A Greek island with the same pretty, white-washed houses as its famous neighbours but far fewer crowds has emerged as a surprise favourite among readers planning 2026 family holidays. Astypalaia, described as a genuinely peaceful place where you can properly switch off, offers quiet pebble beaches and a beautiful main town leading up to an old castle.
The island was praised by reader Roy, who rented a small apartment and spent days on beaches he had almost to himself. Its tranquil charm provides a stark contrast to busier Greek destinations, making it an ideal spot for families seeking relaxation.
Other readers highlighted alternative Mediterranean escapes away from the tourist trail. Procida, in the Bay of Naples, was called a delightful slice of unhurried Italian life with pretty beaches and fresh seafood, while Corsica’s Plage de Péru offers direct access from a sleepy hotel with turquoise waters and sunset dining.
For those seeking cooler climes, the Danish Riviera near Gilleleje offers clean, refreshing water and uncrowded beaches in August. Self-catering among charming fishing villages was recommended to manage costs, with cultural visits to Louisiana modern art museum and Hamlet’s Castle.
Turkey’s Akyaka, a pine-fringed village untouched by mass tourism, impressed one reader with its clear Azmak River, turtles, and wooden houses. Silba, a car-free Croatian island with family-run guesthouses, and Sant Pol de Mar in Spain, described as a place to mend broken hearts, also featured among readers’ top picks.
