Beyond the crowded beaches of Mallorca and the luxury resorts of Santorini lies a different Mediterranean – one of quiet fishing villages, ancient ruins without queues, and beaches where your footprints might be the only ones in the sand. The Mediterranean’s forgotten islands offer travelers a rare glimpse into an unspoiled world that feels increasingly hard to find.
While millions flock to the region’s famous hotspots each year, dozens of lesser-known islands remain relatively untouched by mass tourism. These hidden gems preserve authentic local cultures, pristine natural environments, and a pace of life that recalls a Mediterranean of decades past.
Hidden Treasures Among Blue Waters
The Kerkennah Islands off Tunisia’s eastern coast seem to exist in their own timezone. Two main islands – Gharbi and Chergui – and numerous small islets make up this archipelago where fishing remains the primary livelihood. Colorful boats line shores dotted with palm trees, and the traditional fishing method of charfia – intricate palm-leaf traps dating back to Phoenician times – is still practiced here.
I stumbled upon Kerkennah almost by accident after chatting with a Tunisian student on a ferry from Sicily. “Go there before it changes,” he told me. “My grandfather says it’s like Tunisia was fifty years ago.” He wasn’t exaggerating. When I arrived, my guesthouse owner Mohamed apologized for the island’s simplicity. “We have no nightclubs, no big hotels. Just fish, sun, and quiet.” After three days of eating fresh octopus, swimming in crystal waters, and watching old men play dominoes under palm trees, I realized these weren’t limitations but luxuries.
Off Croatia’s coast, Vis Island spent much of the 20th century as a military base closed to foreigners. This enforced isolation preserved its authenticity while more accessible islands developed tourism infrastructure. Now open to visitors, Vis offers spectacular beaches, ancient Greek and Roman ruins, and excellent local wines from indigenous grape varieties. The island gained modest fame as a filming location for “Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again,” but remains far less visited than Hvar or Korčula.
The tiny Greek island of Anafi, a speck in the Aegean east of Santorini, exemplifies peaceful seclusion. With fewer than 300 permanent residents and limited ferry connections, Anafi’s remoteness has been both its challenge and salvation. A single road connects the port to Chora, the main settlement, where white-washed buildings cling to hillsides. Hiking trails lead to the monastery of Panagia Kalamiotissa, perched atop the second-largest monolithic rock in the Mediterranean after Gibraltar.
Italy’s Tremiti Islands in the Adriatic Sea comprise five small islands that form part of a marine reserve. San Domino offers pine forests and sea caves, while San Nicola holds most of the archipelago’s historical sites, including a fortress-like abbey. Despite their beauty, they remain overlooked by international tourists, drawing mostly Italian visitors during summer months.
Living History Without the Crowds
What makes these forgotten islands particularly special is how they’ve maintained connections to their past. On Salina, one of Sicily’s Aeolian Islands, traditional methods of producing capers and Malvasia wine continue much as they have for generations. Though more visited than some islands on this list, Salina stands in stark contrast to its neighbor Lipari, which receives the bulk of the archipelago’s tourists.
“We could build more hotels, maybe make more money,” said Giuseppe, a winemaker I met while hiking Salina’s twin volcanic peaks. “But then we become just another place. Our grandfathers would not recognize it.” He poured me a glass of sweet Malvasia as the sun set over the water. “This taste – this is Salina. Not concrete hotels.”
Spain’s Tabarca, the smallest permanently inhabited island in the country, packs remarkable history into its 0.3 square kilometers. Originally a refuge for Barbary pirates, later a penal colony, and now a marine reserve, Tabarca’s walled old town contains narrow streets and buildings dating to the 18th century. Despite being just a short boat ride from the popular Costa Blanca, many international visitors never hear of it.
Malta’s sister island Gozo offers a rural counterpoint to Malta’s more developed landscape. Though increasingly discovered by tourists, many areas remain authentically local. The island’s megalithic temples at Ġgantija predate Egypt’s pyramids, while the medieval citadel in Victoria offers views across the entire island. Gozo’s pace feels decidedly unhurried – farmers still bring their sheep in from pasture at dusk, and village life centers around imposing baroque churches.
Turkey’s Gökçeada (Imbros) in the northern Aegean preserves a fascinating multicultural heritage. As Turkey’s largest island, it contains abandoned Greek villages being slowly restored, Ottoman architecture, and beaches where you might share the sand with grazing sheep. The island produces exceptional olive oil and honey, and its position near the Dardanelles Strait has given it strategic importance throughout history.
Practical Considerations for Island Hoppers
Visiting these less-traveled islands requires flexibility and planning. Ferry schedules can be limited, especially outside summer months, and sometimes change without notice. Accommodations tend toward small family-run guesthouses rather than large resorts, and advance booking becomes essential during peak periods.
Transportation on the islands themselves varies widely. Some, like Formentera (Spain) or Kastellorizo (Greece), are small enough to explore by bicycle or on foot. Others require rental cars or scooters to reach remote beaches and viewpoints. Public transportation, where it exists, often runs on schedules designed for locals rather than tourists.
Food on these islands typically centers around fresh seafood, local produce, and regional specialties. Dining options might be limited to a handful of family tavernas rather than international restaurants. This authenticity is part of their charm, but visitors with dietary restrictions should plan accordingly.
Weather considerations matter too. Many smaller Mediterranean islands effectively “shut down” during winter months, with reduced transportation options and closed businesses. Spring (April-June) and early autumn (September-October) often provide the best balance of good weather, open facilities, and fewer visitors.
Water can be a concern on some of the drier islands. Visitors should check whether tap water is potable or if bottled water is necessary. Electricity might also be limited on the smallest islands, with some running generators only during certain hours.
The rewards for navigating these challenges are substantial. On a beach in Marettimo, the most distant of Sicily’s Egadi Islands, I watched a fisherman mend nets while his grandson played nearby. “You like our island?” he asked, seeming genuinely curious about what brought me there. When I mentioned the clear water and quiet beaches, he nodded. “People go to Favignana because it’s easier. We are harder to reach, so we stay like this.” He gestured around at the empty cove. “Maybe that’s good luck for us.”
These forgotten islands won’t remain undiscovered forever. Increased flight connections to regional airports, improved ferry services, and the eternal search for “authentic” travel experiences will gradually bring more visitors. Yet their relative inaccessibility provides some protection against overdevelopment.
For travelers willing to venture beyond the familiar, these islands offer a Mediterranean experience increasingly rare in our connected world – one where local traditions still thrive, nature remains relatively unspoiled, and the rhythms of island life continue much as they have for generations. They remind us that sometimes the most rewarding destinations are those that don’t make the front of the guidebooks.
