Alternative Greek Islands Where You Can Get The Luxury Treatment

Alternative Greek Islands Where You Can Get The Luxury Treatment

Out of all the various vacation destinations in the Mediterranean region, the islands of Greece easily draw the most amount of tourist each year, and with good reason. The Greek islands are home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, they experience favorable weather year-round, and their ancient history make them almost mystical. We’ve all seen those iconic cliff-side villages made up of white-marble buildings that overlook crystal clear water. However despite the vast amount of islands in Greece, vacationers and tourists usually flock to the same places each year, namely Mykonos and Santorini. They’re nothing wrong with these islands, and they are undoubtedly very beautiful, but what if you want to get off the beaten track? Here are a few alternative Greek islands to visit where you can get pampered in luxury while avoiding the crowds and tourist traps while simultaneously saving money.

Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Samos, Greece

Samos

If you’re seeking an “authentic” Greek island vacation, one away from commercial beach resorts and the like, then Samos is a great place to visit. It’s a 184-square-mile island located in the Northern Aegean region that is populated with many beautiful Greek towns and villages. The island is the home of legendary philosophers and mathematicians like Epicurus and Pythagoras, in addition to being home to a few UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For the history buffs out there, Samos has plenty to offer. Samos is covered with pristine nature, vineyards, exceptional beaches, and beautiful vistas. It’s in close proximity to Turkey which also makes it a very unique island whose culture is a mixture of Greek, Turkish, and European. While it’s not as commercialized as other locations, you’ll still be able to find many great luxury hotels to stay in.

Photo from user Pe-sa/Wikipedia/Creative Commons 

Naxos, Greece

Naxos

When it comes to Greek islands that are known for their partying, night life, and a younger atmosphere, Mykonos is usually the go-to destination. However sometimes you want to relish in that great night life and social scene while simultaneously getting away from the more well-known spots. This is where Naxos excels. Naxos is right next door to Mykonos and it is the largest island in the Cyclades group. It offers a similar experience to Mykonos, yet it’s not as popularized. That means it is also more affordable in nature. Since it is also much larger than Mykonos, it has a larger area that you can explore, giving travelers a better sense of the unique Greek landscape. While it may not be as well-known as Mykonos, Naxos still has many high-end clubs, restaurants, and resorts that are the epitome of island luxury.

Photo from April Killingsworth/Flickr 

Kefalonia, Greece

Kefalonia 

Kefalonia is the largest island in the Ionian chain in Greece, and it’s another great alternative Greek island vacation spot. It is known for its awe-inspiring terrain, crystal clear waters, small villages, and sleepy beaches. Since the island is so large (302-square-miles) with a fairly small population, you can really get lost here in the best ways imaginable. It may not have the iconic white-washed homes or massive clubs, but if you want, say, a romantic and intimate experience, you cannot pass on Kefalonia. One of the best parts of Kefalonia is that there are many beaches that are virtually untouched, and it wouldn’t be uncommon to have a small beach entirely to yourself.

Photo from Matt Sims/Flickr 

Paros, Greece

Paros 

Known for its quaint villages, white marble, and exceptional beaches, Paros is another great alternative to places like Mykonos or Santorini. It is a tourist spot, no doubt, however it is not as popular as some of the other Greek islands so it offers all of the luxury experiences you could want at a more affordable price. The entire island has a sleepy vibe to it, yet Paros still has a prominent night life and there are plenty of things to do here. Paros offers a great mixture of all the things people love about the Greek islands, which is why it’s such a great place to visit. You can spend your time exploring the area, visiting some local vineyards, partying it up at a club, or just relax on the beach. Paros gives you the iconic Greek luxury experience at a more affordable price with much smaller crowds. What is there to not love about this place?

Photo from aleaparos.com

Written by Sebastian Hensiek

From Philadelphia, Sebastian is a fan of music, writing, art, and entertainment.