India, July 11 -- Staggering temperatures and throngs of tourists have turned some of the Mediterranean's most lauded locales into some of the most avoided. Yachts swarm the harbors of everywhere from Monaco to Mallorca-and cruise ships are a close second. Instead of vying with crowds for beach beds and restaurant reservations, set your sights on some of the Mediterranean's lesser-championed islands and coastlines, where you're less likely to hear English as you're basking on the shore. Santorini and the Amalfi Coast will never lose their luster, but save those spots for shoulder season. This summer, swap the tried-and-true classics for these up-and-coming Mediterranean gems instead.

01 of 06 Porto Ercole, Italy Harbor with boats and su...