Tired of fighting for space on the beach in Bali or Amalfi? The travel trend for 2026 is all about “Destination Dupes”, places that offer the same beauty as famous spots but with fewer crowds and lower prices.
Here are 10 underrated beach escapes to book now before everyone else finds out.
1. The Albanian Riviera (Dhërmi & Ksamil), Albania
The Vibe: The “Maldives of Europe” on a budget. Forget the expensive Greek islands. Albania offers the same crystal-clear Ionian waters and dramatic mountain backdrops for a fraction of the price.
- Must Do: Swim in the “Blue Eye” natural spring and enjoy fresh seafood.
2. Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
The Vibe: The wild, biodiversity capital. While tourists flock to Tamarindo, the Osa Peninsula remains rugged and raw. This is where the rainforest meets the ocean.
- Must Do: Trek through Corcovado National Park to spot scarlet macaws and monkeys right on the sand.
3. Koh Yao Noi, Thailand
The Vibe: The quiet alternative to Phuket. Located just 30 minutes from Phuket, this island has zero neon lights or jet skis, just swaying palms and buffaloes. It’s old-school Thailand.
- Must Do: Rent a scooter to explore the rubber plantations and watch the sunset over the limestone cliffs.
4. Bacalar, Mexico
The Vibe: The freshwater lagoon that looks like the Caribbean. Skip Tulum. Known as the “Lagoon of Seven Colors,” this freshwater paradise has electric blue water without the seaweed (sargassum) issues of the coast.
- Must Do: Take a sunrise paddleboard tour to the "Pirates Channel.
5. Vis Island, Croatia
The Vibe: The mysterious, distant isle. Closed to the public until 1989 (it was a military base), Vis remains unspoiled by mass tourism compared to Hvar. It’s authentic and sleepy.
- Must Do: Hike down to Stiniva Cove, a tiny, stunning beach hidden between towering cliffs.
6. Vilanculos, Mozambique
The Vibe: The adventurous Indian Ocean. The gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago, this is the place for white sand dunes dropping into the ocean—without the honeymoon clichés of the Maldives.
- Must Do: Go on a “Dhow” (sailboat) safari to spot rare Dugongs (sea cows) in the wild.
7. Carry-le-Rouet, France
The Vibe: The locals’ French Riviera. West of Marseille lies the “Blue Coast.” It’s full of limestone coves (calanques) and turquoise water, but you’ll mostly hear French spoken here, not English.
- Must Do: Picnic with local rosé wine in a hidden cove along the coastal hiking path.
8. Minicoy Island, India
The Vibe: The forbidden paradise. Part of the Lakshadweep archipelago, this island is geographically similar to the Maldives but virtually untouched by commercial tourism due to strict permits.
- Must Do: Climb the 1885 lighthouse for a 360-degree view of the coconut groves and blue lagoon.
9. Lord Howe Island, Australia
The Vibe: The exclusive eco-sanctuary. With a hard cap of only 400 visitors at a time, this UNESCO site ensures you never face a crowd. There’s no cell service, just pure nature.
- Must Do: Hand-feed the friendly Kingfish in the shallows at Ned’s Beach.
10. Isola di Vulcano, Italy
The Vibe: The raw, volcanic sister to Capri. One of the Aeolian Islands, Vulcano offers black sand beaches and smoking volcanic vents. It has a mythological feel that feels ancient and wild.
- Must Do: Hike to the crater rim for sunset, then soak in the therapeutic thermal mud pools.
Which one is calling you? From the jungles of Costa Rica to the secret coves of France, these destinations prove you don’t need crowds to have a world-class vacation. Which hidden gem is top of your bucket list for 2026? Let us know in the comments!