Share The Article

Whenever I’m back home mapping my next trip, my inbox is constantly flooded with the exact same question from travelers: “Where can I go in the Caribbean that is actually safe, totally uncrowded, and doesn’t feel like a giant tourist trap?”

It is getting increasingly difficult to answer.

Mega-resorts are expanding rapidly, and finding an island that hasn’t been completely paved over by mass tourism is like trying to find a needle in a haystack.

But there is a massive secret hiding in plain sight.

The island is Montserrat, and it is actively looking for intrepid travelers to come and explore.

If you are ready to trade the crowded swim-up bars for raw, dramatic nature and absolute security, here is why Montserrat needs to jump to the top of your bucket list.

1. You Can Explore A “Modern-Day Pompeii”

Back in 1995, the Soufrière Hills volcano erupted, drastically changing the landscape of the island forever. The entire southern half of Montserrat, including the former capital city of Plymouth, was buried in massive layers of volcanic ash and mud.

• The Vibe: Today, Plymouth is essentially a modern-day Pompeii. It is an apocalyptic, awe-inspiring time capsule that was completely abandoned to the elements.
• The Experience: You cannot just wander into the exclusion zone on your own, but you can hire certified local guides to take you directly into the buried city. You will see the rooftops of old hotels and government buildings poking out of the ash. It is one of the most surreal, visually stunning things you can witness in the Western Hemisphere.

2. The “Emerald Isle” Is Untouched

While the southern half is a volcanic exclusion zone, the northern half of Montserrat is incredibly lush, mountainous, and perfectly safe. It actually earned the nickname “The Emerald Isle of the Caribbean” because of its deep green rainforests and its unique historical ties to Irish settlers.

• The Vibe: This is pure, unadulterated eco-tourism. The island actually celebrates St. Patrick’s Day as a massive public holiday, blending Caribbean and Irish cultures into an incredible week-long festival.
• The Experience: You won’t find rows of identical white-sand beaches packed with plastic lounge chairs here. Instead, you get dramatic, secluded black and grey volcanic sand beaches. You can spend your days hiking the spectacular trails in the Centre Hills, spotting rare birds, and having entire beaches completely to yourself.

3. The Safety Record Is Unmatched

When you look at the crime statistics for Montserrat, they almost look like a typo. It is a British Overseas Territory with a tiny, tight-knit population of around 4,000 residents.

• The Vibe: Because the community is so small, everyone knows everyone. The concept of opportunistic tourist crime—like pickpocketing, scams, or violent crime—is practically non-existent.
• The Experience: This is the kind of island where people routinely leave their doors unlocked and their keys in the ignition. For travelers wanting to unplug and explore without constantly clutching their backpacks or looking over their shoulders, Montserrat offers an unmatched level of peace of mind.
• What Travelers Are Saying: Our Traveler Safety Index gives a current score of 87/100 to Montserrat, an outstanding score proving that travelers feel quite safe visiting.

4. The “Logistical Moat” Keeps The Crowds Away

The primary reason Montserrat has stayed so perfectly undiscovered is that you cannot just book a massive, direct commercial flight from the United States and land on the island. That slight bit of travel friction acts as a natural barrier against the mega-crowds.

• The Vibe: You have to actually want to get there, which completely filters out the casual, mass-market tourists.
• The Logistics: To reach Montserrat, you first fly into the neighboring island of Antigua (ANU), which receives direct flights from all over the U.S. From there, you simply catch a gorgeous, 15-minute hopper flight on SVG Air, or you can take a 90-minute ferry ride across the water. It requires one extra step in your travel day, but that is the exact price of admission to experience the Caribbean the way it used to be decades ago.

Share The Article

Trust me, 20+ Greek islands in, I didn’t need Condé Nast Traveller to tell me this, but it’s nice to get a stamp of approval from the top travel tastemakers in the game, nonetheless:

Europe’s top island getaway right now, according to the prestigious travel publication run by some of the industry’s leading editors, is the laid-back, still partially-secret, postcard-ready Naxos, a Santorini dupe I feel most Americans are still sleeping on.

Worry not, we’re here to fix that.

In a ranking of Europe’s Best Islands for 2025 by CN Traveller, the Cycladic gem placed first with a score of 95.71, ahead of Mediterranean powerhouses Ibiza, Capri, Hvar, and yes, even Mallorca.

If you’re looking at this wall of text slightly befuddled, as you’ve maybe never heard of Naxos before, allow me to introduce you to one of Greece’s dreamiest summer escapes:

5x The Size Of Santorini, 5x The Fun

The first thing that will stand out to you as you pull up to Naxos with the ferry, either from party-heavy Mykonos or Instagrammer-colonized Santorini, is how lush and green it is.

It is the largest island in the Cyclades island group, which includes the famous duo, and unlike its smaller—but way more popular—counterparts, it packs quite the diverse landscape, paradisiacal beaches, and mountainside choriá that effectively look frozen in time.

That’s just Greek for ‘villages’. Sorry, had to flex my little-to-nonexistent knowledge of Greek while we’re at it.

Back to Naxos, chances are your first stop on the sun-drenched island is Naxos Town, or how locals call it, Chora. If you love Santorini for the whitewashed alleys, the Venetian fort, the cute harborside promenades, and the plethora of boutiques and tavernas, you’ll love it here.

