Get the Finder app 🥳

Track your credit score

Free

Install
finder.com.au

8 picture-perfect countries like Greece

Escape to these seaside spots that rival the Mediterranean hotspot.

Alex Keshen
Alex Keshen

Updated

Fact checked

We’re committed to our readers and editorial independence. We don’t compare all products in the market and may receive compensation when we refer you to our partners, but this does not influence our opinions or reviews. Learn more about Finder.

There’s something irresistible about the Greek Islands, with sun-splashed beaches, pastel-coloured stucco buildings and mouth-watering cuisine.

They're the perfect summer getaway destination, and frequent ferry services and flights to the mainland make island hopping an absolute breeze.

But if you can’t make it to Greece, or are just looking for somewhere new, check out these other seaside destinations that are sure to delight.

Croatia Image: Unsplash

1. Croatia

Dotting the eastern Adriatic Sea with more than a thousand islands and islets, Croatia is a cheaper alternative to Italy or Greece that doesn’t skimp on charm.

It’s easy to find quiet beaches and pristine coves for swimming, waterfront eateries where you can dine on fresh seafood and historic towns with cobblestoned streets.

  • Top 5 places: Split, Dubrovnik, Hvar, Korcula, Bol
  • Must do/see: Sail along the Dalmatian Coast; visit Zlatni Rat (also known as horn beach), which changes with the currents; walk along Dubrovnik’s city wall
TourRadar TourRadar

Up to 50% off Europe 2021 tours

Available for travel on select dates in June 2021. Destinations include Turkey, Croatia, Greece, Moscow and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Travel Talk Travel Talk

Up to 50% off + USD$10 deposits on worldwide trips

Available on select dates until December 2022. Destinations include Morocco, Croatia, Greece, Egypt, Russia, India and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

TourRadar TourRadar

Up to 50% off Europe tours

Available on select dates in 2021. Destinations include Italy, Greece, Croatia, Barcelona and more. T&cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

G Adventures G Adventures

50% off 8th traveller

Available for travel on select dates in 2021 when you book for 8 persons. Destinations include Vietnam, Cambodia, Chile, Croatia, Switzerland and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

G Adventures G Adventures

Up to $427 off worldwide sailings

Available on select sail dates from October 2020 and May 2021 to Cuba, Croatia, Maldives, Thailand, Geece and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

G Adventures G Adventures

12th person free on worldwide tours

Available on select dates in 2020 and 2021 when you book for 12 persons. Destinations include Peru, Croatia, Maldives, Switzerland, Greece and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

G Adventures G Adventures

Up to 15% off Europe tours

Available on select dates in 2021 to Croatia, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Greece and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Tucan Travel Tucan Travel

Up to 33% off + $1 deposit on worldwide tours

Available on tours until 28 February 2022. Destinations include Bangkok, Singapore, Russia, Japan, Croatia and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Insight Vacations Insight Vacations

Up to $264 off worldwide tours

Available on select dates when you book 2 trips of 7 days or more. Destinations include Croatia, Iceland, Los Angeles, Canada and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Tucan Travel Tucan Travel

Up to 5% off loyalty discount

Available on tours for repeat travellers. Destinations include Croatia, Singapore, Bangkok, Peru and more.

Last verified

Get deal
Tucan Travel Tucan Travel

Up to 33% off + free date change on worldwide tours

Available on tours departing before 30 June 2021. Destinations include Croatia, Peru, Mexico, Thailand, Singapore and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Insight Vacations Insight Vacations

Up to 10% off young travellers

Available on select dates to young travellers aged 5-17. Destinations include Croatia, Iceland, Los Angeles, Canada and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Trafalgar Tours Trafalgar Tours

Up to 5% off repeat traveller

Available on select departures in 2020 and 2021 for all past guests. Destinations include Japan, Croatia, Brazil, Morocco and more.

Last verified

Get deal
Viator Viator

Up to 18% off things to do in Croatia

Available on select dates. Activities include tours, sailings, island hopping, swimming and much more.

