Experts advise visiting precisely these destinations, which are less popular among tourists, in 2027.
Despite the sky-high prices of popular resorts, there are still islands in the Mediterranean with ancient ruins, picturesque coastlines, affordable prices and far fewer tourists. The publication Travel Off Path named six destinations for those who want to avoid the crowds in 2027.
As the publication notes, the popular Santorini, Capri and Mallorca do attract travelers, but in high season a holiday there can come with high prices, traffic jams and queues at historical attractions. That is precisely why it is worth turning your attention to less hyped islands, where you can combine a beach holiday with exploring ancient history.
“The good news is that the authentic Mediterranean still exists. You just have to look beyond the overcrowded tourist centers,” the publication writes.
Gozo, Malta
Gozo is located near the main island of Malta, from where you can reach it by ferry in about 45 minutes. According to the author, quiet rural settlements, limestone cliffs and hills have been preserved here, and the main historical attraction is the megalithic temples of Ġgantija, which are older than the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge. The island also attracts diving enthusiasts thanks to the underwater landscapes near the Blue Hole.
Samos, Greece
The Greek island of Samos is located in the eastern part of the Aegean Sea, not far from the Turkish coast. Unlike the arid islands of the Cyclades archipelago, it is distinguished by forested mountains, green slopes and winemaking traditions. Among the main attractions is the Heraion of Samos, an archaeological complex with the ruins of an ancient temple to the goddess Hera, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The author also advises visiting the mountain villages and local tavernas.
Vis, Croatia
The Croatian island of Vis remained closed to foreign tourists for a long time because the island was used as a Yugoslav military base. The restricted access helped it avoid the large-scale tourist development typical of the country’s other islands. Today you can see the ruins of the ancient Greek and Roman city of Issa, as well as abandoned underwater tunnels cut through the coastal rocks. A separate attraction is the Blue Cave on the neighboring island of Biševo, which can be reached by boat.
Menorca, Spain
Against the backdrop of the popular Mallorca and Ibiza, Menorca retains a calmer character and natural landscapes. The entire island has UNESCO biosphere reserve status, which helps protect the coastline from excessive development. Tourists are offered secluded coves with turquoise water, pine forests and monuments of the Talaiotic culture — ancient stone towers and Bronze Age monuments. The coastal route Camí de Cavalls, about 185 km long, is suitable for hiking.
Sant’Antioco, Italy
The small island of Sant’Antioco is located off the south-western coast of Sardinia and is connected to it by an artificial isthmus and a bridge whose history goes back to Roman times. Unlike the large tourist centers, the atmosphere of a fishing community has been preserved here. Among the most interesting places are the Carthaginian Tophet and the underground Roman catacombs, which allow you to trace the various stages of the region’s history, from Phoenician and Punic cultures to the Roman era.
Ithaca, Greece
Ithaca, known from ancient mythology as the homeland of Odysseus, remains relatively sparsely populated, partly because of difficult transport connections. There is no airport of its own on the island: travelers need to get to neighboring Kefalonia and from there transfer to a ferry. Ithaca attracts with olive groves, steep green slopes and quiet beaches. Among historical sites, the author singles out the so-called School of Homer — an archaeological monument whose precise historical significance is still debated by researchers.
Konstantin is an acclaimed travel writer, celebrated for transforming ordinary journeys into extraordinary narratives. With years of experience exploring diverse destinations across the globe, his work blends vivid storytelling, cultural insights, and practical advice to inspire wanderlust and guide readers toward unforgettable adventures.
As a key contributor to enjoythetrip.org website, Konstantin has built a loyal readership through their expertise in uncovering both iconic landmarks and off-the-beaten-path treasures. He specializes in providing travelers with honest, actionable tips, whether it’s finding the best resorts in Maldives, exploring cultural hubs like Paris, or diving into the natural wonders of Croatia.