From Santorini’s sparkling sunsets to Crete’s beautiful beaches, the Greek islands have remained a popular holiday destination for tourists worldwide.
With spectacular scenery, gorgeous weather, and fascinating history, the allure of these islands isn’t exactly a secret (around 25 million visitors flock to Greece each year!). But what if you’re looking to discover a hidden gem?
The good news is that there are hundreds of gorgeous islands you might not have heard of that are among the best places to visit in Greece. So, if you want to escape the crowds and find some peace, here are 10 islands to consider.
1. Kythnos
Due to its close proximity to Athens, the island of Kythnos is often filled with Greek tourists in August. But throughout the rest of the year, it’s a quiet and low-key destination that remains pretty undiscovered.
With only one bank on the island and just two ATMs, this is a place where you can get a feel for how Greece used to be back in the day. If you’re looking to enjoy some rest and relaxation away from the crowds, you’ll certainly find that here.
There are several wonderful beaches on the island, and a truly stunning sandbar that joins Kythnos to the islet of Agios Loukas. There are Venetian castle ruins to admire in Kastro Tis Grias, and hot springs you can soak in at Loutra: a lovely fishing harbour that makes a great base. Villages like Hora and Dryopida are also pretty and laid-back places to stay.
If you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, be sure to visit the enormous caves where the entire island’s population used to hide from raiders.
2. Chios
If you think Greek villages all look a bit samey, with whitewashed, sugar-cube houses and bright blue church domes, a trip to the island of Chios will likely change your mind!
This Greek island is one of a kind, and the distinctive fortress-like architecture of its villages, as well as their brightly painted geometric patterns and colourful motifs, will give you an architectural experience that’s truly unique.
To the north of Chios are dramatic, lonely mountains you can ramble over, and in the south of the island, the famous painted villages beckon. In the centre, the buzzing port capital provides plenty to see and do.
There are also sea caves to swim in, oak and pine-lined canyons to explore, and lots of lovely beaches. Be sure to visit pretty Vrontados, where you can sit upon Homer’s Seat – which is said to be where the famous poet (a Chios local!) wrote his poems. Chios is certainly one of the best places to visit in Greece if you’re interested in a one-of-a-kind experience.
3. Lefkas (also known as Lefkada)
Tucked between the Greek mainland and the popular island of Kefalonia, the little-known island of Lefkas (also known as Lefkada) boasts some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the Ionian region – including many of the best beaches.
Though it’s connected to the mainland by a bridge, Lefkas remains a discreet island, and its shockingly blue waters are far quieter than those of its neighbours. It’s only 35km long and 15km wide, but it never feels crowded, even during the summer.
Lefkas is the windsurfing capital of Europe, so if you’re looking to try your hand at watersports during your break, this is the place to come – though the island’s sandy beaches are perfect for relaxing on too. Many of the most beautiful stretches of shore – like Porto Katsiki, Egremni, Gialos, and Kathisma – are located on the west coast.
The main resort town of Nydri has a lively marina and plenty of busy bars and restaurants, though the town of Vassiliki is popular too. Or, for an adventure you won’t forget, consider hiking to the Dimosari ravine before cooling off under the waterfall!
4. Halki
Just a quick ferry ride from Rhodes, Halki couldn’t be more different than its big, bustling neighbour. With no cars or motorbikes allowed, this sleepy island is a true oasis of calm.
UNESCO refers to Halki as “the island of peace and friendship”. And, as you arrive in the elegant 19th-century port town of Emborio, with its grand mansions and shady courtyards, it’s a safe bet to say that you’ll probably fall in love with Halki at first sight.
Head inland to climb to the fascinating ruins of Horio, the former capital. You can also admire the medieval castle, the Knights of St. John, where there are stunning views across the island.
The beaches around Emborio are all pretty decent, but the North Coast is ideal for kicking back on more secret, spectacular stretches of sand. Or, take a boat to the uninhabited island of Alimnia, where you can really get away from it all.
5. Ikaria (also known as Icaria)
If you’re interested in Greek mythology, you might like to visit Ikaria, named after Icarus, who supposedly crashed here after his wax wings melted when he flew too close to the sun.
This island is also said to be the birthplace of Dionysus, the god of wine. Ikaria is a Greek island like no other, and it’s celebrated for its independent, quirky spirit, as well as its wild and diverse terrain.
Here, you can walk through forested gorges, explore alien-like rock formations, swim at beaches with glistening cobalt waters, and even bathe in radioactive hot springs – the latter of which is said to be a reason why the locals here live so long. You might also like to try some of the special herbs and teas the locals swear by while you’re here!
Though Ikaria isn’t a busy or crowded island, it’s known for its high-spirited village festivals. So, if you’re looking for a more obscure destination that’s still fun and lively, this might be one of the best Greek islands for you!
