ATHENS — Travellers looking to escape the overwhelming crowds of Santorini and Mykonos have a compelling new destination to consider: Karpathos, the rugged Dodecanese island nestled between Rhodes and Crete, has been named one of the world’s most underrated travel destinations for 2027 by influential global city guide Time Out.
Ranked 33rd out of 41 hidden gems in Time Out’s annual global list, Karpathos is gaining international recognition for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, near-deserted beaches, and rich authentic traditions that remain largely untouched by mass tourism. The island is accessible via a four-hour ferry ride from Rhodes and offers a dramatically different experience from Greece’s over-touristed hotspots.
Key highlights include the ancient mountain village of Olympos, where centuries-old customs, colourful traditional dress, and a car-free atmosphere make it feel frozen in time, and Apella Beach, widely regarded as one of the most breathtaking stretches of coastline in all of Greece, framed by pine-clad cliffs and extraordinary aquamarine water.
The recognition arrives as travel experts note a broader global shift toward authentic, slow-travel experiences over crowded resort destinations. Romania’s Bucovina topped the full Time Out list, followed by South Dakota in the United States and Asturias in northern Spain, with Karpathos standing out as the premier Greek island choice for discerning travellers in 2027.