With Greece expecting a record number of tourists this season, here are some of the best beach destinations where you can escape the crowds during the summer.
We’ve all seen photos of dreamy Greek islands like Mykonos and Santorini filling our social media feeds, but these pictures don’t always show the whole story. There are massive crowds watching the sunset in Oia, narrow streets and alleys clogged with cruise ship tourists, and packed beach clubs and restaurants. From personal experience, I don’t recommend visiting Santorini and Mykonos in July!
This summer is expected to be one of the worst times to visit popular destinations in Greece, with huge crowds anticipated in July, August, and even September as more visitors choose what was once considered the “shoulder season” for Greece travel. However, you can still escape the crowds in these three lesser-known Greek beach destinations.
**Amorgos**
Amorgos is one of my favorite underrated islands in Greece. It offers dramatic scenery and white-washed villages similar to Santorini, but without the crowds. Plus, it’s much cheaper than the more popular islands. This stunning island is the easternmost in the Cycladic chain, which includes hotspots like Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, and Ios. These islands can be extremely crowded and expensive during the summer months, but that’s not the case with Amorgos. Due to its more remote location (there’s no airport, and you’ll have to take a ferry from another island to get there) and lack of development, it remains an underrated destination. Amorgos has gorgeous, secluded beaches and a more laidback, local atmosphere in the villages, making it the perfect escape. If you’re looking for luxury at a fraction of the cost of the more popular islands, Aegialis Hotel & Spa is an amazing place to stay in Amorgos, with views that rival those of Santorini.
**Kefalonia**
Another Greek island that many tourists don’t know about is Kefalonia. This island is in the Ionian chain, on the western side of Greece. The most popular destination here is Corfu. However, Kefalonia is where you should go if you want to get away from the crowds. I’ve been to Corfu, and let’s just say I won’t be going back… instead, Kefalonia would be my top pick if I returned to the Ionian islands. This island is full of jaw-dropping scenery and amazing beaches, including Myrtos Beach, which regularly ranks as one of the top beaches in the country. You can also explore the various caves and caverns along the island’s coastline. Unlike Amorgos, which doesn’t have an airport, Kefalonia is accessible by air, and it’s an easy one-hour flight from Athens to get there. It’s also one of the more affordable island destinations in Greece, making it a great place to go if you’re looking for a budget-friendly getaway.
**Halkidiki**
Halkidiki is something of a hidden gem in Greece that very few foreign tourists know about — it’s mainly popular as a vacation destination for Greeks themselves. This coastal region of northern Greece is accessible from the city of Thessaloniki, which is an underrated destination in itself. (Head there if you want to escape the insane crowds of Athens!) A couple of hours from Thessaloniki, you’ll discover a picturesque region divided into three peninsulas. Kassandra peninsula is the liveliest and the most popular with tourists, while Sithonia and Mount Athos are much quieter and more off the beaten path. If you’re looking to totally escape the crowds, these two peninsulas are a great choice. Everywhere in Halkidiki, there are amazing beaches with crystal-clear water and quaint coastal villages.
**One Last Tip**
When you visit any of these destinations, it’s important to avoid the crowds. July and August are typically the most crowded times to visit any beach destination in Greece. This is when most local tourists and most foreign tourists are traveling. Even June and September have become more crowded months to visit Greece in recent years, but for more underrated destinations (like the three mentioned above) it’s still a good time to go. In particular, early June and late September are amazing for avoiding the crowds.