A list of destinations in Greece that are not affected by overtourism was presented by the German website Merkur.de.
The magical Koufonisia, with its emerald waters, rightfully takes the first place on the list.
In second place is Samothraki, known for its natural “pools,” and in third place is Alonnisos, which has been “blessed” with turquoise waters, enchanting hiking trails, the impressive Peristera shipwreck, and wild nature.
Following are Ikaria, known as the island of longevity, Chios with its citrus fruits and famous mastic, and Karpathos with its enduring traditions.
Further down the list are Antiparos and Amorgos, known for their unique historical and religious monuments.
The list is rounded out with Evia’s alternative activities and Samos’ dreamy beaches and countless alleyways.
“The beautiful islands of Greece are a popular international holiday destination every year, which, however, attract large crowds of tourists.
Fortunately, there are still Greek islands that do not suffer from overtourism and offer ideal getaways,” wrote Merkur.de.
Representatives of the destinations on the list discuss the new travel trends that attract international tourism:
“Thanks to the range of options we offer for decent accommodation and good food, the unique geographical morphology, and the diverse activities at all levels, such as hiking, climbing, diving, water sports, dozens of beaches, age-old traditions, and a plethora of picturesque villages, the island does not experience phenomena of overtourism.
The second-largest island of the Dodecanese attracts travelers from Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Germany, Scandinavia, and other European markets and beyond,” explained the Deputy Mayor of Tourism of the Municipality of Karpathos, Tasos Miliotis.
“Alonnisos has all the ‘raw materials’ to satisfy the modern traveler by offering rejuvenating and relaxing experiences without the consequences of overtourism. The accommodations, restaurants, cafes, bars, and other local businesses provide quality services and authentic hospitality while keeping prices at reasonable levels.
Exploring the island’s enchanting nature, visiting the largest natural marine park in the Mediterranean, and diving into the most important visitable shipwreck of classical antiquity, the Peristera shipwreck, combined with the unparalleled natural beauty and exotic blue-green waters, create a tourist ‘product’ unmatched by any other island,” said the Chairman of the Tourism Committee of the Municipality of Alonnisos and tourist agent Diogenes Theodorou.
“Western Samos offers authentic experiences away from the congestion of popular tourist islands. The enchanting landscape, the lush green slopes, and the hiking trails through dense forests, gorges, waterfalls, and crystal-clear waters remain largely unexplored by mass tourism.
Beaches such as Potami Karlovasou combine all of the above. The Small and Large Seitani offer unforgettable moments of relaxation in a pristine natural environment. On the southern side, we find Marathokampos, the cave of the great mathematician Pythagoras, endless sandy beaches, and villages with traditional architecture,” said the Deputy Mayor of Tourism of Western Samos, Evangelos Marnezos.
“The Mayor of Eastern Samos, Paris Papageorgiou, explains how ‘in its own unique way, Eastern Samos manages to leave everyone satisfied, both those who follow the rhythms of DJs on the popular beaches of Potokaki and Psili Ammos, and those who seek absolute peace and solitude in Kyrianni, Limnonaki, and Tsopela under the village of Spatharaioi.
The destination covers a complete spectrum of options as it is ideal for hiking on the paths of Agios Konstantinos and Manolates and for mountaineering on the slopes of Ampelos, as well as for nightlife in Kokkari and the coastal town. With the ally of very good climatic conditions, Eastern Samos keeps summer alive until November, when the new harvest of the famous Samiot wine, Muscat blanc à petits grains, comes out,’ he added.
“The Small Cyclades hold a special place in the Cyclades and Greece as a beautiful Polynesian destination with an untouched natural environment and a range of interests. We promote each island of the Small Cyclades separately but also as a whole along with Naxos, offering the ideal experience for island hopping while we enhance the already rising trend of visiting before and after July and August,” emphasized the Deputy Mayor of Tourism of the Municipality of Naxos and the Small Cyclades, Vangelis Katsaras.
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