Forget Mykonos: Greek Island Swaps for Overcrowded Tourist Traps

The Greek Islands never get old. They are amazing places to treat the family to an island vacation full of fun, food, culture and plenty of beach time. But in recent years they have suffered from overtourism. While Greece and its islands depend on tourism, the effects of too many visitors have an impact on prices, the natural ecosystem, quality of life for the locals and quality of the experience for visitors. To make sure your family gets to enjoy the islands the way they were meant to be, try ditching some of the most popular choices and opt for an alternative that offers an equally amazing time.

Instead of Mykonos, Try Syros
Mykonos is one of the most recognized islands in Greece. That’s partly due to its picturesque scenery and partly to its wild party scene, the latter of which makes it not the most family-friendly of the country’s islands. Instead, consider Syros, an island west of Mykonos. It has incredible beaches like Galissas Beach, which has calm, shallow waters that are extremely kid-friendly, with plenty of places to stay within walking distance of the beach. It’s also a great place to experience some neoclassical architecture in the beautiful capital town of Ermoupoli.

Instead of Santorini, Try Anafi
Santorini is a bucket-list destination for many thanks to its incredible geography, thermal hot springs and breathtaking views, but its popularity has turned it into a place so overwhelmed by tourists it’s overpriced and no longer has an off-season. Instead, consider Anafi, a small island not far from Santorini. It may not have the cliffs and caldera that shapes Santorini, but it does have stunning views, picturesque villages painted white, and a calm serenity that makes it perfect for family time.

Instead of Paros, Try Folegandros
Paros has gone from a quiet, virtually unknown paradise to a popular destination for all types of travelers. It has great beaches, a butterfly valley, and charming towns like Naoussa where you can wander cobblestone alleys and check out the remains of an old fort. But the crowds have driven up prices and created traffic jams across the island, slowly destroying its charm. Instead, consider Folegandros, a lesser-known nearby island with beautiful beaches, lovely hotels and plenty of opportunities for hiking — minus the crowds.

Instead of Zakynthos, Try Kefalonia
Unlike Mykonos, Santorini and Paros, all in the Cycladic island chain in the Aegean Sea, Zakynthos is in the Ionian Sea, on the other side of the country. Instead of the Cycladic islands’ dry, rocky terrain, Zakynthos is covered in lush greenery. It has white-sand beaches, breathtaking spots like the shipwreck on Navagio Beach and blue caves on the northern coast of the island, but it’s also got a big party scene and massive crowds. Instead, consider Kefalonia, a nearby island with equally breathtaking scenery, white-sand beaches and its own cave system to explore, but without the crowds and wild parties Zakynthos has become known for.