There is still a corner of Greece where the hordes of selfie-takers, noisy beach clubs and crazy-priced cocktails don’t come. It’s called Alonissos and it has just been crowned one of the most relaxing destinations in the world for a summer holiday in 2026.
This island of the Northern Sporades, still little known by mass tourism, conquers with its slow atmosphere, pristine beaches, transparent sea and a decidedly more sustainable approach to tourism compared to the more famous Greek destinations.
In June temperatures hover around 25 degrees: warm enough for swimming, but without the extreme heat and overcrowding typical of the Mediterranean high season.
The Greek island where luxury is silence
According to an analysis carried out by Solmar Villas travel experts on over 160 international destinations, Alonissos is the ideal destination for those looking for a slow and regenerating holiday.
The reason? Here tourism is still limited, life follows a relaxed pace and nature dominates the landscape. No cruise ships, no endless queues, no beaches transformed into open-air discos.
Being the most remote island of the Northern Sporades, Alonissos has remained outside the large tourist circuits that have overwhelmed places like Mykonos or Santorini. And this is precisely its strong point.
Transparent waters and unique biodiversity in the Mediterranean
One of the island’s most extraordinary treasures is the Alonissos National Marine Park, the largest marine protected area in Europe. A natural sanctuary of over 2,200 square kilometers where rare and fragile species live, including the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), considered at critical risk of extinction.
Boat excursions allow you to reach uninhabited islets and spectacular bays, such as Kyra Panagia Monastery, a 12th century monastery immersed in the blue of the Aegean. The waters are incredibly clear: in some points visibility reaches up to 50 metres, making the island one of the best Greek destinations for snorkelling and diving.
The underwater museum among the most incredible experiences in Greece
Among the most surprising attractions is the so-called “Parthenon of the wrecks”, the submerged archaeological site of Peristera, the first underwater museum in Greece. Here divers can observe thousands of ancient amphorae lying about 30 meters deep, in what is considered one of the most important commercial wrecks of antiquity. An experience that combines archaeology, sea and environmental protection in a unique way in the Mediterranean.
Wild beaches and nature without concrete
The beaches of Alonissos are light years away from the hyper-crowded establishments of many tourist destinations.
Among the most beautiful are:
The hinterland is crossed by over 40 kilometers of hiking trails that wind through pine forests, olive groves and hidden coves.
A more sustainable tourism model
In recent years Alonissos has focused heavily on ecotourism and reducing environmental impact. It was in fact one of the first Greek islands to severely limit the use of plastic bags.
Here tourism does not revolve around large resorts, but small local establishments, family taverns and nature-related activities.
A model that more and more travelers are looking for, especially after years of overtourism which have transformed many Mediterranean destinations into congested and unlivable places.
How to get to Alonissos
The island does not have an airport. To reach it you need to arrive by ferry starting from Skiathos or from the port city of Volos.
From Skiathos the journey takes approximately 2 and a half hours, while from Volos it takes between 3 and 4 and a half hours, depending on the connection. Alternatively you can fly to Athens or Thessaloniki and then continue with internal flights or ferries.
Greece dominates the relaxation ranking
According to the Solmar Villas study, Greece is the best country in 2026 for those looking for relaxing holidays. As many as 70% of the top ten most relaxing destinations are in fact located between the Greek islands and mainland Greece.
And Alonissos seems to perfectly embody this idea of travel: less consumption, less chaos, more nature and slow time.
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