The British newspaper Express, in collaboration with travel experts and international specialists, has unveiled ten of Europe’s most pristine and well-hidden “gems.” The popular media outlet notes that “more and more travelers are now seeking a different kind of summer holiday. A significant proportion of travelers are looking for enchanting places that are neither crowded nor overly commercialized, and that will make others on social media wonder where these remaining European paradises are.”
In the tenth position on the Express list is a Greek entry: Koufonisia, which captivates lovers of authentic getaways as “two wonderful small islands where everything is within short distances, adorned with exotic beaches and turquoise waters.” Other destinations on the list include the Azores in Portugal, Signagi in Georgia, Tivat in Montenegro, Saaremaa—the largest island of Estonia, Lake Bohinj in Slovenia, Costa da Morte in Spain, the Retezat Mountains in Romania, the island of Korčula in Croatia, and Bansko in Bulgaria.
During the same period, the British Mirror highlighted Iraklia as “the European Union island untouched by mass tourism.” The feature explains that “beyond the glamorous islands of the Cyclades, the Aegean has a peaceful, high-quality side best represented by Iraklia. The island’s small population has allowed the natural landscape to retain its pristine beauty, offering unique experiences for discerning travelers. The architecture of its two villages is typically Cycladic, with winding streets scattered with whitewashed houses, small well-preserved churches, and characteristic blue doors and roofs. Yet Iraklia leaves its unique mark through the traditional rural charm that pervades the island and the local rhythm of life.”
It is noted that the Municipality of Naxos and Small Cyclades continues its efforts to promote both well-known and hidden aspects of Naxos and the Small Cyclades through ongoing international contacts, participation in exhibitions abroad, domestic and international television productions, social media promotion, and press trips from media outlets focusing on off-season activities.
