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

I visited a Maryland town in the 'new Hamptons.' This laid-back hidden gem is my new favorite vacation spot.

I love visiting the 'Napa of the Midwest.' It's an underrated gem with reasonable prices and fantastic wine.

I visited the 'Niagara of the West.' It's the perfect way to enjoy a breathtaking waterfall without overwhelming crowds.

I skip the crowds of Martha's Vineyard to visit a smaller seaside town near Boston. It's less expensive and just as beautiful.

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.

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.