10 Hidden-Gem Beach Destinations Trending for Summer 2025

Discover 10 hidden gem beach destinations trending for summer 2025 – from secluded islands to off-radar shores – ideal for crowd-free, sustainable travel.

Travelers are increasingly seeking out off-the-beaten-path beach destinations in line with 2025’s slow travel and sustainability trends. Instead of jam-packed resorts, many are opting for hidden gem beaches that offer unspoiled beauty, local culture, and a more eco-friendly escape. Below, we highlight ten underrated beach getaways around the world – each with its unique allure, best visiting times, and ideal traveler types – that are poised to trend in summer 2025. These destinations promise sun-soaked adventure without the crowds, inviting you to relax, explore, and travel more mindfully.

1. Albanian Riviera, Albania (Ksamil & Sarandë)

An aerial view of Ksamil’s turquoise waters on the Albanian Riviera.

Often referred to as the “Maldives of Albania,” the Albanian Riviera is a Mediterranean paradise still blissfully under-the-radar. The town of Ksamil, in particular, boasts clear turquoise waters and white-sand beaches that rival any in the tropics. Travelers have started to take notice – Albania was one of the most Googled countries in 2024, thanks to its breathtaking coastal views and affordable stays. Yet even as popularity rises, these Ionian Sea beaches remain far less crowded than those in neighboring Greece. The vibe along the Riviera is laid-back and rustic, with family-run guesthouses and local seafood tavernas in nearby Sarandë and hillside villages.

Best Time to Visit: Late May through June or September (shoulder seasons) when the weather is warm and the crowds thin out. July and August offer peak sunshine and lively atmosphere but bring more tourists.

What Makes It Special: Beyond the beautiful beaches, the area sits between the Ionian Sea and Butrint National Park, meaning you can swim in crystal-clear bays one day and explore ancient ruins or inland lakes the next.

Who It’s For: Couples and solo travelers seeking a budget-friendly European beach trip without crowds will love it, as will nature lovers who appreciate a mix of beach time and cultural exploration. It’s also ideal for slow travelers – you can linger in charming Ksamil or Himara for days, kayaking to secluded coves and enjoying the simple Albanian coastal life at a leisurely pace.

2. Costalegre, Mexico

If untouched beaches and wild, windswept nature spark joy, look to Costalegre on Mexico’s Pacific coast. This 200+ mile stretch of shoreline in Jalisco – whose name means “the happy coast” – has remained protected and purposefully low-impact for decades. Here you'll find hidden coves, jungle-backed shores, and eco-chic hideaways instead of mega-resorts. A handful of luxury eco-resorts (like Careyes and Cuixmala) blend into the landscape, but much of Costalegre feels like a secret.

Major changes are making this gem more accessible: a new international airport at Chalacatepec is slated to open (finally cutting down the long drives), and an improved highway from Puerto Vallarta is in progress. These developments mean Costalegre is poised to trend, drawing travelers who want Mexico’s beauty without Cancun-level tourism.

Best Time to Visit: November to April for dry, sunny weather – summer is the rainy season here, with humid days and occasional storms.

What Makes It Special: Pristine beaches framed by palm forests and cliffs, excellent snorkeling and diving, and a commitment to sustainability (local authorities tightly control development to preserve the ecology). You can beach-hop virtually alone or visit small fishing villages for authentic culture.

Who It’s For: Nature lovers and privacy-seekers – think couples on a secluded getaway, artists or writers seeking inspiration, and eco-conscious travelers. The region’s slow-paced, wellness-focused resorts also attract those into yoga, meditation, and rejuvenation amid nature.

3. Grenada, Caribbean

For years, Grenada (the “Spice Island” of the Caribbean) flew under the radar, overshadowed by its flashier island neighbors. In 2025, that’s changing – Grenada is seeing a mini-boom in new boutique and luxury hotels, and increased flight routes are making it easier to reach than evertravelandleisure.comtravelandleisure.com. All this attention is shining a spotlight on what savvy travelers have long known: Grenada offers powdery beaches, lush rainforests, and rich local culture with far fewer tourists. Grand Anse Beach, for example, is often blissfully uncrowded and remains one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful stretches of sandtravelandleisure.com.

