Greece Promotes Karpathos, Halkidiki Alternatives To Overcrowded Islands

Greece is promoting less crowded and authentic travel experiences beyond its famous but overcrowded destinations like Santorini and Mykonos. Karpathos island offers visitors scenic hiking trails, untouched beaches, and preserved cultural heritage as a peaceful alternative to Santorini’s heavy tourism. The Halkidiki peninsula near Thessaloniki features diverse regions including the party-friendly Kassandra, where the renovated Domes Noruz hotel provides a serene getaway with spa treatments and local cuisine. Greek tourism officials are also highlighting the country’s rich thermal spa resources, with over 750 mineral springs gaining international attention for wellness tourism, supported by government initiatives to enhance spa infrastructure and rail access. Additionally, yoga and hiking retreats near Athens allow travelers to engage with ancient sites like the Sanctuary of Nemesis while enjoying nature and wellness practices. Together, these developments reflect Greece’s effort to diversify tourism by emphasizing relaxation, wellness, cultural authenticity, and natural beauty away from overcrowded hotspots.