Particularly because it’s way more lowkey, and not nearly as chaotic as Oia, although those hilltop viewpoints atop Kastro, the local castle dating back to the 13th century, are just as epic.

Of course, if you’re in Chora, you can’t miss out on sunset by Portara, the iconic giant marble doorway sitting on a tiny islet connected to the harbor by a causeway. It’s the last-surviving bit of what used to be a much larger temple, and the symbol of Naxos.

Before you go ahead and grab those flight tickets, make sure you run a little destination check on the Entry Requirements Checker page, especially if it’s Europe you’re headed to. This includes Greece.

Whether it’s mandatory fingerprinting or pending travel permits that will change how Americans view travel to Europe forever, there’s a lot you need to catch up on and prepare for ahead of flying.

Why Naxos Is Europe’s Top Island Getaway

No pun intended, Chora and its Portara are merely the gateway to Naxos, the island.

Which by the way, is the largest by far in the Cyclades, being 27 miles north to south, and roughly 15 miles east-to-west. In other words, it is about 5.5 times larger than an island like Santorini, so don’t go on thinking you can do it justice as a day trip or over a long weekend.

Condé Nast Traveller called it first, and I can vouch for them.

Naxos’ best-kept secrets are inland, like Aspeiranthos, a beautiful mountain village with marble-paved streets, stone houses, and mountain views for days, or Halki, a chorio dotted with neoclassical townhouses, best known for its local liqueur.

Speaking of that liquid courage, Vallindras Kitron Distillery, right in the heart of the village, has free entry, and you can get a guided look at the old copper stills, and if the owner’s feeling particularly generous that day—a yassou and efcharisto go a long way here—even taste all 3 kitron types.

Chora is the “capital on the coast”, but if the mountainous inland of Naxos had a main hub, that would be Filoti, the largest hinterland village. Great atmosphere, taverna-backed main square, and a maze of chalk-white alleys surrounded by verdant valleys.

Filoti also sits at the foot of Mount Zas, the highest mountain in the Cyclades, and if you’ve packed your hiking shoes, the uphill trail offers some truly spectacular views over the whole of Naxos, and even onto neighboring islands like Paros and Antiparos.

Etched onto the slopes of the mountain, the Cave of Zas is a must-see for Greek mythology enthusiasts: the Ancient Greeks believed Zeus grew up there to hide from his own father Cronus.

Wondering how safe Greece is to visit at the moment? The country scores 90 out of 100 on the Traveler Safety Index, a tool based on self-reports by travelers who’ve actually been, instead of some vague government advice that’s too broad or generic.

Check it out below:

Greece’s Best-Kept Secrets Are Here?

Before we get to Naxos’ paradisiacal beaches, I just have to tell you about my favorite cultural pit stop on the island, only a 9-minute drive from Mount Zas: the Temple of Demeter, perhaps the best-preserved ancient site in the Cyclades…?

It’s a beautiful Hellenic sanctuary, with more than just a handful of columns scattered hither and thither, and the visible skeleton of a marble temple. And the countryside surrounding it? Mamma Mia. Just stupidly gorgeous.

Seeing you’ve driven all the way back to the southwest–central part of Naxos, where all of the best beaches are, you might as well go for that afternoon dip after all the action-packed sightseeing.

From the best, it’s only 4 miles to Agia Anna, a long, soft golden sand stretch backed by tavernas and boutique hotels, and a slightly further 5 miles to Plaka Beach, yet another sandy strip with some development, not much, and just-enough infrastructure to not feel completely overrun, but not too crowded.

For something a bit more rugged and remote, and arguably more scenic than the main resort beaches, Alyko is set on a protected natural area on the south-western side of the island, framed by dunes, cedar forests, and a basically one rocky cove for every few souls that venture out this way.

Naxos is CN Traveller’s top pick for summer 2026, but if you’ve got a few more days to spare on your Greek island-hopping adventure, maybe you’ll want to go even more niche, even wilder and proper remote, and hit up the tiny, volcanic outcrop that is Folegandros instead.

I called it all the way back in March 2025 already: it truly is paradise… without the Santorini crowds.

Share The Article

Summer is finally here, and if you are looking for a European beach getaway that is beautiful, sunny, and incredibly safe, you need to look at the latest updates from the U.S. State Department.

When the U.S. government hands out safety ratings, they are famously strict. The State Department does not take chances with American lives, and they certainly do not hand out top-tier safety grades lightly. So, when they officially announce that a destination has been bumped up to a Level 1 status, it is a massive green light for travelers 🚦.

On June 1, 2026, the U.S. State Department officially dropped the travel advisory for the Republic of Cyprus down to a Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. This stunning Mediterranean paradise island is officially back to being one of the safest countries in all of Europe.

The Spring Scare And The Summer Rebound

If you have been keeping a close eye on global travel warnings, you might know that Cyprus had a bit of a rough spring on paper. Earlier this year, the island was slapped with a Level 3 travel advisory. It is incredibly important to understand exactly why that happened, because it had absolutely nothing to do with street crime, dangerous tourist zones, or hostility toward visitors.

The warning was entirely related to geopolitical events happening off the island. Following the hostilities between the United States and Iran in late February, commercial flights in the region saw significant disruptions. Then, on March 2, 2026, a drone struck a building on the British Sovereign Base Area located in Cyprus.

