The Forgotten Mediterranean Islands: 15 Hidden Paradises Without Tourists

The Mediterranean has no shortage of famous islands – think places like Santorini, Ibiza, Corsica – but what if you want something quieter? Somewhere with empty beaches, small fishing villages, and no crowds. These 15 forgotten islands are still off the tourist radar, but offer the same waters, ancient ruins, and slow lunches under olive trees. Whether you’re into hiking, swimming, or just hiding away with a good book, these secret spots are your golden ticket.

1. Kastellorizo, Greece

Right near the Turkish coast, Kastellorizo is one of Greece’s tiniest inhabited islands, and one of the most magical. Colorful houses along the calm harbor, and not a hotel chain in sight. You can explore sea caves, swim in water so clear it looks fake, and dine at tavernas where the owners remember your name. The pace of life is slow, even by Greek standards. It’s a place where you can walk everywhere barefoot and still be back in time for sunset wine.

2. Pantelleria, Italy

Closer to Tunisia than mainland Italy, Pantelleria feels like another world. The island has no sandy beaches – just black volcanic rock and hot springs tucked into cliffs. People come here to soak in thermal waters, hike through caper fields, and stay in stone houses that look like hobbit homes. It’s rugged, dramatic, and totally unspoiled. Even in peak summer, you might have a whole stretch of coastline to yourself.

3. Lastovo, Croatia

Lastovo is part of a protected nature park, and it’s one of Croatia’s least-visited islands – meaning zero crowds, even in August. Pine forests, quiet coves, and sleepy stone villages make this island feel like a time capsule. There are no big resorts, just family-run guesthouses and tiny seaside restaurants. The stargazing here is legendary because there’s barely any light pollution. If you want solitude with a view, Lastovo is the spot.

4. Îles Sanguinaires, France

Just off the coast of Corsica, these “Blood Islands” get their name from the fiery red sunsets that bathe the rocks each evening. They’re small, wild, and mostly untouched, perfect for a day trip or a private picnic. You can hike the trails, visit the old lighthouse, and watch seabirds glide through the salty breeze. Very few tourists make the trip, so it feels raw and elemental. If Corsica is the wild cousin of France, these islands are the ghosts haunting its edge.

5. Gavdos, Greece

Gavdos is Europe’s southernmost island, and it feels like it belongs to another century. There’s no airport, limited Wi-Fi, and barely any cars. Most visitors sleep in tents under cedar trees, and many beaches require a short hike – so you earn every view. The water is warm, the stars are bright, and the silence is deep. It’s a place where time disappears and sandals become optional.

6. Linosa, Italy

Located between Sicily and Tunisia, Linosa is the smaller, wilder sibling of Lampedusa. It’s volcanic, covered in black lava rocks and green prickly pears, and home to just a few hundred residents. There are no hotels, just guesthouses – and no nightclubs or cruise ships. People come here to snorkel, hike, and unplug completely. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re on your own private island, this is it.

7. Vis, Croatia

Once closed to foreigners due to its military history (30 years ago), Vis is now quietly becoming a haven for travelers who like their islands quiet and soulful. The beaches are hidden, the wine is local, and the seafood is absurdly fresh. You can visit old submarine tunnels, bike through olive groves, or sit on a stone patio sipping rakija. It has all the beauty of more popular Croatian islands without the yachts and crowds. It’s not flashy – but you won’t forget it. Top pick for many Croatian movies throughout the years, as well.

8. Alonnisos, Greece

Tucked in the Sporades archipelago, Alonnisos is a green, serene escape that’s mostly known by Greeks themselves. It’s part of a marine park, so the waters are protected – and dolphins often swim nearby. The old town sits on a hilltop with tin paths and whitewashed houses, while the coastline is dotted with pebble beaches and hidden swimming spots. There’s a peaceful rhythm to the island that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s the kind of place where you slow down without even trying.

9. Procida, Italy

Often overshadowed by its flashy neighbors Capri and Ischia, Procida is small, colorful, and refreshingly real. The harbor is lined with pastel houses, fishing boats bob in the water, and laundry flaps from balconies like flags. It’s not polished or fancy – but it has heart. Locals go about their day as if tourists barely exist, and that’s exactly what makes it special. You come for a day and end up staying a week.

10. Sazan Island, Albania

Once a top-secret military base, Sazan Island has only recently opened to the public. It still feels like a mystery. Located where the Adriatic meets the Ionian Sea, it’s home to abandoned bunkers, hidden coves, and forests that have taken over old army structures. There’s no accommodation here, so most visitors come by boat for the day and explore its eerie beauty on foot. The waters are crystal-clear, and the beaches are wild and empty. It’s the kind of place that feels both haunted and beautiful—like history slowly being reclaimed by nature.

11. Karpathos, Greece

Karpathos is tucked between Crete and Rhodes, but somehow it gets none of the crowds. The island has dramatic cliffs, deep blue coves, and tiny mountain villages where older women still wear traditional clothing. You can hike along empty trails, eat seafood straight off the boat, and watch the sunset without sharing it with a single tourist. The pace is slow and soulful, perfect for quiet thinkers and beach lovers alike. It feels like Greece before Instagram.

12. Comino, Malta

Everyone knows about Malta and Gozo, but tiny Comino is the real secret. Most people only come for a quick dip in the Blue Lagoon, but if you stay past sunset, the island becomes something else entirely. With no cars and only one hotel, the silence here is complete. You can camp or stay overnight and swim in hidden coves, hike around limestone cliffs, and stargaze without light pollution. It’s a pocket-sized paradise that rewards those who linger.

13. Elba, Italy

The place where Napoleon was exiled. Elba is green, hilly, and surrounded by some of the clearest water in Italy. Despite being the third-largest Italian island, it remains surprisingly laid-back. You can explore ancient ruins, snorkel off rocky beaches, or ride a chairlift up Monte Capanne for sweeping views. It’s rich in nature and history but without the tourist rush you’ll find on Sardinia or Capri.

14. Samothraki, Greece

Samothraki is raw, wild, and totally unlike the polished Greek islands most travelers know. The island is full of waterfalls, cold mountain pools, and dense forests – perfect for hiking and nature bathing. Ancient ruins lie hidden in the hills, and the spiritual energy of the place is strong (the island was once a sacred site for mystery cults). There are no flashy resorts, just camping spots and family-run tavernas. It’s a place for barefoot living and long conversations under the stars.

15. Bozcaada, Turkey

Just off the Turkish coast, Bozcaada (also known as Tenedos) blends Greek and Turkish influences in a laid-back, storybook setting. The island is famous for its vineyards, whitewashed houses, and sleepy town square where time seems to slow down. You can bike around the entire island in a day, stopping at quiet beaches and crumbling castles. The food, and especially the seafood and local wines, is out of this world. It’s a hidden spot with a rich soul and a strong sense of identity.