7 Under-the-Radar Mediterranean Islands to Visit in Summer 2024 A Look Beyond Santorini and Mykonos

7 Under-the-Radar Mediterranean Islands to Visit in Summer 2024 A Look Beyond Santorini and Mykonos - Milos Greece Small Ferry Routes Connect Local Beaches and Ancient Ruins

Milos, frequently overlooked, offers a compelling Greek island experience beyond the well-trodden paths. Its network of small ferries is a real asset, unlocking access to hidden beaches and fascinating historical ruins. Forget just one type of boat – the ferry options are varied, ranging from standard ferries to faster high-speed services and even 'flying dolphins', with travel times differing significantly based on the route, from under an hour up to a longer seven hours. While a direct route from Rafina is currently absent, connections from Lavrion and Piraeus are available, alongside services to other islands in the Cyclades like Naxos and Santorini. For travelers
Milos stands out as a destination where compact ferry lines are surprisingly central to experiencing the locale, not just as transit. Forget massive ports; think smaller vessels threading between beaches and historical sites. While larger ferries do connect Milos to the mainland and other islands, it’s the intra-island network that’s intriguing. These mini-ferries become essential for reaching the numerous beaches, many tucked into the dramatic volcanic coastline, otherwise inaccessible. It’s a very different pace from relying solely on roads. And it’s not just about beaches. These routes often link to points near less-publicized archaeological locations, such as Phylakopi's remnants, a much older settlement than some of the more lauded classical ruins elsewhere in Greece. Milos offers a chance to experience a less manicured version of Greek island life, where the ferry isn’t just transport, it’s part of the exploration, unveiling both natural and historical facets of the island in a way that feels more integrated than simply arriving at a port and hiring a car.

What else is in this post?

1. 7 Under-the-Radar Mediterranean Islands to Visit in Summer 2024 A Look Beyond Santorini and Mykonos - Milos Greece Small Ferry Routes Connect Local Beaches and Ancient Ruins
2. 7 Under-the-Radar Mediterranean Islands to Visit in Summer 2024 A Look Beyond Santorini and Mykonos - Menorca Spain Direct Flights from London Starting at $89 Each Way
3. 7 Under-the-Radar Mediterranean Islands to Visit in Summer 2024 A Look Beyond Santorini and Mykonos - Vis Croatia New Catamaran Service Links Split with Medieval Town Center
4. 7 Under-the-Radar Mediterranean Islands to Visit in Summer 2024 A Look Beyond Santorini and Mykonos - Pantelleria Italy Swimming in Natural Hot Springs Near Ancient Dammusi Houses
5. 7 Under-the-Radar Mediterranean Islands to Visit in Summer 2024 A Look Beyond Santorini and Mykonos - Folegandros Greece Three Traditional Mountain Villages Connected by Donkey Paths
6. 7 Under-the-Radar Mediterranean Islands to Visit in Summer 2024 A Look Beyond Santorini and Mykonos - Ponza Italy Local Fishing Boats Take Visitors to Remote Sea Caves
7. 7 Under-the-Radar Mediterranean Islands to Visit in Summer 2024 A Look Beyond Santorini and Mykonos - Mljet Croatia National Park Entry Includes Kayak Rental to Monastery Island

7 Under-the-Radar Mediterranean Islands to Visit in Summer 2024 A Look Beyond Santorini and Mykonos - Menorca Spain Direct Flights from London Starting at $89 Each Way

Direct flights to Menorca from London were on offer this past summer for surprisingly little money, reportedly starting at just $89 each way. Airlines like Jet2, Ryanair, easyJet, and even British Airways were apparently flying directly from London Stansted and Gatwick. This makes reaching Menorca a rather straightforward affair for those in the London area seeking sun. The island is presented as an alternative to the often-mentioned Santorini and Mykonos, pitching itself as a less frantic experience. Menorca is known for beaches and a supposedly more relaxed atmosphere. For travelers looking for something in the Mediterranean beyond the usual crowded spots, it was suggested that islands like Menorca offered a different take on the typical summer island vacation, perhaps for those wanting to avoid the intense tourist flows of the more famous destinations.
Reports are circulating about surprisingly affordable direct flights from London to Menorca, seemingly starting from about $89 each way. This immediately positions the island as a viable option for those interested in Mediterranean travel but perhaps seeking to avoid

7 Under-the-Radar Mediterranean Islands to Visit in Summer 2024 A Look Beyond Santorini and Mykonos - Vis Croatia New Catamaran Service Links Split with Medieval Town Center

Vis, a picturesque Croatian island, has launched a new catamaran service that connects Split with its medieval town center, making it easier for travelers to explore its rich history and stunning coastal scenery. The service, which takes about 140 minutes, not only enhances accessibility for tourists but also showcases breathtaking views of the Adriatic coastline along the way. With up to four daily connections during the summer months, visitors can conveniently access attractions like the famous Blue Cave on Biševo and enjoy the island's natural beauty. This new route highlights Vis as an emerging destination for those seeking a more tranquil Mediterranean experience, stepping away from the bustling crowds of more popular spots like Santorini and Mykonos.
Vis, a Croatian island with a history stretching back to Greek settlements and later functioning as a Yugoslav military stronghold, has recently become more accessible thanks to a newly launched catamaran route directly connecting it to Split. The journey is now estimated to take around ninety minutes, a notable improvement over previous ferry options that often stretched to several hours. This quicker connection could reshape travel plans for those aiming to explore beyond the typically crowded Croatian coastal hotspots.

