Contributed By Kayla Douglas

Traveling to Europe’s most coveted destinations during shoulder season—those glorious spring and fall months buffering peak summer travel—once meant being rewarded with fewer crowds and more favorable hotel rates.

…where to go in Europe when you’re craving that shoulder season serenity during the height of summer, thanks to these handpicked hotels being nestled in emerging yet equally enchanting corners of these beloved countries.

Today, due to increased year-round demand for some of the most sought-after destinations across Greece, Italy, and Spain, the once distinct ebb and flow of tourism has largely flattened. For discerning travelers seeking that elusive shoulder season magic—both in terms of fewer crowds and more value-driven rates—a savvy travel advisor can help guide you towards up-and-coming spots that still deliver on charm, culture, and ultimately, a level of exclusivity. We’re highlighting where to go in Europe when you’re craving that shoulder season serenity during the height of summer, thanks to these handpicked hotels being nestled in emerging yet equally enchanting corners of these beloved countries.

Seeking that Shoulder Season Feeling in Greece

It’s no secret that we’re suckers for Santorini and Mykonos. But, there are ample spots in Greece extending far beyond these well-trodden isles that will still have you fully immersed in Grecian goddess mode—from Paros to Kos, we’re taking you to some of our off-the-beaten-path favorites.

Andronis Minois (Paros, Greece)

Nestled in Parasporos, a tranquil area on Paros Island, Andronis Minois is a peaceful retreat that puts you within a stone’s throw of the charming fishing village of Naoussa and the island’s capital of Parikia. But perhaps most importantly, here, you’ll be just a three-minute walk from picturesque waters or twenty twenty-minute drive from the expansive Golden Beach. It’s windy on Paros, and the landscape is a mix of mountains, beaches, and windswept cliffs. We love a stay at Andronis Minois for wellness seekers who want to take their time here for a peaceful retreat, full of treatments at Aura Spa.

Daios Cove (Crete, Greece)

Days here revolve around your private seawater pool, dips in the cove’s crystalline waters, and long, leisurely meals with panoramic Aegean views.

Carved into the cliffs of a secluded bay in northeastern Crete, Daios Cove delivers that rare mix of privacy and effortless luxury. While the island’s hotspots—like Chania’s Venetian harbor and the pink sands of Elafonissi—can feel overrun in peak season, this tucked-away retreat offers a more exclusive escape. Days here revolve around your private seawater pool, dips in the cove’s crystalline waters, and long, leisurely meals with panoramic Aegean views. If you’re craving the energy of Crete’s charming villages, Agios Nikolaos is just a short drive away, but we wouldn’t blame you for staying put.

Ikos Aria (Kos, Greece)

Set on the sun-soaked shores of Kefalos Bay, Ikos Aria brings a laid-back elegance to Kos, an island often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors. Here, you get the best of both worlds: direct access to a tranquil stretch of Aegean coastline and the charm of Kos Town just a short drive away. The island’s history is woven into its landscapes, from ancient ruins to medieval castles, but the real allure lies in its easygoing pace. At Ikos Aria, that means beachfront cocktails, all-day dining on Mediterranean flavors, and breezy bike rides along the coast—proof that a Greek island escape doesn’t have to come with the crowds.

Lesante Cape (Zakynthos, Greece)

…while afternoons invite exploration—whether that’s wandering the charming streets of Zakynthos Town or uncovering hidden coves along the coastline.

While Zakynthos is often synonymous with its postcard-perfect Shipwreck Beach, those in the know seek out its quieter, more authentic side. Perched on the island’s serene eastern coast, Lesante Cape feels like a timeless Greek village, where stone-clad suites, olive groves, and sea views set the scene for an unhurried escape. Mornings begin with a dip in your private pool or a slow breakfast overlooking the Ionian, while afternoons invite exploration—whether that’s wandering the charming streets of Zakynthos Town or uncovering hidden coves along the coastline. Come evening, the resort’s traditional Greek kafenio and wine cellar bring a taste of the island’s rich heritage right to your table, making it easy to sink into the rhythm of Zakynthos at its most effortless.

Seeking that Shoulder Season Feeling in Italy

Oh, Italy. Our top booked country outside the United States, clients have long loved visiting Rome, strolling the streets of Milan, hiding out along Lake Como, and of course, posting up in Positano. But if you’re craving la dolce vita without high-season crowds, there are plenty of other corners for you to discover.

Reschio (Umbria, Italy)

Mornings here start with horseback rides through the estate’s forests or a dip in the saltwater infinity pool, while afternoons are best spent sipping Umbrian wine on a sun-drenched terrace.

