A short stroll through the streets of Oia in Santorini before the sunset and you’ll experience the (very literal) crush of overtourism.
The Greek island is just one of the places suffering from a mass tourist onslaught, with a recent index listing Croatia, Iceland, Hungary and Denmark as the countries who have experienced the starkest increase in tourists recently.
Cheap flights, the rise in home booking services and cruise ships have all been a factor in the rise of overtourism in recent years, with many destinations seeing the problems tourist cause outweighing the benefits, according to Responsible Travel.
The other issue with overtourism, from a purely selfish point of view, is it's impossible to relax when you’re surrounded by hordes of people all scrambling for the same photo.
So, we've curated a guide to the alternative islands to head to this summer. Inject money into smaller local economies while experiencing peak relaxation, it's a no-brainer.
Instead of Santorini…
Visit: the Greek island of Andros.
Tucked in close to the mainland, just over an hour on the ferry from Athens, you’ll find Andros – a hidden Greek gem. The second-largest island of the Cyclades, the same group of islands that encompass Santorini and Naxos, Andros is awash with stunning beaches and cyan blue-hued waters. A walker’s paradise, there are many trails to follow – both flat and mountainous – as well as villages boasting the iconic white-washed homes the Greek islands are known for. The island’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is worth visiting for its summer exhibitions, featuring the works of artists like Picasso and Matisse.
Read our guide to Andros here.
Instead of Capri…
Visit: Procida in Italy.
While Positano in the Amalfi Coast and its neighbouring island of Capri have made the move from celebrity hot spot to Instagram haven over the past decade, one island in the Gulf of Naples that is often overlooked is Procida. The smallest island of the Gulf, Procida is perfect Instagram fodder with its pastel-coloured, harbour-front homes and sparkling waters. What the island lacks in beaches (Lido di Procida is the only beach of note here), it makes up for in friendly locals, lack of tourists and ease of getting around – the island is just 2.5 miles square, after all.
Instead of Ibiza…
Visit: Formentera in Spain.
The buzziest destination of 2019, Formentera has been ‘discovered’ by Instagram and now boasts an impressive 2.1 million posts on the social media platform with the destination tagged – and it’s no surprise why. Just south of Ibiza, the beauty of the Balearics is at its most dazzling here with beaches aplenty and water so blue you’ll doubt it’s real. The slower and calmer alternative to its hedonistic neighbour, this is the place to go if you want to return to work rested with a summer glow.
Instead of Madeira…
Visit: Porto Santo in Portugal.
Found just off the coast of Morocco, sitting pretty above Madeira, Porto Santo has slid neatly under the radar. The island is known for its stunning golden beaches – with the largest beach on the island measuring five and a half miles – just shy of the island’s seven-mile length. Hikers will love the walks up Miradouro do Pico Castelo and Pico do Espigao, and eateries are abundant – expect to be served fresh seafood and grilled meats.
Instead of the Lofoten Islands…
Visit: Senja in Norway.
While the Lofoten Islands are arguably the most photographed in Norway, head a bit further north and you’ll find its biggest rival in terms of natural beauty. Senja is located well above the Arctic Circle and, while it becomes a winter wonderland complete with northern light spotting in the cooler months, summer is when you’ll be greeted with the perfect mix of beaches, fishing villages, mountains and azure-hued seas. The island is currently in the process of being certified as a Sustainable Destination (part of a Nordic sustainability scheme) and there are a wealth of hiking and biking trails as well.
Instead of the Isle of Wight…
Visit: the Isles of Scilly in England.
Just off the coast of Cornwall, accessible by plane or ferry, the Isles of Scilly are a sub-tropical haven right here in the UK. Filled with white sand beaches, balmy temperatures and friendly locals, this group of five islands feels like somewhere in the Balearics. Local ferries take you from island to island, where secluded beaches are abundant and there’s plenty of new eateries to discover.
Read our guide to the Isles of Scilly here.
Instead of Hvar…
Visit: Vis in Croatia.
The farthest inhabited island from the Croatian mainland, Vis boasts one of the best beaches in Europe. A two-hour ferry ride from Split, the island is dotted with a number of beautiful beaches and blue coves but the standout would have to be Stiniva Beach – a white pebble beach with crystalline waters that’s almost entirely enclosed by cliffs. The island served as a Yugoslav military base from the 1950s to 1989 which preserved the island from development – allowing it to retain an authentic charm.
Instead of Ios…
Visit: Symi in Greece.
Away from the bustle of the Cyclades, the Dodecanese group of Greek islands lie closer to Turkey. The Turkish influence is prevalent here, with colourful buildings replacing the more typical white-washed homes welcoming visitors into the main town of Ano Symi with a rainbow palette descending down the hillside. The neoclassical architecture was introduced by the Italians – who ruled the island until almost a century ago. A visit to Symi, with its secluded beaches, laid-back lifestyle, blue coves and delicious food, will only result in a longing for a return trip.
Instead of the Isle of Skye…
Visit: Isle of Vatersay in Scotland.
Hooked on the bottom of beautiful Barra, the Isle of Vatersay joins its neighbour in forming part of the Outer Hebrides. Home to world-class beaches, the white sand and crystalline waters look as if its been plucked from the Aegean Sea, although don’t expect its temperatures to mirror Greece. The uninhabited islands of Sandray, Pabbay and Mingulay are nearby and all have a large population of birdlife, from razorbills to puffins. These islands can be reached by boat from Barra.
Instead of Tenerife…
Visit: La Gomera in Spain.
Without the usual tourist trappings, La Gomera off the coast of Morocco and part of the Canary’s feels like a just-discovered paradise for visitors. The rugged landscape results in black pebble beaches, stretching into deep blue waters while cliffs and crags decorate the island. The pastel-hued capital of San Sebastián is perfect for the ‘gram, while the hiking trails are a must for any serious walker.
Instead of Sicily…
Visit: Ischia in Italy.
Italy’s latest hotspot, Ischia is found just below the aforementioned island of Procida in the Gulf of Naples (why not combine both for your next trip?). More affordable than its giant southern neighbour Sicily, Ischia is becoming known for its thermal spas (the island has over 100 thermal springs), spectacular coastline and designer shopping, making it a favourite among the fashion set. Book your trip there now before the influencers arrive and it’s overrun with photo-seeking tourists.
Read our guide to Ischia here.
Instead of Corsica…
Visit: Porquerolles in France.
Just 10-minutes from the French coast, Porquerolles is a haven for day trippers (up to 6,000 arrive per day in the height of summer). But visiting off peak and staying on the island is the key to getting the most out of this French beauty. Here you’ll find endless white sand beaches – two-thirds of which are protected by the Parc National de Port-Cros - alongside cyan-hued waters and lush vineyards. For a slice of solitude, head to the south side of the island where you’ll find secluded creeks flanked by cliffs only accessible to hikers.
