Are these the Med’s most underrated summer city breaks?

Words: Tracey Davies 

Think you’ve ticked off Europe’s summer cities? Think again. From Toulon’s low-key Riviera glamour to Milan’s sultry design-forward scene – plus curveballs such as Madrid, Malaga and the Greek greats – these crowd-dodging hotspots prove there’s more to the Med than the usual suspects.

Toulon, France

An alternative to the Riviera’s crowded beaches, the sprawling naval port of Toulon has its own Provençal charm, yet is still within reach of Saint-Tropez’s glam hotspots. Potter around the bistros and vintage boutiques in the Mourillon quarter, relax on the quiet golden sands of Plage du Mourillon or ride the cable car up Mont Faron for the best views. For longer stays, take the ferry over to Îles d’Hyères and beach hop around the car-free Porquerolles.

Where to stay
Perched on Les Sablettes beach, the historic Grand Hotel des Sablettes Plage, a Curio Collection by Hilton, has easy links to Toulon and nearby islands.

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Milan, Italy

Vying for attention from alpha siblings Florence, Venice and Rome, fashion aside, Milan is the often-overlooked middle child. In summer, it swaps its business suit for casual culottes as locals hang out at rooftop pools, sip spritzes in Navigli’s canalside bars and decamp to Idroscalo, a man-made lake dubbed ‘Milan’s seaside’. During the August Ferragosto, the city is deliciously crowd-free, leaving visitors in peace to enjoy the Duomo, Castello Sforzesco and Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. The lakes – Como, Maggiore and Garda – are only an hour or so away. 

Where to stay
Steps from La Scala Opera House in the cool Fashion District, The Grand Hotel et de Milan is a local luminary, favoured by the likes of Giuseppe Verdi and Maria Callas.

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Madrid, Spain

There’s no getting around it – Madrid sizzles in the summer. But for night owls it couldn’t be more perfect, as this sultry city thrives after dark. Tapas bars spill out onto lantern-lit squares, alfresco cinemas beam movies across the rooftops and Madrileños sip vermut in cool hole-in-the-wall bars. Brave the August heat and you’ll have the shaded corners of Retiro Park and empty halls of the Prado and Reina Sofía to yourself. And if it gets too steamy, cool off in San Juan Reservoir, Madrid’s secret ‘beach’, just a 45-minute bus ride away.

Where to stay
Moments from Palacio Real and the Madrid Opera House, Hotel Opera is an small family-run hotel that’s famous for its restaurant with opera-singing waiters. 

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Thessaloniki, Greece

Greece’s buzzy second city promises waterfront tavernas, ancient sites and a fantastic food scene, all under the gaze of the great Mount Olympus. Explore Roman ruins, Byzantine churches and Ottoman hammams or browse the antiques or food stalls of the bustling Kapani and Modiano markets. As the sun sets, join the locals for an evening volta along the promenade, past the White Tower, the statue of Alexander the Great and Giorgios Zoggolopoulos’ striking Umbrellas sculpture. 

Where to stay
Bringing 1920s glamour to Thessaloniki’s waterfront, the ON Residence is a five-star treat, with gourmet dining and rooftop bar delivering spectacular views of Mount Olympus.

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Malaga, Spain

Much more than the gateway to the Costa del Sol, Malaga has emerged as one of southern Spain’s coolest city breaks, combining art, architecture and beautiful beaches. At its historic core you’ll find Moorish architecture and whitewashed terraces, while its lengthy promenade buzzes with hip beach bars and contemporary art spaces. The big draws are The Centre Pompidou Málaga and Picasso Museum (Pablo was born here), while local vineyards and Frigiliana, a cool mountain village, make for easy day trips. 

Where to stay
Once a hangout of the Rolling Stones and Princess Diana, La Zambra by Hyatt is a chic retreat in the Mijas hills with stylish rooms, a vast spa and fine dining. 

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Kalamata, Greece

Home of the world-famous olive, this compact, laidback beach city in the Peloponnese is the perfect place to escape the crowds this summer. With miles of sandy beaches, an authentic Old Town with leafy squares, a hilltop Venetian castle and a clutch of good museums, particularly the Archaeological Museum of Messinia, Kalamata is Greece at its best. Outside the city, visit Polilimnio’s emerald-green waterfalls or take a boat trip to Voidokilia Bay. 

Where to stay
Set in lush olive groves and with uninterrupted Ionian Sea views, the swish The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort is the pearl of the Peloponnese. 

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