A GREEK’S GUIDE TO GREECE
last updated: May 2023
Did you know that Greece has 6000 islands scattered in the Aegean and Ionian seas? Out of those 6000 islands only 227 are inhabited! And out of those 227, only a handful of them are world known, even though the country has been a must-visit destination for decades! Historically, the reason for this has been the difficulty in reaching many of them. In recent years however, increasing marine and air connections with the mainland have made more islands accessible to international travellers.
Do you prefer whitewashed houses on sun-drenched rocky hills or neoclassical mansions on treelined ports? No matter your preferences, there are many under-the-radar Greek islands to choose from, all offering a taste of the good life to everyone. These understated little gems pack a punch with regards to landscape, architecture and joie de vivre. They are also unbeatable when it comes to value for money and getting a taste of authentic Greece. In this blogpost, you will find the best under-the-radar Greek islands to put on your bucket list.
LET’S VENTURE OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
Before diving in, a few tips for your trip:
TOP TIP No 1: Under-the-radar Greek islands are best enjoyed as part of the ‘Greek summer’ experience.
Spend the day on the beach, swimming and enjoying goodies from the nearby beach bar or taverna. To mix it up a bit, hire a boat or use one of the local boat services to explore faraway beaches or islets. Swim, relax, repeat.
Fancy a bit more variety? Most islands have beautiful hiking trails and offer horse-riding excursions, scuba diving or sailing. Furthermore, wine tours, excursions to remote traditional villages or archaeological sites can usually be found.
In the evening, stroll around the narrow streets during golden hour. Follow up with seafood, traditional mezedes (tapas style food) and drinks. For their size, the under-the-radar Greek islands listed below offer an impressive amount of wining and dining options.
TOP TIP No 2: Despite being ‘under-the-radar’, these Greek islands can still get a bit busy.
Most of these islands are not really under-the-radar for Greek people. In the know Italian and French travellers also visit them every year. So, if you visit during high season (July & August) it will be busy -but comfortable. Around the 15th August when most Greeks are on annual leave and businesses shut, it will get very busy. Come October and you will probably be one of the select few. For more information, check out my blog post about the best time to visit the Greek islands.
TOP TIP No 3: Under-the-radar Greek islands hopping is easy
Lastly, while these islands are popular with sailing holidays, you can easily island hop by using local ferries and catamarans. Have a look at my super informative post on how to navigate the Greek seas (as a traveller by ferry and plane, not a skipper!). My advice would be to combine your selected under-the-radar Greek islands with a superstar neighbour, on the same trip.
Ok, then. Ready? Let’s go!
UNDER-THE-RADAR GREEK ISLANDS FOR YOUR BUCKET LIST
1. FOLEGANDROS
With its beautiful traditional town perched on high cliffs overlooking the blue of the Aegean Sea, Folegandros’ famous photo opportunity is that of a winding stepped pathway leading to a white and blue Cycladic church at the top of a sun-drenched hillside. Frankly, there are many photogenic spots on the island. Whitewashed houses with walls overtaken by bougainvillea… Steep cliff drops at the end of narrow cobblestone alleys that open up to incredible sea views…
Folegandros is a small rocky island forged by the wind, the sea and the sun in all their glory and might, a romantic outpost that charms everyone who wonders its thousand year old paths.You will be wishing for golden hour to last a little bit longer so that you can explore some more. Once that’s done, sit down and eat your weight in feta and seafood!
… Stay at Blue Sand Hotel, a charming and elegant boutique hotel with delightful service, situated on the beach within a short driving distance from Chora (the capital town).
HOW TO GET TO FOLEGANDROS?
There are frequent catamaran services to Folegandros from Athens; the boat journey takes about 4 hours. In my experience, the route is prone to (slightly) choppy waters. So, it may end up taking you a bit longer to get there.
TOP TIP: Fly to Santorini and stay there for a couple of nights. Not one for an under-the-radar Greek islands list but Santorini is a must if you have never been before! Then, hop on the boat to Folegandros -it’s about an hour. Marvel at the unassuming beauty and peace this island has to offer, especially when compared to its super star neighbour…
Check out the travel guide – Folegandros: Rugged beauty in the most romantic Greek island
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO -FOLEGANDROS
Landscape & architecture: Whitewashed houses with colourful shutters against barren rocky landscape -classic Cycladic style. Beautiful capital town sits high on the clifftop overlooking the sea. Nice beaches accessible by car or small public boats.
