«Greece is full of magical places for peaceful moments and hiking. From the hypnotic Cycladic gems to the untouched reaches of the Ionian Sea, this summer will be unforgettable in the 16 recommended Greek islands that offer experiences without the crowds,» says the British Times on their well-established list of unconventional Greek destinations announced each year. The top three on the list are the beautiful Aegina, Astypalaia for unexpected discoveries and Lipsi of myth and legend. They are followed by Andros, which stands out in Greece for its authenticity, the sunsets in Folegandros, the volcanic Nisyros, Syros for culture and Meganissi for peaceful escapes. The list is completed by Alonissos with its wonderful natural marine park, Agistri that combines town and sea, Milos with its eerie landscapes, Patmos with its impressive beaches, Kythera with its wild natural beauty, Kastelorizo for exploring the edge of Greece, Serifos for couples and the «delicious» Sifnos with its gastronomy festival that takes place every September. Representatives of the destinations on the list set the tone for this season:
«A tourist year with high rates of foreign visitors is expected. At the same time, according to a major booking platform, Lipsi is in 6th place among the top holiday trends for Greeks. Our effort to develop and promote a sustainable destination that keeps its natural environment intact is in perfect harmony with the characteristics of our times», says Fotis Magos, Mayor of Lipsi.
«Alonissos is becoming a “magnet” for friends of activities, relaxation and rejuvenation. Quality services without unreasonable costs, local cuisine, wonderful exotic beaches, diving, nature tourism, and excursions to the marine park are our “passport” for a place on the “map” of international non-mass destinations. This year's accolades we have achieved in popular foreign media prove the extroversion of Alonissos to new and established markets showing their preference for 2024», said the President of the Municipality of Alonissos Tourism Committee Diogenes Theodorou.
«Astypalaia means sustainability, tradition and nature. We create and promote a new model of destination where the visitor enjoys turquoise waters, fairy-tale settlements, historical monuments and homely hospitality with modern sustainable conditions. This combination is what attracts tourism from Europe, America and many distant countries», noted the Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Astypalea Costas Kambylis.
«Andros has qualitative constants that make it an oasis of authenticity next to Athens without a high price. The constant alternation of mountainous landscape with pristine beaches, gastronomy, and the range of villages, monasteries and paths give a different perspective of the Cyclades. Visitor numbers have increased outside the high season, a trend we seek to maintain,» added Andros Municipal Councillor for Tourism Nikos Moustakas.
«The messages for the tourist season in Sifnos are positive. Gastronomy along with pottery, nature, trails, sea excursions and traditions are the “DNA” of the destination. We put emphasis on cultural, sporting and gastronomic initiatives that contribute to the expansion of the tourist season, such as the Festival of Cycladic Gastronomy Nikolaos Tselementes», noted the Deputy Mayor of Tourism of the Municipality of Sifnos, Yannis Rafeletos.
