A hidden gem of an island, just four hours from the UK, offers the perfect crowd-free experience for summer 2026. Travel specialists at Solmar Villas have analysed over 160 destinations worldwide to identify the most tranquil spots for a laid-back summer holiday, and Greece has taken the top spot.
Alonissos: The Most Peaceful Destination
Topping the list is Alonissos, a tiny, serene island in the northern Sporades archipelago in the Aegean Sea. To reach it, travellers can fly from the UK to the neighbouring island of Skianthos before taking a high-speed ferry. The island feels worlds apart from everyday life, with verdant hills blanketed in pine trees cascading down to crystalline waters, ideal for a summer dip. Life moves at a leisurely pace, with traditional villages dotted across the hillsides.
Marine Park and Wildlife
Alonissos is home to the National Marine Park of Alonnisos and Northern Sporades, one of the largest protected marine areas in Europe, making it a haven for divers and snorkellers. A boat trip around the island reveals caves, reefs and colourful marine life, including the rare Mediterranean monk seal, of which fewer than 700 survive in isolated subpopulations.
Top 10 Most Peaceful Holiday Destinations
- Alonissos, Greece
- Kefalonia, Greece
- Peloponnese, Greece
- Skopelos, Greece
- Lefkada, Greece
- Mani Peninsula, Greece
- El Hierro, Spain
- Naxos, Greece
- Koh Yao Noi, Thailand
- Paxos, Greece
Each location was rated across eight factors: crowd density, climate, nature and scenery, pace of life, affordability, safety and ease of access. Remarkably, eight of the top 10 destinations are in Greece.
