7 barely known islands where you can skip the crowds from Greek alternatives to the Caribbean you won’t have heard of
TRYING to find somewhere off the beaten track might seem like the impossible, but hop on a boat and you can find some amazing hidden beaches.
The islands were revealed by Sunsail as destinations where you can “go beyond the obvious destinations”.
Mirna Jakšić, Agana Events and Flotilla Manager at Sunsail, said of the list: “The most memorable places aren’t always the ones everyone knows about.”
Here are the best ones to add to your list if you want to travel without the hoards of tourists.
Lastovo, Croatia
Often overlooked by other more popular islands, Lastovo is easily accessed from Split or Hvar.
It was closed to tourists until 1988, as it was used for its army bases at the time.
There are just 1,000 locals on the island, with the nature park protected with 70 per cent of the island covered in pin trees
It is a great place for stargazing too, due to the lack of light pollution.
Anegada, British Virgin Islands
The volcanic islands of Anegada are overlooked, despite being home to everything from flamingos and rare ‘sea lavender’.
It’s popular with divers, thanks to its underwater tunnels and ship[wraecks to explore.
The only town on the island, The Settlement, has beautiful beach villas and rooms to stay at too.
There are public ferries to the island, or it has a small airport for charter flights.
Kalamos, Greece
Forget Santorini and Mykonos – try Kalamos instead.
The mountains island has just 500 locals, mainly living in Kalamos Town, although there is also the village of Episkopi, and the abandoned Port Leone
But the beaches and waters are the spot to spend your time, with clear blue seas teh star of the show.
You’re best getting there by ferry from the mainland.
Elaphiti Islands (Šipan, Lopud, Koločep), Croatia
There are three main islands of Elaphiti that are inhabited – Šipan, Lopud, Koločep.
Kolocep and Lopud are car-free, making them much more laid-back, and each one is best explored by boat.
Don’t expect many locals either, as they only have 1,000 between them.
You can get there from Dubrovnik by boat.
Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands
Another BVI must visit is Jost Van Dyke, named after a Dutch privateer.
Along with the soft Caribbean beaches, there is also the famous Bubbly Pool, which is a natural swimming hole with bubbles that replicate a hot tub.
Make sure to try the Painkiller Cocktail, invented on the island in the 70s and made up of a lot of rum.
The island has no airport so you will need to get a ferry over from Tortola.
Meganisi, Greece
Only accessible by boat, Meganisi has 30km of coastine to explore, along with three villages.
There is Vathy, the seaside town with a beautiful harbour, as well as the h historic Spartochori and Katomeri.
Go diving and you will find submarines to explore dating back to WWII or explore Papanikolis Cave.
You can choose from loads of villas and apartments to stay in too, with lots having private pools.
Mljet, Croatia
Mljet Island is another Croatian alternative, which you can get to from Dubrovnik.
It is one for foodies, known for its wine, olives and goats cheese.
Not only that, but is another super green island, so perfect for hikes and walking trails.
This is an island you can book a Jet2 holiday with, which have flights and stays at Hotel Odisej in the National Park.