Because the State Department is extremely cautious, they immediately raised the advisory level. This understandably caused a temporary panic among tourists who were planning their summer vacations. According to the live Traveler Safety Index, traveler sentiment for Cyprus took a serious hit during that time, with the island’s safety score dropping down to 76 out of 100.

But as the dust settled and the region quickly stabilized, traveler confidence skyrocketed right back up. The live safety score quickly rebounded to a rock-solid 87 and continues to climb today. Travelers on the ground are reporting that the island feels incredibly safe, secure, and ready for summer vacationers.

What A Level 1 Rating Actually Means

Getting a Level 1 rating from the U.S. State Department is the absolute holy grail for international travel. It simply means “Exercise Normal Precautions.”

You do not need to hire private security, you do not need to hide in your resort, and you do not need to constantly look over your shoulder. You just need to use the exact same common sense you would use in your own hometown. Cyprus is generally a very safe destination for travelers. The main tourist areas are peaceful, the locals are welcoming, and the beaches are stunning. Whether you are lounging by the water or exploring ancient ruins, your biggest worry will likely be remembering to reapply your sunscreen ☀️.

The One Catch: Avoid The Level 2 Zone

While the Republic of Cyprus is a Level 1, there is one major geographical catch you need to know about before you book your trip. The northern part of the island operates completely differently.

Since 1974, the southern part of the island has been under the control of the internationally recognized Government of the Republic of Cyprus. The northern part, however, is administered by Turkish Cypriots and calls itself the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.”

The United States does not recognize this northern area as a country, and neither does anyone else in the world except for Türkiye. Because of this, the State Department has slapped the Turkish Cypriot-Administered Area with a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory due to unrest.

The U.S. Embassy in Nicosia has a very limited ability to help American citizens if they run into trouble in the north. Human rights reports have also noted that central prison and police detention facilities in that area simply do not meet international standards.

How To Navigate The Island Safely

Separating the safe southern tourist zones from the north is a strict United Nations Buffer Zone patrolled by UN Peacekeeping forces. But honestly, if you are booking a standard beach vacation to the popular tourist resorts in the Republic of Cyprus, you are nowhere near this border. You do not have to worry about accidentally wandering into it while looking for a beach bar.

When it comes to booking your flights, just keep it simple. You must enter and exit the island through the major southern hubs: Larnaca or Paphos airports.

Occasionally, third-party flight scanners might try to show you a suspiciously cheap, weird flight route that lands at Ercan Airport in the north. Ignore it. The Republic of Cyprus considers entry through the north to be completely illegal. If you try to take a backdoor flight into Ercan and cross down to the south to reach your resort, you can be denied entry or face serious legal challenges.

The bottom line is simple. Do not look for weird flight routes to save a few bucks. Stick to the standard southern airports, head straight to the beautiful tourist zones, and enjoy your vacation. When the U.S. government gives a country a Level 1 status, you can pack your bags with total peace of mind. Cyprus is completely open, the safety scores are incredibly high, and the Mediterranean water is waiting for you 🌊.

---

Share The Article

Mass tourism has been a real menace.

I know someone who recently let his intrusive thoughts win, rhetorically asking if there’s even an ethical way to be a tourist anymore.

Hippy-dippy stuff aside, yes, there is — and it starts with doing just a teeny-weeny bit more research instead of jam-packing the same already-overflowing destinations to the gills.

The truth is, there are thousands of places across the world that still want to welcome you with open arms — and you don’t have to be a “local” to do so.

A short hop from Athens is an astonishingly beautiful island locals have kept tight-lipped about for years.

Whether we’re the good guys or the bad guys for revealing it, we’re stoked to introduce Greece’s “anti-Santorini” — a blue-and-white dreamscape with less-packed alleyways, quieter beaches, and far more palatable prices.

Be sure to check the latest Travel Alerts & Entry Requirements before your trip.

Kythnos Boasts More Than 50 Beaches With No Crowds

Greece might as well not exist for half the year, as most travelers scope out its whitewashed islands in the literal heat of summer.

Of course, Santorini is the mecca, sitting fat and happy atop just about every traveler’s wishlist despite its bank-draining prices and elbow-to-elbow maze of alleyways where everyone is after the same snapshot of blue-domed churches and caldera views.

As we’ve reported over the years and continue to preach — without passing the Joel Osteen collection plate — there are numerous other islands that will have you forgetting all about Santorini before you even check in to your hotel.

If you want to quite possibly be the only tourist at any given time, at certain beaches, Kythnos is just the place.

There are more than 50 beaches packed into this rather small, lesser-known island.

According to TripAdvisor, these are the top 5 to scope out for your next Greek adventure:

1. Kolona Beach:
2. Apokrousi Beach
3. Gaidouromantra Beach
4. Lefkes Beach
5. Skilou Beach

You might be wondering why the third best is bolded, and we’re glad we read your mind.

Despite being ranked #1, Gaidouromantra, a name I hope to never spell again, actually holds the most rave reviews for its “clear waters”, “virgin environment”, and lack of people, overall.

It’s your own little slice of paradise you didn’t know existed.

As for the above photo of the double-sided beach, a rare place where you wish you had eyes in the back of your head, that’s Kolona Beach.

You can easily see why it’s ranked first.

