If the idea of squeezing onto another packed island or racing through a checklist of must-sees feels less appealing than it once did, you’re not alone. As overtourism fatigue sets in, more travelers are rethinking how they move through the Mediterranean—and in 2026, the journey itself is becoming part of the draw.
According to travel experts at Ferryhopper, a ferry booking site that helps travelers compare routes, schedules and prices across hundreds of European destinations, more people are embracing a slower way of traveling. “Travelers are increasingly choosing places where the journey sets the tone for the experience,” the team says. “That means boarding a ferry, watching the mainland fade into the horizon and arriving somewhere that still feels rooted in local life, nature, and tradition.”
Drawing on booking trends and traveler interest, Ferryhopper has identified five ferry-only hidden-gem Mediterranean destinations they say are especially worth bookmarking this year—places across Spain, Italy, Greece and North Africa where arrival by sea is part of the appeal. Below, five Mediterranean islands (and one ferry-first city) that reward the extra step—and tend to stay with you long after you’ve left.
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Best Mediterranean Islands to Visit By Ferry
1. La Graciosa, Spain
Street of the Caleta de Sebo town, on La Graciosa island, Canary Islands.	F.J. Jimenez
La Graciosa feels like a reminder of what island travel once was. Reached by a short ferry ride from Lanzarote, the island has no paved roads, minimal development and a strong commitment to conservation that preserves its raw, volcanic beauty. Visitors are drawn to its wide, golden beaches, lunar landscapes and the sense of space that comes from traveling somewhere still shaped by nature rather than tourism. In 2026, La Graciosa stands out as a destination for travelers seeking simplicity, solitude and a genuine escape without the need for long-haul travel or complex planning.
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2. Procida, Italy
Colorful Procida, Corricella, (capitale italiana della cultura 2022), Napoli, Italy	Lepretre Pierre
Procida offers a version of Italy that feels intimate, cinematic and deeply lived-in. Arriving by ferry into its candy-colored harbor, travelers discover a compact island where everyday life takes center stage. Recently named Italy’s Capital of Culture, Procida has gained recognition without losing its soul. For 2026 travelers craving authenticity, walkability and cultural richness without the spectacle and prices of Capri, Procida delivers a distinctly human-scale Italian island experience.
3. Alonissos, Greece
Idyllic Greek islands – Alonissos, Sporades. Charming village Votsi with beautiful bay and beach popular port for sailboats. Greece travel	Freeartist
Located within Europe’s largest marine protected area, Alonissos offers pine-covered hills, crystal-clear waters and some of the Mediterranean’s most important wildlife habitats. Visitors come for hiking trails that wind through quiet villages, calm beaches untouched by mass tourism and the chance to experience marine life responsibly. As eco-conscious travel continues to influence how people choose destinations, Alonissos is emerging as a place where conservation, beauty and slow island living coexist, making it one of Greece’s most meaningful destinations for 2026.
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4. Astypalaia, Greece
Panoramic view of Astypalea island,Greece.	Freeartist for getty
Astypalaia captivates at first sight. Beyond its postcard-perfect views, the island rewards travelers with uncrowded beaches, traditional tavernas and a pace of life that invites lingering rather than rushing. Improved ferry connections are making Astypalaia easier to reach, but its charm lies in what it has resisted becoming. In 2026, it appeals to travelers who want Greece’s iconic beauty paired with authenticity and breathing room.
5. Tangier, Morocco
Tangier, Morocco. White Residential buildings on a hill facing the Strait of Gibraltar	Sergi Formoso for getty
Tangier offers a captivating gateway to North Africa that is both accessible and culturally rich. Reached by ferry into Tanger Ville, the city blends Mediterranean ease with Moroccan heritage, shaped by centuries of trade, art and international influence. Visitors can wander the historic medina, linger in café-lined squares and take in sweeping coastal views where two continents meet. As travelers look beyond Europe for destinations that feel immersive without added complexity, Tangier stands out in 2026 as a city best discovered slowly by sea.
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This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
