The Best Islands In the Mediterranean for a Secluded Escape

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.