be an understatement.

Mediterranean summers are all about kicking it back on a pebbly beach, admiring the views of a stone-built harbour town in the distance, and gorging on fresh seafood that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg just because it’s presented nicely, all plucked out, cut up, and drizzled with olive oil by a ceramic vase.

If you’re hoping for the purest, most unfiltered form of European summer, where waiters’ smiles come across as genuine, not as a hungry ploy for your generous American tips, long summer days seem to drag on as much as your back-pocket Colleen Hoover book, and life truly unfolds at a slow pace, we’ve got the line-up that might just do the trick.

Here are 3 of the dreamiest, truly off-the-beaten-path Mediterranean paradises both for cheap prices and less chaos:

PLUS: We’ve created an interactive quiz for you at the end of this article to find out which one is perfect for you!

Folegandros, Greece

Speak of the devil, if the Emily in Paris buzz is everything you don’t want to be crossing paths with this summer, you will do well to steer clear of Mykonos, and hop off at this smaller island that’s probably Greece’s best-kept secret.

Hidden in plain sight in the heart of the Cyclades, sort of halway between the world-famous Santorini and Milos, Folegandros has all the whitewashed-town and blue dome action you might want, minus the chaos of it all.

The main settlement, Chora, is probably one of the most picturesque in the entire Cyclades, with its cluster of white, cubic houses and shaded piazzas at the foot of a Byzantine monastery. One you can only get to climbing up the zigzag stone steps, by the way, and let me tell you, Oia Castle sunsets can’t hold a candle to the the view you get up here.

The coolest thing about Folegandros?

This is a rugged, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it pocket-sized island, measuring only 20 miles long and a little over 2 miles at its widest point.

If you’re not averse to long walks, you can actually hike down to many of the beaches starting from Chora, including Agali Beach (roughly 50 minutes) and Agios Nikolaos Beach (1h15-ish).

Average Prices In Folegandros, Greece

• Takeaway meal (gyro/souvlaki): $5–$9
• 3-course meal in a local taverna: $33–$53 per person
• 3-star hotel (per night): $100–$175 depending on season
• Luxury hotel (per night): $185–$305+
• Public transport fare (one-way bus): $2.30–$3.50
• Taxi fare (per square mile): about $1.25–$2*

*There aren’t that many taxis available in Folegandros. Most of the local transportation is arranged via your accommodation provider or the local minivan system.

Gozo, Malta

Malta is within easy reach of Americans this summer thanks to Delta’s new nonstop flights to the tiny island-state, but if absolute relaxation and that slow-paced Southern European living is what you seek, maybe give resort hotspots St. Julian’s and Golden Bay a miss.

Take the 25-minute ferry crossing to Gozo instead. One of my personal all-time favorite Med islands, it feels like Malta before the stag-do Brits and beer buff Germans discovered it.

Malta is pretty tiny, stretching for about 17 miles wide and 27 long, but Gozo is even smaller, at only 9 x 4 miles, and it has everything its bigger, more-famous sister has, minus the usual holidaying masses.

It feels more rural, unspoiled, Maltese without the colonial-British inflection, and as far as fairytale towns go, I mean, ever heard of Victoria? Or how locals call it in their Maltese language, Rabat:

The capital of Gozo, this inland city surrounded by walls is a Baroque fever dream, with the ocher-colored buildings, cobble-paved lanes, and a hilltop citadel to top it off.

Victoria/Rabat’s a true charmer, but Gozo’s main appeal actually lies in its largely undeveloped coastline. Head down to the Inland Sea for Blue Lagoon-like crystal-clear waters, yet a far more exclusive setting, or Ramla Bay, a red-sanded strip hugged by azure seas.

Average Prices For Gozo, Malta

• Takeaway meal (pastizzi or ftira): $4–$9
• 3-course meal in a local restaurant: $27–$49 per person
• 3-star hotel (per night): $90–$130
• Luxury hotel (per night): $235–$320
• Public transport fare (one-way bus ticket): $2.30–$2.90
• Taxi fare (per square mile): around $1.60–$2.60*

*Averages are drawn from Malta’s nationwide taxi pricing, though Gozo might be marginally cheaper due to the shorter distances.

How Safe Is Europe Right Now?

Before the third and final Med gem, we do need to acknowledge your safety concerns in flying to Europe this summer. Yes, we’ve seen the viral pickpocket videos too.

