Summer in Europe – Nature and peace instead of crowded beaches

As travelers continue to crowd the beaches of Saint-Tropez, Mallorca and Ibiza each summer, many people have discovered hidden refuges of unspoiled nature where they can avoid the crowds. Unlike Americans, and increasingly Asian and South American visitors, who often see sights, history and culture as key elements of their summer in Europe, many Europeans are more interested in boutique hotels, good food and affordable shopping. If you do not fall into that group, take a look at these 10 lesser-known European summer destinations.

Summer in Europe – Jura and the Three Lakes in Switzerland

Nobody likes secrets more than the Swiss. Places like St. Moritz and Gstaad attract wealthy Russians, Americans and British who come for ski holidays. But the spectacular Jura in the northwest remains a rugged, underdeveloped region and an anomaly among crowded mountain resorts.

Summer in Europe – Bornholm, Denmark

The phenomenon of "New Nordic" cuisine has created a new wave of visitors eager to get a table at one of Copenhagen’s excellent restaurants. Fortunately, sensible Danes know when enough is enough. A quick getaway from the city leads to beautiful islands like Bornholm and Samsø, where they can enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

Cavtat, Croatia

Although Dubrovnik is the jewel of the Adriatic coast and its share of British, German and American tourists increases each year, many people turn 30 minutes south. Green, grown-in Cavtat has long been a secret haven for easy rest.

Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England

Green pastures and smaller crowds define this idyllic landscape: hills, charming villages and sweet cider. It is easy to see why the Cotswolds are so popular.

Fiskebäckskil, Sweden

Many Swedes head west to the romantic "coast of crime fiction," where renowned authors describe places such as stormy Marstrand, the rocky Väderöarna islands and charming Fiskebäckskil. It was the former summer residence of Ingrid Bergman and a source of inspiration for author Camilla Läckberg, whose novel "The Ice Princess" was set there.

Grignan, Drome, France

Nobody wants to avoid mass tourism more than the French, who often have long summer vacations. Many trade popular destinations such as Normandy and Provence for lesser-known but equally beautiful regions such as Morbihan and Loire-Atlantique.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Most tourists prefer cruises to the Norwegian fjords. Many Norwegians, however, go to the Lofoten Islands, where they enjoy peace and unspoiled nature.

Panarea, Aeolian Islands, Sicily, Italy

Known as the setting of Michelangelo Antonioni’s film "L'Avventura," Panarea remains a closely guarded secret for yacht-owning jet-setters and party-minded tourists. The smallest and chicest of the Aeolian Islands is home to wealthy Sicilians and hosts regular VIP visitors such as Anish Kapoor, Princess Caroline, Prince William and Roberto Cavalli.

Serra de Tramuntana, Deia, Mallorca, Spain

Mallorca itself is no secret, but Serra de Tramuntana, with its mountainous northwest coast, feels like a different world, away from crowded beaches and cheap hotels. The seaside village is set amid abandoned houses and picturesque pine forests. Artists and travelers come here to get away from the madness of high season.

Sylt, Germany

This sandy island in the North Sea lies three hours northeast of Hamburg and is often referred to as the Hamptons of Germany.