That fresh salt breeze feels like oxygen to your lungs and happiness to your heart. The Mediterranean is something special. From the gut-friendly cuisine to the effortlessly chic beach aesthetic, the region is popular — and for good reason. Whether you fly to a slither of Capri coastline or land near bougainvillaea-covered Ionian villages, you’re promised beauty and rejuvenation.
Yet, with so much popularity, the region has one big drawback: crowds. It’s easy enough to say, “visit in the shoulder seasons.” Who hasn’t heard that age-old advice parroted? But, oftentimes, that just isn’t a realistic concept. Life gets in the way, and sometimes, you just want a quiet Mediterranean getaway — albeit in the height of August.
Slow things down in Paxos, Greece
Enticed by the prospect of pink-tinged bougainvillea? You’re in luck; these bright flowers shroud the corners of cobbled villages in Paxos. The island’s villages are few and far between, loosely hugging the shorelines and briefly disrupting bountiful undergrowth and greenery. The Ionian island is the ideal swap for busier options, like Corfu or Zante. Expect less than a fraction of the crowds and an entirely different pace of life.
Days on Paxos centers around quiet afternoons on beaches, sleepy seaside tavernas, and soaking up village aesthetics before lunch. Where better to embrace the trending concept of a slowcation? Tiny Paxos is the perfect place to take it steady; it doesn’t even have its own airport.
Find old-world charm in Menorca, Spain
Ibiza and Mallorca have long been spotlight-snatchers. The Balearic Islands have become synonymous with the festival industry, putting a modern and extroverted claim to Europe’s travel scene. Yet Menorca? The island has stayed low-key and retains a sense of old-world charm. The heritage towns, wild beaches, and protected biospheres maintain Menorca’s natural and historical influences. For families (or introverted adults), escaping the party focus of the Balearics is a clear bonus.
The island’s old-world accolades really speak for itself. Besides, Menorca has long been putting its best foot forward within the fashion industry — even Vogue approves of the classic Menorcan sandals.
Consider a yacht charter for flexibility
Feeling creative and slightly indulgent? Excellent. Flexibility yields some of the most successful results, especially when dodging crowds in a region as popular as the Mediterranean. To avoid those crowds entirely, a Mediterranean yacht charter offers the ultimate off-grid escape.
Create your own itinerary, sailing into quieter harbors and accessing otherwise untouchable beaches (Cala Jondal is most commonly reached via private yacht). Many charters come with onboard chef services and comfortable suites for overnight accommodation. And if you sail into a harbor only to realize that the online advice was wrong? The best part is the complete freedom; simply sail straight back out.
Get lost in the Sicilian countryside
Sicily is special, isn’t it? The coastline stretches over 1,000km and is renowned for its refreshing taste of life. Envision tangy homemade lemonade sold on cliff-top pull-ins to beautiful beaches and even more beautiful crowds. Yet, to escape that peskier side to heavy tourism, the best solution is to head inland.
As the largest island in the Mediterranean, it should be no shock that Sicily has plenty of countryside. Contrary to popular belief, Sicily doesn’t just revolve around its coastline. A step inland treats you to a whole other experience, with rustic villages like Noto or Ragusa, which hinge on cuisine and slower paces of life. Climb mountains (including Etna, for the bravest of visitors), visit olive groves and unwind amidst nature in peaceful forest reserves. There are plenty of adventures to be had – sans the stifling crowds.
Researching the quietest spots in the Mediterranean? You’re already winning. Half the battle is attitude itself; being prepared to scope out lesser-trodden spots goes a long way. Look at alternative islands within the same archipelago and consider alternative or duped destinations. Just don’t be afraid to look in plain sight, either. Sicily’s countryside is a prime example of how a peaceful holiday might be closer than you think.
