The Mediterranean’s ‘secret’ island that Italians calls ‘a paradise on earth’

The Mediterranean’s major islands are once again among the most sought-after destinations for the summer of 2026. However, more travelers are looking for alternatives away from the crowds. While destinations such as Mallorca, Ibiza, Mykonos, and Santorini attract millions of visitors each year, there are still lesser-known corners of the region that have managed to remain largely untouched by mass tourism.

Among them is Cabrera Island, a small natural paradise located just south of Mallorca. Many travelers consider it one of the Mediterranean’s best-kept secrets. Thanks to its limited access and protected status as a national park, the island has preserved landscapes that seem frozen in time.

Cabrera: The Balearic Islands’ protected paradise

For decades, Cabrera remained largely isolated from the outside world. The island was once part of a military zone and is now protected by strict environmental regulations that limit the number of boats and visitors allowed to enter.

These protections have helped preserve one of the Mediterranean’s most valuable marine ecosystems. The island’s remarkably clear waters owe much of their transparency to extensive meadows of Posidonia oceanica, a seagrass species that plays a vital role in maintaining biodiversity and environmental quality throughout the region.

In addition to its nearly untouched coves and beaches, visitors can enjoy hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and even occasional dolphin sightings. All of this takes place in a setting free from sprawling resort developments and the constant bustle that characterizes many other coastal destinations. Italian newspaper Il Messaggero has gone so far as to describe it as a true “paradise on earth.”

Other hidden islands that escape the crowds

Cabrera is not the Mediterranean’s only hidden gem. In Italy, the small volcanic island of Filicudi, home to only a few hundred residents, retains its traditional footpaths, whitewashed homes, and spectacular sea caves, including the famous Grotta del Bue Marino.

Also, off the coast of Sicily, Marettimo stands out as a dream destination for nature lovers, offering more than 400 sea caves and scenic hiking trails that hug the coastline.

In Greece, one of the region’s most surprising discoveries is Elafonisos, known for Simos Beach, widely considered one of the country’s most beautiful stretches of sand. Travelers seeking a more cultural experience may prefer Sifnos, which offers a more authentic glimpse into Greek life away from the typical tourist circuit.

The key to enjoying these destinations remains the same: choosing the right time to visit. Travel experts recommend visiting in June or September, when temperatures are pleasant and visitor numbers are significantly lower than during the peak month of August.

At a time when finding peace and quiet by the sea seems increasingly difficult, these small Mediterranean islands prove that there are still places where time appears to stand still.

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