As Greece contends with the pressures of overtourism due to soaring visitor numbers, it remains possible to uncover idyllic, lesser-visited spots across its diverse landscapes. Olivia Campbell has consulted seasoned travellers to highlight favourite escapes that promise tranquillity and charm away from the bustling crowds.
The Impact of Overtourism in Greece
For decades, Greece has captivated travellers with its ancient sites, vibrant architecture, and thousands of picturesque islands. Social media often showcases iconic locations like the whitewashed buildings of Santorini, the crystal blue waters of Crete, or Athens' historic ruins. With such an abundance of stunning areas, it is no surprise that the Balkan country welcomed over 35.26 million international visitors between January and October 2025.
However, this popularity comes at a significant cost. The country is grappling with serious overtourism and increasingly strained infrastructure, issues expected to worsen as visitor numbers continue to rise. Yet, given that Greece comprises thousands of islands and geographical regions that receive only a tiny fraction of the tourists flocking to major sites, alternatives abound for those seeking quieter experiences.
Seven Underrated Destinations to Explore
From Paros to Hydra and beyond, our travel desk has traversed many of Greece's hidden gems that are eager for visitors. Here is a roundup of some of the best underrated destinations to consider for your next trip.
Paros: A Laid-Back Aegean Gem
If you have ever seen images of Paros on social media, you might mistake its sparkling white-wash buildings and miles of picturesque scenery for Mykonos. However, as freelance writer Fiona McIntosh discovered, this Aegean Sea gem is the island "that Mykonos used to be before it was bedazzled by the superyacht set." She notes, "After spending nine days on Paros, swimming in the translucent Aegean, eating some of the best food I have ever had in Greece and bombing around almost empty roads (it was shoulder season), the only question mark I had was why there were so few Brits on the island." Paros offers beautiful beaches and excellent cuisine while retaining a laid-back charm.
Zagoria National Park: A Wilderness Escape
For those looking to avoid Europe's increasingly scorching summers, an autumn trip to one of Greece's pristine mountain ranges is an excellent option. Zagoria National Park, nestled among the steep and snowy slopes of the Tymfi mountains, presents a very different side of Greece, writes McIntosh. "It's the sort of place you come to for a complete reset in nature – you are swamped by the kind of untouched wilderness you didn't know still existed in Europe. Within the 390-square-mile geopark, bordering Albania, the only signs of civilisation are ancient stone bridges left behind by the Ottomans and 46 villages, which are little more than small clusters of stone cottages ... It's that kind of place."
Ithaca: A Legendary Ionian Retreat
The island of Ithaca, a place of legend and magic, makes an excellent choice to escape the unrelenting crowds of main tourist destinations. This small Greek island, featured in Homer's Odyssey, sits in the Ionian Sea and is known for its serene natural beauty. Victoria Harper, reflecting on a recent visit, says, "Ithaca is an island of hidden gems – it hosts the crown jewels of beautiful, unspoiled beaches lapped by warm, blue waters. Known for its verdant landscapes and stunning coastlines, Ithaca is as magical as I had imagined."
Hydra: A Car-Free Cycladic Haven
Just over an hour from Athens, the idyllic island of Hydra offers all the charm of its Cycladic cousins without the chaos and crowds. On her fourth visit, travel writer Rebecca Hall observes, "Stepping off the catamaran onto Hydra's ancient harbour feels like entering a living painting – an island caught between myth and a Mediterranean daydream. Unlike the high-energy crowds of Santorini or Mykonos, Hydra is calm, considered and blissfully car-free ... Even on my fourth visit, Hydra still waves her magic wand. I don't think I will ever tire of her hidden coves, whitewashed alleyways leading to bougainvillaea-bright courtyards and the proud neo-Classical mansions standing testament to the island's naval history."
Edipsos: Ancient Healing Springs
Sometimes, taking a page out of the Ancient Greek playbook is the best way to deal with modern life. What better way to banish burnout than with a trip to the remote town of Edipsos in northern Evia? Heidi Fuller-Love explains, "Bubbling out of the ground at 35C, Edipsos's mineral-rich springs – that were 'sent by the gods for healing', according to ancient Greek philosopher Pausanias – have been popular with 'greats', ranging from Aristotle and Strabo since 4BC." While the town lacks the glitzy allure it had during the post-war years, when figures like Greta Garbo and Omar Sharif sought its "healing water," there is something magical about soaking away your troubles as people have done for thousands of years.
Leros: A Charming Aegean Idyll
Despite a tragic and tumultuous past, Leros – often called the Island of Outcasts – has been transformed into a charming idyll welcoming travellers in the Aegean Sea. A 90-minute ferry from Kos takes you to the main town of Agia Marina, an area adorned with independent craft stores and jewellery boutiques, says Sarah Holt. She adds, "The coast of Leros is brush-stroked with beaches. A 35-minute walk from Agia Marina, Alinda is the longest. The waters here make cut crystal look cloudy, and the smooth pebble sand is overlooked by traditional tavernas."
Arachova and Portaria: Greece's Winter Wonderland
Greece is renowned as a summer paradise, but what about when the colder season sets in? Surprisingly, the country's budget ski scene is thriving, which makes sense given that Greece is 80 per cent mountains. Writing about her time traversing various Greek peaks, including the mountain towns of Arachova and Portaria, Heidi Fuller-Love noted, "The joy of being the first to plant skis on this powder-soft terrain was akin to the thrill of discovering a new country – it occurred to me that for most tourists who come here for blue skies and golden-sand beaches, Greece in winter is a new country."
In summary, these seven underrated Greek destinations provide perfect escapes from overtourism, offering unique experiences from beachside serenity to mountain adventures. By exploring these hidden gems, travellers can enjoy Greece's beauty while supporting less-visited areas.
