Many tourist summer destinations are already crowded. We’ve all been there – you visit the place and wait for hours just to access a water park or watch an interesting historical monument.
So, if you want to skip the 6-hour queue just to “hold” the Leaning Tower of Pisa or have a drink in Marbella, maybe you can have a look at alternative summer holiday destinations that will leave you breathless.
Let’s go and see not only perfect places for holiday, but also for the digital nomads’ lifestyle any ghostwriter from Switzerland has.
Where to go in summer to avoid the queue and be a little bit wild?
Surely, there are many destinations that are deemed tourist-friendly. But which ones tick all the boxes? It took us some time to find the best ones, but we believe these three gems can certainly raise many eyebrows.
1. Cape Verde – a mix of fun and history in Africa
Cape Verde, an archipelago comprising ten volcanic islands situated off the coast of West Africa, is a place that draws tourists due to its beaches, mountains and African-Portuguese culture. It certainly ranks among the most exotic destinations for summer tourism especially if one does not mind warmth.
Sal Island is known for its beautiful beaches and activities in the water. The town of Santa Maria offers good conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing. On Boa Vista Island, you can enjoy long white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Santo Antão Island appeals to hikers with its deep valleys, canyons, and terraced hillsides.
In Praia, which is the capital found on Santiago Island, there is a museum called Ethnographic Museum that shows the history of Cape Verde. The historical center of Cidade Velha, it’s world heritage site declared by UNESCO has 16th century fort and colonial buildings. On Fogo Island you can see the active Pico do Fogo volcano and taste wine made from local vineyards grown in volcanic soil.
2. Slovenia – a European pearl that is unknown for the world
Slovenia, a small European country that shares borders with Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia is very beautiful. It has lovely towns and nature views which make it so appealing for tourists.
Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is filled with charm from its riverside cafes to stunning architecture. The castle in this city gives a wide view of the nearby area and one can enjoy exploring the Old Town or resting at Tivoli Park.
The beautiful waters of Lake Bled, the most famous place to visit in Slovenia, are fascinating. Tourists enjoy rowing to the little island at its center or hiking up Bled Castle for a breathtaking view with the mountains behind it. Vintgar Gorge close by offers a picturesque walkway on wooden bridges and through falling water.
Slovenia’s cuisine and culture, particularly in its western parts, are impacted by its closeness to Italy. The coastal town of Piran displays Venetian-style architecture and provides dishes with fresh seafood. Also near the Italian border, those who love wine can visit the Vipava Valley or Goriška Brda wine areas.
Triglav National Park, is for those who are into adventures. You can go hiking, do rock climbing and even find white-water rafting chances. When it’s winter time, skiers come to places such as Kranjska Gora in the Julian Alps.
3. Armenia – the oldest Christian country in the world
Armenia, a small country without any coastlines located in the Caucasus region, has a history that goes back to many years. It holds the title of being the oldest Christian country globally, and it officially accepted Christianity as the state religion in 301 AD.
In Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, you can find a mix of modern facilities and historical attractiveness. The Republic Square in the city is filled with big Soviet-style constructions, and it becomes busy after sunset when its musical fountains start to play. You might like to discover more about this country by going up the Cascade – an enormous set of stairs covered in contemporary artworks – or learning about Armenia’s painful history at the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute.
The rough mountains, clean lakes, and rich forests of Armenia’s nature attract tourists. Lake Sevan is among the biggest freshwater high-altitude lakes in Eurasia, where visitors can enjoy beaches and water activities. The charming Tatev Monastery, which sits on a cliff, is accessible by the global record holder for the longest non-stop double-track cable car ride. People who love wine can go to the region of Areni, where you will find some of the first wineries and cave systems in history.
4. St. Thomas
St. Thomas, which belongs to the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean, is a beautiful tropical heaven known for its clear beaches, lively culture, and past events. The island’s waters are very clear, and sand beaches with powder-like textures, like Magens Bay and Sapphire Beach, attract those who love the sun as well as water sports fans.
You can enjoy activities such as Schnorcheln, diving, or sailing on boats there while discovering the lively coral reefs and varied sea creatures under these warm seas. Its climate, which is warm and tropical all the time, ensures you can enjoy ideal beach weather every day of the year. That makes it a great place for people who want to relax and get some sun.
Apart from its natural charm, St. Thomas also has much to offer in terms of cultural and historical richness. The capital of the island, Charlotte Amalie, showcases vibrant Danish colonial architecture along with paved paths that are home to duty-free stores, gourmet eateries, and animated bars. Historical sites like Blackbeard’s Castle or Fort Christian give you a peek into the island’s past history.
Final words
As you can see, you don’t need to visit ultra-popular places during your summer holidays. The mix of calmness and excitement is just right in these places. During the day, you might like to enjoy sunlight, eat local food, or do outdoor activities that make your heart race. As nighttime comes around, you can relax with a drink of wine from the area, have fun in lively evening scenes, or just look at the stars quietly.