Last verified

Get deal
TourRadar TourRadar

Up to 50% off worldwide cruises

Available on select travel dates to Croatia, Greece, Egypt, London, Turkey, Italy, France and more.

Last verified

Get deal

Konyaalti, Turkey Image: Unsplash

2. Turkey

Greece’s neighbour across the Aegean brings to the table a unique mix of Europe and Asia, as it straddles the two continents. Find ancient Greek and Roman ruins just hours away from some of the world’s most well-known mosques. If you’re looking for beaches, head to the Turquoise Coast to find waters with colours true to the name

  • Top 5 places: Istanbul, Gallipoli, Fethiye, Cappadocia, Pamukkale
  • Must do/see: Take a hot air balloon ride over the fairytale landscapes of Cappadocia; hop on a traditional Gulet boat and explore the Turquoise Coast; relax in the thermal pools at Pamukkale
TourRadar TourRadar

Up to 50% off cultural tours

Available on select travel dates until 2022. Destinations include Egypt, Morocco, India, Peru, Greece, Vietnam, Cambodia, Turkey and more.

Last verified

Get deal

Venice, Italy Image: Unsplash

3. Italy

Varying greatly from the Dolomites in the north to the sun-soaked coasts of the south, the lower tip of Italy has you within an hour or so of the sea at all times and is far from the crowded tourist centres of Rome, Florence and Venice.

  • Top 5 places: Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Sardinia, Capri, Sorrento
  • Must do/see: Cruise along the Amalfi Coast; venture into the Blue Grotto in Capri; find a quiet beach and relax in Sardinia; sample southern Italy’s traditional Limoncello; wander around the ruins at Pompeii
KLM KLM

Flights to Italy from $3,343 return

Available on select dates in 2021 to Rome, Milan, Genoa, Venice and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Naples. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Marbella, Spain Image: Unsplash

4. Spain

Treated to both an Atlantic and Mediterranean coastline, plus the stunning Balearic Island archipelago, the Spanish coast has it all. From the Guggenheim in Bilbao to the Alhambra in Granada, there’s plenty of interesting places to see. Similar to Greece, its hot, dry summers are ideal for beach breaks – and there are plenty of those too.

  • Top 5 places: Andalusia, Ibiza, San Sebastian, Costa Brava, Seville
  • Must do/see: Explore the Alhambra fortress; party until the sun comes up in Ibiza; wander around Park Guell in Barcelona, soak up the sun on the Costa Brava or Costa del Sol
Trafalgar Tours Trafalgar Tours

Up to 15% off worldwide tours

Valid for travel on select dates in in 2020 and 2021. Destinations include Britain, Germany, Ireland, Spain, Morocco and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Morocco Image: Unsplash

5. Morocco

Thought whitewashed buildings with bright blue accents were only found in Greece? Essaouira and Larache, on Morocco’s Atlantic Coast, and Chefchaouen, just inland from the Mediterranean in the country’s north, look like they could have been plucked right from the Greek isles. Unlike Greece, you can wander around the bustling Moroccan bazaars or travel just a bit further and experience the sprawling Sahara Desert.

  • Top 5 places: Essaouira, Chefchaouen, Marrakech, Larache, Sahara Desert camps
  • Must do/see: Explore the desert on camelback; hang ten in Morocco’s surf capital Essaouira; shop in a maze-like Moroccan bazaar; live like a local and stay in a traditional Riad
Trafalgar Tours Trafalgar Tours

Up to 15% off worldwide tours

Valid for travel on select dates in in 2020 and 2021. Destinations include Britain, Germany, Ireland, Spain, Morocco and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Albania Image: Unsplash

6. Albania

Greece’s neighbour to the northwest sees a mere 3.3 million international tourists per year compared to the 22 million that flock to Greece. But Albania certainly isn’t lacking similar charms; here you’ll the UNESCO-listed ancient ruins at Butrint and colourful coastal villages on an aquamarine coastline along the Albanian Riviera.