Tucked into the rolling green hills of Umbria, Reschio feels like stepping into a beautifully restored Italian dream—one where time slows, and every detail tells a story. This 1,500-year-old estate, lovingly transformed into a secluded retreat, offers a rare kind of luxury: the kind that’s deeply connected to the land. Mornings here start with horseback rides through the estate’s forests or a dip in the saltwater infinity pool, while afternoons are best spent sipping Umbrian wine on a sun-drenched terrace. With its centuries-old castle, candlelit dinners in the former wine cellar, and a commitment to preserving the art of Italian living, Reschio is proof that true luxury isn’t about excess—it’s about immersion.

Hotel Santavenere (Maratea, Italy)

Maratea, often called the “Pearl of the Tyrrhenian,” is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. This untouched stretch of coastline is where dramatic cliffs plunge into sapphire waters while at Hotel Santavenere, a classic Italian escape unfolds with an elusive, old-world elegance. The private beach feels like a scene from La Dolce Vita, while the lush gardens and sea-view terraces invite you to linger over a glass of limoncello well past sunset. If you can tear yourself away, a boat trip along the rugged Basilicata coastline reveals hidden coves and grottoes that rival the Amalfi Coast—minus the crowds.

Relais Roncolo 1888 (Emilia, Italy)

Whether you’re exploring the charming streets of Modena or learning the secrets of traditional balsamic vinegar, this is the kind of place that makes you want to stay awhile…

In the heart of Emilia-Romagna, where Italy’s culinary soul truly shines, Relais Roncolo 1888 offers a refined countryside escape steeped in history. Set on a sprawling organic wine estate, this boutique retreat is all about savoring the simple pleasures—waking up to vineyard views, indulging in farm-to-table cuisine, and, of course, tasting some of the region’s best Lambrusco straight from the source. Whether you’re exploring the charming streets of Modena or learning the secrets of traditional balsamic vinegar, this is the kind of place that makes you want to stay awhile, soaking in the rhythms of Emilia at its most authentic.

Capofaro Locanda & Malvasia (Salina, Italy)

Perched on a vineyard estate overlooking the endless blue of the Tyrrhenian, this retreat is designed for travelers who crave a slower, more soulful kind of island life.

On the wild, windswept Aeolian island of Salina, Capofaro Locanda & Malvasia is a place where understated luxury meets untouched nature. Perched on a vineyard estate overlooking the endless blue of the Tyrrhenian, this retreat is designed for travelers who crave a slower, more soulful kind of island life. Days unfold with morning swims in volcanic rock coves, afternoons spent wandering through Malvasia vineyards, and sunset aperitivo that stretch late into the evening. Unlike its more well-known neighbors, Salina remains blissfully low-key, making it the perfect refuge for those who want the magic of the Mediterranean—without the fanfare.

Grand Hotel a Villa Feltrinelli (Lake Garda, Italy)

Lake Garda’s shores are home to some of Italy’s most storied villas, but none quite compare to the fairytale-like Grand Hotel a Villa Feltrinelli. A stay here is like slipping into another era, where frescoed ceilings, perfectly manicured gardens, and a private lakeside dock create an atmosphere of quiet grandeur. While much of Lake Garda bustles in the summer, this retreat remains blissfully peaceful, offering a front-row seat to the region’s natural beauty. Spend the day gliding across the water on a classic Riva boat or indulging in a Michelin-starred meal on the terrace—either way, it’s impossible not to feel transported.

Relais San Maurizio (Piedmont, Italy)

Days here revolve around slow pleasures—truffle hunting in the surrounding forests, wine tasting in the Langhe hills, or unwinding in the salt cave of the spa, carved into ancient stone.

For those who dream of rolling vineyards, misty mornings, and some of the best wine and truffles in the world, Relais San Maurizio in Piedmont is pure magic. Housed in a former 17th-century monastery, this intimate retreat seamlessly blends history with contemporary indulgence. Days here revolve around slow pleasures—truffle hunting in the surrounding forests, wine tasting in the Langhe hills, or unwinding in the salt cave of the spa, carved into ancient stone. As the sun sets over the vineyard-dotted landscape, a glass of Barolo in hand, it’s easy to see why this corner of Italy feels like a secret worth keeping.

Seeking that Shoulder Season Feeling in Spain

Sweet Spain, how we love to turn to you for tapas nights that blend into late nights soaking up the nightlife you’ve become known around the world for. But when we’re looking beyond city escapes to Madrid, seeing Ibiza from sun up to sundown, or winding along the verdant coastline of Mallorca, there is still so much to discover.

Torre Vella (Menorca, Spain)

This restored farmhouse-turned-luxury retreat is all about embracing the island’s slow, unspoiled beauty.