A Quick Zip From Athens

You’ve made it Europe, all the way to Greece, so now you might be in the mood for a jaunt in a jiffy.

Athens is one of Europe’s most well-connected cities, but it’s all but obligatory to hop aboard a boat in one form or another with so many inviting islands nearby.

Kythnos is one of the most accessible from Greece’s largest hub and bustling capital, which is surely one of those places packed to the gills with crowds, with so many storied landmarks drawing travelers in worldwide.

To escape those crowds, you can simply head southeast to Lavrio port.

The crossing takes approximately 1 hour by speedboat or about 1 and a half hours by conventional ferry for under $20, which is another reason so many locals favor Kythnos as their go-to tourist-free hideaway.

It’s Not All Beaches: Enjoy Similar Santorini Vibes 💙🤍

If you’ve stuck with us this far, you might be wondering “where are the Greek vibes?”.

We get it — some of Kythnos’s beaches are isolated, so it may appear at first glance like it’s a desolate island with no dreamy townscape to wander.

That’s not the case…

Kythnos’ main town is Chora (also known as Mesaria), and it delivers the Cycladic charm travelers seek in Santorini — you know, whitewashed buildings, cobblestone lanes, blue-painted decor, open shutters, quaint churches, floral-draped tavernas, and shops tucked along the main street.

You won’t bat an eye at prices here, whether it’s arriving by boat or staying a while. Unlike the triple-digit rates in Santorini, you can find cozy digs like Kythnos Bay for just $75 in July, which can be booked here.

How Safe Is Greece To Visit This Summer?

Greece is largely viewed as a haven for tourists throughout summer, even though Athens gritty graffiti-lined streets might persuade you otherwise.

According to our Safety Index, the current safety score rated by fellow travelers like you and me sits at an impressive 89/100:

Share The Article

You’d think you can fly just about anywhere nonstop from the Big Apple, right?

I mean, the broader NY region has 5 airports in total…

You can fly to Belgrade, Serbia, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and Fuzhou, China, but hot diggity dog, you can’t fly to one of America’s most beloved paradises?

Apparently, the people have spoken, and United took notice as the popular airline is set to fill a surprising gap in New York City’s massive route map.

The truth is, as fun as it is to have a passport, it’s nice to have one less thing to worry about when traveling — especially entry requirements.

Take it from me, who once had their passport pickpocketed, even though the real crime was wearing cargo shorts.

Guilty as charged.

But had I visited one of the Caribbean’s most pristine islands, I wouldn’t have needed excessively large pockets — I’d just rock swim trunks and sip mai tais all day, as one does in the gorgeous U.S. Virgin Islands.

That’s why United Airlines and the U.S. Virgin Islands were proud to announce in tandem an overdue flight route connecting the Tri-State area to this passport-free island.

New York, Meet St. Croix

USVI is comprised of more than 50 cays and islands, but most notably the following trio:

• St. Thomas
• St. John
• St. Croix

Being a U.S. territory, one would imagine you could fly in and out at will from America’s most populous city.

That’s not the case.

St. John doesn’t have an airport, but St. Thomas does — and yes, you can fly here directly from NYC from all 3 major airlines: American, United, and Delta.

St. Croix, though?

Shockingly, no — not even one. That’s why this is such exciting news.

Not every Virgin Island vacationer wants to visit other islands, or have to land somewhere else and hop aboard a ferry after a 4-hour or so flight, especially since St. Croix is 40 miles away from the other islands.

Instead, sun-seekers can soon fly straight to St. Croix without any extra hassle or headaches.

Newark (EWR) To St. Croix (STX)

Okay, okay — we know Newark, New Jersey is not technically “New York” — but it kinda is…

I’ve flown into Newark many times. In all honesty, it’s neck and neck with DFW as my least favorite U.S. airport.

If there’s one thing going for EWR, it’s that it doesn’t matter where you’re going next, whether across the Hudson to Manhattan or boarding a flight to almost anywhere, it elevates your vacation because you’re just happy to no longer be in Newark.

Don’t tell The Sopranos I said that…

Newark is a major hub for United, but this is one of their most exciting new flights in recent memory.

Slated for takeoff on October 31, 2026, the only thing spooky is how long it took New York to get this nonstop route.

You’ll want to prepare for a weeklong stay if you’re booking a round-trip, as the schedule will operate Saturdays only on a Boeing 737-700 with 12 Business Class seats.

Making St. Croix even more enticing, there are numerous beachfront hotels with rave reviews mere minutes from the airport.

No more flying into St. Thomas and navigating inter-island transfers to get here: fly right in, and flip on Vacation Mode from the get-go, especially with no customs to clear on arrival.

What Makes St. Croix Special

St. Croix isn’t the island travelers opt for when they’re satisfied inauthentic cruise-port chaos or a resort bubble with no reason to leave.

It stands out as the one you pick when you want more room to roam, boasting 2 historic towns, rum distilleries, local food, colorful waterfronts, less-crowded beaches, and reef-filled waters.

St. Thomas may be the busy gateway, and St. John may be the obvious nature escape, but St. Croix hits the sweet spot: more culture, more remote, with undeniable Caribbean splendor all wrapped into one place that’s now so much easier to reach come fall, when the weather is truly splendid, with average highs of 84 degrees in November.

How Safe Are The U.S. Virgin Islands To Visit?