  • Top 5 places: Butrint, Ksamil, Dhërmi, Sarandë, Bunec
  • Must do/see: Climb to the castle overlooking the well-preserved Ottoman town of Berat; beach-hop along the Albanian Riviera
Trafalgar Tours Trafalgar Tours

Up to 15% off last-minute trips

Valid for travel on select dates in 2020 and 2021. Destinations include Europe, UK, the Middle East, Argentina, India, Asia, New Zealand, Australia and Africa and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Egypt Image: Unsplash

7. Egypt

While the first things that come to mind for Egypt are ancient ruins and endless desert, the country also boasts more than 1,500 kilometres of Red Sea coastline. The dry climate and sunny beaches that have made the Greek Islands paradise for tourists are the perfect recipe for resort towns in Egypt too, which have sprung up along the Sinai Peninsula’s beaches. There’s also some of the world’s best diving at the offshore reefs.

  • Top 5 places: Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada, Luxor, Dahab, Aswan
  • Must do/see: Explore the offshore reefs of the Red Sea; sail down the Nile in a traditional felucca; see the ruins of ancient pyramids and temples; lounge around on sunsoaked Red Sea beaches
TourRadar TourRadar

Up to 50% off cultural tours

Available on select travel dates until 2022. Destinations include Egypt, Morocco, India, Peru, Greece, Vietnam, Cambodia, Turkey and more.

Last verified

Get deal

Mexico Image: Unsplash

8. Mexico

Trade pitas for tortillas and venture to Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Reachable with just one stopover from Australia, the area is known for its beaches, colourful towns and nightlife. Travel a bit inland and you’ll have access to some of the country’s most impressive ruins.

  • Top 5 places: Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Sayulita
  • Must do/see: Surf the waves at Puerto Escondido; experience the nightlife in Cabo San Lucas; watch daredevils cliff dive in Acapulco
G Adventures G Adventures

Up to 15% off Central America tours

Available on select dates in 2021. Destinations include Costa Rica, Mexico, Cuba and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Looking for places like Santorini, specifically?

For many, the image of volcanic islands and whitewashed buildings clinging to seaside cliffs is what pops into mind. And that can all be found on Santorini. If that’s the image you’re after, consider these places like Santorini that you’ll be sure to love.

Balearic Islands, Spain Image: Getty

Spain’s Balearic Islands

Comprising of four main islands, Spain’s Balearic Islands sit in the Mediterranean just south of Barcelona. While some are known as party spots for the young at heart, others are family friendly and more relaxing beach break destinations, all featuring dry climates, brilliantly blue waters and pastel buildings.

  • Top 4 places: Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza, Formentera
  • Must do/see: Experience the nightlife in Ibiza; relax on a pristine Formentera beach; sail along the coastlines of each island or between them
Trafalgar Tours Trafalgar Tours

Up to 15% off worldwide tours

Valid for travel on select dates in in 2020 and 2021. Destinations include Britain, Germany, Ireland, Spain, Morocco and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Sicily, Italy Image: Unsplash

Italy’s Sicily

Situated in the deep south of Italy, Sicily is home to numerous Roman ruins, the active Mount Etna, and plenty of seaside towns. But if you’re looking for a spot that’s just like Greece, you’ll need to head just offshore to the island of Levanzo. This tiny island could easily pass for a Greek isle, with its bright white buildings, blue doors and window frames, and small fishing boats bobbing in the aquamarine waters.

