Forget Mykonos and Santorini – TUI says these four less-popular Greek islands are set to be huge in 2026
BRITS are ditching popular Greek spots for less-visited parts of the country for better value holidays, says TUI.
According to new data, Brits are heading to quieter spots in Greece including Samos, Preveza, Kefalonia and Halkidiki.
TUI is dubbing this surge in bookings to lesser-visited islands as the ‘Hidden Greece Revolution’.
Here are the ones you need to know about.
Samos
Samos is leading this change with bookings up by a staggering 118 per cent year-on-year.
TUI believes this is in part due to the extra weekly TUI flight from London Gatwick Airport.
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Samos is known for relaxing beaches, serene water and traditional tavernas, like Welcome Bar Restaurant, a TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Award for 2025, where tourists can grab fresh seafood dishes including grilled cod and octopus.
One popular thing to see on the island is the monuments of Kings’, Priests and other significant figures.
And there are two UNESCO monuments on the island, including the ancient city of Pythagoreion and the ancient Temple of Hera, Heraion of Samos.
The island is also a great spot for keen hikers, with mountains, caves and ravines to explore.
For example, you could head to Mount Kerkis, which stands 1400 metres above sea level.
If hiking isn’t your thing though, there is plenty more to explore on Samos including the town, where you’ll find neoclassical buildings.
The island has several beaches too, including Tsamadou Beach, which is lined with pine trees and features clear water.
Alternatively, head to Kokkari Beach, which is located in a charming village.
A meal on Samos is likely to set you back around €10 (£8.76) and a beer around €4 (£3.50).
Preveza
Meanwhile, Preveza has also seen an increase in bookings, up 10 per cent.
It is the ideal destination for reaching Lefkada, meaning travellers can experience two destinations in one trip.
Preveza is located at the edge of the Amvrakikos Gulf and features a number of ancient sites as well as stunning landscapes.
In the Old Town, visitors can explore the historic port and get lost in a number of narrow, cobbled alleys that lead away from the harbour, with several traditional buildings too.
One key spot worth discovering is Saitan Bazar, which is a historic lane featuring tiny independent shops and cafes, that are covered in vines and known for having lively atmospheres.
For beaches, there is plenty of choice too, including Monolithi – which is one of Europe‘s longest sandy beaches, stretching between 13.5 and 15.5 miles long.
One recent visitor said: “Monolithi Beach is a long, beautiful, and mostly empty beach – perfect for those who enjoy peace and quiet by the sea.
“There is plenty of space to relax without crowds, as well as lots of natural shade near the parking area.”
A meal in Preveza is likely to set you back around €8 (£7.01) and a beer around €3 (£2.63).
Kefalonia
Kefalonia has seen growth, especially with couples and families visiting.
Caroline McGuire, The Sun’s Head of Travel – Digital, said: “I visited Kefalonia on a family holiday a few years ago, after looking for the ideal Greek island for a trip with a three year old.
“The island in the Ionian Sea — a Hollywood star in its own right thanks to the 2001 film version of Louis de Bernieres wartime novel — ticked all the boxes and boasts what is often claimed as Greece’s best beach.
“We spent a week on the island in mid-May and enjoyed everything it had to offer — without spending too much money.
“Our timing (outside of school holidays) meant we were one of the few tourist groups on the island.
“The weather was still perfect though. The average is highs of 21C in May and the same in October.
“There were no crowds, either. Looking out at Myrtos beach, which is regularly named one of Greece’s top five, it felt like we were being let in on a great secret.”
A meal on Kefalonia is likely to set you back around €13.50 (£11.82) and a beer around €4.25 (£3.81).
Halkidiki
In Halkidiki, another island seeing a boom, there are more stunning beaches, as well as secluded coves.
An amazing spot to explore is Mount Athos, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important centres of Orthodox monasticism.
It is known as the ‘Holy Mountain’ and is home to 20 historic monasteries, including ones that date back over 1,000 years.
In this region you can expect a meal at an inexpensive restaurant to set you back around €7 (£6.13) and a beer around €2.75 (£2.41).
Commercial director at TUI UK & Ireland, Chris Logan said: “What we are seeing is Brits exploring Greece in a whole new way.
“These picturesque islands offer incredible beaches, amazing food and fantastic value without the crowds allowing people the chance to truly relax and indulge.
“The demand shows travellers are ready to go beyond the classics and discover Greece’s hidden gems and TUI makes it simple, with flights, transfers, hotels and 24/7 support all sorted.”
For other places worth visiting in Greece, there is an island with 70 beaches that experts warn you should see before it gets too popular.
Plus, Wizz Air to launch six new routes with cheap flights to Greek islands and the capital of wine.