A beautiful Greek island with crystal clear waters and impeccable vibes has been named the most relaxed place for a holiday. Alonissos, known for its tranquil atmosphere, exceptionally clear waters, and the chance to explore Europe's largest marine protected area, offers an authentic, laid-back experience far from the bustling crowds of nearby Skiathos.
The travel experts at Solmar Villas analysed over 160 global destinations to crown Alonissos as the most relaxing place for a chilled-out summer holiday in 2026, noting its lack of crowds, beautiful nature, slow pace of life, and lovely climate. With temperatures reaching 25C in June, the island is an ideal escape for those seeking peace and quiet.
Why Alonissos is the Most Relaxing Destination
Alonissos is the most remote of the Northern Sporades islands, which explains why it remains a hidden gem. Travel blogger Melissa, who recently visited, wrote: "Alonissos is one of those places you feel. It ended up being my favourite of the three islands I visited. It's quiet, a little wild, totally underrated. Out of all the Sporades islands, it's the furthest out, which probably explains why it's still kind of a hidden gem. It's way less touristic and definitely more laid back than islands like Mykonos. No cruise ship crowds, no overpriced cocktails. I paid on average 9€ for my Aperol Spritz, where in Mykonos, that's gonna cost double."
Things to Do in Alonissos
First and foremost, time spent in Alonissos is best spent relaxing on the beach. But if you feel the need to do something, there is plenty to choose from:
- National Marine Park: A 2,200 km² haven for biodiversity, home to the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal.
- Boat Tours: Explore uninhabited islets like Kyra Panagia, which features a 12th-century monastery.
- Diving and Snorkelling: Alonissos is home to the "Parthenon of Shipwrecks" at Peristera, Greece's first underwater museum, where divers can view thousands of ancient amphorae at 30m depth. Visibility can reach up to 50 metres.
- Chora: The charming old town perched on a hilltop with 360° views, restored after a 1965 earthquake, featuring cobbled alleys and flowering balconies.
- Pristine Beaches: Agios Dimitrios, a striking horn-shaped pebble beach with vivid turquoise water; Kokkinokastro, known for its dramatic red cliffs; and Chrisi Milia, the island's only golden sandy beach with shallow waters ideal for families.
- Eco-tourism and Nature: Over 40 km of signposted trails through dense pine forests and olive groves. Alonissos is a pioneer in sustainability, being one of the first Greek islands to go plastic-bag-free.
How to Get There
There is no airport on Alonissos. To get there, you need to travel by ferry from the nearest airports on Skiathos (2.5 hours by ferry) or at mainland Volos (3-4.5 hours by ferry). You can also fly to Athens or Thessaloniki and continue via internal flight or ferry.
The findings revealed that Greece stands out as the best country to visit for relaxation in 2026, with destinations across the Greek islands and mainland dominating the rankings. In fact, 70% of the top 10 destinations are located in Greece, highlighting the country's strong appeal for travellers seeking a peaceful summer holiday this year.
