Picture yourself on a sun-drenched beach, the azure waters of the Mediterranean lapping at your feet, with nary another soul in sight. Sounds like paradise, doesn’t it? Well, you’re in luck!
We’ve scoured the Mediterranean to bring 25 of the best islands for those seeking a secluded escape. From hidden Greek gems to off-the-beaten-path Italian havens, these islands offer the perfect blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and blissful solitude.
Formentera, Spain
Just a stone’s throw from Ibiza, Formentera is the Balearic Island that time forgot. With its pristine beaches and laid-back vibe, you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret paradise.
Fancy a dip in waters so clear you can see your toes? Playa de Ses Illetes is calling your name.
Salina, Italy
Salina is part of Sicily’s Aeolian archipelago, a verdant oasis in a sea of volcanic islands. Have you ever tasted a caper berry straight from the source?
Here’s your chance! The island’s twin peaks offer spectacular hiking opportunities with views that’ll make your Instagram followers green with envy.
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Vis, Croatia
Once off-limits to visitors as a Yugoslav military base, Vis now welcomes travelers seeking authenticity and seclusion. Fancy yourself a wine connoisseur?
The island’s Vugava white wine, cultivated since ancient times, is a must-try. Just don’t blame us if you miss your ferry home!
Folegandros, Greece
Santorini’s lesser-known neighbor, Folegandros, offers all the charm without the crowds. Chora, the island’s main town, is a maze of whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches perched dramatically on a cliff.
Sunset at the Church of Panagia will leave you speechless – and that’s not just the ouzo talking.
Gozo, Malta
Malta’s little sister island is a tranquil retreat where time seems to stand still. Have you ever seen an azure window?
Gozo had one, but don’t worry – there’s still plenty to see, from prehistoric temples to red-sand beaches. And if you’re feeling peckish, try the local cheese – Gozitan cheeselets are the stuff of legend.
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Porquerolles, France
Just off the French Riviera lies Porquerolles, a car-free island that feels worlds away from the glitz of St. Tropez. With its eucalyptus-scented air and crystal-clear waters, you might think you’ve landed in the Caribbean.
Fancy a bit of culture with your beach time? The Fondation Carmignac’s art collection is a must-see.
Kythira, Greece
Floating between the Peloponnese and Crete, Kythira is a bit of a geographical oddball – and all the more charming. Legend has it that Aphrodite was born here.
If you look at the cascading waterfalls and secluded coves, you’ll see why the goddess of love chose this spot.
Filicudi, Italy
Another Aeolian gem, Filicudi, is where Italians go to get away from it all. With just one road and a handful of villages, it’s the perfect place to disconnect.
Have you ever swum in a prehistoric crater? The Porto beach, formed by an ancient volcano, is your chance.
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Skyros, Greece
Skyros is a world unto itself, the most remote of the Sporades islands. From its unique ponies to its carnival traditions, this island marches to the beat of its drum.
Fancy playing Robinson Crusoe? The northern part of the island is virtually uninhabited and ripe for exploration.
Pantelleria, Italy
Closer to Tunisia than Sicily, Pantelleria is Italy with a North African twist. Famous for its thermal springs and ‘dammusi’ (traditional stone houses), it’s a favorite hideaway for celebrities.
Ever bathed in a natural sauna cave? The Grotta di Benikulà is calling your name.
Ithaca, Greece
Odysseus spent ten years trying to get back here, and you’ll soon see why. With its rugged landscapes and mythical aura, Ithaca is a haven for those seeking adventure and tranquility.
Fancy a trek with a view? The path to the Spring of Arethusa offers panoramas that’ll make you yearn for your epic odyssey.
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Favignana, Italy
The butterfly island of Favignana, off Sicily’s western coast, is a paradise for beach lovers and history buffs. Have you ever seen a tuna factory turned into an art space?
The former Florio plant is now a fascinating museum. And wait to get us started on the beaches – Cala Rossa will make you believe in love at first sight.
Koufonisia, Greece
Koufonisia is the definition of a ‘hidden gem,’ comprising two tiny islands in the Lesser Cyclades. With no airports and few ferry connections, getting here is half the adventure.
