Against the background of increased hype for travel after the end of the coronavirus pandemic, the resorts of the Mediterranean Sea are expecting record flows of tourists this summer, and, accordingly, huge crowds at the most popular locations.
Travel Off Path has compiled a list of six lesser-known Mediterranean islands to visit this year to avoid the tourist crowds. It turns out that even in Greece, Italy, and Croatia, which are extremely popular this year, you can find less crowded, but no less picturesque places.
6 little-known Mediterranean islands where you can avoid the tourist crowds in summer 2023
1. Rab, Croatia. This island can be reached in just a few minutes by ferry from the mainland on the north coast of Croatia. Also known as Love Island, Rab is famous for its cautious and friendly locals. By the way, the island of Rab has the most significant number of sandy beaches in the entire Adriatic region, including more than 20 located on the islands of the Lopar peninsula, some of which are the best beaches in all of Croatia.
2. Ponza, Italy. Located just over three hours from Rome, the stunning volcanic island of Ponza, unlike some of Rome’s other nearby islands and beaches, welcomes tourists not with huge sandy beaches, but with small, rustic coves and cliffs that are perfect for exploring by boat. Quieter and more peaceful than nearby Capri and Ischia, Ponza is the island to head to enjoy the sweet life by the sea without the huge crowds that await some of Italy’s other popular destinations this year.
3. Angistri, Greece. This unique Greek island is a favorite island paradise for strolls among Athenians. Located in the Saronic Gulf, this small unspoiled island is peaceful and natural, with lush greenery and a choice of sandy or rocky beaches. Unlike other subpolar Greek islands, Angistri is less cosmopolitan, and many come here to recharge their batteries in a low-key environment among taverns and traditional villages.
4. La Maddalena, Italy. This archipelago, hidden off the northeastern coast of Sardinia, is still not open to the masses for several reasons. The island was home to a US Navy nuclear base for a long time, so tourism was not developed here. However, in 2008, La Maddalena was returned to Italy, and the island began to turn into a great location for beach lovers. Also, this area with wild beaches and icy blue water is a protected national park, so there are strict rules – for example, you can’t take sand home.
5. Pantelleria, Italy. It has been called Italy’s last secret island, although it looks like the secret will soon be revealed. Pantelleria is located between Tunisia and Sicily and therefore hides the atmosphere of the fusion of North Africa and Italy. Being one of the southernmost points of Italy, this volcanic island is isolated in the Mediterranean Sea and therefore does not flock here to the crowds of foreign visitors. In addition, since most of this island is jagged and rocky shores, getting to it by air or boat is not an easy task.
6. Lopud, Croatia. Those who find themselves in the crowded Croatian city of Dubrovnik this summer may be interested in a trip to the island of Lopud for a comfortable time on the beach (the ferry ride takes about an hour). Lopud is considered the most beautiful of the Elaphiti Islands, and the fact that it is car-free makes it more peaceful than many of the other options on this list.