Santorini remains one of Greece’s biggest draws, but heavy visitor numbers are pushing some travelers to look elsewhere. A new travel guide shifts the focus from the country’s most crowded island hot spots to seven Greek beaches that offer a different kind of summer escape.

The idea is simple: instead of building a trip around Santorini, travelers can island-hop to beach destinations that feel less packed and potentially more relaxed. The guide centers on seaside alternatives for people who still want the appeal of the Greek islands without starting in one of the busiest places.

Interest in quieter Greek beaches has grown as peak-season crowds reshape the travel experience in famous destinations. For visitors planning a Greece itinerary, the appeal of smaller or less congested stops can include easier beach days, a slower pace and more flexibility when moving between islands.

While Santorini continues to be a bucket-list destination for many, this roundup suggests that a Greek island holiday does not have to revolve around the country’s most saturated tourism hubs. For travelers weighing where to go instead of Santorini, the emphasis is on swapping crowd-heavy stops for beach-focused alternatives across Greece.