  • Top 5 places: Trapani, Taormina, Syracuse, Palermo, Levanzo
  • Must do/see: See some of the island’s best ruins in Taormina or Syracuse; explore Sicily’s beaches – there are more here than any other region in Italy; try authentic Sicilian cuisine
KLM KLM

Flights to Italy from $3,343 return

Available on select dates in 2021 to Rome, Milan, Genoa, Venice and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Naples. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

If you’re looking for other Greek Islands like Santorini, check out other places that are part of the Cyclades chain. Some of the islands in the chain include:

  • Amorgos
  • Anafi
  • Andros
  • Antiparos
  • Delos
  • Eschati
  • Ios
  • Kea
  • Kimolos
  • Kythnos
  • Milos
  • Mykonos
  • Naxos
  • Paros
  • Folegandros
  • Serifos
  • Sifnos
  • Sikinos
  • Syros
  • Tinos

TravelTalk.Mykonos900300

Ready to fly? Book using these travel coupons and deals:

Trafalgar Tours Trafalgar Tours

Up to 15% off worldwide tours

Valid for travel on select dates in in 2020 and 2021. Destinations include Britain, Germany, Ireland, Spain, Morocco and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
KLM KLM

Flights to Italy from $3,343 return

Available on select dates in 2021 to Rome, Milan, Genoa, Venice and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Naples. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Interrail Interrail

Up to 20% off Europe walking tours

Available on select travel dates for Interrail Pass holders. Destinations include Germany, Spain, Netherlands, Paris, London and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code
TourRadar TourRadar

Up to 50% off cultural tours

Available on select travel dates until 2022. Destinations include Egypt, Morocco, India, Peru, Greece, Vietnam, Cambodia, Turkey and more.

Last verified

Get deal
G Adventures G Adventures

Up to 15% off Central America tours

Available on select dates in 2021. Destinations include Costa Rica, Mexico, Cuba and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

TourRadar TourRadar

Up to 50% off 2021 Egypt tours with up to $20 deposit

Available for travel on select dates in June 2021. Destinations include Cairo, Giza and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

TourRadar TourRadar

Up to 50% off Europe 2021 tours

Available for travel on select dates in June 2021. Destinations include Turkey, Croatia, Greece, Moscow and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Uniworld Uniworld

Up to 10% off 2022 worldwide cruises

Available on select travel dates when you pay in full within 3 days of booking. Destinations include France, Amsterdam, Paris, Egypt, Vietnam, Cambodia and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Eurail Eurail

Up to 25% off passes

Enjoy 25% discount on your rail travel in Europe. Destinations include France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and more. Must be 27 and below to redeem offer. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

Up to USD$1,000 OBC with Carnival Cruises

Available on select dates in 2021. Destinations include Los Angeles, Mexico, London, Canada and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

Up to USD$1,300 OBC + free drinks and WiFi with MSC cruises

Available on select dates in 2021. Destinations include Miami, Costa Rica, Barbados, Jamaica, Mexico and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

Up to 60% off 2nd guest + kids sail free on worldwide cruises

Available on select dates in 2021 with Royal Caribbean Cruises. Plus get 30% off 3rd and 4th guest and up to USD$1,000 OBC. Destinations include Mexico, Bahamas, Alaska, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Contiki Contiki

Up to 20% off Latin America tours

Available on select trips departing from 13 November 2020 - 22 March 2022 to Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Mexico and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Travel Talk Travel Talk

Up to 50% off + USD$10 deposits on worldwide trips

Available on select dates until December 2022. Destinations include Morocco, Croatia, Greece, Egypt, Russia, India and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Travel Talk Travel Talk

Up to 50% off Turkey sailings

Available on select travel dates in 2020 and 2021. Package includes accommodation, meals, transfers and guide. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

TourRadar TourRadar

Up to 50% off Europe tours

Available on select dates in 2021. Destinations include Italy, Greece, Croatia, Barcelona and more. T&cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

TourRadar TourRadar

Up to 50% off Latin America tours

Available on select dates in 2021 to Cuba, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Mexico and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

TourRadar TourRadar

Up to 50% off Africa tours

Available on select dates in 2021. Destinations include Morocco, Cairo, Namibia, South Africa, Cape Town and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

Up to USD$1,000 OBC with Princess Cruises

Available on select dates in 2021. Destinations include Los Angeles, Australia, Canada, Spain, London and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Uniworld Uniworld

Up to 10% off 2021 cruises

Available on select 2021 dates when you pay in full within 3 days of booking. Destinations include Asia, Europe, Egypt, France, India, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Russia and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

