In April, Princess Cruises told passengers that it was canceling a scheduled stop in Santorini, Greece, citing congestion. In the Aegean Sea, more than 1,000 islands fill the waters between Greece and Turkey, and the coastlines are lined with spectacular bays. Whether you’re in search of a hiking adventure, a cultural excursion or seclusion in rugged beauty, here are five destinations that offer distinctly Aegean experiences, without the crowds. TurkeyUrlaWhen Michelin expanded its Turkey guidebook last year, the quiet district of Urla, near the port city of Izmir, stole the spotlight. On a windy peninsula with clay-heavy soil, the hilly region has a rich winemaking tradition that dates back 6,000 years.

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Organizations: Princess Cruises, Michelin Locations: Santorini, Greece, Turkey, Urla, Izmir