We love a good beach day as much as the next but, sometimes, you want to get away from everyone else who’s also trying to get away. If you’ve ever arrived at a “secret cove” only to find it packed with beach umbrellas and Bluetooth speakers, you’ll know what we mean.
So, we went looking for some quiet corners of the Mediterranean. We searched for places where the water is still turquoise, the food is still sumptuous, and the sunsets still work their magic – but the crowds are nowhere to be seen.
Ready for ten of the best Mediterranean islands for a secluded escape, each with its own little story and plenty of things to explore? All you need is a beach bag and a quiet sense of hopeful anticipation.
Ithaca, Greece
Ithaca is said to be the homeland of Odysseus, which makes wandering the island feel like you’ve stepped into an ancient myth. But, what we love most is how peaceful it still feels today. With olive groves, citrus trees, sleepy harbors, it’s like time has slowed down here.
Instead of packed resorts, you’ll find small guesthouses, fishing boats bobbing in the harbor at Vathy, and quiet beaches like Gidaki that you can only reach on foot or by boat. Kioni Village is a must-visit, too; it’s the kind of place where dinner lasts three hours and no one’s in a hurry to leave.
Marettimo, Italy
Way out in the Egadi Islands off the coast of Sicily, Marettimo is about as off-the-radar as it gets. There are no cars here, no big hotels, and barely any noise – just the sound of the sea and the occasional goat bell in the distance. The island is wild and rocky, with dramatic sea cliffs and caves you can explore by boat.
Hiking trails crisscross the island, including ancient Roman paths that lead to magnificent coastal viewpoints and the ruins of an old fortress. It’s a great place to snorkel, swim, and slow down. People who come here usually don’t want to leave, and you’ll quickly see why.
Karpathos, Greece
Nestled between Rhodes and Crete, Karpathos often gets overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, but that’s what makes it so special. It’s a rugged island with mountain villages where old traditions are still alive. The village of Olympos, perched high above the sea, feels like a living museum. Women still wear traditional clothing and bake bread in outdoor ovens.
The coastline is dramatic and often empty, with little beaches like Achata that are very private if you’re willing to hike a bit. If you’re feeling even more adventurous that that, the island also has great spots for windsurfing. All in all, Karpathos hits that perfect balance between remote and just connected enough.
Îles Lavezzi, France
Off the southern tip of Corsica, Îles Lavezzi is a protected archipelago that doesn’t have hotels, roads, or restaurants – and that’s the whole point. You can only get there by boat (Bonifacio is your best bet), and what you’ll find here are huge granite boulders, clear shallow bays, and the kind of silence that makes you forget your phone exists.
Bring a picnic, spend the day swimming and exploring, and just… exist. You won’t be tempted to do much and, honestly, that’s the beauty of it. The islands are part of a nature reserve, so it’s all about minimal impact and maximum chill.
Formentera, Spain
Formentera is not a secret, but it feels like one, especially if you go in the shoulder seasons. While Ibiza is throwing parties, Formentera is quietly doing its own thing just a ferry ride away. With its white-sand beaches and aquamarine water, it could easily be mistaken for the Caribbean.
Rent a bike or a scooter and explore the island at your own pace. Playa de Ses Illetes is stunning, especially in spring or early autumn when the crowds are gone. Cap de Barbaria, with its lighthouse sitting pretty above the sea, is a perfect sunset spot. There are no huge resorts here, and that’s precisely why it’s oh-so-good.
Lastovo, Croatia
Lastovo is one of those islands you almost can’t believe still exists in Europe. It was off-limits to foreigners until the 1990s, and that sense of mystery still lingers. There’s just one main village, no big chain stores, and very limited cell service. Instead, you’ll see pine-covered hills, hidden coves, and some of the best stargazing in the Mediterranean. (It’s a designated dark-sky park).
Kayaking along the coast is a dream, and the seafood – especially if you find a family-run konoba tucked in a cove – is unforgettable. Here, you can stop checking the time because, well, it just doesn’t matter anymore.
Samothrace, Greece
If you’re craving something completely different, Samothrace is wild, mysterious, and full of surprises. It’s not your typical island escape. It’s more about waterfalls, forests, and mountain trails than sun loungers and cocktails. In fact, some visitors don’t even bother with the beach.
You can hike to hidden pools tucked into lush greenery, visit the Sanctuary of the Great Gods (an ancient religious site that’s older than many Greek myths), and even camp under the stars. This island is more about soul-searching than sightseeing and, if you allow it, it could totally change your world.
Pantelleria, Italy
Pantelleria sits closer to Tunisia than Sicily, and it feels like a world all its own. It’s a volcanic island with no sandy beaches – just dramatic cliffs, black lava rock, and natural hot springs you can soak in under the stars. The island’s traditional homes, called dammusi, are made from thick stone and feel like tiny fortresses.
You won’t find beach clubs or trendy shops here, but you will find silence, warm sea pools carved into the rock, and incredible capers and sweet passito wine. Pantelleria is rugged, raw, and totally unforgettable.
Alonnisos, Greece
Among the Sporades islands, Alonnisos, Greece often flies under the radar, overshadowed by its flashier neighbors like Skiathos. But, that’s a good thing. This island is all about nature, simplicity, and peace. The pine forests smell amazing, the hiking trails are quiet and shaded, and the old town sits high on a hill with stunning views in every direction.
The surrounding waters are part of a protected marine park, home to the rare Mediterranean monk seal, so the snorkeling is top-notch. Even in high season, you’ll find beaches where it’s just you and the precious sound of the waves.
Gozo, Malta
Gozo will make you wonder why more people don’t go there. Just a short ferry ride from Malta’s main island, it’s greener, quieter, and much slower-paced. You’ll still find incredible history, like Ġgantija, one of the oldest temple complexes in the world, but you won’t be sharing it with a tour group.
The island has charming villages, hidden swimming spots, and dramatic cliffs perfect for walks at golden hour. The food’s fantastic, the people are lovely, and the whole place feels like a well-kept secret, even though it’s so easy to reach.
Where Will You Go?
Whether you’re craving wild cliffs, forest hikes, or quiet harbors, the Mediterranean still has plenty of peaceful corners to discover. You don’t have to fight the crowds to find the magic; you just need to know where to look.
And that’s precisely why we’re here! Our library of destination guides is chock full of places to look. Whether it’s the U.S., Europe, or farther afield, we’ll help you plan your next vacation to perfection. And, should we see you on one of these remote, magical islands, we promise to give a quiet nod before hopping in our kayak and sailing into the setting sun.