The thing is, if Malta’s your destination, you have very little, if anything to worry about. No, we wouldn’t leave items unattended on any beach anywhere, but if you are forgetful and it does happen on occasion, chances are they’ll be left untouched.

Malta is a Level 1 destination, as verified by the U.S. Department of State, and if wordy expert advice’s not your thing, you can always trust the people instead. Vox Populi, Vox Dei.

The island-nation scores a near-perfect 89 out of 100 on the Traveler Safety Index, based on reports by travelers on the ground.

A Little Intermission

Thinking of island-hopping around sun-drenched Europe this summer?

Travel rules around the Old Continent are changing every year, and if you’re due to land across the pond in the next few months, you can expect mandatory fingerprinting, biometric scans, and a bunch of new bureaucratic hurdles that you didn’t have to navigate before.

This may include a new mandatory travel permit as soon as September.

Before you head to the airport, run a little destination check on the Entry Requirement Checker in advance, and save yourself the hassle of being straight-out denied boarding at the gate.

Now back to that Mediterranean paradise we promised.

Budva, Montenegro

Montenegro is one of only a handful of European countries Americans can visit this summer without getting fingerprinted or photographed upon entry, so it’s only natural it shot up in popularity in recent months.

Back to Montenegro, there are about a dozen different deeply historical, timeless coastal towns to pick from, though if we were to pick a favorite, Budva would topple the overly touristy Kotor and Tivat by a mile.

It’s not some hidden gem, per se, with Germans, Poles, and even Russians flocking here in summer for their long-awaited sunny break.

Regardless, it feels strikingly authentic, and it still carries that unmistakable Adriatic soul and flair, while most of its same-sea counterparts have pretty much traded in for profit.

The belfry-topped, walled Old Town is absolutely gorgeous, and it’s right by the sea too, and there’s some wildly different beaches within walking distance of the main piazza, like Mogren Beach and Richardova Glava. For a no-frills, virgin-pebble, truly relaxed experience, you might want to stick to the former.

Average Prices In Budva, Montenegro

• Takeaway meal (burek or pljeskavica): $3–$9
• 3-course meal in a local restaurant: $17–$33 per person)
• 3-star hotel (per night): around $77–$132 depending on season
• Luxury hotel (per night): $330–$770
• Public transport fare (one-way local bus): $1.30–$4.50
• Taxi fare (per square mile): around $1–$2.40

Now take this quiz to find your perfect match!

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

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If we told you Southern Living spotlighted a barrier island off North Carolina’s mainland where the water can shimmer Turks & Caicos-blue under the right conditions, would you believe it?

Much of the Carolina coastline tends to be “mid” as I think the kids are still saying, however, there’s one bright spot that’s just like Florida year-round, and occasionally leveling up to Caribbean blue under the right conditions.

But we’ll save the science of random weather phenomena for another day…

Emerald Isle is just that — an emerald gem that makes for the perfect alternative to Florida given how under-hyped it is.

As we all know, the Sunshine State sees everyone from full-fledged family vacations, honeymoons, to new retirees ready to burn through their pension. North Carolina is an underrated beach state, especially with yet-to-be ruined paradises like Emerald Isle.

Be sure to double-check Travel Alerts and Safety Levels before your trip.

Gin-Clear Water & Pristine “White” Sand

Look, we’re not saying Southern Living needs a color-blind test; what we’re saying is Emerald Isle does not have “white sand” like you envision.

It’s not The Maldives, nor is it Siesta Key. 

It’s somewhere in between on the scales, but a vibrant off-white nonetheless.

Along NC’s Crystal Coast, you’ll find numerous hideaways not often touted as top vacation spots, but Emerald Isle is the crown jewel as its fully equipped to be your next sunny vacay — and one you don’t have to talk yourself into enjoying after paying a hefty price just to be welcomed by murky waters.

Here, waters are gin-clear. Whether you swim, snorkel, or book a boat, the Florida vacay you were considering beforehand will become a distant thought.

There’s always next year.

No Crowds & Small-Town Charm

Emerald Isle offers visitors and locals alike 12 miles of blissful shoreline.

While many of Florida’s popular getaways offer miles and miles of vivid Atlantic waters as well, it’s harder to find prime real estate that has yet to be spoiled by, well, all of us.

