Last Updated on July 3, 2026
With 84 percent of Gen Z and Millennials saying they prefer visiting smaller cities over major hubs and 34 percent actively seeking more authentic travel experiences, there’s a shift away from crowded city breaks and traditional tourist hotspots toward more secluded, high-end escapes.
Add in the fact that cities like Venice, Barcelona and Santorini are already dealing with overtourism, and the smaller city trend works better than ever for summer travel. Here are alternate destinations to major city getaways ideal for travelers seeking seclusion.
Skip Barcelona and Mallorca, Head to Marbella
While Spain’s coastal hotspots continue to draw the crowds, Marbella offers a more polished, relaxed alternative on the Costal del Sol with golden beaches, upscale beach clubs and true Andalusian charm.
Set between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra Blanca mountains, Marbella offers a restful beach escape with adventure close at hand. A key highlight is its historic old town, where whitewashed buildings and cobblestone streets reflect the Andalusian character.
Where to Stay
Gran Marbella Resort & Beach Club is a new 5-star luxury resort at the heart of Costa del Sol, set along one of the destination’s most tranquil stretches of sand with direct beach access and sweeping views of the Mediterranean and nearby mountains, offering a quieter, more refined side of Marbella. The resort’s 135 rooms and suites draw on Andalusian architecture and craftsmanship, from horseshoe arches and intricate zellige tilework to sunlit courtyards and natural stone details.
The Spa by Champneys marks the European debut of the iconic UK wellness brand, and its first location outside the UK. Dining experiences highlight Mediterranean cuisine with Andalusian influence, from Terraza, the hotel’s signature restaurant, to the beachfront Amù Beach Club, which offers oceanfront lunches, sunset cocktails and live music set against views of the sea.
Skip Central Venice, Head to the Lido
Central Venice, renowned for its iconic canals and rich cultural heritage, is just a 15-minute boat ride from the Lido. Offering a more peaceful and secluded atmosphere while keeping the city within easy reach, the Lido provides the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration. This 7-mile-long island in the Venetian Lagoon is a favorite summer retreat for locals, known for its beaches and authentic Venetian lifestyle. It’s an ideal destination for travelers looking to experience summer in Venice like a true Venetian.
Where To Stay
Set along the golden shores of the Venice Lido, Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido is a grand five-star beachfront resort that blends historic glamour with distinctive Moorish architecture and Venetian elegance. Since opening in 1908, the hotel has stood as an iconic landmark, welcoming illustrious guests and playing a central role in the origins of the Venice Film Festival.
In May 2026, the resort unveiled its most significant transformation to-date, introducing a restored Palm Court, a new signature terrace restaurant, and the first wave of redesigned guest rooms.
Skip the Cotswolds, Head to the New Forest
While the Cotswolds remain a classic English countryside escape, the New Forest offers a wilder, more unspoiled alternative just a few hours from London. With its ancient woodlands, free-roaming animals and idyllic villages, it is a haven for nature lovers and those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path retreat.
Beautiful in every season, the New Forest transforms throughout the year, from vibrant wildflowers in spring and sun-dappled glades in summer to golden-hued forests in autumn and frosty trails in winter, making it an idyllic destination year-round.
Where To Stay
Set within 130 acres of Hampshire countryside, just minutes from the coast and the edge of the New Forest, Chewton Glen is a quintessential English estate that evolves with the seasons, offering a sensory-rich escape shaped by nature. The 72 rooms and suites blend classic country house style with contemporary comfort, alongside 14 elevated Treehouses that provide a secluded woodland retreat with private concierge service.
In 2025, the estate unveiled a full refurbishment of its core dining spaces, including a reimagined Dining Room, bar and afternoon tea offering. The award-winning spa provides a serene retreat with hydrotherapy, holistic treatments and fitness facilities, complemented by a range of countryside activities and family-friendly experiences.
Skip Santorini, Head to Naxos
While Santorini offers dramatic geology, distinctive architecture, rich history and exceptional scenery in a way that’s difficult to find anywhere else, summer can bring heavy congestion during the day, especially in the town of Oia. Naxos has many of the same Cycladic features—white villages, blue-domed churches, clear water—but with long sandy beaches that rarely feel packed, scenic mountain villages like Apeiranthos, great local food and wineries and lower prices than Santorini.
Where to Stay
The Naxian Collection is one of the island’s best-known luxury boutique properties offering elegant suites and villas (many with private pools), gorgeous views toward Naxos Town and the sea, organic gardens, a quiet setting and only about a five-minute drive to town and beaches.
Naxian Heritage which includes Utopia and Naxian Rhapsody is built into the hillside near Agios Prokopios and sports a modern Cycladic design with infinity pools and excellent access to one of Naxo’s best beaches.
