Miimu

7 Underrated Mediterranean Islands

miimu.adventureby miimu.adventure 55 cards

A curated guide to seven spectacular Mediterranean islands flying under the tourist radar — from Greece and Croatia to Italy, Malta, and Spain — packed with ancient history, volcanic drama, and beaches that outshine the famous ones.

10 Beautiful Islands to Visit for Ecotourism and Cultural Immersion 10 Beautiful Islands to Visit for Ecotourism and Cultural Immersion
Sure, the beaches and views are great. But these islands excel with sustainable innovation, rich local traditions, and unique accommodations.
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The best Greek islands to visit this summer The best Greek islands to visit this summer
From the gastronomic specialties of Sifnos to the enigmatic ruins of the Dodecanese, each Greek island has its own distinct character. Here are the...
www.nationalgeographic.com
How to Take a Crowd-Free Trip to Spain How to Take a Crowd-Free Trip to Spain
If you leave Barcelona behind and head to lesser-known villages and islands, it's easy to avoid the masses.
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21 Islands Where Italians Actually Go to Vacation 21 Islands Where Italians Actually Go to Vacation
Like “Swept Away,” only good.
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9 Under-the-Radar Places You Must Visit 9 Under-the-Radar Places You Must Visit
Amazing places don’t have to come with crowds.
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An Insider's Guide to The Best of Greece An Insider's Guide to The Best of Greece
Here's the top food, history, and beaches in the birthplace of democracy.
www.nationalgeographic.com
We Took Hundreds of Trips This Year and These Are the Places We Would Go Back to in a Heartbeat We Took Hundreds of Trips This Year and These Are the Places We Would Go Back to in a Heartbeat
Afar's team roamed wide in 2024. These were our favorite spots from a year of exploring.
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Ikaria, Greece

Exploring Ikaria, Greece's island of immortals Exploring Ikaria, Greece's island of immortals
Remote and savagely beautiful, Ikaria is one of the world’s five Blue Zones. Locals believe it’s blessed by the gods, but what else contributes to ...
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Blue Zones -- Greece -- National Geographic Blue Zones -- Greece -- National Geographic
Why does a remote Greek island have one of the highest longevity rates in world? Find out how preserving traditions can lead to a longer life.
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Can this Greek island’s hidden treasures lure travelers? Can this Greek island’s hidden treasures lure travelers?
Karpathos, overlooked even by Greek travelers, balances rising tourism with sustaining its ancient traditions.
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Greece Greece
Overview
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13 Unusual Islands in Greece 13 Unusual Islands in Greece
Discover 13 unusual islands in Greece. Atlas Obscura is your guide to the world's hidden wonders.
www.atlasobscura.com
The best places to visit in Greece this year The best places to visit in Greece this year
According to our travel experts
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Evia: Greece’s second largest island is a hidden gem with stunning beaches and few crowds Evia: Greece’s second largest island is a hidden gem with stunning beaches and few crowds
Despite its size and proximity to the busy Greek capital, Evia is one of the least-known Greek islands, with healing baths, Venetian castles, and g...
www.nationalgeographic.com

Vis, Croatia

Vis Travel Guide: Things to Do, Beaches, Restaurants, Bars & More | Croatia Travel Vis Travel Guide: Things to Do, Beaches, Restaurants, Bars & More | Croatia Travel
The essential Vis travel guide: our local experts explore Vis island and Komiza, finding the best things to do in Vis: restaurants, bars, clubs, be...
www.timeout.com
Things to do in Vis | 20 Great Things to do on Vis Island | Time Out Croatia Things to do in Vis | 20 Great Things to do on Vis Island | Time Out Croatia
Your essential travel guide to the best things to do on Vis Island – from secluded beaches and sightseeing to our pick of bars and top restaurants.
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Our local expert guide you through the island of Vis, including Vis town and Komiza | Things to do | Time Out Croatia Our local expert guide you through the island of Vis, including Vis town and Komiza | Things to do | Time Out Croatia
What is Vis all about? Our local experts guide you through the island, discovering the best things to do, attractions, restaurants, sightseeing and...
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Where to Escape the Summer Crowds in Croatia Where to Escape the Summer Crowds in Croatia
Five great summer destinations to visit in Croatia.
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Dalmatian Coast, Croatia Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
Overview
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Croatia Croatia
Overview
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Time Out Croatia | The best things to do in Croatia Time Out Croatia | The best things to do in Croatia
Discover Croatia's best restaurants, bars, music, things to do and places to see with Time Out Croatia.
www.timeout.com

Pantelleria, Italy

This volcanic Italian island was made for wine This volcanic Italian island was made for wine
Pantelleria’s extreme conditions have shaped its centuries-old way of growing grapes—a method that is recognized by UNESCO.
www.nationalgeographic.com
Italy Italy
Overview
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Italy's Hot Springs Island Has Been Luring Bathers Since Ancient Rome Italy's Hot Springs Island Has Been Luring Bathers Since Ancient Rome
An hour by ferry from Naples, Ischia has natural hot springs, cave baths, and thermal parks.
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10 must-do experiences in Sicily 10 must-do experiences in Sicily
Visit the Mediterranean’s largest island to relive moments from White Lotus, taste wine atop Mount Etna, and explore the birthplace of traditional ...
www.nationalgeographic.com
Stromboli, Italy: How to visit this volcanic island Stromboli, Italy: How to visit this volcanic island
Beautiful but deadly, Italy’s Stromboli offers more than just a fiery peak.
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From Island-Hopping to Visiting Ancient Wineries, Your Next Big Thrill Awaits in This Destination From Island-Hopping to Visiting Ancient Wineries, Your Next Big Thrill Awaits in This Destination
Travel in style by yacht in Croatia with Ker & Downey for awe-inspiring experiences.
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Gozo, Malta