But oh, those beaches! Pori Beach is the stuff of dreams with its golden sand and turquoise waters.
Ponza, Italy
A favorite summer escape for Romans, Ponza remains under the international radar. Dotted with fishing boats, its colorful harbor looks straight out of a Wes Anderson film.
Ever swum in moon-like grottoes? The Pilato’s Grottoes are said to have been Circe’s baths in Homer’s Odyssey.
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Paxos, Greece
Paxos is the smallest of the Ionian islands, a slice of Greek heaven without the tourist hordes. Legend has it that Poseidon created the island as a secret love nest—and with its emerald waters and olive groves, who could blame him?
Fancy a boat trip? The blue caves on the west coast are a must-see.
Marettimo, Italy
The most remote of Sicily’s Egadi Islands, Marettimo, is where you go when you want to escape it all. With one village, no cars, and a network of hiking trails, it’s a nature lover’s paradise.
Have you ever seen a castle on a cliff? The Norman-era Punta Troia Castle offers views that’ll take your breath away.
Kastellorizo, Greece
Greece’s easternmost island, Kastellorizo, is closer to Turkey than its motherland. Its pastel-colored neoclassical houses reflect in the crystal-clear harbor waters, creating a scene of postcard-perfect beauty. Fancy a dip in a magical cave?
The Blue Grotto here rivals Capri’s famous attraction.
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Levanzo, Italy
Another Egadi island, Levanzo, is a tiny white rock rising from the sea, home to just a few hundred people. Its only village is a cluster of whitewashed houses around a small por— simplicity at its finest.
Have you ever seen prehistoric cave paintings? The Grotta del Genovese houses art from 12,000 years ago.
Antipaxos, Greece
If Paxos wasn’t secluded enough for you, it’s an even smaller neighbor, and Antipaxos surely will be. With a permanent population, you can count on two hands; this is as close to having your private island as possible.
Fancy a wine tasting? The island’s vineyards produce some of the most exclusive wines in Greece.
Alicudi, Italy
Alicudi, on the westernmost side of the Aeolian Islands, is as off-the-grid as it gets. With no cars, one shop, and a population of around 100, it’s a place where time truly stands still.
Have you ever climbed 1,000 steps to get home? That’s daily life for some residents here – but the views are worth every step.
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Symi, Greece
With its neoclassical mansions cascading down to a perfect horseshoe harbor, Symi looks almost too pretty to be real. Once a wealthy sponge-diving center, it’s a haven for those seeking elegance and tranquility.
Fancy some monastic solitude? The remote Panormitis Monastery is a peaceful retreat.
Stromboli, Italy
Stromboli is nature’s rawest and most beautiful, an active volcano rising dramatically from the sea. Hiking to the crater at sunset to watch the ‘Sciara del Fuoco’ (Stream of Fire) is an experience you’ll never forget.
Just remember, Mother Nature is in charge here!
Kímolos, Greece
Next door to the more famous Milos, Kímolos is the Cycladic island that time forgot. Its name comes from ‘kimolia,’ a type of chalk found on the island – and its beaches are just as white.
Fancy a natural spa day? The hot springs at Prassa Beach are nature’s wellness center.
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Comino, Malta
Nestled between Malta and Gozo, tiny Comino is home to just three permanent residents. But don’t let its size fool you – the Blue Lagoon here is one of the Mediterranean’s most stunning natural pools.
Ever wanted to sleep in a medieval tower? The 17th-century Santa Maria Tower offers unique accommodation with a view.
Lošinj, Croatia
Lošinj has been a health resort since the 19th century known as the Island of Vitality. Its pine-scented air and crystal-clear waters are said to have healing properties.
Fancy spotting some dolphins? The waters around Lošinj are home to a resident dolphin population – your own private Sea World, au naturel.
The Road Less Traveled: Your Mediterranean Calling
As we wrap up our Mediterranean island-hopping adventure, one thing becomes clear: sometimes, the road less traveled leads to the most unforgettable destinations.
Whether you’re seeking pristine beaches, ancient history, or a place to unwind away from the madding crowd, these 25 islands offer a slice of secluded paradise.
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