Emerald Isle is far from a household name.

You can expect far fewer footprints than most of Florida, and even some of North Carolina’s beaches like the ever-so-trendy Outer Banks.

Best of all, this gorgeous island is unpretentious, feeling more neighborhoody with its tight-knit community than rows of high-rise condos and name-brand hotels.

Sure, that’s nice sometimes, but it’s equally enjoyable to take it down a notch and save your Bonvoy points, or whatever it may be, for a rainy day down the line.

Besides ample beach days ahead, you can savor local shops, down-home restaurants, lush parks, a water park for the kiddos, and the Emerald Isle Woods Park trail system to enjoy another aspect of the isle’s nature.

How Affordable Is It To Vacation Here?

Assuming you rented a car or road-tripped here, your first expense besides inflated gasoline will be an official beach permit for a minimum of $10, so you can drive on the beach without any hassles.

Next up, you’re going to want a place to stay, right?

No worries — we got you covered.

You have a few awesome options, including a name-brand all-suites property — Best Western’s Lighthouse Suites, within walking distance from the beach, if you don’t want to pack up the car and score front-row parking at low tide.

Rates are consistently in the $180s throughout summer. Truthfully, it’s going to be tough to find double-digit rates over the next few months anywhere in town.

As for rentals, hotels are still the way to go unless you absolutely need more space. Airbnb data shows average summer prices around $312 per night in June, $345 in July, and $305 in August.

According to Travel + Leisure, seafood is a must while you’re in town. What better way to indulge than tacos at Thirsty Surfer‘s food truck.

It’s a cash-only hole-in-the-wall, but it won’t break the bank.

If you were thinking of staying here long-term, it’s reported that Emerald Isle’s 2026 cost of living is $2618 per month.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Senior Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 44 countries and written over 1500 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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We’re not here to discuss whether climate change is truly humanity’s greatest woe or not, but we guess we can all agree these summers are getting unbearably hotter each passing year…

Especially in the sun-scorched Mediterranean.

Listen, we love a little Greek island hopping and scenic Amalfi drives ourselves, but not when it’s over 90 degrees out and it’s barely 11 in the morning, and that shoddy, overpriced guesthouse you booked can’t even get their AC unit to function.

All of this to say, we might be giving Southern Europe a miss this year.

Instead, we’re heading all the way north, where it’s still cozy and warm to be out in shorts (and maybe a light sweater for when the coastal winds start blowing), but at least you won’t be fighting for dear life under an unforgiving sun, nor increasing your skin cancer risks by twentyfold.

Here are 5 genuinely-cool, both literally and figuratively, Eurosummer spots to check out within the next few months:

PLUS: We’ve created an interactive quiz for you at the end of this article to find your perfect match!

Flåm, Norway

• Average highest temperature: 54°F
• Average lowest temperature: 42°F
• Average rainy days in summer: 18 per month

A tiny village in southwestern Norway, located at the innermost end of Aurlandsfjord, Flåm is the unofficial ‘fjord capital‘ of the country.

It’s obviously directly on a fjord, with Nordic-style spas and cute little heritage hotels straddling the water, but what you may not know is that Aurland is only a small branch of the much more vast Sognefjord, Norway’s largest and deepest.

A short drive out of town will take you to Stegastein, a viewpoint that juts out high above the winding waterways, or if you’ve packed your walking shoes, Brekkefossen is a trailhead passing cascading waterfalls and offering the most insanely beautiful mountain views.

Viewpoints and scenic wooden-built hamlets aside, Flåm’s must-do activity is the Flåm Railway:

Rattling up the glacial Hardangervidda plateau, it connects the fjord village to the mountaintop settlement of Myrdal, and it even stops for a few minutes at intermediate stops so you can get the perfect panoramic selfie.

The best thing about visiting Norway this summer? Unlike most of (Western) Europe, it remains relatively safe and low-risk for American travelers.

U.S. authorities officially consider it a Level 1 destination, meaning Americans have very little, if anything, to worry about when traveling around the country, and it currently scores an impressive 85/100 on the Traveler Safety Index:

Certified-safe as Norway may be, there may still be travel alerts applying to different parts of the country, especially this far west in the fjords, where nature and climate conditions is everything but predictable.

That’s why it’s paramount, whether you’re Norway-bound or anywhere else, to do a quick destination check on the Travel Advisory Checker in the days leading up to your departure.