Despite the uptick in tourism, Grenada still emphasizes sustainability and community-based experiences – from visiting organic spice farms to snorkeling in the underwater sculpture park.

Best Time to Visit: January to April is dry season (and peak season), but even the summer months can be enjoyable if you don’t mind the chance of rain. Note that late summer into fall is hurricane season in the Caribbean, though Grenada is in the southern Caribbean and less frequently affected than islands up north.

What Makes It Special: A unique blend of beach and nature – you can hike to waterfalls in the morning and lounge on secluded beaches by afternoon. The island’s nickname comes from its nutmeg and spice production, and the scent of cloves and cocoa in the air adds to its charm. Grenada’s emerging food scene also means you can savor everything from street-food oil down (a local stew) to gourmet chocolate tours.

Who It’s For: Travelers who want a low-key Caribbean escape that’s equal parts relaxation and exploration. It’s great for couples (romantic picnic on Morne Rouge beach, anyone?), solo travelers (friendly local vibe and safe feel), and even families seeking a quieter alternative to busier islands.

4. Emerald Coast, Nicaragua

Nicaragua’s Pacific “Emerald Coast” is an off-the-beaten-path haven that adventurous beach seekers are rediscovering. Long a well-kept secret among surfers and nature lovers, this Pacific shoreline offers rugged coastline, golden sands, world-class waves, and a fraction of the tourists of nearby Costa Rica. After a period of social and political turbulence, Nicaragua has stabilized and travelers are confidently returning, especially to laid-back beach regions. A new 75-mile coastal highway slated for completion by late 2025 will connect over 50 beach towns along this coast, unlocking hidden spots that were hard to reach before.

From the lively surf town of San Juan del Sur to the tranquil fishing villages and eco-resorts near Tola (home to the famous surf break Playa Colorado), the Emerald Coast is poised to trend as the next affordable beach frontier.

Best Time to Visit: December to April is the dry season with plenty of sun – ideal for beach hopping. May to October brings the “Green Season” with intermittent rain (and great surfing swells), but you’ll still get sun between showers and even fewer crowds.

What Makes It Special: An authentic, undeveloped feel. You might have an entire beach to yourself aside from a few pelicans. Sea turtles nest on certain stretches, and the jungle comes right down to the shore. The area also prides itself on community-run lodges and eco-projects, aligning with sustainable travel trends.

Who It’s For: Surfers, backpackers, and eco-travelers. The Pacific swells attract surfers of all levels (with gentle beach breaks for learners and gnarly waves for pros). It’s also perfect for slow travelers – one can spend weeks volunteering at a turtle sanctuary or learning to surf. Couples looking for an affordable, off-grid beach retreat will find dreamy spots here, and retirees or expats are even starting to trickle in to enjoy the peaceful coastline.

5. Siargao, Philippines

In Southeast Asia, Siargao Island in the Philippines has transformed from a surfer’s best-kept secret to a trending gem – yet it still retains its low-key charm. This tear-drop shaped island is famous for Cloud 9, a legendary surf break, but offers much more: mangrove lagoons, palm-tree jungles, tidal pools, and a vibrant local community. After being hit hard by a super typhoon in 2021, Siargao has bounced back stronger – resorts like the Nay Palad Hideaway have been stunningly rebuilt, and the island has “re-emerged better than ever”. Travelers in 2025 are keen to support Siargao’s recovery and experience its raw natural beauty.

The main tourist hub, General Luna, has a chill backpacker-meets-boutique vibe, with vegan cafés next to BBQ stands and surf shacks. Rent a motorbike and you can beach-hop to hidden coves, find palm-fringed rivers for stand-up paddleboarding, or boat to off-shore islets with sparkling lagoons.

Best Time to Visit: March through early October for a good mix of sunshine and manageable waves (September brings the biggest surf competitions, whereas April-May sea is calmer for island hopping). Avoid late fall, when tropical storms are more frequent.

