10 Alternative Summer Destinations Gaining Momentum for 2026

Apr 17
3 min read

Some destinations become classics for good reason. Ibiza, St. Tropez and Mykonos, known for their sun-soaked glamour, luxury dining and exclusive beach club culture, have all earned their place in the summer travel calendar. But in 2026, a new wave of destination swaps is quietly gaining momentum. These are the places delivering the same sense of effortless summer style, but with fewer crowds, a more relaxed pace and a stronger feeling of discovery.

A white private jet with gold details flies over a city and mountainous landscape, under a clear blue sky

Image courtesy of Bombardier Inc

Paros Instead of Mykonos

Avg. Summer Temperature: 25°C-30°C

So, where should you be heading to soak up some rays? If Mykonos takes your pick but the crowds have held you back, opt for Paros instead. With its stunning landscapes, warm hospitality and rich history, Paros is quietly emerging as a more relaxed alternative, without losing the Cycladic charm that makes the Greek islands so irresistible.

Saint‑Jean‑Cap‑Ferrat Instead of St. Tropez

Avg. Summer Temperature: 24°C–30°C

If you love the glamour of St. Tropez but prefer a little less of the scene, look to Cap Ferrat.

Tucked between Nice and Monaco, this elegant peninsula offers a quieter, more discreet version of the Côte d’Azur lifestyle. Here you’ll find grand waterfront villas, scenic coastal walks and legendary hotels like the iconic Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat.

view of saint-jean-cap-ferrat in the south of france

Unexpected Alternatives to Ibiza

Avg. Summer Temperature: Formentera: 26°C–31°C | Menorca: 25°C–30°C

Ibiza will always have its place, but travellers seeking a more understated version of the Balearic lifestyle are increasingly turning to lesser-known gems.

Accessible only by boat, wild and bohemian Formentera feels worlds away from Ibiza’s famous party scene. Often described as the "last paradise" because of its pristine white sand beaches and turquoise waters, the tiny Balearic Island is a place for lost afternoons and long, sun-drenched lunches by the sea.

Meanwhile Menorca offers the full summer package: exceptional dining, beautiful boutique hotels, secluded coves and elegant countryside villas.

Azores, Portugal, otherwise known as Europe’s Hawaii

Avg. Summer Temperature: 22°C–26°C

Often described as “Europe’s Hawaii,” this Portuguese archipelago offers volcanic landscapes, crater lakes, thermal springs and dramatic coastlines. Whale watching, hiking through lush forests and soaking in geothermal hot springs offer an entirely different kind of summer escape.

birdseye view of crater lake and surrounding greenery

Swap the Energy of Tokyo for Okinawa’s Subtropical Shores

Avg. Summer Temperature: 28°C–32°C

Showcasing a different side to Japan far from the bustle of its major metropolitan cities, is Okinawa, a beachy subtropical island chain located in the East China Sea all about the laid-back lifestyle. Come for snorkelling and diving, exploring historic sites and sampling Okinawasan Cuisine, a mix of Japanese, Chinese and Southeast Asian influences.

The Seychelles Instead of the Maldives

Avg. Summer Temperature: 27°C–30°C

For travellers who love the romance of the Maldives but want something more varied, the Seychelles provide a compelling alternative.

Scattered across the Indian Ocean, this archipelago lays claim to some of the best beaches in the world. Many islands remain blissfully uncrowded, while luxury resorts focus heavily on sustainability and conservation. Days here are spent island-hopping, snorkelling over coral reefs and enjoying some of the most pristine beaches in the world.

Dominica Instead of St. Lucia

Avg. Summer Temperature: 27°C–30°C

If the well-trodden Caribbean hotspots feel a little too familiar, 2026 is the perfect year to explore Dominica.

Often called the “Nature Island” of the Caribbean, Dominica is the antithesis of the classic beach holiday. This mountainous island between Guadeloupe and Martinique is defined by misty rainforests, cascading waterfalls and volcanic landscapes. Hiking to the steaming Boiling Lake or diving in some of the Caribbean’s most pristine marine reserves reveals a wilder, more untouched side of the region.

Dominica also has a fascinating cultural heritage. It is one of the few Caribbean islands with a surviving indigenous community, the Kalinago people, whose traditions remain an important part of the island’s identity.

Comporta: Portugal’s Answer to the Hamptons

Avg. Summer Temperature: 24°C–32°C

For a chic summer escape with a distinctly European feel, Comporta in Portugal has become one of the country's most coveted destinations, just an hour south of Lisbon. Here, barefoot luxury, farm-to-table dining and sunset cocktails overlooking the dunes create an effortlessly stylish atmosphere.

Porto Montenegro Instead of Porto Cervo

Avg. Summer Temperature: 25°C–31°C

For decades, Porto Cervo has been the epicentre of Sardinia’s glamorous Costa Smeralda, synonymous with superyachts, designer boutiques and long Mediterranean summers.

But Porto Montenegro is having its moment, with a coastline rivalling the glamour of the Côte d’Azur. Built on the site of a former Austro-Hungarian naval base along the spectacular Bay of Kotor, this sophisticated marina village is a yachting paradise, host to stylish dining and a vibrant social calendar.