Shetland, Scotland

• Average highest temperature: 59°F
• Average lowest temperature: 50°F
• Average rainy days in summer: 16–18 per month

The Shetland archipelago is Scotland’s northernmost collective of islands, lying some 110 miles from Great Britain proper, and it’s one of the wildest, most remote, culturally-distinct destinations you could visit across the pond.

There are numerous islands to explore, and so very little time, though if you’re flying out all this way, you might want to spend the longest on the Shetland Mainland, or the largest landmass.

It actually feels more Nordic than Scottish in some ways, with treeless landscapes, tiny villages, and huge skies.

Lerwick is the main town and best base to stay, small yet lively, with a postcard-ready harbor, old stone streets, and traditional pubs.

Where the magic truly happens, however, is when you go off-path in one of those quiet coastal roads: regardless of the route you pick, rest assured dramatic coastal cliffs and uncrowded sandy coves await.

Don’t miss Jarlshof, probably Scotland’s best-preserved ancient site. You can walk through thousands of years of history here, with cobbled paths passing prehistoric houses and later remains of Viking forts.

Just word of advice before you book that Scotland island-hopping adventure this summer? The country is part of the U.K., and as of this year, Americans must apply for a travel permit prior to flying.

Before making any plans, verify the Entry Requirements in place on this page.

Gotland, Sweden

• Average highest temperature: 68°F
• Average lowest temperature: 52°F
• Average rainy days in summer: 8–11 per month

Viking Europe’s truly where it’s at this summer, and if you thought peak Nordic heritage was somewhere up in Norway or in the confines of Northern Scotland, you’re in for a big surprise.

For those who aren’t easily discouraged by long, overnight ferry crossings, you can catch a sleeper boat in Stockholm this summer that will take you to Gotland, Sweden’s top summery retreat, home to windswept Baltic nature, picturesque coastal scenes, and the kind of medieval heritage you thought could only possibly exist in storybooks.

Visby is arguably the prettiest historic settlement in the entire Nordics:

Think sturdy town walls, complete with towers and ramparts that still encircle the urban perimeter, cobblestone streets running along quaint wooden townhouses, and church spires that almost pierce the moody cloudy skies.

It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and your best bet at soaking up that Old World charm without dealing with the usual Mediterranean heat and the whole cruise crowd chaos of it all.

By the way, it’s not a Scandi trip until you’ve had your fair share of cinnamon buns and Espresso House caramel gold chocolate, people-watching on a sunny terrace. You know, a good old, quality fika time.

For the best fika spot in Gotland, check out Själsö Bageri. Stone-oven sourdough, mouth-watering buns, and sea views for days. Best ‘summer-on-Gotland’ vibes.

Saaremaa, Estonia

• Average highest temperature: 67°F
• Average lowest temperature: 54°F
• Average rainy days in summer: 8–10 per month

We’re keeping it Baltic-local for this one. The largest island in Estonia, an already pretty-offbeat European country you’ve all been sleeping on for years, Saaremaa feels like an even-more lowkey, relaxed Gotland minus the hefty price tags.

It’s also remote, but easier to reach from its parent nation’s mainland—bus from Tallinn to Virtsu port, Virtsu to Kuivastu on Muhu Island, bus or drive from Muhu to Saaremaa via the causeway.

Kuressaare, the main settlement, is one of the nicest little towns in the Baltics, especially around Kuressaare Castle.

Think wooden mills, family-run cafés, Finnish-inspired spas, a beautiful sea promenade, and even a hint of a nightlife without Tallinn’s stag do rush.

That said, Saaremaa’s greatest appeal lies in its verdant, untouched nature.

It has pine forests, juniper fields, smaller villages that have barely seen time go by since the Middle Ages, and Baltic beaches with none of Southern Europe’s crowds.

Just beware of the water temps up here: as inviting as those crystal-clear shorelines may be, this is not some island in Greece, after all.

Gijón, Spain

• Average highest temperature: 73°F
• Average lowest temperature: 61°F
• Average rainy days in summer: 6–8 per month

We know what you’re probably thinking: how could Spain possibly feature on a list of cooler-climate destinations in Europe when it’s the hottest place in the entire continent?

