Mass tourism has been a real menace.
I know someone who recently let his intrusive thoughts win, rhetorically asking if there's even an ethical way to be a tourist anymore.
Hippy-dippy stuff aside, yes, there is — and it starts with doing just a teeny-weeny bit more research instead of jam-packing the same already-overflowing destinations to the gills.
The truth is, there are thousands of places across the world that still want to welcome you with open arms — and you don't have to be a “local” to do so.
A short hop from Athens is an astonishingly beautiful island locals have kept tight-lipped about for years.
Whether we’re the good guys or the bad guys for revealing it, we’re stoked to introduce Greece’s “anti-Santorini” — a blue-and-white dreamscape with less-packed alleyways, quieter beaches, and far more palatable prices.
Be sure to check the latest Travel Alerts & Entry Requirements before your trip.
Kythnos Boasts More Than 50 Beaches With No Crowds
Greece might as well not exist for half the year, as most travelers scope out its whitewashed islands in the literal heat of summer.
Of course, Santorini is the mecca, sitting fat and happy atop just about every traveler's wishlist despite its bank-draining prices and elbow-to-elbow maze of alleyways where everyone is after the same snapshot of blue-domed churches and caldera views.
As we've reported over the years and continue to preach — without passing the Joel Osteen collection plate — there are numerous other islands that will have you forgetting all about Santorini before you even check in to your hotel.
If you want to quite possibly be the only tourist at any given time, at certain beaches, Kythnos is just the place.
There are more than 50 beaches packed into this rather small, lesser-known island.
According to TripAdvisor, these are the top 5 to scope out for your next Greek adventure:
- Kolona Beach:
- Apokrousi Beach
- Gaidouromantra Beach
- Lefkes Beach
- Skilou Beach
You might be wondering why the third best is bolded, and we're glad we read your mind.
Despite being ranked #1, Gaidouromantra, a name I hope to never spell again, actually holds the most rave reviews for its “clear waters”, “virgin environment”, and lack of people, overall.
It's your own little slice of paradise you didn't know existed.
As for the above photo of the double-sided beach, a rare place where you wish you had eyes in the back of your head, that's Kolona Beach.
You can easily see why it's ranked first.
A Quick Zip From Athens
You've made it Europe, all the way to Greece, so now you might be in the mood for a jaunt in a jiffy.
Athens is one of Europe's most well-connected cities, but it's all but obligatory to hop aboard a boat in one form or another with so many inviting islands nearby.
Kythnos is one of the most accessible from Greece's largest hub and bustling capital, which is surely one of those places packed to the gills with crowds, with so many storied landmarks drawing travelers in worldwide.
To escape those crowds, you can simply head southeast to Lavrio port.
The crossing takes approximately 1 hour by speedboat or about 1 and a half hours by conventional ferry for under $20, which is another reason so many locals favor Kythnos as their go-to tourist-free hideaway.
It's Not All Beaches: Enjoy Similar Santorini Vibes 💙🤍
If you've stuck with us this far, you might be wondering “where are the Greek vibes?”.
We get it — some of Kythnos's beaches are isolated, so it may appear at first glance like it's a desolate island with no dreamy townscape to wander.
That's not the case…
Kythnos’ main town is Chora (also known as Mesaria), and it delivers the Cycladic charm travelers seek in Santorini — you know, whitewashed buildings, cobblestone lanes, blue-painted decor, open shutters, quaint churches, floral-draped tavernas, and shops tucked along the main street.
You won't bat an eye at prices here, whether it's arriving by boat or staying a while. Unlike the triple-digit rates in Santorini, you can find cozy digs like Kythnos Bay for just $75 in July, which can be booked here.
How Safe Is Greece To Visit This Summer?
Greece is largely viewed as a haven for tourists throughout summer, even though Athens gritty graffiti-lined streets might persuade you otherwise.
According to our Safety Index, the current safety score rated by fellow travelers like you and me sits at an impressive 89/100:
