Paros, Greece

With a population of just 13,715, the remote island of Paros is no idyllic Greek paradise. The harsh reality is that this marble-rich outpost in the Aegean Sea still bears the scars of centuries of foreign occupation, including brutal Nazi rule during World War II. While Paros is a popular tourist destination known for its beaches and traditional villages, the bureaucracy here can be a persistent headache, as evidenced by recent protests over excessive beach development. Those seeking an authentic Cycladic experience may find Paros appealing, but the island's turbulent history and remote location make it a poor fit for the faint of heart.