This new service isn’t just about speed; it's also seemingly a product of updated maritime engineering. These catamarans, with their supposedly advanced designs focusing on hydrodynamics, aim for better fuel consumption and a smoother ride. Whether this translates to actual on-the-ground improvements in comfort and reliability remains to be observed, but the intention is clearly towards a more streamlined operation.

For visitors interested in more than just beaches, Vis presents a contrasting experience. Its past as a restricted military zone has inadvertently preserved much of its historical fabric. The architecture in Vis Town, for instance, reflects a layered history, with influences ranging from Venetian to Greek, offering a tangible lesson in architectural evolution for those who pay attention. And beyond the towns, the island is noted for hiking paths and opportunities for outdoor pursuits, like snorkeling and cycling. This focus on activities beyond just sunbathing might appeal to a different type of traveler looking for a more active island experience.

This improved sea link seems part of a larger pattern in Croatia to invest in maritime infrastructure. The aim is likely to better connect the mainland with some of the lesser-known islands. This could be a positive development, potentially dispersing tourist flows and offering economic boosts to local communities on islands like Vis that have historically been less in the limelight compared to places like, say, Hvar or Brač. It's worth observing if these infrastructure investments genuinely translate into a more balanced and sustainable tourism model for the region over time.

7 Under-the-Radar Mediterranean Islands to Visit in Summer 2024 A Look Beyond Santorini and Mykonos - Pantelleria Italy Swimming in Natural Hot Springs Near Ancient Dammusi Houses

Pantelleria, often called the "Black Pearl of the Mediterranean", presents itself as a distinct option for those looking beyond the typical summer island destinations. Instead of crowded beaches and bustling ports, Pantelleria offers natural thermal springs, notably at Lago di Venere, where you can bathe in warm waters enriched with volcanic mud, some reaching quite high temperatures. This volcanic nature shapes the landscape and provides a backdrop of rugged cliffs and unique stone houses called dammusi. These structures, with their Arab influenced architecture, add a historical dimension to the island’s appeal. For travelers seeking a quieter Mediterranean experience, Pantelleria is promoted as a less congested alternative to islands like Santorini and Mykonos. It's suggested to be a place for those who prioritize natural beauty and a more authentic island atmosphere over the sometimes manufactured experience of more mainstream destinations. The island's character comes from this blend of volcanic features, traditional building styles and its relative remoteness which together are supposed to offer a more low-key, less overtly tourist driven experience for a summer trip in 2024.
Pantelleria, an island forged from volcanic fire, presents a study in geothermal activity. Its landscape is dotted with natural hot springs, a direct consequence of its position along a major geological fault line. These aren't just pools of warm water; they are mineral-rich outflows, some reaching considerable temperatures. The famed "Specchio di Venere," a crater lake filled with thermal water, is a prime example, offering bathers a soak in naturally heated water amidst a volcanic caldera. Claims of therapeutic benefits from these waters are common, focusing on skin and circulation improvements, although rigorous scientific validation might be lacking, a point worth further investigation.

Adding to the island's distinct character are the dammusi, ancient dwellings constructed from volcanic stone. These structures are more than just vernacular architecture; their design, with thick walls and domed roofs, demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of thermal regulation, providing natural climate control long before modern energy-saving techniques. Exploring these houses offers a tangible connection to the island's history and resourceful building traditions. Pantelleria’s location, closer to the African continent than mainland Italy, has resulted in a cultural and culinary blend that differentiates it from typical Italian islands. This unique positioning shapes its local produce, exemplified by the Zibibbo grape, cultivated in the volcanic soil to produce the distinctive Passito wine. While perhaps not as instantly recognizable as Santorini or Mykonos, Pantelleria offers a compelling alternative for those interested in a less mainstream Mediterranean island experience, one where geological forces and human ingenuity have shaped a unique environment. Flights to the island, worth noting for planning purposes, can sometimes be found at surprisingly reasonable fares from Italian hubs, potentially making it more accessible than its

7 Under-the-Radar Mediterranean Islands to Visit in Summer 2024 A Look Beyond Santorini and Mykonos - Folegandros Greece Three Traditional Mountain Villages Connected by Donkey Paths