It turns out this may be true for the southern half of Spain, but as for the northern reaches of the country, which are bathed not by the bubbling-hot Mediterranean, or assailed by the occasional Saharan heatwave, it is actually pretty… cool?

Gijón sits on the North Atlantic shore, and it’s maybe not how you’ve pictured your Spanish summers to go like. It’s even better:

Swap the Madrid pastel-hue houses for weathered stone façades, Seville’s touristy tapas bars for local-frequented seafood taverns run by local families and their chatty owners, and Barcelona’s tourist-packed Gothic Quarter for Cimavilla, a historic fishermen district characterised by its narrow cobbled alleys and salt-weathered charm.

Unlike other destinations on this list that lie way too north of the Mediterranean belt to double as proper beach getaways, Gijón actually offers pretty decent weather and swimming conditions in the warmer months.

No, it’s not Mallorca, the water remains gelid compared to your average Spanish coastal hub, but on that odd heatwave day where it’s over 86°F outside, you’ll be glad you can dip your toes in Playa de San Lorenzo’s refreshing, azure seas.

Now take this quiz to find your perfect match!

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

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Isn’t it about time we all moved past the Santorini/Mykonos obsession? Look, I get it—there’s something magical about blue domes and caldera views beneath a blood-orange sunset—but Greece has over 200 inhabited islands, and most travelers barely scratch the surface.

Tucked away in the North Aegean, far from the overtouristed Cyclades, Thassos is the kind of hidden gem Greeks almost wish foreigners wouldn’t discover.

Think ridiculously clear beaches, mountain villages untouched by mass tourism, and affordable stays that don’t require selling a kidney just to spend a week by the sea.

More commonly associated with its prized marble exports, Thassos is now quietly rising as one of Greece’s hottest offbeat island escapes, and this may well be the last summer you experience it before the wider crowds catch on.

The Hidden Gem Of The North Aegean

20+ Greek islands in, I have this personal belief that you know it’s about to be one of the good ones when it either doesn’t have an airport, or the airport looks like your average Flixbus station.

That’s when you know you’ve struck gold in Greece, my friends—and when there’s no bloody vegan-friendly menus, but hey, let’s not get ahead of ourselves here.

Thassos does not have an airport, but it is a short 1h15 ferry crossing from Kavala, serviced by Kavala International Airport (KVA), which hosts flights from select EU hubs in summer, and of course, the major hub over in Thessaloniki is a 4-hour drive + ferry away.

Not exactly convenient, but that’s precisely the fact that it is hard(er)-to-reach that keeps it lowkey and authentic, and boy, does this feel like proper Greece.

If you’re hoping to find your local BVLGARI boutique like you would in Oia, or the exclusive, invite-only white parties of Mykonos, you might be in for a major shock.

This Is What Authentic Greece Feels Like

Your point of entry into Thassos is Limenas, the main port town, and probably where you want to stay for convenience—you can easily hit up all of the main sights on the island from here—and the wider choice of restaurants and hotels.

On that note, the gorgeous A for Art Hotel in Limenas, with warm-wooded, carpeted rooms that just exude Old World charm, is only a few minutes from the port and has room rates starting from as cheap as $70 this season.

Limenas itself is your typical Greek port, with a busy waterfront dotted with bobbing boats and backed by a plethora of tavernas, and laid-back beaches you can get to on foot, like Tarsanas. This one offers clear water and mountain views without ever leaving Limenas.

The true charm of the island, however, lies in its verdant, mostly rural hinterland.

A mere 8-minute walk inland from Limenas itself, the Ancient Agora is the island’s main archaeological site, featuring the ruins of an ancient marketplace, semi-preserved temples, and an impressive civic center that tells tales of a wealthy, intellectually thriving classical-era Thassos.

From now on, we strongly suggest you rent a car—which, by the way, will only set you back by around $22–$38 per day for a small economy vehicle.

Check Travel Rules For Europe Beforehand

Before you go ahead and secure those airplane seats, however, we strongly encourage you to use our Entry Requirement Checker to verify whether you have your documentation in order as an American citizen, be it Greece or anywhere else in Europe.

You see, there’s a lot that’s changed this year, from mandatory fingerprinting upon arrival, to a new pending online visa that can get you barred from entry unless you’ve been cleared to travel beforehand.

Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

The Cutest Small Towns In Greece

Thassos is a much-more verdant island compared to its Greek counterparts. If you more commonly associate Greece with Santorini’s barren, volcanic landscapes, you’ll be surprised by how densely forested, fertile, and lush this North Aegean island is.

Tucked away in the midst of the greenery, we have the star of the show, and probably the postcard picture you’ve been dreaming of:

Theologos, easily one of the most charming mountain villages, is known for its centuries-old stone houses, old Ottoman mansions, and family-run tavernas where you can get properly traditional goat without any of the over-styled, Amalfi-imported “primi/secondi piatti” theatrics.

Menus don’t have pictures, the meat was probably slaughtered that very day, and good luck trying to customize your order because you’re “not really a fan of thyme.” I hope the back of your head’s tough enough to survive γιαγιά’s wooden spoon.

Whatever you do, make sure you swing by Taverna Avgoustos and get their fresh-roasted goat.

Just as beautiful, and even more remote, Panagia bestrides a hillside, with cobbled pathways and humble Macedonian-style houses clustered around natural springs and shaded squares. You might want to brush up on your Duolingo Greek for this one, though.

Panagia is also the entry point for hikers braving Mount Ypsario’s hillside. This is the highest mountain on the island, with well-marked paths taking you through pine forests with panoramic Aegean views, and the sunset at the top is truly hard to beat.

For those who don’t exactly fancy a long trek, you can drive up instead to the Archangel Michael Monastery, perched on a coastal hill overlooking the Aegean. It has Byzantine-era frescoes and still-functional monastic buildings that have lost none of their timeless charm.

You see? You don’t need to be jetting all over the world to chase your Eat, Pray, Love aspirations. You can do it all right here on Thassos Island.

Most Beautiful (& Uncrowded) Islands In Greece?

Ahhh, Thassos beaches… none of Thira’s or the Athenian Riviera’s sharp shingles that will slice your sole at the first wrong slip, or fenced-off zones exclusive to Instagrammers in flying dressers or those polo-shirt gits willing to spend thousands of dollars in a daybed package they’ll slap on once.

Golden Beach is the jewel on the island: a long, honey-colored sandy strip backed by green mountains, and that delicious grilled fish served at the absolutely no-frills Thalassa Taverna, right near the water? Och, heaven.

There are plenty more beautiful shallow-water spots to try on Thassos, like Paradise Beach, yet another long stretch of golden sand, and Giola, a natural rock pool carved into the coastline locals have nicknamed the “Tears of Aphrodite,” but if you want to see something truly unique, Marble Beach is where you should be headed:

Perhaps the most distinctive beach on Thassos, it is paved with the island’s iconic white-marble, in pebble form, of the same kind they used to build all those impressive Greek temples and monuments all those millennia ago.

How Safe Is Greece Right Now?

The best part? There’s no pickpockets, imported lackeys, or aggressive vendors to turn your hard-earned, peaceful holiday into a living hell.

I’m not saying go ahead and leave items unattended as you jump in that crystal-clear water, but if you do do, chances are there’ll still be right there where you left them when you come back.

In general, Greece is pretty safe overall. Vox populi, vox Dei, and travelers are currently ranking it at an 88/100:

Going abroad to Europe or elsewhere this summer?

Sadly, not every coastal paradise is as low-risk and safe as Thassos. Use our Travel Advisory Checker to stay up to date on safety regulations and any Embassy-issued travel alerts at your destination of choice.

Is Thassos About To Go Mainstream?

Remember we told you 2026 might be the last year you get to experience Thassos at its most untouched self? Well, we have news to give you, and whether they sit on the “good” or “bad” side of the scale, it’s entirely up to you.

Nothing beats a Jet2 holiday, and with Thassos added to their portfolio for 2027, you can expect this typically pristine, generally uncrowded Greek island to slowly start resembling other parts of mainland-style, mass-market Greece.

The popular travel agency will soon start offering packaged holidays to Thassos, with UK departures landing in Kavala (KVA). As with any all-inclusive vacation deal, airport transfers, ferries to the island and back, and hotel stays will be included.

This is the first time Thassos is being targeted by a major tour operator like Jet2, and probably the first time it gets branded as an easy-access, package destination, so we’ll see how it goes, and whether the 13,000-or-so locals react positively to their newfound popularity.

Either way, it will be a few long years until Thassos gets rediscovered for the absolute treasure it really is.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.