Where Summer Stands Still: 5 Untouched Destinations to Explore Now
- Monica
- Jul 31
- 4 min read
For travelers looking to leave the summer crowds behind, true sanctuary still exists in the world’s quiet corners. This guide explores five captivating retreats—from the coastal charm and marine life of the San Juan Islands to the geothermal pools of the Azores, the towering fjords of Iceland, the cool lavender fields of Hokkaido, and the edge-of-the-earth tranquility of Fogo Island. Complete with insider recommendations on where to stay, what to taste, and how to slow down, it is an invitation to experience summer at a gentler, more memorable pace.
San Juan Islands, Washington, USA
Scattered between Washington State and Vancouver Island, the San Juan Islands are a collection of quiet coastal escapes where evergreen forests meet the Salish Sea. Made up of more than 170 islands, the archipelago is known for its peaceful roads, small harbors, rocky shorelines and extraordinary marine life.
Summer days are best spent outdoors: kayaking through sheltered bays, sailing between islands, cycling past lavender fields and farmland, or watching resident orcas move through the surrounding waters. On land, charming communities such as Friday Harbor and Lopez Island invite travelers to slow down, with local markets, artisan studios and farm-to-table restaurants celebrating the region’s natural abundance.
My Insider Tips
Search for Orcas in the Salish Sea - Sail the Salish Sea in search of resident orca pods and marine wildlife.
Kayak Hidden Coves - Paddle through calm waters surrounded by forests, beaches and mountain views.
Explore Lopez Island - Cycle quiet roads, discover local farms and experience the island’s slow rhythm.
Taste the Islands - Enjoy fresh seafood, local oysters and farm-to-table cuisine by the water.
Azores, Portugal
Far from mainland Europe, the Azores are a collection of nine volcanic islands where crater lakes, dramatic coastlines and lush green landscapes create one of the Atlantic's most spectacular escapes. With mild summer temperatures, natural hot springs and a slower rhythm of life, the archipelago offers an alternative to Europe's busiest seaside destinations.
From whale watching and hiking volcanic trails to soaking in geothermal pools and discovering charming coastal villages, the Azores invite travellers to reconnect with nature at every turn.
My Insider Tips
Explore Sete Cidades - Admire the iconic twin crater lakes from one of the Azores' most breathtaking viewpoints.
Relax in Furnas - Soak in natural thermal pools surrounded by lush volcanic landscapes.
Stay at White Exclusive Suites & Villas - A stylish oceanfront retreat overlooking the Atlantic, perfect for a peaceful island escape.
Go Whale Watching - One of the world's best destinations to spot whales and dolphins in the wild.
Westfjords, Iceland
Beyond Iceland’s famous waterfalls and geothermal landscapes lies a region where the country feels wonderfully wild again. The Westfjords, one of Iceland’s most remote corners, offer dramatic cliffs, quiet fishing villages and landscapes shaped by the power of the Atlantic Ocean.
In summer, when much of Europe is at its busiest, the Westfjords remain a place of space and solitude. Explore the spectacular Dynjandi waterfall, watch puffins along towering sea cliffs, soak in hidden hot springs and drive through some of Iceland’s most breathtaking coastal scenery.
My Insider Tips
Discover Dynjandi Waterfall - Follow the trail to one of Iceland’s most impressive and photogenic waterfalls.
Meet the Puffins at Látrabjarg Cliffs - Visit Europe’s largest bird cliffs, home to thousands of seabirds during summer.
Soak in a Hidden Hot Spring - Experience Iceland’s natural wellness tradition in a peaceful setting.
Stay in a Remote Fishing Village - Discover the authentic coastal life that defines the Westfjords.
Hokkaido, Japan
While much of Japan experiences the heat and crowds of summer, Hokkaido offers a refreshing alternative. Located at the northernmost tip of the country, this vast island is a world of untouched landscapes, cooler temperatures and wide-open spaces. Known for its legendary winter snowfall, Hokkaido reveals another side in summer: national parks surrounded by mountains and lakes, pristine wetlands and colourful countryside.
From the lavender fields of Furano to the wild landscapes of Kushiro Marsh, nature takes centre stage, while charming towns invite travellers to discover exceptional seafood, local traditions and Japan’s unique northern culture.
My Insider Tips
Walk through Furano’s Lavender Fields - Discover one of Japan’s most iconic summer landscapes, surrounded by mountains and endless blooms.
Experience a Northern Onsen Retreat - Slow down in a traditional hot spring surrounded by Hokkaido’s pristine nature.
Taste Hokkaido’s Cuisine - Enjoy a quiet stretch of sand surrounded by untouched coastal beauty.
Explore Kushiro Marsh - Venture into Japan’s largest wetland, home to rare wildlife and peaceful waterways.
Fogo Island, Canada
Welcome to one of the world's best-kept secrets. Reached by a 45-minute ferry crossing from the tiny community of Farewell, Fogo Island lies off the coast of Newfoundland, where the road quite literally ends and the Atlantic begins. Measuring just 25 kilometers long (about 15 miles) and 14 kilometres wide (about 9 miles), this remote island feels wonderfully removed from the pace of modern life.
Here, towering icebergs drift silently offshore in early summer, whales surface in the North Atlantic and brightly painted fishing stages overlook an untamed coastline.
Scenic hiking trails weave between dramatic cliffs, contemporary artists' studios and welcoming fishing communities, creating a destination where centuries-old traditions coexist effortlessly with bold modern architecture. For travellers looking to leave the crowds behind, Fogo Island offers something increasingly rare: a true sense of discovery.
My Insider Tips
Stay at Fogo Island Inn - A world-renowned retreat blending contemporary design, local craftsmanship and island heritage.
Hike Brimstone Head - Reach one of Fogo Island’s most iconic viewpoints for endless Atlantic views.
Slow Down at Sandy Cove Beach - Enjoy a quiet stretch of sand surrounded by untouched coastal beauty.
Explore the Colorful Fishing Villages - Discover colorful communities, local artists and Fogo Island’s unique heritage.
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