'Skip the crowded Mediterranean: opt for the sunny shores of other destinations.'

The most famous resorts on the Mediterranean Sea have their well-deserved place due to their picturesque locations with plenty of attractions to explore, as well as opportunities for sunny vacations and relaxation. However, the recent increase in tourist traffic has left Rome, Athens and Barcelona not just busy, but overcrowded and jam-packed. Many of the Mediterranean's most popular destinations have become so overcrowded with vacationers that the qualities that made them so attractive are fading away. However, the region is huge, and if you want to enjoy the sunshine, the secret is to stay ahead of the latest trend.

Start by checking the list of brilliant seas and clean beaches, then''Add a dash of luxury accommodation and plenty of local atmosphere to satiate a vacation in the sun, here's a selection of alternative and excellent destinations to consider.

Take a trip around the Mediterranean, but go somewhere where the crowds haven't gathered yet. Enough places that attract crowds of vacationers on the lookout for the perfect Instagram moment. Think of Paros, the idyllic island of the Cyclades, which offers everything that's so well-loved on its more famous "brethren" as well, but without so much attention. While the island's luxury infrastructure has developed in recent years, it remains a world away from the selfie-sunsets of Santorini and the bustling clubs of Mykonos.

Stay on the island of Paros at the Minois Boutique Hotel,''offering a wide range of villas and suites with huge swimming pools. Parasporos Beach is just a five-minute walk away, although the hotel's main pool will be more than enough for the vast majority of vacationers for a few days. Enjoy an incredible sunset while dining at the hotel's restaurant, Olvo, where you can order a sumptuous tasting menu or choose a measured meal, before boarding an instant barge cab to the island of Antiparos for a nightcap. Paros has plenty of beaches and beach clubs to explore, a hot nightlife but can be easily avoided if you wish, charming villages, hiking trails and wineries.

Other parts of the Mediterranean have Malta, with a fascinating history, starting with the Order''Knights before World War II, an abundance of beaches and snorkeling opportunities. Here you can explore not only the fortified capital city of Valletta, but also the Neolithic monuments, considered to be some of the oldest self-supporting human structures on the planet.

Within the walls of Valletta, stay at the 23-room Iniala Harbour House Hotel, which sets new standards for modern five-star service in this island nation. Elsewhere, consider The Xara Palace, a Relais & Châteaux hotel housed in a converted 17th-century castle in historic Mdina. Both hotels also have Michelin-signed restaurants.

Although the hotness is also attracted to Croatia's coast, the throngs of tourists have yet to descend on the coast''countries sharing a slice of the Adriatic Sea, such as Montenegro and Albania. And if island life is still desired, there are plenty of other options to consider, from the large island of Cyprus, the third largest in the Mediterranean, to the tiny island of Pantelleria, at just 33 square miles.

Far across the ocean, but still on the coast.

East coast residents who have never been to Bermuda may be shocked to learn how close and convenient the destination is - just two hours from New York or Washington, DC. This is not the Caribbean, and from''You're separated from the Mediterranean by an ocean, but here you can enjoy the beach lifestyle all year round.

Bermuda is known for its pink sandy beaches, which get their distinctive hue from micro-particles of coral, and perhaps the best place to enjoy such a phenomenon is the Loren at Pink Beach Hotel. Opened in 2017, the 45-room hotel is set on the main private stretch of these picturesque pink sands.

The hotel's large pool deck is a social hub, with ocean waves lapping the rocks just below the terrace, where guests eat al fresco throughout the day and night. Besides the idyllic setting with an endless variety of ocean hues, the Loren at Pink Beach Hotel has also become a gastronomic''a landmark, attracting renowned chefs such as James Beard Award nominee Nina Compton.

After a quick flight from the US, the Loren Hotel is just a 10-minute drive from the airport. A quick and convenient transfer in the morning will make you cower at the thought of the full-day journey awaiting you when visiting the crowded island of Middle-earth.

Bermuda is also famous for Gosling Rum and their all-famous Dark and Stormy cocktail, which combines Gosling rum, ginger Scotch ale and lime. Stop by their store while you're spending the day in the capital city of Hamilton, perhaps visit TABS - The Authentic Bermuda Shorts to pick up some Bermuda-only formal wear. Don't forget to take advantage of the Bermuda culture'

Another Atlantic retreat worth considering is Madeira, an autonomous island region of Portugal off the coast of Morocco and Portugal. The area may resemble Kawaii more than anything in the Mediterranean, with sharp cliffs, volcanic black beaches and lush nature. However, the food, wine, language and lifestyle are quite consistent with European standards. Visitors to Madeira enjoy exploring centuries of history in and around Funchal, a diverse culture of outdoor activities and a huge selection of Madeiran wine.

The most famous hotel in Madeira is Reid's Palace, a Belmond hotel that has been a luxury haven since opening in 1891 and has an unrivaled location with direct access to the ocean and superb service befitting its heritage. A more modern alternative in Funchal is the Savoy Palace Hotel, a 17-story building opening in 2019. It has a huge indoor pool, sauna, outdoor pool, and rooftop infinity pool.

Elsewhere, consider the Estalagem da Ponta do Sol Hotel on the Cliff, located in the village of the same name with a distinctive exterior elevator that takes visitors from street level to its lofty location. The hotel's several buildings are connected by terraced passageways, with rooms with''great ocean views as well as a pool and hammam with multiple rooms.