Island vibe: Calm & polished
2. ASTYPALAIA
Being in Astypalaia (or Astypalea) makes you feel like you are at the world’s end. One step further and you drop off the map. Maybe it’s the views of the unobstructed horizon. Or it could be because of the eerie beautiful and windy walk up the steps towards the castle that overlooks the whole island.
Astypalaia features one of the most beautiful capital towns in the Aegean Sea. The cute sugar cube houses start high at the footsteps of the impressive Venetian castle on top of the rugged hills. Continuing downhill, they merge with the traditional windmills before finding their way to the quaint port and sparkling blue sea…
… Stay at Pylaia Boutique Hotel & Spa, a delightful little gem tastefully combining Cycladic architecture with modern interior design.
HOW TO GET TO ASTYPALAIA?
Astypalaia lies at the end of a very long route connecting the Cycladic islands to the mainland. Make things easy and opt for the fun 40min flight from Athens. It will be in one of the smallest airplanes you will find while travelling in Europe. Also, the miniature airport is simply adorable. You didn’t think you would ever find adorable and airport in the same sentence, did you?
Check out the travel guide – Astypalaia: The butterfly of the Greek seas
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO -ASTYPALAIA
Landscape & architecture: Whitewashed houses with colourful shutters against barren rocky landscape -classic Cycladic style. Beautiful capital town pours out from a castle sitting high on the clifftop overlooking the sea. It then drops all the way down to a quaint port. Nice beaches accessible by car or small public boats.
Island vibe: Calm & unassuming
3. ANDROS
I am not sure how Andros has maintained such a low profile. After all, the island’s glory days of maritime prowess have given it a nickname, little England. Rumour has it that some of Greece’s shipping magnets who originate from the island actively discourage tourism-related projects, funding cultural endeavours instead...
Chora, the capital town, a beautiful blend of Cycladic and neoclassical architecture stretches in a narrow peninsula. Further out in the distance, a historic lighthouse is founded upon a tiny islet warning boats over the treacherous formations underneath the crystal clear water (check out the awesome Google satellite views). Once you are done admiring Chora’s weird and wonderful landscape, don’t miss the Modern Art and the Maritime History museums.
… Stay at Micra Anglia, an elegant 19th century mansion surrounded by lavender bushes, capturing the romance of the island’s past in the heart of Chora. In the secluded location of Achla beach, the villas at Onar will provide you with a more eco-luxury experience.
HOW TO GET TO ANDROS?
Andros is quite close to Athens, so you can easily access it with a conventional boat. It takes about two hours from the city’s secondary port, Rafina. Happily, Rafina is a lot closer to the airport than the main port Piraeus and, less chaotic. Check out Travelling to the Greek islands -Athens airport & ports FAQS for more information about the Athenian ports. Andros is also connected to many Cycladic islands, including Mykonos which has an international airport.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO -ANDROS
Landscape & architecture: Mix of Cycladic white cubic houses & neo-classical pastel hued mansions. One of the few Cycladic islands that boast lush greenery. Variety of beautiful beaches accessible by car or small public boats.
Island vibe: Peaceful & historic
4. SIFNOS
Sifnos is everything you expect and wish a Cycladic island to be. A charming, unassuming small island with beautiful beaches, picturesque villages, hospitable locals and scrumptious food. Furthermore, the island is quite close to Athens and surrounded by other amazing Cycladic islands -some of which have airports. So, Sifnos is suitable for both slow travel and a whirlwind tour of the Greek islands.
This off-the-beaten-track destination has been historically a weekend destination for Athenians. However, with an increasing amount of elegant boutique hotels and villas popping out on the terraced hills of the island, it is bound for the pantheon of must-see islands in Europe.
… Stay at Sifnos House if you are looking for a homey, traditional guest house in the port of Camares. Near the cute village of Artemonas, Verina Astra will make you dream of its breathtaking clifftop sea views long after your trip is over. Its sister property, Verina Terra is an elegant beach retreat in Platys Gialos beach.
HOW TO GET TO SIFNOS?
The frequent catamarans from Athens take about 3 hours to reach the island. Sifnos is also close to many Cycladic islands; you can reach Sifnos from the majority of them quite easily. Mykonos (and its international airport), Paros (national airport) or Syros (national airport) are close by.