Set on a sprawling private estate just outside Ciutadella, Torre Vella offers a rare kind of Mediterranean escape—one that feels as wild and untouched as Menorca itself. This restored farmhouse-turned-luxury retreat is all about embracing the island’s slow, unspoiled beauty. Mornings start with a long hike or even a horseback ride along coastal trails; alternatively, take a dip in one of the nearby hidden turquoise coves before your afternoon is best spent lounging by the serene infinity pool surrounded by olive groves and lavender fields. As the sun dips below the horizon, dinner at the estate’s garden-to-table restaurant feels like a celebration of Menorca’s understated magic—one best enjoyed far from the summer crowds.

Palacio Solecio (Málaga, Spain)

Málaga may be best known as the gateway to the Costa del Sol, but those who linger in its historic center discover a city brimming with Andalusian charm. Tucked inside an 18th-century palace in the heart of the Old Town, Palacio Solecio is a testament to Málaga’s elegant past and vibrant present. The city’s best tapas bars, art galleries, and Moorish courtyards are just steps away, yet the hotel itself feels like a sanctuary, with soaring archways, intricately tiled floors, and rooms that blend classic grandeur with contemporary comfort. Whether you’re exploring Picasso’s birthplace or sipping sherry on a rooftop terrace, this is the kind of place that makes you fall in love with southern Spain beyond its beaches.

Mas de Torrent (Costa Brava, Spain)

Tucked into the rolling countryside of Catalonia, Mas de Torrent is the kind of place where time slows, and life revolves around simple pleasures. A restored 18th-century masia, this intimate retreat blends rustic charm with understated luxury, offering a peaceful escape just minutes from the Costa Brava’s hidden coves and medieval villages. Mornings might begin with a leisurely bike ride through olive groves, followed by a long, sun-drenched lunch of fresh seafood and local wines. Whether you’re exploring the cobbled streets of Pals or unwinding at the hotel’s spa, Mas de Torrent captures the essence of a Costa Brava summer—effortless, elegant, and blissfully unhurried.

Seeking that Shoulder Season Feeling…Elsewhere

Botanic Sanctuary (Antwerp, Belgium)

Hidden behind the historic facades of Antwerp’s Old Town, Botanic Sanctuary is where centuries-old charm meets contemporary wellness. Set within a restored monastery, this retreat is a haven for those who appreciate quiet luxury in the heart of a creative, fashion-forward city. Days here can be spent wandering Antwerp’s independent boutiques and art galleries, but returning to the sanctuary feels like stepping into another world—one where botanical gardens, world-class spa treatments, and Michelin-starred dining take center stage. Whether you’re indulging in Flemish gastronomy or unwinding in the cloistered courtyards, this is Antwerp at its most refined.

Rosewood Schloss Fuschl (Lake Fuschl, Austria)

Straight out of a storybook, Rosewood Schloss Fuschl sits on the shores of an impossibly blue alpine lake, surrounded by Austria’s rolling forested hills. This former 15th-century hunting lodge has been reimagined as a retreat where elegance and nature exist in perfect harmony. Mornings begin with lakeside strolls or spa treatments with panoramic mountain views, while afternoons call for boating on Lake Fuschl or exploring nearby Salzburg. As the sun sets, dinner on the terrace—backdropped by the stillness of the water and the silhouette of the Alps—feels like a scene from another time, where summer is blissfully unhurried.

One&Only Portonovi (Montenegro)

Days here can be as active or indulgent as you choose—speeding across the bay on a private boat, exploring the medieval streets of Kotor, or simply soaking up the Adriatic views…

Set along the sparkling shores of Boka Bay, One&Only Portonovi brings Riviera-style glamour to Montenegro’s still-undiscovered coastline. Framed by dramatic mountains and Venetian-style villages, this sleek retreat offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Days here can be as active or indulgent as you choose—speeding across the bay on a private boat, exploring the medieval streets of Kotor, or simply soaking up the Adriatic views from a sun lounger by the infinity pool. And when evening falls, dining on Montenegrin flavors with a sea breeze and a glass of crisp local wine makes every moment feel cinematic.

Octant Ponta Delgada (Azores, Portugal)

Perched on the edge of the Atlantic, where volcanic landscapes meet lush greenery, Octant Ponta Delgada offers a front-row seat to the raw beauty of the Azores. This sleek, design-forward retreat feels effortlessly in tune with its surroundings, blending natural textures with panoramic ocean views. Adventure calls in every direction—hiking crater lakes, soaking in geothermal hot springs, or whale watching just offshore—but the hotel’s infinity pool and open-air terrace make it just as tempting to slow down and savor the moment. Here, the Azores’ untamed spirit meets a sense of ease, perfect for those who want to experience this remote archipelago without sacrificing comfort.