Germans are looking for destinations without overtourism and the islands of Greece gaining their interest.
According to the website Merkur.de, “the beautiful islands of Greece are a popular international holiday destination every year but they draw large crowds of tourists. Fortunately, there are still Greek islands that do not suffer from over-tourism and which offer ideal getaways.”
Top of Merkur.de’s list is Koufonisia, which is a serene paradise with emerald waters. Next are Samothrace with its wonderful natural ‘swimming pools’ and Alonissos which is ‘blessed’ with turquoise waters, wildlife, magnificent hiking trails and the impressive ancient shipwreck of Peristera for diving.
In the next positions are Ikaria as the island of longevity, Chios of citrus fruits and mastic, Karpathos which charms with its unchanged traditions and exotic beaches, the picturesque Antiparos and Amorgos with its unique historical and religious monuments.
The list is completed with Evia, which pleasantly surprises with its many alternative activities, and Samos, which has dreamy sandy beaches, beautiful villages and countless alleys.
Representatives of destinations on the list talk about the new travel trends that are attracting international tourism:
“Thanks to the range of choices we have for decent accommodation and good food, the unique geographical morphology and the multifaceted activities at all levels, such as hiking, climbing, diving, water sports, dozens of beaches, age-old traditions and a multitude of picturesque villages, the island is free from the phenomena of over-tourism.
The second largest island of the Dodecanese attracts travelers from Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Germany, Scandinavia, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Germany, Scandinavia and other markets in Europe and further afield,” explains the Deputy Mayor of Tourism of the Municipality of Karpathos, Tasos Milios.
“Alonnisos has all the “raw materials” to satisfy the modern traveller by offering experiences of rejuvenation and relaxation without the effects of over-tourism. The accommodation, restaurants, café-bars and other local businesses provide quality services and authentic hospitality while keeping prices at reasonable levels.
Touring the island’s enchanting nature, visiting the largest natural marine park in the Mediterranean and diving in the most important visitable shipwreck of classical antiquity, the Peristera shipwreck, combined with the unparalleled natural beauty and the exotic turquoise waters form a tourist “product” that is unmatched on any other island with these unique characteristics,” said the President of the Tourism Committee of the Municipality of Alonissos and tour operator Diogenes Theodorou.
“West Samos offers authentic experiences away from the crowds of the popular tourist islands. The breathtaking scenery, lush green slopes and hiking trails through dense forests, gorges in the area of Mount Kerki, waterfalls and crystal clear waters remain largely unexplored by mass tourism. Beaches such as the Karlovassos River combine all of the above.
Mikro and Megalo Seitani offer unforgettable moments of relaxation in a natural virgin environment. On the south side we find Marathokambos, the cave of the great mathematician Pythagoras, endless sandy beaches and villages with traditional architecture” says the Deputy Mayor of Tourism of Western Samos Evangelos Marnezos.
The mayor of East Samos, Paris Papageorgiou, explains that “in its own special way, East Samos manages to leave everyone happy, both those who follow the rhythms of the DJs on the popular beaches of Potokaki and Psili Ammos, and those who seek absolute tranquillity, but also solitude, at Kyriannis, Limnonaki and Tsopela below the village of Spatharaia”.
“The destination covers a complete range of options as it is ideal for hiking on the paths of Agios Konstantinos and Manolata and for climbing on the slopes of Ambelos, but also for nightlife in Kokkari and the city’s beachfront. With the ally of the very good climatic conditions, Eastern Samos keeps the summer alive until November, when the new vintage of the famous Samian wine, Muscat blanc a petits grain, comes out,” he adds.
“Little Cyclades holds a special place in the Cyclades and Greece as a beautiful Polynesian destination with an unspoilt natural environment and a wide range of interests. We promote each island of the Small Cyclades separately but also as a whole that together with Naxos offer the ideal experience for island hopping while reinforcing the already rising trend of visiting before and after July and August”, said Deputy Mayor of Tourism of the Municipality of Naxos and Small Cyclades Vangelis Katsaras.