Being a U.S. territory, the U.S. State Department says “thanks, but no thanks” on offering an official advisory.

However, we have our own tool to combat that: a real-time Safety Index voted by travelers like you and me.

Results are a bit surprising so far, currently seeing a score of just 70/100:

Share The Article

Isn’t it about time we all moved past the Santorini/Mykonos obsession? Look, I get it—there’s something magical about blue domes and caldera views beneath a blood-orange sunset—but Greece has over 200 inhabited islands, and most travelers barely scratch the surface.

Tucked away in the North Aegean, far from the overtouristed Cyclades, Thassos is the kind of hidden gem Greeks almost wish foreigners wouldn’t discover.

Think ridiculously clear beaches, mountain villages untouched by mass tourism, and affordable stays that don’t require selling a kidney just to spend a week by the sea.

More commonly associated with its prized marble exports, Thassos is now quietly rising as one of Greece’s hottest offbeat island escapes, and this may well be the last summer you experience it before the wider crowds catch on.

The Hidden Gem Of The North Aegean

20+ Greek islands in, I have this personal belief that you know it’s about to be one of the good ones when it either doesn’t have an airport, or the airport looks like your average Flixbus station.

That’s when you know you’ve struck gold in Greece, my friends—and when there’s no bloody vegan-friendly menus, but hey, let’s not get ahead of ourselves here.

Thassos does not have an airport, but it is a short 1h15 ferry crossing from Kavala, serviced by Kavala International Airport (KVA), which hosts flights from select EU hubs in summer, and of course, the major hub over in Thessaloniki is a 4-hour drive + ferry away.

Not exactly convenient, but that’s precisely the fact that it is hard(er)-to-reach that keeps it lowkey and authentic, and boy, does this feel like proper Greece.

If you’re hoping to find your local BVLGARI boutique like you would in Oia, or the exclusive, invite-only white parties of Mykonos, you might be in for a major shock.

This Is What Authentic Greece Feels Like

Your point of entry into Thassos is Limenas, the main port town, and probably where you want to stay for convenience—you can easily hit up all of the main sights on the island from here—and the wider choice of restaurants and hotels.

On that note, the gorgeous A for Art Hotel in Limenas, with warm-wooded, carpeted rooms that just exude Old World charm, is only a few minutes from the port and has room rates starting from as cheap as $70 this season.

Limenas itself is your typical Greek port, with a busy waterfront dotted with bobbing boats and backed by a plethora of tavernas, and laid-back beaches you can get to on foot, like Tarsanas. This one offers clear water and mountain views without ever leaving Limenas.

The true charm of the island, however, lies in its verdant, mostly rural hinterland.

A mere 8-minute walk inland from Limenas itself, the Ancient Agora is the island’s main archaeological site, featuring the ruins of an ancient marketplace, semi-preserved temples, and an impressive civic center that tells tales of a wealthy, intellectually thriving classical-era Thassos.

From now on, we strongly suggest you rent a car—which, by the way, will only set you back by around $22–$38 per day for a small economy vehicle.

Check Travel Rules For Europe Beforehand

Before you go ahead and secure those airplane seats, however, we strongly encourage you to use our Entry Requirement Checker to verify whether you have your documentation in order as an American citizen, be it Greece or anywhere else in Europe.

You see, there’s a lot that’s changed this year, from mandatory fingerprinting upon arrival, to a new pending online visa that can get you barred from entry unless you’ve been cleared to travel beforehand.

Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

The Cutest Small Towns In Greece

Thassos is a much-more verdant island compared to its Greek counterparts. If you more commonly associate Greece with Santorini’s barren, volcanic landscapes, you’ll be surprised by how densely forested, fertile, and lush this North Aegean island is.

Tucked away in the midst of the greenery, we have the star of the show, and probably the postcard picture you’ve been dreaming of:

Theologos, easily one of the most charming mountain villages, is known for its centuries-old stone houses, old Ottoman mansions, and family-run tavernas where you can get properly traditional goat without any of the over-styled, Amalfi-imported “primi/secondi piatti” theatrics.

Menus don’t have pictures, the meat was probably slaughtered that very day, and good luck trying to customize your order because you’re “not really a fan of thyme.” I hope the back of your head’s tough enough to survive γιαγιά’s wooden spoon.

Whatever you do, make sure you swing by Taverna Avgoustos and get their fresh-roasted goat.

Just as beautiful, and even more remote, Panagia bestrides a hillside, with cobbled pathways and humble Macedonian-style houses clustered around natural springs and shaded squares. You might want to brush up on your Duolingo Greek for this one, though.

Panagia is also the entry point for hikers braving Mount Ypsario’s hillside. This is the highest mountain on the island, with well-marked paths taking you through pine forests with panoramic Aegean views, and the sunset at the top is truly hard to beat.

For those who don’t exactly fancy a long trek, you can drive up instead to the Archangel Michael Monastery, perched on a coastal hill overlooking the Aegean. It has Byzantine-era frescoes and still-functional monastic buildings that have lost none of their timeless charm.

You see? You don’t need to be jetting all over the world to chase your Eat, Pray, Love aspirations. You can do it all right here on Thassos Island.

Most Beautiful (& Uncrowded) Islands In Greece?