What Makes It Special: Siargao offers a sense of community – locals and visitors often mingle at nightly food markets or sunset sessions on the beach. The island’s size makes it easy to feel at home, and its protected areas (like the Del Carmen mangroves) highlight the Philippines’ push for sustainable tourism. It’s also a haven for slow travel: you come for a few days and end up staying a month, settling into the island’s easy rhythm of surf, smoothie, repeat.

Who It’s For: Surf enthusiasts and adventure seekers will be in heaven. It’s also great for solo travelers and digital nomads – the island has a budding co-work scene and plenty of budget-friendly stays. Nature lovers (even non-surfers) can enjoy caving, rock pools like Magpupungko, and snorkeling. Siargao’s mellow nightlife (think beach barbecues and acoustic music) appeals to those looking for fun without the frenzy of party islands.

6. Lofoten Islands, Norway

A village nestled in Norway’s Lofoten Islands, above the Arctic Circle.

When thinking of beach destinations, Norway might not spring to mind – which is exactly why the Lofoten Islands are such a delightful surprise. This Arctic archipelago offers pristine white-sand beaches with crystal-clear turquoise water against a backdrop of towering mountains. In fact, the scenery is so dramatic that many say it rivals tropical paradises, minus the heat (and definitely minus the crowds). Summer days here are endless – literally – with the midnight sun keeping the sky aglow, allowing swimming, kayaking, and even surfing at any hour. Yes, Lofoten has a surf scene! Improved wetsuits have made it possible to catch waves off Unstad Beach year-round in these icy waters, and in summer the gentler swells attract adventurous beginners too.

Best Time to Visit: June to August for milder weather, hiking the green hills, and enjoying the midnight sun (24-hour daylight). These months turn Lofoten into a photographer’s dream – think golden “sunset” light that lasts for hours. Early autumn (September) is cooler but beautiful, with the bonus chance to glimpse the northern lights as nights darken again.

What Makes It Special: Nowhere else can you experience such untouched, peaceful beaches above the Arctic Circle. One minute you can be sunbathing on soft sand, and shortly after, exploring a Viking museum or fishing village that feels lost in time. The islands are also a model for sustainable living – locals prize their environment and many accommodations are small, family-run cabins or rorbu (traditional fishermen’s huts) converted for visitors. Getting around by bicycle or public ferry is encouraged to preserve the natural serenity.

Who It’s For: Nature photographers, hikers, and those seeking solitude will adore Lofoten. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer tranquil natural beauty over conventional resort comforts. Families can also enjoy it – kids love the freedom of Lofoten’s outdoors (just pack wetsuits for chilly swims!). If you’re a slow travel fan, you can spend weeks island-hopping here, soaking up local life (maybe even helping a farmer with the sheep or going on a fishing boat) and never get bored of the views.

7. Con Dao Islands, Vietnam

In the South China Sea off Vietnam’s coast lies Con Dao, a remote archipelago that feels like a true hidden paradise. With turquoise waters, golden beaches, and world-class coral reefs, Con Dao is pretty much paradise – yet relatively few tourists make it out here. The largest island, Con Son, was once known for its history as a French prison colony, but today it’s celebrated for quiet beaches and a protected marine park teeming with sea life. Travelers “in the know” come to Con Dao to snorkel with sea turtles, dive among vibrant reefs, and lounge on beaches where the only footprints are your own.

Getting to Con Dao usually involves a short flight from Ho Chi Minh City, which has kept mass tourism at bay. Those who do venture here find a unique mix of experiences: you can visit historic prison sites and memorials in the morning, then boat to Bay Canh Island in the afternoon to witness turtle conservation efforts. Upscale eco-conscious resorts (like the Six Senses Con Dao) provide luxury with minimal environmental impact, and homestays in Con Son town let you support local families.

Best Time to Visit: March to May, when seas are calm and waters crystal-clear – ideal for diving and boat trips. Late May through September is the tropical monsoon season, bringing sporadic heavy rains but also the time when sea turtles nest (a potential draw for wildlife enthusiasts despite the rain).

