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

I think Syros is a must-see Greek island with hardly any crowds.

Sarah O'Keefe I skipped Greece's tourist hot spots like Mykonos and Santorini for the quiet island of Syros.

It had stunning beaches, incredible food, and charming streets — all without overwhelming crowds.

Overall, I never felt like I was competing for space, and it was more affordable than other islands.

I've always dreamed of a Greek island holiday: swimming in the Aegean Sea, strolling down cobblestone streets by whitewashed buildings, and enjoying fresh olives, feta, and white wine on a sunny terrace.

However, when I actually started planning a trip there, all I saw online was crowds — tons of people stampeding off the ferry from Athens, overwhelming otherwise picturesque villages, and creating lines just to take Instagram pictures .

This looked like my nightmare, so instead, I decided to book a five-day trip to an island I'd never heard of: Syros.

Syros is the capital of the Cyclades, a cluster of Greek islands that includes Santorini and Mykonos, but it sees less tourism pressure compared to its more popular alternatives.

With a population of roughly 20,000, Syros is about 100 miles from Athens and can be reached by ferry or a short flight.

After visiting myself — and seeing that it's a more authentic, less expensive, and quieter Greek-island experience — here's why I'll always recommend Syros.

Immediately, I was impressed by how quiet and peaceful the island was.

Sarah O'Keefe 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.