There’s nothing like jetting off abroad for a sunshine-filled break – and one travel superfan insists that you visit four “amazing” Greek islands which offer an “authentic feel”.
With it’s beautiful views, clear sea water and breathtaking bright white buildings, Santorini is a bucket list destination for many.
However, every year the holiday spot attracts more than three million people and is often found to be overcrowded. Earlier this year some videos went viral after people admitted they were “having an awful time” because of how packed they found the tourist spot to be.
A number of people noted that if you avoid peak times, crowds can be a lot calmer. But, one travel content creator, Nikki, suggests skipping Santorini and visiting four stunning islands. “Go to these amazing islands with far fewer crowds and an even more authentic feel,” she said on TikTok recently.
The travel lover, better known as Nikki On Her Way, added: “Greece has so many amazing islands that all have something to offer. Overall, Santorini is beautiful, but it is seriously lacking in the authenticity department.”
Nikki’s first Greek Islands recommendaton is Naxos which she describes as “gorgeous”. She said: “The towns and villages of Nacos are picturesuqe and there’s also great shopping with tons of handmade and local items.”
The travel content creator said that she also found Naxos is cheaper than destinations around Greece like Santorini or Mykonos. Nikki and her partner paid €57 [£47.34] a night for their accomodation, and found some of the best beaches they have seen in the Cyclades with clear seas.
“There’s also incredible history on the island of Naxos,” Nikki added. The explorer also loved her visit to Paros; it has two beautiful towns to wander around and a “very laid back atmosphere”. Nikki also found the island has good nightlife, great food, and a wonderful range of beaches.
“There is something for everyone,” she added. Plus, she suggests exploring the coastline of Paros and Antiparos via boat – you can rent one or join a tour.
Home to the couple’s favourite beaches is the island of Milos. Nikki said: “There are actually parts of the island that you can only get to by boat that are stunning.”
She continued: “Milos also has the famous Sarakiniko beach which is like being on the moon, if the moon had an ocean. Milos has beautiful, colourful fishing villages that you can explore all over the island. It also has towns and villages that sit above the water that give you gorgeous views.”
She also loved the seafood offerings on the island, and said she would return. Last but not least is the island of Crete – which is the largest and most populous of them all.
Nikki said: “It has stunning mountain landscapes, gorgeous beaches, big cities, small towns, it really has everything.” You can find a number of brand name shops. Plus, there are plenty of beaches to enjoy which Nikki has described as “unique and visually stunning”.
She also said Crete is home to great wine, incredible food, and stunning pink beaches.
To get to the Greek islands from the UK, you can fly directly or take a ferry.
Have you visited any of these Greek Islands? Share your thoughts in the comments below.