Folegandros, a hidden gem in the Aegean, features three traditional mountain villages—Chora, Ano Meria, and Karavostasis—interconnected by ancient donkey paths that invite exploration of its stunning landscapes. Chora, the island's main village, is car-free, allowing for leisurely strolls through its charming streets adorned with whitewashed buildings and vibrant shutters. The island's serene atmosphere, punctuated by breathtaking views and picturesque beaches like Agali, offers a refreshing escape from the busier tourist hotspots of Santorini and Mykonos. Visitors can enjoy authentic local cuisine in Ano Meria, enhancing the island's appeal as a destination for those seeking a more authentic Mediterranean experience. As summer 2024 approaches, Folegandros stands out as a tranquil alternative, perfect for travelers looking to unwind away from the crowds.
Folegandros presents a different kind of island experience, centered around three mountain villages - Chora, Ano Meria, and Karavostasis - linked not by a modern road network but by what are described as ancient donkey paths. These paths are more than just scenic routes; they form the very circulatory system of the island’s settlements. The idea of traversing an island primarily on foot, along routes historically shaped by animal and pedestrian traffic, raises questions about accessibility and the pace of life. Chora, the main village, notably restricts car access, a deliberate choice that fundamentally alters the visitor experience, prioritizing pedestrian exploration over vehicular convenience.

This emphasis on pedestrian movement in Folegandros, contrasted with islands prioritizing car or scooter rentals, suggests a different approach to island tourism. Whether these donkey paths are truly practical for all travelers, or perhaps more romanticized than functional for modern visitors expecting ease of transit, is worth considering. The architecture, described as classic Cycladic whitew

7 Under-the-Radar Mediterranean Islands to Visit in Summer 2024 A Look Beyond Santorini and Mykonos - Ponza Italy Local Fishing Boats Take Visitors to Remote Sea Caves

Ponza, an island off the Italian coast in the Tyrrhenian Sea, relies on local fishing boats to ferry visitors to various sea caves, among them the so-called Emerald Cave and Cave of Ulysses. Ferries from several mainland ports make Ponza accessible. The island promotes its beaches and marine environment, which might appeal to some. Beyond the coast, there are also the Caves of Pilate, Roman-era fishponds carved into the rock. Boat trips, including fishing excursions, are offered, and lunch from the day's fishing may be part of the deal. For those seeking alternatives to the more heavily touristed Santorini and Mykonos, Ponza is presented as a quieter option within the
Ponza, an island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, is promoted as a destination where local fishermen double as tour operators, guiding visitors to remote sea caves using their traditional boats. This model appears to offer a route to experience otherwise inaccessible coastal features, moving beyond the usual beach-centric tourist activities. The concept of using working fishing vessels for sightseeing tours raises interesting questions about the intersection of local economy and tourism, and perhaps points to a resourceful adaptation in the face of shifting economic pressures on small island communities.

Within the discourse of Mediterranean islands that are alternatives to heavily trafficked locations like Santorini and Mykonos, Ponza is presented alongside other less-known destinations. The argument seems to be that while the established islands are undeniably popular, their very popularity can detract from the experience, leading to overcrowding and potentially inflated prices. These alternative islands, Ponza among them, are positioned as offering a potentially more authentic and less intensely commercialized version of a Mediterranean island summer. Other islands cited in this context include locations like Ventotene and Palmarola, suggesting a cluster of islands in the Pontine archipelago sharing similar characteristics and possibly vying for attention as quieter, less mainstream vacation options. It's worth noting that the ease of access and the actual "under-the-radar" status of these locations can shift quickly as promotional efforts gain traction.

7 Under-the-Radar Mediterranean Islands to Visit in Summer 2024 A Look Beyond Santorini and Mykonos - Mljet Croatia National Park Entry Includes Kayak Rental to Monastery Island

If the summer crowds in Santorini or Mykonos feel a bit too much to consider, then destinations like Mljet National Park in Croatia are increasingly promoted as alternatives. This park occupies a large section of Mljet island, featuring typical Mediterranean woodland and two saltwater lakes known as Veliko and Malo Jezero. There's a suggestion that the park entry fee includes the use of a kayak to reach a monastery situated on an island in Veliko Jezero. Park entrance fees are apparently scaled, with lower prices outside the peak summer months of June to August, perhaps making it a more budget-friendly option during other times. Ferries from Dubrovnik are the standard way to reach the island, which isn't the most
Mljet National Park in Croatia incorporates an interesting feature into its visitor access: the park entry fee is structured to include kayak rental. This isn't merely about paddling around aimlessly; the kayaks facilitate reaching the Monastery Island, which sits within one of the park's saltwater lakes – a rather curious geological setup in itself. These aren't just any lakes either; they are saline systems within a larger island ecosystem, prompting questions about their specific ecological dynamics compared to typical freshwater or purely marine environments. While the park literature emphasizes visual appeal and opportunities for 'adventure and tranquility,' the included kayak access subtly steers visitors towards a predefined route, effectively managing visitor flow and directing them towards a key attraction – the monastery. It’s a structured approach to experiencing nature, raising the question of how much 'free' exploration is genuinely encouraged versus guided tourism within a natural park setting.