The Greek island of Folegandros was also on the traveler’s list of favorites.A traveler named Vinicius Costa has visited as many as 43 islands in the Mediterranean Sea. Among them, he has favorites.
In an article for Travel Off Path, a man named five Mediterranean islands that captured his heart. These destinations offer a peaceful escape with fewer tourists, a beautiful coastline, and a true summery atmosphere.
Folegandros, Greece
Folegandros is located in the heart of the Cyclades. It can be reached in just 45 minutes by ferry from the world-famous Santorini. However, it seems to exist in its own universe.
“Forget about the flashy boutiques, the Instagram-perfect viewpoints overlooking the caldera, and the expensive taverns that are anything but authentic. Instead, you’ll find a picturesque hilltop capital with a whitewashed, labyrinthine Old Town nestled at the foot of a Byzantine monastery, virtually deserted white-pebble beaches, and welcoming bars,” the author writes.
Folegandros is tiny, so you can walk around the whole island in about 5 hours. But you won’t find any beach clubs like in Mykonos.
Formentera is the closest place in the Mediterranean to a Caribbean island. There are no cramped beach bars or crowded sunbathing areas. And it’s only a 30-minute ferry ride from Ibiza.
The most vibrant nightlife is concentrated on the 900-meter beachfront, known as Es Puholls. However, the traveler noted that Spain will soon change its entry requirements, so check the information in advance to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Gozo, Malta
Malta is known for the nightlife of St. Julian’s and the souvenir-filled streets of Valletta. However, Gozo is a tiny corner of paradise where time seems to stand still. There are no crowds of tourists, but there is still plenty to see.
There, you can enjoy the ochre-colored buildings and the terraces of the restaurants lining the picturesque cobblestone streets. To top it off, you should visit the monumental Baroque cathedral.
According to the author, the biggest natural gem of Gozo is the Dwejra Bay.
What is the best thing about Gozo or Malta in general? This deserted beach usually has no pickpockets or bullies to disrupt your holiday, adds Costa.
Ischia, Italy
For most tourists, the Italian summer is about scenic (albeit chaotic) drives along the winding roads of the Amalfi Coast, sunset dinners in Positano, and exclusive beach clubs.
But there is an alternative. Although there are many tourists there, the island of Ischia has many attractions. The author recommends visiting it for the sake of more peaceful towns, such as Forio, located on the less glamorous western coast of the island. Here you will find traditional fishing houses and quiet squares, as well as the soft golden sand of the Maronti beach, which is mostly ignored by cruise tourists.
Brac is only 12 kilometers from the mainland, but it’s a breath of fresh air in the midst of the summer chaos.
It is known for its white pebble beach, Zlatni Rat, or Golden Cape, which is located near the bustling coastal town of Bol. However, it is the destination of choice for day-trippers, according to Kosta.
Instead, he recommends visiting Supetar and other quieter beaches in the area.
“If you’re looking for a local mystery that tourists haven’t yet discovered, then you don’t need to look any further than Puchishchi: located in a deep bay surrounded by crystal clear sea, this cluster of stone buildings with characteristic Dalmatian green shutters offers family taverns right on the beach and truly fabulous bathing,” says the man.
Another nice bonus is that Croatia is very safe.