The Anti-Mykonos: Secret Mediterranean Islands for 2026

We all love the Mediterranean. The food, the pine trees, the blue water. But we hate the crowds. In July, places like Capri and Santorini are at breaking point.

But the Med is huge. There are thousands of islands. If you are willing to take an extra ferry or fly a smaller plane, you can still find the “Old Mediterranean”—quiet, authentic, and slow. Here are 10 secret islands to visit in 2026.

1. Procida, Italy

While everyone goes to Ischia or Capri, the tiny pastel-colored island of Procida remains authentic. It was Italy’s Capital of Culture, but it hasn’t sold its soul.

  • Highlight: The view of Marina Corricella is the most colorful in Italy.

2. Paxos, Greece

The smallest Ionian island. No airport means no package tourism. It attracts the yachting crowd and those in the know.

  • Highlight: The electric blue water of Antipaxos (a tiny island 15 mins away).

3. Formentera, Spain

Okay, it’s not “unknown,” but compared to its loud neighbor Ibiza, it is a sanctuary. In May or October, it is paradise.

  • Highlight: Ses Illetes beach looks like the Caribbean.

4. Mljet, Croatia

While Hvar parties, Mljet sleeps. It is a National Park island covered in dense forest with two saltwater lakes in the middle.

  • Highlight: Cycling around the lakes in total silence.

5. Porquerolles, France

The car-free jewel of the French Riviera. Strict visitor caps keep it pristine.

  • Highlight: Plage Notre Dame, a beach backed by eucalyptus trees with zero buildings in sight.

6. Gozo, Malta

Malta’s rural sister. It is greener, slower, and more traditional.

  • Highlight: Diving the “Blue Hole” and exploring the ancient Ggantija temples (older than the pyramids).

7. Vis, Croatia

The furthest inhabited island from the Croatian mainland. It was a closed military base until 1989, which preserved it from development. It was the filming location for Mamma Mia 2.

  • Highlight: Stiniva Cove, hidden behind massive cliffs.

8. Agistri, Greece

Only 1 hour from Athens, yet surprisingly overlooked by international tourists who flock to Hydra.

  • Highlight: Diving off the rocks into crystal clear water at Dragonera.

9. Pantelleria, Italy

Closer to Tunisia than Sicily. A black volcanic island famous for capers and sweet wine (Passito). It is where Giorgio Armani has his villa.

  • Highlight: The Mirror of Venus, a natural lake in a volcanic crater.

10. Ithaca, Greece

The home of Odysseus. It is separated from Kefalonia by a narrow channel. It feels mystical and ancient.

  • Highlight: The fjord-like harbor of Vathy.

How to Keep Them Secret

These islands are fragile.

  • Visit in Shoulder Season: Visiting in June or September spreads the economic benefit and reduces strain on infrastructure.
  • Respect Water: Many of these (like Pantelleria and Folegandros) have severe water shortages. Short showers are a moral duty.
  • Support Local: Eat in family tavernas, not international chains (which rarely exist there anyway).

11. Karpathos, Greece

A long, narrow island between Rhodes and Crete. It has kept its traditions alive (women in Olympos still wear traditional dress).

  • Highlight: Apella Beach, often voted the best in the Mediterranean.

12. La Maddalena, Italy

An archipelago off the north coast of Sardinia. The water is so blue it looks fake.

  • Highlight: Renting a Zodiac boat to find your own private cove on Spargi island.

13. Samos, Greece

Green, lush, and famous for its sweet wine. It is close to Turkey but feels distinctly Greek.

  • Highlight: The Potami Waterfalls and the ancient tunnel of Eupalinos.

The Art of “Slow Travel”

Visiting these secret islands requires a shift in mindset.

  • Ferry Schedules: They might not run every day. You have to plan around them.
  • Siesta: In the afternoon (2 PM - 5 PM), everything closes. Do not expect to go shopping. Go to the beach or sleep.
  • Cash: ATMs can be scarce or empty. Always carry enough cash for a few days.

Why 2026 is the Year

As the “big” destinations become overcrowded and expensive, these secret islands offer a return to the golden age of travel. They offer silence, space, and a genuine welcome. They remind us why we travel in the first place.

14. Menorca, Spain (The Quiet Balearic)

While Ibiza parties and Mallorca hosts the masses, Menorca remains a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

  • Highlight: Walking the Camí de Cavalls, a historic path that encircles the entire coastline, leading to virgin beaches like Cala Macarella.

15. Symi, Greece

A neoclassical masterpiece near Rhodes.

  • Highlight: Sailing into the harbor of Gialos at sunset. The pastel-colored mansions rising up the hills create one of the most dramatic arrivals in the Aegean.

The secret is out. Go before everyone else does.