Avoid the rush: Why Greece is Europe’s ideal choice for a peaceful summer

The Rise of Slow Travel

In recent years, the traditional fast-paced travel style has been gradually losing its appeal. More and more tourists are now opting for a slower, more thoughtful approach to exploring the world. This shift is driven by a desire to experience destinations in a more meaningful way, often by staying longer, traveling overland, and avoiding the most crowded spots.

One of the main reasons behind this change is overtourism, which has led to overcrowded hotspots that no longer offer the peace and tranquility many travelers seek. As a result, there’s a growing trend towards choosing quieter, less-frequented locations that provide a more manageable and relaxing experience.

Greece: A Hidden Gem for Relaxation

Greece has emerged as a top choice for those looking for a peaceful escape. According to findings from Solmar Villas, a UK-based holiday specialist, 70% of its top 10 destinations for a more tranquil summer holiday in 2026 are located in Greece. This highlights the country’s growing reputation as a haven for relaxation.

The analysis involved evaluating over 160 global destinations based on several key factors, including crowd density, natural beauty, and pace of life. The results showed that lesser-known islands such as Alonissos, Skopelos, and Kefalonia are now considered some of the most relaxing places to visit, surpassing more famous but busier locations like Santorini, Hawaii, and Ibiza.

What Makes a Destination Relaxing?

To create an accurate ranking, Solmar Villas scored each destination across eight categories, with each factor rated on a scale from 1 to 5. This gave each location a total relaxation score out of 40. The categories included:

Crowd density: The fewer the crowds, the more relaxing the destination tends to be.
Climate comfort: Optimal summer temperatures between 22-28°C were scored highest, while extreme heat or cold were penalized.
Nature and scenery: Factors such as beach quality, landscape diversity, and access to natural environments like coastlines, mountains, and marine parks were considered.
Pace of life: Destinations with a slower, more traditional lifestyle scored higher than party resorts or highly commercial areas.
Affordability: The overall cost of a week-long trip was taken into account, with lower financial stress contributing to a higher relaxation score.
Safety: The safety of a destination was a key consideration.
Ease of access: How easy it is for tourists to reach the location was also evaluated.
Wellness offerings: The availability of spas, healthy local cuisine, and wellness-oriented activities such as yoga and hiking were factored in.

Top Destinations for a Chilled-Out Holiday

Based on these criteria, Greece has clearly stood out as a prime destination for relaxation. Alonissos in the Northern Sporades took the top spot with a score of 30.5 out of 40, followed closely by Kefalonia (30.4) and the Peloponnese (30.3). Skopelos and Lefkada rounded out the top five, while the Mani Peninsula, Naxos, and Paxos occupied sixth, equal seventh, and equal 10th positions, respectively.

Although other destinations such as El Hierro in Spain, Koh Yao Noi in Thailand, and Anguilla in the British Overseas Territory made it into the top 10, Greece’s dominance in the rankings is undeniable. This is especially good news for European travelers who prefer not to take long-haul trips this summer.

Out of the top 20 destinations, more than 60% are in Europe, making it easier for travelers to find true tranquillity without having to travel far. Additionally, around 75% of the top 20 destinations are islands, suggesting that seclusion from mainland areas plays a significant role in creating a relaxed atmosphere.

Expert Insight

Sharon Bradbury, a travel expert at Solmar Villas, commented on the findings, saying, “It’s no surprise to see Greece come out on top when it comes to relaxation. What stands out most is how well lesser-known locations perform. For travelers who want to properly unwind, choosing a quieter destination can make all the difference.”