August 20, 2026, 12:01 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
For those seeking peace above all else on vacation, tranquility is often found far from the well-known hotspots. A recent ranking examined the world’s quietest islands: The number one in Europe is part of the Greek Cyclades and remains a true insider tip even for Mediterranean fans.
Instead of crowded beaches, packed sightseeing schedules, and constant connectivity, many travelers today are specifically looking for places where they can slow down, spend time in nature, and unwind undisturbed. This has even led to a new form of travel under the term “Quietcation.”
To determine which islands are particularly suitable for this, the travel platform BookRetreats compared 100 islands worldwide. Factors considered included population density, natural state, road and air traffic, light pollution, and the number of natural coastal areas. The higher the score, the more untouched and quieter the island is considered.
Anafi is the Quietest Island in Europe
Just an hour’s ferry ride from the bustling island of Santorini, yet it feels like a different world: The small Cycladic island of Anafi ranks second worldwide in the new ranking, making it the quietest island in Europe. While millions of visitors crowd through Santorini’s famous streets each year, Anafi is much more relaxed.
On its nearly 40 square kilometers, fewer than 300 residents live. There is no airport, nor is there a dense road network. Instead of traffic noise, you hear the wind, waves, and the chirping of cicadas. According to the study, Anafi is also one of the least developed islands in the entire comparison and received 92 out of 100 possible points for its natural character.
The island’s landmark is the 460-meter-high limestone rock Kalamos, considered one of the highest free-standing monoliths in the Mediterranean. Those who dare to climb it are rewarded with impressive views over the Aegean. Below, long sandy beaches and hidden coves with crystal-clear water await. Even the island’s 19 beaches, including Roukounas, Klisidi, and Katsouni as the most popular, often seem surprisingly empty compared to many other Mediterranean destinations.
Anafi is accessible by ferry, usually via Santorini. Accommodations are mainly in small hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals. Large resorts are scarce on the island, which also helps it maintain its peaceful character.
Also interesting: 11 Greek islands that not everyone knows
The 10 Quietest Islands in Europe as a List
- Anafi, Greece
- St Martin’s, England (Scilly Isles)
- Isle of Skye, Scotland
- Herm, Channel Islands
- Mljet, Croatia
- Vis, Croatia
- Milos, Greece
- Salina, Italy
- Ilha das Flores, Portugal (Azores)
- La Gomera, Spain
A look at the top 10 also shows that Greece is among the big winners of the ranking: With Anafi, Milos, and Naxos, three Greek islands make it into the 30 quietest islands in the world. Well-known vacation magnets, on the other hand, fare much worse: Santorini ranks only 99th, and Malta even lands at the bottom of the ranking.