If You Don’t Want to Participate in Mainstream European Travel This Summer, Try Out These Hidden Gem Destinations Instead

This spot is for all of the beach lovers out there. The south of Portugal is not talked about enough when picking spots for a beach vacation, fortunately, making it a hidden gem. Local cuisine, open beaches and quaint Airbnbs are a few of the many lovely features of traveling to Algarve, and it's also known for its great surfing. Many Australian surfers set up shop in Algarve throughout the summer while it's chilly in their homeland and enjoy some fresh smoothie bowls after practice. What could be better than that?

Looking for Croatia without the crowds? Montenegro is a small, mountainous country bordering Croatia and Bosnia, with some of Europe's best national parks. Aside from great hikes, Montenegro also has beautiful beaches that lie along the Adriatic Sea, making it the perfect destination for active outdoor enthusiasts. Don't miss out on the town of Kotor, which has a wonderful old city from Venetian times to stroll around in.

Eze is a village located only a few minutes from Nice, one of France's biggest summer hotspots. Eze is hung on a rocky peak facing the Mediterranean and is a relaxing alternative to staying directly in Nice. Eze offers a peaceful experience that allows for a quick drive to all of the action of the French Riviera if you're interested in nightlife. Spend the day strolling down Eze's cobblestone streets to be transported back to the Middle Ages, and enjoy dinner with a view while sipping on chilled French wine.

Returning to Portugal, the Azores Islands are often referred to as the Hawaii of Europe. Only a six-hour flight from New York, the Azores Islands are best known for their whale and dolphin watching, hikes and black sand beaches. The islands have a very quaint feel and are certainly not filled with high-rises and tourist traps. If you've been dreaming of traveling to Hawaii but don't want to break the bank, look into the Azores Islands for your tropical summer dreams.

Ready to live out your Mamma Mia dreams? Skopelos, Greece, actually had its Kastani Beach featured as a set for the original film, and is accessible by a 20-minute high-speed ferry ride from Skiathos. Skopelos is filled with charming tavernas, hidden coves and gorgeous churches, making for the classic Greek travel experience. Though quaint, Skopelos also incorporates fantastic nightlife into its island that you can partake in after a beachfront dinner. Sign us up!

By visiting the Lake District, you'll be experiencing the exact scenery that inspired so many iconic poets. The Lake District is about a 6-hour drive from London and is perfect for romantic getaways for outdoorsy couples. With over 800 miles of green hills, gleaming lakes and dreamy sunsets, the Lake District will make you want to move to a tiny cottage and cut off all contact with the digital world. Traveling to the Lake District in the summer offers perfect weather to spend time exploring outdoors while finishing off the night by cozying up in a local pub.