Santorini Takes a Break: 4 Hidden Gems in Europe Without the Tourist Crowds

Dreaming of the perfect vacation but not ready to overpay for a brand name or get lost in a noisy crowd of tourists? Forget the cliché itineraries! We’ve found some quiet corners of Europe that will treat you to the beauty of the Cyclades and snow-white landscapes without breaking the bank. Discover the 4 secret spots that can easily replace Santorini

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Few places capture the imagination quite like the snow-white houses of Santorini, perched on the cliffs, and the bright blue domes of the churches against the backdrop of a blazing sunset over the Aegean Sea. It is truly a unique corner of the world, whose beauty is hard to put into words. However, this popularity comes with a downside—sky-high prices and incredible crowds.

Let’s be honest: if you’re not willing to shell out over $1,000 a night for a luxury cave hotel in the center of Oia to physically separate yourself from tour groups, Greece’s most popular island might disappoint you. But there’s no need to despair. Europe has stunning alternative destinations that offer the same aesthetic as the Cyclades but are easier on your budget and your nerves. We’ll tell you about these places with a link to Travel off Path.

Where to vacation in Greece without crowds of tourists?

If you want to enjoy authentic island Greece, head to Paros. This small island is tucked away in a quiet corner of the Cyclades, and you can reach it in just two hours by ferry. Unlike the tourist-packed Thira (Santorini), spacious beaches and peaceful traditional villages await you here.

The island’s main town and port, Parikia, charms visitors with its cubic whitewashed houses and classic windmills. The gem of the town is the famous Panagia Ekatontapiliáni (“Church of the Hundred Doors”), one of the oldest Christian churches in Greece. It is a living historical site, not just another closed-off photo spot like many of the blue-domed chapels in Santorini.

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Portuguese Santorini: Where is Burgau?

Although these two locations are separated by three thousand kilometers, the Portuguese fishing village of Burgau is often called the twin of the famous Greek resort. They share an incredibly similar aesthetic, but in Portugal you won’t encounter cruise ship passengers or inflated restaurant bills.

Of course, Burgau doesn’t have churches with those characteristic blue roofs, but the local architecture strikingly resembles the Greek style. The simple geometric shapes of the snow-white houses, pastel-blue shutters, and decorative elements create an atmosphere that looks equally at home on the Algarve coast as it does on the shores of the Aegean Sea.

Where was Christopher Nolan’s “Odysee” filmed?

If you’re looking for Santorini’s “soul sister” in Italy, check out Favignana. It’s the largest of the Aegadian Islands, located off the northwestern coast of Sicily. You can get there by ferry from the large coastal city of Trapani.

Favignana is famous for its crystal-clear waters, a tiny harbor nestled among fishing boats, and a main town with houses bleached white by the southern sun lining narrow streets.

The best proof of this place’s cinematic beauty is the fact that director Christopher Nolan chose Favignana as the main location for his upcoming Hollywood blockbuster *The Odyssey*.

The Most Beautiful White Villages of Andalusia

Spain also has a worthy alternative to offer. Hidden among the green coastal hills of Andalusia lies Frigiliana—a cozy mountain village with a unique Old World atmosphere. This is the warmest region in Europe, where temperatures comfortably hover around 22–25 °C as early as spring.

While in Santorini the center of attraction is the town of Oia with its cave houses, the heart of Frigiliana is the historic Barribarto district. Strolling through it, you’ll find perfectly cobbled streets, arches, and snow-white facades generously adorned with flower pots. Here, literally at every turn, stunning, picture-perfect views open up for your photos, without the need to wait in line for the perfect shot.

Before your trip, it’s worth planning your route, season, transportation, and documents in advance. You should also arrange travel insurance for your trip abroad—Ukrainians can purchase it online through Visit Ukraine. This is a fundamental element of safe travel, especially when it comes to active recreation in the mountains or remote natural locations.

Reminder! Spring is a wonderful time for short trips around Ukraine, as this is when cities come alive after winter and nature reveals itself in all its beauty. From cherry blossoms in Zakarpattia to picturesque landscapes along the Dnipro—the country offers countless destinations for a fulfilling weekend getaway. Learn more about the 5 best locations for a spring trip through Ukraine.

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