Ahhh, Thassos beaches… none of Thira’s or the Athenian Riviera’s sharp shingles that will slice your sole at the first wrong slip, or fenced-off zones exclusive to Instagrammers in flying dressers or those polo-shirt gits willing to spend thousands of dollars in a daybed package they’ll slap on once.

Golden Beach is the jewel on the island: a long, honey-colored sandy strip backed by green mountains, and that delicious grilled fish served at the absolutely no-frills Thalassa Taverna, right near the water? Och, heaven.

There are plenty more beautiful shallow-water spots to try on Thassos, like Paradise Beach, yet another long stretch of golden sand, and Giola, a natural rock pool carved into the coastline locals have nicknamed the “Tears of Aphrodite,” but if you want to see something truly unique, Marble Beach is where you should be headed:

Perhaps the most distinctive beach on Thassos, it is paved with the island’s iconic white-marble, in pebble form, of the same kind they used to build all those impressive Greek temples and monuments all those millennia ago.

How Safe Is Greece Right Now?

The best part? There’s no pickpockets, imported lackeys, or aggressive vendors to turn your hard-earned, peaceful holiday into a living hell.

I’m not saying go ahead and leave items unattended as you jump in that crystal-clear water, but if you do do, chances are there’ll still be right there where you left them when you come back.

In general, Greece is pretty safe overall. Vox populi, vox Dei, and travelers are currently ranking it at an 88/100:

Going abroad to Europe or elsewhere this summer?

Sadly, not every coastal paradise is as low-risk and safe as Thassos. Use our Travel Advisory Checker to stay up to date on safety regulations and any Embassy-issued travel alerts at your destination of choice.

Is Thassos About To Go Mainstream?

Remember we told you 2026 might be the last year you get to experience Thassos at its most untouched self? Well, we have news to give you, and whether they sit on the “good” or “bad” side of the scale, it’s entirely up to you.

Nothing beats a Jet2 holiday, and with Thassos added to their portfolio for 2027, you can expect this typically pristine, generally uncrowded Greek island to slowly start resembling other parts of mainland-style, mass-market Greece.

The popular travel agency will soon start offering packaged holidays to Thassos, with UK departures landing in Kavala (KVA). As with any all-inclusive vacation deal, airport transfers, ferries to the island and back, and hotel stays will be included.

This is the first time Thassos is being targeted by a major tour operator like Jet2, and probably the first time it gets branded as an easy-access, package destination, so we’ll see how it goes, and whether the 13,000-or-so locals react positively to their newfound popularity.

Either way, it will be a few long years until Thassos gets rediscovered for the absolute treasure it really is.

Share The Article

There’s definitely something to that old adage. You know the one…about ‘the road less travelled’…

Millions will flock to Cancun and Punta Cana this year, two of the Caribbean’s globally renowned destinations, but what about the plethora of other beach paradises that go unnoticed, yet are equally beautiful and more authentic?

That’s what our expert team at Travel Off Path is here for!

We dug deep for this one, not just ‘innie-minnie-minie-moeing’ a map and writing some fluff piece on wherever our finger lands like “the others” seem to do.

We’ve found the Caribbean’s best kept secret for 2026 — and it’s a true unicorn.

With no capital city, endless crowd-free beaches, edge-of-the-world vibes, and even a digital nomad visa (so you know locals are welcoming), this super safe paradise is one of the Caribbean’s last remaining gems and there’s no time like the present to take advantage.

Montserrat: The Caribbean Island That Lost Its Capital

Don’t worry — we’re not shipping you off to some remote island with no society.

Montserrat is a thriving British overseas territory. As such, Americans do need a passport, so make sure you check entry requirements.

But do know Montserrat does not share the UK’s new ETA system. Simply show your passport, submit this form, answer a few questions and you’re on your way to the beach vacation you didn’t know you needed.

Unlike many vacation hotspots, you don’t fly into the capital here — you fly into the tiny airport outside the inland village of St. John’s.

The main reason for that is because Plymouth was devastated in the 90s during a hellacious volcanic eruption and was never rebuilt (though Brades is now the acting capital should that ever change).

Now Plymouth serves as somewhat of a “dark tourism” destination to bear witness to a now ghostly townscape that was essentially melted into nothingness.

But when one door closes, another one opens, right?

There are vibrant towns to visit to grab the essentials and mingle with friendly locals, such as aforementioned St. John’s or Olveston, home to beloved cozy inns and cottages and sensational hole-in-the-wall eateries.

Let’s be honest, though — you’re here for unspoiled shores, something that’s becoming more and more of a rarity.

Montserrat doesn’t disappoint.

Some Of The Caribbean’s Most Untouched Coastline

A vacation in the Caribbean without hordes of crowds and the waft of sunscreen?

Believe it or not, it does exist.

Montserrat is a trek to reach. Circling back to getting here, there are no direct flights from the states.

Who knows, maybe the new Caribbean hub we just reported on will launch new flights soon…

Wishful thinking or not, once you’re here you won’t want to leave. That’s one of many reasons why Montserrat offers their own version of a digital nomad visa.

Beaches here are phenomenal. Some boast otherworldly rock formations, while others couldn’t possibly be more blissful with swaying palms and not a footprint in sight.

According to TripAdvisor, these are travelers’ 3 favorite beach locales in Montserrat right now:

1. Rendezvous Beach
2. Woodlands Beach
3. Little Bay Beach

Rendezvous is fan-favorite for a variety of reasons — the main being its remote location and perfect snorkeling conditions for all ages.