What Makes It Special: Its seclusion and well-preserved nature. Much of Con Dao is a national park, protecting its beaches (some are turtle nesting sites) and forests. You might trek to a jungle waterfall in absolute quiet, or hire a scooter and drive the coastal road without passing another traveler for miles. The island’s small population means an intimate, community feel – don’t be surprised if locals wave and chat, curious and welcoming of visitors.

Who It’s For: Diving aficionados and tranquility seekers. Con Dao’s reefs are among Vietnam’s best (with chances to see dugongs and sea turtles), so snorkelers and divers are prime visitors. It’s also great for history buffs interested in Vietnam’s past (the island’s museum and prison relics are poignant). Honeymooners who prefer seclusion over nightlife will find Con Dao ideal – it’s romantic in a wild, uncommercial way. If your idea of a getaway is reading on a deserted beach and dining on fresh seafood under the stars, Con Dao will exceed your expectations.

8. Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique

Off the coast of Mozambique lies the Bazaruto Archipelago, a chain of five tropical islands often dubbed “the pearl of the Indian Ocean.” Bazaruto is a protected national park, accessible mainly by small plane or boat from the mainland, which means visitor numbers are low and the beaches remain absolutely pristine. Expect dazzling dunes, sandbanks shifting with the tides, and water in every shade of blue. The marine life here is extraordinary – snorkelers and divers can encounter everything from humpback whales and whale sharks to rare dugongs grazing in the seagrass. Coral reefs brim with colorful fish, making it arguably one of the most amazing dive spots in the world.

Most travelers base themselves on Bazaruto Island or Benguerra Island, where a handful of eco-lodges and luxury resorts offer rustic-luxe bungalows. Days in Bazaruto are delightfully slow: take a traditional dhow sailboat to a deserted sandbar for a picnic, climb towering sand dunes at sunset, or visit local villages to experience Mozambican island culture (some communities offer cultural tours that support conservation).

Best Time to Visit: April through September, which are the cooler, dry months – perfect beach weather with sunny skies and comfortable temperatures. This also falls outside the cyclone season. June-August, which is winter in Mozambique, still sees daytime highs in the mid-20s°C (70s°F) and is ideal for whale watching.

What Makes It Special: Its untouched, exclusive feel. Bazaruto’s beaches and reefs are so unspoiled that you feel like an early explorer discovering them anew. The fact that it’s a national park means strict limits on development and an emphasis on sustainability – for instance, many resorts here have initiatives to preserve coral and assist wildlife research.

Who It’s For: Those seeking a castaway-style luxury or nature immersion. It’s popular with honeymooners and upscale travelers who want a unique, intimate escape (imagine a private candlelit dinner on a sandbar). But it’s equally rewarding for adventurous souls and scuba divers on a mission to find Earth’s best reefs. Families who venture here will find safe, shallow lagoons for kids and plenty of nature activities (like sand dune boarding or guided snorkeling). If you value tranquility, unbelievable natural beauty, and don’t mind a splurge or a bit of effort to get there, Bazaruto will feel like heaven on earth.

9. Tinos, Greece

In the Aegean Sea, tucked between more famous isles, lies Tinos – often called the hidden gem of the Cyclades. Bypassed by partygoers rushing to Mykonos (its glitzy neighbor just to the south), Tinos has retained an authenticity and serenity that’s increasingly rare. The island is a wild beauty with a jagged coastline and mountainous interior dotted with small, picturesque villages. Dozens of uncrowded beaches ring Tinos, from quiet stretches of golden sand to pebbled coves where locals fish. You can spend the morning swimming in the sparkling Aegean, and the afternoon wandering hillside villages like Pyrgos or Kardiani, each with its bougainvillea-draped lanes and local tavernas.

Tinos is also known as a holy island – it’s a major Greek Orthodox pilgrimage site – which lends it a contemplative atmosphere. Beyond the spiritual, the island’s artisan heritage is rich: marble sculptors, basket weavers, and wine makers all thrive here, often welcoming visitors to their workshops.

