Greece's most famous islands, such as Mykonos and Santorini, offer spectacular views and beautiful beaches but often come with overwhelming crowds. For travellers seeking a more tranquil Mediterranean experience in 2026, a new round-up of eight lesser-known islands highlights destinations with the same charm but without the congestion.
Among them is Amorgos, a Cycladic island shaped like a seahorse, famed as the filming location for Luc Besson's The Big Blue. Despite its cinematic pedigree, it remains largely off the radar, with no airport and ferry journeys from Piraeus taking up to seven hours. The effort is rewarded with the cliff-hanging Panagia Hozoviotissa monastery, perched 1,000 feet above the Aegean, and a network of trails leading to secluded beaches.
Visitors can explore the labyrinthine lanes of Chora, the capital, or take a scenic drive connecting the island's main villages. For a taste of local cuisine, T'Apanemo restaurant in Kalofana is recommended for its exceptionally fresh Greek salads. Accommodation options include Aegialis Hotel & Spa, with rooms from $267, offering easy access to Aegiali Bay and stunning elevated views.
Another standout is Alonissos in the Sporades, where the surrounding waters are protected by the National Marine Park of Alonissos Northern Sporades – Europe's largest marine reserve, spanning 870 square miles. Boat trips may encounter Mediterranean monk seals, one of Europe's rarest mammals, along with dolphins, sea turtles and Eleonora's falcons. The island also boasts inviting pebble and sand beaches and the picturesque village of Chora, ideal for watching the sunset with a drink in hand.
For dining, Dimitris Restaurant in Patitiri port is praised for top seafood and authentic hospitality. Alonissos is reached by flying to Skiathos and taking a ferry or hydrofoil, a journey of 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Accommodation at Marpunta Resort, from $190, sits on a serene, pine-fringed peninsula with an outdoor pool, two restaurants and activities for children.
The full round-up also includes a car-free island just 90 minutes from Athens, a wildlife-rich Sporades island, and an Ionian hideaway where beaches are rarely crowded, ensuring plenty of options for avoiding the hordes in 2026.