Montserrat may not be an all-inclusive retreat, but being surrounded by Guadeloupe, Antigua and Barbuda, and St. Kitts & Nevis, there’s no denying it’s the most authentic of the bunch with locally-owned bed and breakfasts, black-sand shores as a mark of its volcanic origins, and no such thing as a crowd — ever!

Why Digital Nomads Love Calling Montserrat Home

If you’re a culture seeker, not just someone content to sit under a palm tree that could be anywhere, there’s nowhere quite as unique as Montserrat for nomads

No, there’s no capital to cafe-hop, but the scenery from other cafes like Hilltop Coffeehouse is unmatched for an “office” view.

Add in how affordable Montserrat is with apartments as low as the mid $500s, English being the official language, and only being home to roughly 5,000 residents, you could be a first-time nomad or seasoned globetrotter, yet feel right at home.

Plus, it’s one of the Caribbean’s safest destinations, classified as Level 1 by the U.S. State Department.

Traveler back up that claim scoring Montserrat with 85/100 — a tick below Cancun and Punta Cana.

Montserrat’s official digital nomad visa known as the Remote Work Stamp only takes 7 days for approval, but does require a higher income than many other remote work visas, and some other bureaucratic hurdles:

• Yearly income of $70,000
• A $500 fee for single travelers
• A $750 fee for families of up to 3 dependents ($250 per dependent thereafter)
• Current health insurance
• Proof of employment
• Passport photo
• Copy of passport
• Official police record
• Proof of employment

Share The Article

Forget what you know about the East Coast for a moment. Leave behind the clusters of urban sprawl and Florida’s vibrant beach towns.

There’s a map-dot island hardly anyone seems to talk about that gives off serious Iceland vibes, with otherworldly landscapes, edge-of-the-world vibes, and, of course, puffin tours — yep, right here in the U.S.

It’s true; you don’t have to venture off to one of Europe’s most expensive countries to see nature’s cutest flock of birds, nor do you have to cover your eyes walking past the world’s only museum dedicated to male anatomy.

While this island hideaway may not have borderline addictive hot dogs topped with pylsusinnep, its seafood selection is unmatched, offering far better options than fermented shark (sorry, Vikings — it’s just not good).

Is it an exact replica of Iceland, like the Faroe Islands?

No, but it’s the closest thing the U.S. has, with open skies for stargazing, rugged coastline, quirky cottages, and more — reminiscent of the Iceland I visited in 2015 before it felt discovered by the masses.

We at Travel Off Path are certain that if you give this unheard-of island in Maine a fair shake, you won’t come home wishing you’d spent a fortune to go all the way to Reykjavik.

Puffin Season Kicks Off In May 🐧

If there’s one thing topping bucket lists around the world, it’s seeing puffins up close and personal in their natural habitat.

But the misnomer seems to be that most Americans think they have to fly ‘across the pond’ to do just that.

That’s simply not the case. There are actually multiple destinations across North America where puffins flock ashore each year — coastal Maine being one of the top spots for seasonal excursions.

In fact, one of the biggest draws of visiting Monhegan Island this time of year is its access to nearby Eastern Egg Rock, where it’s said up to 150 nesting pairs of puffins can be spotted each season.

Maine’s hidden island, even locals may not know, may not have been on your 2026 Bingo card, but it’s not too late to pencil it in.

This blissful island, away from any sliver of city chaos, offers multiple puffin tour operators — the earliest of which is set to kick off in May:

Pack Your Camera For Monhegan’s ‘Interstellar’ Landscapes

The good news is this island feels so untouched beyond the welcome of the shared namesake town of Monhegan that you’ll feel like you have it all to yourself (and the estimated 65 people that live here).

The bad news is recreational drone use is heavily restricted, which may explain why TikTokers haven’t flooded this place making epic videos surely to invade your algorithm.

Whether you’re old school with a Polaroid or mastered iPhone camera wizardry, Monhegan Island’s dramatic cliffs and moody seascapes will leave you doing a double take as if you’re on Interstellar’s film set.

One unmissable place to scope out is The Headlands, located on the rear side of the island, boasting some of the highest ocean cliffs of Maine and easily comparable to Iceland’s Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara (minus the black sand).

Getting Here & Where To Stay

As you might’ve imagined, being so small, Monhegan Island is only accessible by boat.

Unfortunately, you can’t simply fly into Portland and hop aboard a ferry. It’s a bit more of an adventure.

Getting here requires departing from Port Clyde or New Harbor aboard one of the aforementioned tour operators, also offering puffin tours.

Once you arrive, you’ll find similar quirky, colorful cottages like you see dotted around Iceland.

Our top pick for a memorable stay is The Cracked Mug. I mean, what sounds homier than that?

You Won’t Find Anywhere Stateside That Feels Safer

Earlier this year, we reported that Maine was ranked as America’s safest state, no matter if you’re vacationing in one of many charming coastal towns like Kennebunkport or the biggest city, Portland.

For example, most crime tends to happen in larger populations, but Portland is currently scoring as 85/100 on our real-time safety index — one of the highest scores for any U.S. destination.

If you really think about it, if Portland is that safe, an under-the-radar island with less than 70 year-round residents is one of those classic places you hear about on old-timey sitcoms, “where everybody leaves their doors unlocked”.

