Where to Go to the Mediterranean in the Summer: 5 Less-Crowded Cities for a Vacation Without the Tourist Crowds

Traveloffpath has named five cities in Southern Europe where you can relax without the crowds of tourists, even in the height of summer—from Cartagena, Spain, to Piran, Slovenia. Among them are destinations featuring UNESCO-listed Roman ruins, Venetian architecture, a Napoleon house-museum, and Greek heritage. Learn more about each of these cities and their main attractions

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Summer in the Mediterranean is traditionally associated with the crowded promenades of Barcelona, the lines in Amalfi, and the cruise ships that disembark thousands of new tourists every day in the ports of Italy and Greece. At the same time, there are still plenty of towns along the coast where you can sit peacefully in a café by the harbor, swim in the clear sea, and explore ancient landmarks without rushing or fighting for a spot on the beach.

Traveloffpath has compiled a selection of five cities in Southern Europe that remain off the beaten path even during peak season. Among them are a port city in southern Spain with Roman ruins listed by UNESCO, the capital of Corsica with Napoleon’s house-museum, a Cretan city with Venetian architecture, an Apulian port with a Greek past, and the most famous resort on the Slovenian coast.

We’ll tell you more in this article about what makes each of these cities interesting, what to see there, and where to go swimming.

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Cartagena, Spain: Ancient Heritage and Affordable Getaways on the Southern Coast

Cartagena—a port city on Spain’s southeastern coast that tourists mostly bypass in favor of the country’s more popular destinations. Here, beach vacations blend with the atmosphere of an old European city, and prices for sangria and tapas in the coastal bars are noticeably lower than in Barcelona. The historic center is lined with palm-lined boulevards and grand early 20th-century Art Nouveau buildings, which look particularly striking against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea.

Photo: Shutterstock

Among the city’s main attractions are a 1st-century BC Roman theater with well-preserved stone seats and stage details, as well as the Casa de la Fortuna, an ancient villa featuring Roman frescoes and mosaics. Cartagena’s ancient ruins are listed by UNESCO and are among the best-preserved in the region. For a swim after lunch, head to Cala Cortina Bay—a small beach nestled between the cliffs. The sea here isn’t turquoise, but rather steel-blue; however, the water is crystal-clear, and there are far fewer people than at the crowded resorts.

Ajaccio, Corsica: Napoleon’s birthplace and city beaches in the center

The capital of the French island of Corsica is situated between rugged hills and the bright-blue Mediterranean Sea.

Ajaccio is best known as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, so the main tourist attraction here is the Maison Bonaparte—the house where the future emperor spent his childhood. Today, it is a small museum featuring recreated interiors from that era and family artifacts of the Bonaparte family.

Photo: Shutterstock

The Ajaccio Cathedral deserves special attention. Its ochre-colored facade glows in the sun, and inside, a lavish Baroque interior with gilding and striking decor unfolds—it was here that Napoleon was baptized, so visitors can enter the baptistery. Right by the sea stands the Citadel—a 16th-century fortress that is still partially used by the military, so a full tour is not available. The best views of the sunset over the sea are from the adjacent promenade. For swimming, there’s the municipal beach Plage de Saint-François nearby—literally just a few steps from the cafes in the center, which is convenient for short breaks between sightseeing.

Rethymno, Crete: Venetian architecture and a beach with palm trees and a river

On Crete, the bulk of tourists are usually drawn to Heraklion and Chania, while Rethymno remains in the shadow of these two cities. It is here that one of the island’s most beautiful collections of Venetian-era mansions, former Ottoman mosques, and narrow alleys entwined with bougainvillea is concentrated. During the day, the city lives to the rhythm of the fishing port, and as sunset approaches, it transforms into a tranquil seaside resort.

Photo: iStock

Towering over the city is the Rethymno Fortress—a late-medieval castle offering a panoramic view of the rooftops of the old town and the Aegean Sea. At its foot lies the Venetian harbor with colorful boats and taverns serving seafood meze. A special reason to visit Rethymno is the nearby Preveli Beach: a river flows through a palm-lined gorge and empties directly into the sea. As a result, visitors experience both fresh and saltwater alongside tropical vegetation—a combination rare for Greece as a whole.

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Taranto, Italy: Authentic Apulia between the Ionian Sea and the lagoon

Taranto is located in a quieter part of Apulia and offers a glimpse into the less glamorous, everyday Southern Italy—without the beach clubs of Amalfi or the crowded beaches of Tropea. The Old Town (Città Vecchia) occupies a separate island between the Ionian Sea and the saltwater lagoon. This island preserves a whole network of alleys lined with old palaces, family-run trattorias, and laundry drying between the narrow houses.

Photo: Adobe Stock

The city was founded as a Spartan colony on the Apennine Peninsula, and its ancient Greek past is still evident in the remains of temples. The MArTa Archaeological Museum houses a large collection of ancient Greek artifacts—one of the most extensive in Italy. Must-see spots include the Aragonese Castle near the harbor, especially at sunset, and the Ponte Girevole—a rotating bridge that serves as a local landmark. It connects the old town with the new part, opens to allow ships to pass, and slowly rotates over the water—an interesting engineering spectacle that can be observed directly from the waterfront.

Piran, Slovenia: the pearl of the Slovenian Riviera with a Venetian flair

Slovenia is better known for its Alpine landscapes and lakes, yet the country also has its own Mediterranean coastline—about 29 miles long. The most famous resort town on this short stretch is Piran. Its atmosphere is often compared to the Croatian Adriatic coast, but in a more compact and tranquil setting, without the typical summer crowds found at resorts.

Photo: Shutterstock

It makes sense to start your tour of Piran at Tartini Square—the central square named after the Italian violinist Giuseppe Tartini. It is lined with elegant Habsburg-era facades and pastel-colored buildings. From there, you can walk up the narrow streets along the old city walls to the parish church of St. George at the top of the hill. This is the city’s most recognizable building, constructed in the Venetian style. You can climb the bell tower to take in the view of the Gulf of Trieste, on whose coast Piran stands—on a clear day, you can even see Italy from here. Down below, near the harbor, a typical Mediterranean scene awaits visitors: fishing boats, cafes with terraces overlooking the water, and leisurely strolls along the peninsula.

A trip to the Mediterranean involves long walks in the sun, swimming, and traveling between cities, so medical emergencies and flight delays are typical risks of the summer season.

The insurance policy covers medical expenses, ambulance calls, hospitalization, and also compensates for lost luggage and other unforeseen circumstances during the trip.

Purchase travel insurance on the Visit Ukraine portal—the policy is valid in Schengen countries and throughout Europe, meets the visa requirements of most embassies, and is ready for use immediately after payment. This will allow you to embark on your Mediterranean journey with peace of mind, knowing you have financial protection in case of unforeseen situations.

Reminder! Insurance is one of the mandatory documents when traveling abroad. Do Ukrainians need to purchase a policy when they plan to travel without a visa, what are the conditions and possible risks—we explain it here.

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