In a world where mass tourism often overshadows authenticity, discerning travelers seek destinations that offer an unfiltered glimpse into local life and culture.

Germany’s premier online travel magazine, Travelbook.de, recently highlighted nine lesser-known Mediterranean islands, promising visitors “genuine getaways,” away from the crowds.

Among the list stand two gems of Greece: Skopelos and Othoni. Nestled in the azure waters of the Aegean and Ionian Seas respectively, these islands captivate with their beauty and charm.

Skopelos

Skopelos, the larger of the two, and part of the Sporades archipelago in the western Aegean, exudes an enchanting aura that has captured the hearts of travelers-in-the-know for decades. Renowned for its lush greenery and pristine beaches, Skopelos invites exploration at every turn. The island’s main town, also named Skopelos, is a maze of whitewashed houses adorned with colorful shutters, winding alleyways, and quaint tavernas serving authentic Greek cuisine.

The Travelbook article praises the Skopelos’ beautiful coastline, with “numerous beautiful bays and beaches,” singling out the elongated Limnonari Beach with its “white sand and turquoise sea.” It also notes that the island’s landscape, boasting verdant forests and wildflowers, is filled with the “aroma of sage.”

Skopelos was made famous by the 2008 jukebox musical comedy film, “Mamma Mia!” starring Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan. Travelbook.de recommends visiting the Church of Aghios Ioannis sto Kastri, near the village of Glossa, where the wedding procession scene of the ABBA-inspired movie was filmed. The picture postcard church, perched atop a steep sea rock, offers “fantastic views of the island and the surrounding sea.”

The closest airport is located on the neighboring island of Skiathos. Travelers can easily reach Skopelos by taking a ferry from Skiathos.

Othoni

On the opposite end of Greece lies the tiny island of Othoni, a serene haven in the Ionian Sea renowned for its untouched beauty and traditional way of life. As the westernmost inhabited island of Greece, 5km northwest of Corfu, Othoni captivates visitors with its rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs, and unspoiled beaches.

The largest of the Diapontian Islands, Othoni’s main port and most populous settlement, Ammos, is a charming village where time seems to stand still. With small guesthouses and tavernas offering freshly caught seafood, the villages overlooks the picturesque harbor, where colorful fishing boats bob gently in the breeze.

Travelbook.de notes that Othoni is “perfect for those who want to experience the Greek island world in all its natural beauty.” The article goes on to praise the varied coastline, with “picturesque bays, cliffs and beaches,” adding that it’s the ideal destination for “nature lovers and divers.” It recommends a visit to the hidden Aspri Ammos Beach “with its sea grotto.”

Ferries from Corfu provide a convenient connection to the Diapontian Islands, with multiple departures each week. The three-hour journey treats passengers to stunning vistas of the Ionian Sea.

Best of the Rest …

The other Mediterranean islands on the Travelbook.de list include, in order: San Nicola (Italy), Cabrera Gran (Spain), Cres (Croatia), Île de Cavallo (France), Île Saint-Honorat (France), Comino (Malta), and Panarea (Italy).