Santorini, Ibiza, Corsica — sure, they’re beautiful. But if you’re dreaming of secluded coves, sleepy villages, and authentic Mediterranean charm, it’s time to look beyond the usual hotspots. From car-free Greek escapes to Italian islands where donkeys outnumber tourists, these underrated Mediterranean islands offer everything you want — without the crowds or the clichés. Here’s where to go before the secret’s out.
Outline
- Why Go Off the Beaten Path?
- The Best Underrated Mediterranean Islands
- Kastellorizo, Greece
- Gozo, Malta
- Giannutri, Italy
- Lastovo, Croatia
- Samothraki, Greece
- Îles d’Hyères, France
- Alonnisos, Greece
- What Makes an Island “Underrated”?
- Tips for Planning an Offbeat Island Escape
- Final Thoughts: Escape the Expected
Why Go Off the Beaten Path?
Let’s face it — the Mediterranean can get crowded. But go just a little further, and you’ll find:
- Authentic hospitality without the inflated prices
- Quiet beaches with room to breathe
- Local cuisine that hasn’t been watered down for tourists
- A sense of discovery that you won’t get in over-Instagrammed places
These islands may not have cruise ships — and that’s exactly the point.
The Best Underrated Mediterranean Islands
1. Kastellorizo, Greece 🇬🇷
A pastel-painted harbour, no airport, and a sense of timeless calm.
- Highlights: Blue Grotto (yes, even better than Capri’s), Ottoman mansions, cliffside tavernas
- Vibe: Ultra-relaxed, ideal for writers, dreamers, and sea swimmers
- Tip: Reachable by ferry from Rhodes — or small boat from Turkey
2. Gozo, Malta 🇲🇹
Malta’s sleepy little sister, full of rural charm and rugged cliffs.
- Highlights: Citadel in Victoria, Azure Window ruins, salt pans, scuba diving
- Vibe: Quieter than Malta, with plenty of countryside walks and local wine
- Tip: Rent a bike or car to explore its hidden beaches and old stone farmhouses
3. Giannutri, Italy 🇮🇹
An uninhabited island south of Tuscany’s coast — wild, rocky, and protected.
- Highlights: Roman ruins, snorkelling in clear waters, zero traffic
- Vibe: Raw nature and silence; great for a digital detox
- Tip: Bring supplies — there are no shops, and only a few ferries a week
4. Lastovo, Croatia 🇭🇷
One of Croatia’s most remote inhabited islands, full of forests, coves, and legends.
- Highlights: Stargazing (a dark sky paradise), sleepy fishing villages, cycling trails
- Vibe: Slow-living meets storybook charm
- Tip: Stay in a local guesthouse and try the island’s famous lobster
5. Samothraki, Greece 🇬🇷
Not your typical island — think waterfalls, hiking, and ancient mysticism.
- Highlights: Mount Saos, natural rock pools, Sanctuary of the Great Gods
- Vibe: Popular with alternative travellers, yoga lovers, and free spirits
- Tip: Go in spring or early autumn to avoid the heat and catch cultural festivals
6. Îles d’Hyères (Porquerolles), France 🇫🇷
Just off the French Riviera, but worlds away from the glitz.
- Highlights: Car-free lanes, pine forests, turquoise bays
- Vibe: Eco-conscious and family-friendly
- Tip: Perfect for cycling and picnics — rent a bike and pack a bottle of local rosé
7. Alonnisos, Greece 🇬🇷
Often overshadowed by Skopelos and Skiathos, but home to a national marine park and magical coastlines.
- Highlights: Hiking trails, monk seal habitats, old-town ruins
- Vibe: Nature-first, low-key, and ideal for walkers and snorkellers
- Tip: Take a boat tour with locals to see dolphins and secret coves
What Makes an Island “Underrated”?
It’s not about being unknown — it’s about being:
- Under-touristed, even in peak season
- Still focused on local life, not luxury trends
- Rich in natural beauty, without overdevelopment
- Ideal for slow travel, not packaged holidays
They’re the kind of places that feel like a secret — even when you’re there.
Tips for Planning an Offbeat Island Escape
Be flexible
Smaller islands may have fewer ferries or limited accommodation — book early and travel light.
Respect local rhythms
Many of these islands aren’t built for crowds. Embrace slower meals, siestas, and local traditions.
Stay local
Choose family-run guesthouses, farm stays, or eco-lodges for a richer experience.
Pack wisely
You may not find pharmacies, cashpoints, or supermarkets on some islands — plan ahead!
It’s not about luxury — it’s about experience.
Final Thoughts: Escape the Expected
The Mediterranean still holds countless secrets — if you know where to look.
Why settle for busy beaches and crowded cruise ports when you could be sipping local wine in a quiet fishing village, or hiking a trail only goats have walked that day?
So go ahead — leave the big names behind. The real Mediterranean magic often lies just one ferry ride further.