6. Astypalea
Beautiful, butterfly-shaped Astypalea is a haven of peace, and this little-known island makes the perfect out-of-the-way retreat.
Though it’s the most western Dodecanese island, Astypalea has typically Cycladic architecture – and the small and unspoilt hillside capital of Chora is packed with white cubic houses, gently spinning windmills, and grand Venetian castles.
Astypalea’s beaches are beautiful and diverse, ranging from the lively Livadia, with its seaside tavernas, to the wilder, more isolated coves of Vatses and Kaminakia.
The island has an interesting history, and its rocky Vathy peninsula is known to be the home of the world’s oldest homoerotic graffiti! There’s also a 2,750-year-old infant cemetery at Kylindra and ancient mosaics of zodiac symbols in the baths of Talara. So, if you’re fascinated by Greek history, there’s lots to see and do here.
7. Kythira
Known as the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, Kythira is a magical destination that may make you feel as though you’ve fallen into a dream.
With wild and overgrown gorges, flower-adorned cliffs, and shimmering, fjord-like inlets, Kythira is technically an Ioanian island. Though its Cycladic architecture and geographical position – sandwiched between the Aegean and Ionian Seas, just a few miles from the Peloponnese Peninsula – make this island truly unique.
As you walk through Kythira’s wooded ravines, you’ll be surrounded by the overwhelming scent of wild oregano, which is one of the island’s main exports and makes a great souvenir to take home.
There are also sea caves to explore, spectacular frescoed churches to admire, and plenty of vineyards where you can sample local wines and learn about the island’s wine-producing history. The neighbouring island of Elafonisos, which is just a short water taxi ride away, also has some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean.
8. Patmos
Patmos is another Aegean island with an otherworldly feel about it, and its history is certainly spiritual.
Legend says that Patmos was once a secret underwater island until Selene, the Greek goddess of the moon, lifted it above the surface and illuminated it. And, you might also know that St. John wrote the Bible’s Book of Revelation on Patmos.
While some tourists visit Patmos for religious reasons, few stay more than a day, and even fewer visit more than the island’s main monasteries before leaving. But Patmos has so much more to offer…
This seahorse-shaped island is lined with beaches and hidden coves, and its interior is equally beautiful. Plus, the dramatic volcanic landscape boasts mysterious caves, dramatic peaks, and lush green valleys which are perfect for exploring on foot.
The fortress Monastery of St. John the Theologian in the capital of Chora is a must-visit, and the old town is home to many excellent tavernas and bars where you can soak up the authentic atmosphere.
9. Milos
If you’re interested in visiting an island that’s breathtakingly beautiful, Santorini may first come to mind. But, if you’re looking for peace, quiet, and time away from the crowds, it may not be one of the best Greek islands for you. Instead, why not head to another nearby Cyclades island, and visit Milos instead?
Famous for being where the Venus de Milo (an ancient sculpture of Aphrodite) was discovered, this volcanic horseshoe-shaped island boasts truly awe-inspiring landscapes – from multicoloured rock formations to dazzlingly blue crystalline waters.
This is an island of beaches – and whether you prefer bare, wild shorelines or those studded with bars and tavernas, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The fishing harbours are a joy to explore, particularly Klíma and Mandrákia, with their photogenic, brightly-coloured boathouses.
There’s also a network of Paleo-Christian catacombs carved into the vertical rock, as well as the remains of a Roman theatre. So, if you’re all beached out, there’s plenty of history and culture to keep you busy here too.
10. Sifnos
Another island popular with Greeks yet pretty unknown to Brits is Sifnos. Though it can get a bit crowded during the summer months, this island is as authentic as it is cool, attracting foodies, history buffs, and trendy Athenians alike.
Most visitors flock to the southern half of the island, but the best beaches – especially if you want a sense of tranquillity – are in the north. Once a hub for gold and silver mining, these days, Sifnos is known for fine food, pottery, and basket weaving.
The capital town, Apollonia, is hip and happening. On the main street (the Steno) there are many top-quality tavernas that’ll help you understand why Sifnos has its reputation as a culinary hotspot.
The island is also known for its excellent hiking trails – and the olive groves in the central mountains are perfect for exploring on foot.
Final thoughts…
Greece is one of the most diverse holiday destinations in the world, and if you’re feeling uninspired by the popular tourist hot spots, we hope this article has given you some ideas!
As the home of Western civilisation, Greece is packed with history and culture, and its islands are home to fascinating ruins and enthralling myths and legends. But, if you’re just in the mood for sun, sea, and sand, the turquoise waters and pristine beaches of the Mediterranean will more than tick the box.
Whether you want to hike and swim on your break, visit museums or archaeological sites, or simply relax in a laidback taverna enjoying fresh food and listening to local music, these Greek islands have it all. Just with fewer crowds and more peace.
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Have you visited any of these islands before? Or do you have any of your own suggestions for the best Greek islands? We’d love to hear about your travel experiences in the comments below.