This Lesser-Known Island Is Malta’s Quieter Little Sister This Lesser-Known Island Is Malta’s Quieter Little Sister
From fig festivals and beaches to hiking and rock climbing, here’s a local’s guide to enjoying this lesser-known Mediterranean gem.
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The 15 Best Things to Do in Malta, Mediterranean’s Most Underrated Destination The 15 Best Things to Do in Malta, Mediterranean’s Most Underrated Destination
From ancient ruins and medieval fortresses to beautiful natural wonders, this tiny island nation has a lot to offer.
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The 15 Best Things to Do in Malta, Mediterranean’s Most Underrated Destination The 15 Best Things to Do in Malta, Mediterranean’s Most Underrated Destination
From ancient ruins and medieval fortresses to beautiful natural wonders, this tiny island nation has a lot to offer.
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Malta Malta
Overview
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6 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Xagħra 6 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Xagħra
Discover 6 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Xagħra from Ġgantija Temples to Sansuna’s Rock.
www.atlasobscura.com
Xagħra, Malta Xagħra, Malta
The second largest community of Malta's island of Gozo features a surprising number of unusual places to visit.
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Ninu’s Cave in Xagħra Ninu’s Cave in Xagħra
In 1888, a resident of Xagħra, Malta, discovered a small underground chamber filled with stalactites and stalagmites when digging a well.
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Formentera, Spain

The best beaches in Spain right now The best beaches in Spain right now
Seaside bliss, from the Atlantic to the Med.
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20 incredible places in Spain to visit in 2025 20 incredible places in Spain to visit in 2025
Essential spots only.
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25 Best Things to Do in Spain 25 Best Things to Do in Spain
From Moorish history to modern art, the best things to do in Spain are a thrilling celebration of life and love.
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Spain’s most spectacular sights and natural wonders Spain’s most spectacular sights and natural wonders
Prepare to be awestruck.
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What to do in Spain: the ultimate guide What to do in Spain: the ultimate guide
All our Italy travel guides, all in one place
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7 things to do in Nafplio, Greece’s most romantic seaside town 7 things to do in Nafplio, Greece’s most romantic seaside town
Lose yourself in cobblestone streets, sip wine in renowned vineyards, and climb centuries-old fortresses in modern Greece’s first capital, Nafplio.
www.nationalgeographic.com
Nine Greek islands for globetrotting gastronomes Nine Greek islands for globetrotting gastronomes
Greek island-hopping has long been a favourite traveller pastime, but it’s well worth factoring in the local gastronomy to get the most out of each...
www.nationalgeographic.com

Naxos, Greece

What to eat and where to go on Naxos, Greece What to eat and where to go on Naxos, Greece
Naxos, a scenic Mediterranean haven, packs thousands of years of history into its farm-to-table fare.
www.nationalgeographic.com
Visit the islands where most Greek marble statues were made Visit the islands where most Greek marble statues were made
Two isles of the Cyclades have long been famous for their marble—but equal treasures were recently found on tiny, neighboring Despotikó.
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Greece Travel Guide Greece Travel Guide
National Geographic’s latest travel stories about Greece
www.nationalgeographic.com
3 Places to Experience Unusual Infrastructure in Malta 3 Places to Experience Unusual Infrastructure in Malta
Discover 3 places to experience unusual infrastructure in Malta. Atlas Obscura is your guide to the world's hidden wonders.
www.atlasobscura.com
Xerri’s Grotto in Xagħra Xerri’s Grotto in Xagħra
A small cave network was discovered under a home in Xagħra, in 1924 when the owner was digging a well.
www.atlasobscura.com
Lascaris War Rooms in Valletta Lascaris War Rooms in Valletta
Both the World War II Allied Forces and NATO have used this modern bunker underneath Malta’s capital.
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Why Syros is one of the best Greek islands you’ve never visited Why Syros is one of the best Greek islands you’ve never visited
As travelers pivot from overcrowded hot spots, many are discovering the quietly authentic charms of Syros, home to some of Greece’s best dining.
www.nationalgeographic.com

Lefkada, Greece

Lefkada Lefkada
Lefkada is the only Greek island accessible by land, but it doesn't mean it sees a lot of tourism. On the other hand, it's hard to believe it ISN'T...
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This white-sand beach in Greece was just named the best beach in Europe for 2026 This white-sand beach in Greece was just named the best beach in Europe for 2026
It’s only accessible via boat or hike – but the views are worth it
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Cycladian Rhythm Cycladian Rhythm
In search of a 21st-century odyssey, Rolf Potts braves seasickness, blissful languor, and a bevy of bikini-clad sirens on a sailing flotilla in the...
www.outsideonline.com
How to spend a week sailing around Greece's Ionian islands How to spend a week sailing around Greece's Ionian islands
A week aboard a yacht, with the help of a local skipper, makes for the ultimate sailing adventure around Greece’s Ionian Islands.
www.nationalgeographic.com
Where to go island-hopping around the Ionian Islands Where to go island-hopping around the Ionian Islands
With light winds, reliable sunshine and a plethora of idyllic beaches, the Ionian islands of Corfu, Paxi, Kefalonia and Ithaca off the west coast o...
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6 ultimate island-hopping itineraries for 2024 6 ultimate island-hopping itineraries for 2024
Explore the world from the deck of your own yacht with a skippered charter, bareboat or flotilla holiday. Whether you’re a first-timer, a foodie or...
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Exploring the flavours of Sifnos, Greece's gourmet island Exploring the flavours of Sifnos, Greece's gourmet island
The island of Sifnos holds food at the heart of its landscape and culture. The birthplace of Greece’s first celebrity chef, it’s a place where loca...
www.nationalgeographic.com