If you’re into travelling, you’ve no doubt seen the wonderful photos of Greece: Santorini’s blue domes, Mykonos’ whitewashed alleys, Athens’ Acropolis lit golden in the late afternoon. The photos aren’t lying – Greece really does earn every bit of its postcard-perfect reputation. The only problem is, you’re not the only one who noticed.
In 2023, Greece saw over 35 million international arrivals, and many of those travellers all had the same idea, which is to visit the same five spots practically at the same time. That type of crowd can make your “relaxing Greek getaway” feel more like a test of patience than an actual break.
Sure, for some, the energy of a busy street or packed beach adds to the excitement. But if you value slower mornings, spontaneous discoveries, or simply having space to breathe, that crush of tourism can wear thin quickly. It’s especially tough for introverts, couples wanting a low-key honeymoon, or anyone not thrilled by queuing behind tour groups in 35°C heat.
So, how do you get all the magic without the mob? You go off-script.
Go Where the Tour Buses Don’t
Skip Santorini in peak summer. Yes, it’s stunning, but it’s also become synonymous with overtourism. The good news is, Greece has over 200 inhabited islands, and many offer the same beauty without the foot traffic.
For example, Folegandros, which is part of the Cyclades but feels like a completely different universe from Mykonos, with no cruise ships and no nightlife circus. Just timeless villages, cliffside walks, and crystal water. Or Ikaria, where people live so long you start questioning your own habits (more than 30% of Ikarians live well into their nineties!). You get fewer hotels, more locals, and frankly, better food.
Season matters too. Late September or early May still delivers sunshine, swimmable seas, and nearly empty archaeological sites. Also, at this time of year, prices tend to drop, plus restaurant staff is often nicer as they aren’t running on fumes.
Charter a Yacht to Hidden Bays
One way to avoid crowds entirely? Take the roads less travelled – or none at all.
Chartering a private boat lets you access remote beaches, uninhabited islets, and sleepy fishing villages you can’t reach by car or ferry. And it’s more doable than people assume. With Greece yacht charters from companies like Virgin Islands Sailing, you can pick a crewed or bareboat setup, customise your route, and drop anchor wherever the wind (and your skipper) takes you.
For example, you could visit small harbours in the Dodecanese or secret coves in the Ionian. Plus, your itinerary stays flexible. Storm at sea? Just pivot to a nearby port town and discover a taverna you didn’t plan on loving.
Stay in a Castle (Yes, Really)
If you’re going all in on unique and crowd-free, this one’s worth the splurge. Greece has a few centuries-old castles and mansions you can actually stay in, especially in Peloponnese and Mani.
These aren’t just boutique hotels with medieval wallpaper. We’re talking stone towers, ocean views, and settings that give Game of Thrones energy without the CGI. A good example is the Tainaron Blue Retreat, a fortified tower turned eco-hotel with only a few rooms and killer sunset views over the Mediterranean.
No, it’s not cheap, but you’re paying for solitude and character. If your budget allows it, it’s totally worth it.
Visit the Smaller Food Festivals
Forget the food tours that herd you from one place to another. Instead, time your trip around a local food festival, preferably one with more grandmas than influencers. Villages all over Greece host regional celebrations for everything from squid and snails to honey and cheese. Most aren’t marketed to tourists, and that’s a good thing.
You’ll find unfiltered traditions: dancing in village squares, homemade wine served out of old Coke bottles, and dishes you’ll never see on an Athens taverna menu. Start by looking into Ikaria’s panigiria (all-night festivals with music and goat stew) or Crete’s chestnut festivals in autumn. And ask locals, not Google!
Use Athens as a Layover, Not a Base
Athens has a world-class history, of course. But after two or three days, you’ve probably seen what you need to see (and inhaled enough smog). Rather than using it as your home base, treat it as a stopover. Arrive, hit the Acropolis before 9 a.m. the next day, eat something excellent in Psyrri, then head out to the real adventure—perfect for those craving authentic overseas adventure travel beyond the touristy highlights.
Whether that’s driving to Meteora to see monasteries clinging to rocks (go midweek to avoid weekend rush) or hopping a ferry to Syros (legal island capital that somehow still flies under the radar) it’s a better use of your time.
See the Mainland, Not Just Islands
Everyone’s obsessed with the islands, but mainland Greece has so much to offer. You can visit Zagori, a region full of 18th-century stone villages and arched bridges up in the Pindus mountains. It’s ideal for hikers and anyone who’d rather swap beach clubs for alpine trails.
Or try Nafplio, a port town in the Peloponnese with neoclassical buildings and zero crowds if you’re not there on a holiday weekend. You can even do day trips to ancient sites like Epidaurus or Mycenae without the tour bus stampede.