G Adventures G Adventures

50% off 8th traveller

Available for travel on select dates in 2021 when you book for 8 persons. Destinations include Vietnam, Cambodia, Chile, Croatia, Switzerland and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

G Adventures G Adventures

Up to 15% off North Africa and Middle East tours

Available on select dates in 2021. Destinations include Jordan, Morocco, Egypt, Israel, Oman and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

G Adventures G Adventures

Up to 15% off Central America tours

Available on select dates in 2021. Destinations include Costa Rica, Mexico, Honduras, Panama, Belize and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

G Adventures G Adventures

Up to $427 off worldwide sailings

Available on select sail dates from October 2020 and May 2021 to Cuba, Croatia, Maldives, Thailand, Geece and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

G Adventures G Adventures

12th person free on worldwide tours

Available on select dates in 2020 and 2021 when you book for 12 persons. Destinations include Peru, Croatia, Maldives, Switzerland, Greece and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

G Adventures G Adventures

Up to 15% off Europe tours

Available on select dates in 2021 to Croatia, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Greece and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Insight Vacations Insight Vacations

Up to 10% off + $99 deposits on worldwide tours

Lock in your next tour departing from 1 December 2020 - 31 October 2021 with just a $99 deposit. Destinations include Canada, Peru, Las Vegas, France, Italy, Spain and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Insight Vacations Insight Vacations

Up to 15% off 2021 trips

Available on tours from 1 April - 30 November 2021 to Britain, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Switzerland and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Go Airport Shuttle Go Airport Shuttle

5% off airport transfers and car hire

Valid on select dates and destinations worldwide. Destinations include USA, Canada, Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean, Sydney, and the Czech Republic. T&C's apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Uniworld Uniworld

Up to $700 off River Heritage Club members

Available on select 2021 dates. Destinations include India, France, Portugal, Spain, Egypt and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Tucan Travel Tucan Travel

Up to 33% off + $1 deposit on worldwide tours

Available on tours until 28 February 2022. Destinations include Bangkok, Singapore, Russia, Japan, Croatia and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Contiki Contiki

Up to 30% off worldwide trips

Available on select 2021 and 2022 travel dates to Thailand, Greece, Mexico, Rome and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Contiki Contiki

Up to 25% off Europe tours

Available on tours from 1 March 2021 - 15 April 2022. Destinations include Germany, Austria, Greece, Switzerland, Netherlands, Athens, Italy and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Topdeck Topdeck

Up to 10% off multi-trips worldwide

Available for travel on select dates in December 2020 onward. Discount applies when booking three trips at once. Extra 5% off for bookings of four trips and more. Destinations include Balkan, Ireland, Britain, Thailand, Canada, Egypt, Japan, South Africa, Athens and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Travel Talk Travel Talk

Up to 50% off 2020 Christmas and New Year tours

Available on selected Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Morocco, Russia, Balkans or Ski Bansko trips over Christmas and New Year’s Eve. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Insight Vacations Insight Vacations

Up to $264 off worldwide tours

Available on select dates when you book 2 trips of 7 days or more. Destinations include Croatia, Iceland, Los Angeles, Canada and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
TourRadar TourRadar

Up to 50% off advance purchase

Available on select dates in 2020 and 2021 when you book 90 days in advance. Destinations include Maldives, Lisbon, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand and more.

Last verified

Get deal
CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

Last minute cruises from USD$109

Available on select dates in 2020 to Australia, New Zealand, London, Amsterdam, Italy, Greece and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Tucan Travel Tucan Travel

Up to 5% off loyalty discount

Available on tours for repeat travellers. Destinations include Croatia, Singapore, Bangkok, Peru and more.

Last verified

Get deal
Tucan Travel Tucan Travel

Up to 33% off + free date change on worldwide tours

Available on tours departing before 30 June 2021. Destinations include Croatia, Peru, Mexico, Thailand, Singapore and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

More guides on Finder

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy and Privacy & Cookies Policy.