Not to continue on this Iceland train, but the comparisons keep chuggin’ along for this unicorn destination.

Maine is the safest state, and Iceland is widely regarded as the world’s safest countries year in and year out.

So while Monhegan may not be a carbon copy, it taps into that same sense of calm with similarly striking, offbeat attractions — from astounding coastal scenery to the visible remains of the D.T. Sheridan shipwreck, likened to Iceland’s Sólheimasandur plane wreck, one of the country’s most sought-after photo-ops.

Sold yet?

Share The Article

When you think of Greek islands, the first image your brain conjures is probably Santorini’s blue church domes and caldera views, or maybe Mykonos’ iconic string of windmills on a hill and colorful harborside houses.

The powerhouse duo may be Greece’s top two most popular destinations, but if you’re asking us, they’re far from being the most rewarding, especially when it comes to beaches.

Between Santorini’s rugged volcanic coast, largely made up of craggy descents and pebbly stretches, and Mykonos’ windswept, club-heavy shorelines, they’re not somewhere you go for swimming and lounging by the sea, necessarily.

Now, if it’s Greece’s postcard-ready sandy beaches and clear turquoise seas you’re after, this lesser-known island hideaway has just been featured in the World’s 50 Best Beaches:

Is Kefalonia The Best Island In Greece For Beaches?

Located on the Ionian side of Greece—the side that faces Italy—Kefalonia is an island paradise best known for its indented coastline, interspersed with cliff-backed bays, limestone sea walls, and short strips of mixed white pebble and sand.

Fteri Beach, one of these hard-to-access, small pebbly coves backed by towering cliffs, was just ranked the second best beach in the world by the experts behind World’s 50 Best Beaches, closely behind Sardinia‘s Cala Goloritzé.

In Greece, it beats out other heavyweights like Voutoumi, Porto Katsiki, and even Crete’s iconic Elafonissi Beach, which chart at Nos. 3, 5, and 15, respectively.

At this point, you’re probably wondering why this beach is so special. Well, other than the powdery white sands and crystalline seas, of course, its challenging access is key to understanding its appeal with beachgoers.

How To Get To Fteri Beach On Kefalonia

You can only get there hiking down from the small village of Zola, on the northwest coast, and that takes about 40 minutes, or by taking a water taxi. If you’re walking, sneakers are highly recommended as the route can get a little rough in parts, and you’ll need good shoes to walk across Fteri’s white pebbles.

Naturally, taking the taxi is a lot faster and more convenient: a 5–10 minute glide from the harbor to the beach.

There’s a Fteri Water Taxi running from Zola Harbor in the high season, offering pickups and drop-offs at Fteri, and even other nearby beaches like Amidi and Kamari.

According to travelers who have been, the best time to visit is the morning, before the taxi boats arrive, as the beach is usually nearly empty.

Once the taxis are operational, they start dropping people off every 30 minutes (or more frequently, even).

As for the water, they have that pool-like translucent shade closer to shore, that gradually turns that gorgeous gatorade-blue so typical of the Ionian Sea.

Oh, a piece of advice? Kefalonia is a proper wild beach, with no amenities like on many of Kefalonia’s mainline beaches, so make sure you bring your own sunscreen, bottle of water, snacks, and beach attire, as you won’t be able to purchase them from a kiosk.

Kefalonia Is Full Of Turquoise-Water Bays

Fteri Beach may be the star of the show today, but it’s far from being Kefalonia’s only paradisiacal cove with surreal waters.

In fact, the most popular beach on the island is Myrtos, similar to Fteri in many ways, except it’s far easier to drive to with a car. White pebbles, neon-blue seas, and imposing cliffs.

Petani is the family-friendly, amenity-packed alternative: you park at the top of the cliffs, then you walk the short way down. It has sunbeds and umbrellas to rent, and a couple of beach bars and restaurants nearby.

You’ve probably heard of Crete’s pinkish Elafonissi Beach, but did you have any idea Kefalonia hosts its very own red-sanded strip?

With soft, clay-like sands, Xi Beach straddles the southern coast of the island, in the Paliki peninsula, and it has a full setup of sunbed rentals, seasonal cafés, and water sports. It gets busier than most, sure, but the deep-ocher sands and the azure waters are unique in Greece.

Where To Stay On Kefalonia

If you’re looking for a place to stay, Argostoli, the quaint Kefalonian capital nestled on a coastal hill overlooking the Ionian Sea, is probably your top pick.

A lively harbor town, it’s filled with shops, restaurants, and even the nightlife isn’t all that bad, thanks to a bar-lined central promenade, easy to walk to at night for after-dinner drinks.

For a quieter island experience and easier access to Paliki peninsula beaches (like Xi), Lixouri is a popular alternative.

Kefalonia’s second-largest settlement, it’s still big and well-equipped for tourism, yet serene enough to feel worlds away from the main hub.

A short ferry hop away from the gorgeous Melissani Cave, one of Kefalonia’s top natural wonders, Sami is a great base for exploring, and of course, if your primary goal is to be a short 5 min water taxi ride from the dreamy Fteri Beach, Zola is where you should crash for the long weekend.

This spring, you can find accommodation on Kefalonia Island from as cheap as $46-a-night, though a modest hotel room in one of the main towns would average $65–$90.