This Beautiful Greek Island Has Just Been Named the Most Underrated in Europe!

Dreaming of turquoise waters, charming fishing towns, and golden sunsets, but without the crowds of Santorini or Mykonos? Then you might want to turn your gaze to Lesbos, the Greek island just crowned the most underrated in Europe.

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According to new research by Avis, which analysed search volumes and Instagram hashtags, Lesbos quietly beats out its glitzy neighbours when it comes to delivering everything you’d want from a Greek escape, minus the long queues and sky-high prices.

Perched in the Aegean Sea near the coast of Türkiye, Lesbos is Greece’s third-largest island. Think 25–30°C summer days, crystal-clear waters, incredible seafood, and a lively nightlife that rivals its more famous sisters. It’s got history, too: ancient ruins, Byzantine castles, and charming villages where life still moves at a slower pace.

One of the island’s highlights is Molyvos, the picture-perfect harbour town crowned by its hilltop castle, offering panoramic views of the sea and pine-covered hills. Whether you’re wandering its cobbled streets, sipping ouzo by the water, or soaking up the island’s cultural festivals, Lesbos ticks every box for an unforgettable — and blissfully crowd-free — escape.

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And it’s not alone. The study also named Portugal’s Porto Santo (a tiny island in the Madeira Archipelago with golden beaches and world-class diving) and Symi, Greece (with its pastel-coloured waterfront houses and vibrant summer festival) as the second and third most underrated islands in Europe.

The 10 Most Underrated Islands in Europe

So, if you’re plotting a late-summer escape or next year’s sun-soaked adventure, you might want to skip the tourist trail — and head for Europe’s most underrated gem instead.

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