I went to a quieter Greek island instead of Mykonos and Santorini. I got beautiful beaches without fighting the crowds.

After arriving at Ermoupoli, the city center and capital of the island, I came across a unique mix of Greek and Venetian neoclassical architecture.

I was in awe of the island, surrounded by crystal-clear water that sparkles in the sun, and the gently buzzing port with people dining on patios and sailboats coming and going.

As I explored the area, I was greeted by marble-and-stone-paved streets, charming alleys, and flowers draping the buildings. When I left the port, I saw olive groves on windswept hills, calm beaches, and limestone cliffs.

Best of all, I felt like I could enjoy the area right away, without feeling like I was competing for space.

I very quickly fell in love with this place. I rented a scooter to tour the island on the spot, and paid a few Euros for a daybed on a beach just by walking up.

I swam in calm water that didn’t feel like human soup, ate fresh fish in tiny seaside tavernas without reservations, and soaked in Ermoupoli’s energetic nighttime ambiance.