Best Time to Visit: June or September, when the Aegean is warm enough for swimming but the summer holiday crowds haven’t fully arrived (or have just left). August brings more Greek tourists (especially around August 15, a religious festival), and also the Meltemi winds can be strong then, so outside high season the weather is calmer.

What Makes It Special: Tinos invites you to slow down and “go wherever the wind blows you”. With over 50 villages, you can take a leisurely drive or hike each day to discover a new one, stumbling upon hidden churches, dovecote towers, and local tavernas serving Tinian specialties like sun-dried capers and artichoke omelets. The beaches have a similar undiscovered feel – you might find you’re one of only a handful of visitors at even the prettiest bay. Tinos also emphasizes sustainability; the island has several organic farms and a burgeoning farm-to-table food scene, aligning with the trend of sustainable, locally rooted travel.

Who It’s For: Travelers who want the Greek Isles experience without the commercial tourism. It’s perfect for couples seeking romance in a peaceful setting, foodies and wine lovers (Tinos has its own wineries and a gastronomy festival), and culture buffs drawn to history and tradition. Hikers will love the old footpaths connecting villages and leading to panoramic chapels. And if you’re on an island-hopping trip, Tinos offers a rejuvenating pause – it’s a place to linger, savor Greek coffee in a quiet square, chat with friendly locals, and truly unwind.

10. Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia

While Thailand’s islands often steal the limelight, Cambodia’s Koh Rong Samloem remains a quiet showstopper for those who venture there. One of Cambodia’s true hidden gems, this little island in the Gulf of Thailand feels like a slice of untouched paradise. There are no cars, no roads, and virtually no infrastructure apart from a few bungalow resorts scattered along the main bays. Electricity is often generator-run and Wi-Fi can be scarce – but that’s exactly the appeal. Days here are about swaying in a hammock over turquoise waters, trekking through untouched jungle, and plankton-lit swims under starry skies (the bioluminescent plankton makes nighttime dips magical).

The main beach, Saracen Bay, has powdery white sand and calm, shallow water perfect for floating. For the more adventurous, a short hike or longtail boat can take you to even more secluded spots like Lazy Beach or Sunset Beach on the other side of the island, where you might share the sunset with just a handful of other travelers.

Best Time to Visit: November to May, when the weather is dry and sunny. During Cambodia’s monsoon (roughly June–October), the island is very wet and many resorts close down. If you do visit in early summer, expect some daily rains but also a lush green island nearly to yourself.

What Makes It Special: Koh Rong Samloem offers a digital detox and a taste of simple island living. It’s the kind of place where days blur together in the best way – you rise with the sun, eat fresh grilled seafood barefoot in the sand, nap whenever you feel like it, and measure time by the tide. Despite its simplicity, there’s a growing emphasis on preserving the island’s beauty: local businesses organize beach clean-ups and there are community projects aimed at marine conservation. This ethos of caring for the environment and the community gives travelers a chance to participate in responsible tourism (you can even volunteer for a day to help with reef surveys or teaching English to local children).

Who It’s For: Back-to-basics beach lovers and anyone looking to truly unwind. It’s ideal for couples who want a romantic Robinson Crusoe experience, or friends on a budget escape – lodging ranges from rustic huts to a few mid-range resorts, all encouraging you to unplug. Solo travelers also find it welcoming; with so few spots on the island, you’ll quickly get to know fellow visitors over evening bonfires or board game nights at the small beach bars. Adventurous types can enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, and jungle walks, but the island equally caters to doing absolutely nothing. In a world of constant busyness, Koh Rong Samloem is the perfect antidote: a place to spend a week in flip-flops, with a good book, ocean breezes, and a rejuvenated soul.

By exploring any of these 10 hidden-gem beaches in summer 2025, you’ll not only enjoy incredible scenery and unique experiences, but also be part of a growing movement towards more mindful, sustainable travel. These destinations prove that sometimes the best beach vacations are far from the usual tourist trail – offering you a chance to connect more deeply with the place and come home with stories of true discovery.