Check out the travel guide – Sifnos island: a taste of delicious Greek summer
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO -SIFNOS
Landscape & architecture: Whitewashed houses with colourful shutters against barren rocky landscape -classic Cycladic style. Despite the island’s small size, life revolveS around many villages located all around the island, on the beach, on the hills or, for added drama, at clifftop locations. Beaches are few but very nice and large.
Island vibe: On the verge of exploding into a cosmopolitan destination but that small island feeling is thankfully still there.
5 & 6. PAROS & ANTIPAROS
Paros has been an established holiday destination for Greeks for many decades now. It’s in the last decade or so, that it also cemented its place in the international travellers’ radar as the little sister of Mykonos. Indeed, the island resembles Mykonos of 20 years ago, a time without exclusive beach clubs and private parties. Paros is known for its beautiful beaches suitable for lounging, partying or even windsurfing. The island also boasts two stunning main towns, Parikia and Naousa. Both feature elegant restaurants, traditional tavernas and lively bars and clubs, all next to working fishing boats.
Antiparos is located only a 10min ferry ride away from Paros. However, it has only been discovered by Greeks and international travellers alike very recently. This is due to one very famous Mr Tom Hanks spending his summers here! In Antiparos, there is one little town and a few small hotels and villas scattered along the perimeter of the island close to the impressive beaches. Can one little island be both cosmopolitan and off-the-beaten track at the same time? Suitable for families but also those who dance the night away till sunrise? Antiparos can!
… In Paros, stay at Paros Cape Suites, an eco-chic bolthole in the centre of Naousa. Parilio and Cove Paros offer a more exclusive, design-led experience by the beach, in the north of the island.
… In Antiparos, rent a villa or opt for the bohemian seafront suites in Beach House Antiparos on the southeast side of the island.
HOW TO GET TO PAROS & ANTIPAROS?
Perfectly situated in the centre of the Cyclades, Paros is easy to reach. It is also an ideal base for island hopping or for a stopover; it is very close to Syros, Mykonos, Naxos, Sifnos and Serifos. There is a tiny national airport connecting the island to Athens and co-capital Thessaloniki via frequent 45min flights (during the summer). The lilliputian luggage carousel will definitely put a smile on your face! There are even more options to reach the island from Athens (Piraeus port) via conventional boat or catamaran; it takes about 3h with the latter.
Antiparos is a 10min ferry from the port of Pounta in the southwest of Paros. The small port of Pounta is a 15min drive from the main port of Parikia.
Check out the travel guides:
Paros: Planning your trip to the most ‘marblellous’ Greek island
Paros: Exploring Naousa and the north of the most ‘marblellous’ Greek island
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO -PAROS & ANTIPAROS
Landscape & architecture: Whitewashed houses with colourful shutters against barren rocky landscape -classic Cycladic style. The port of Naousa specifically is a prize winner. Many beautiful beaches accessible by car or small public boats.
Island vibe: Cosmopolitan yet authentic
7. PATMOS
The island of Patmos has that picture-perfect postcard look of an idyllic Greek island. But there is more. Just a glimpse of the byzantine monastery of St John which towers over charming Chora (Patmos town) and you will be reminded that this island, known to Greeks as the island of Revelation, has been privileged during its long history… The backdrop for St. John’s prophetic visions of the Apocalypse…
Today, the historical site comprising Chora, the Monastery of Saint John and the Cave of the Apocalypse is a UNESCO World Heritage Monument. Along with the island’s numerous beautiful beaches and nearby islets with almost tropical waters, Patmos is a unique destination for those seeking a demure, peaceful and elegant Greek island that has only recently started being in the radar of international travellers.
… Stay at Patmos Aktis Suites & Spa, in front of the sandy beach of Grikos bay and a 10min drive from Chora. The spacious suites agree with Cycladic architecture in a modern way. The facilities are worthy of its 5-star status.
HOW TO GET TO PATMOS?
Patmos does not have an airport but there are plenty of islands near that do. If you are travelling from Athens, you can fly to Samos or Leros and then take the Dodekanisos Seaways ferry which connects all the islands in the Dodecanese (the island group in the south east Aegean). If you are travelling from abroad, your best bet would be flying to Kos and catching that same ferry.
Check out the travel guide – Patmos island: A Greek revelation
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO -PATMOS
Landscape & architecture: Whitewashed houses with colourful shutters. Beautiful tiny capital town at top of the hill crowned with impressive working medieval monastery. The port is a separate lively village. Nice beaches accessible by car or small public boats. Neighbouring uninhabited islands boast stunning turquoise waters for swimming.
Island vibe: Elegant & historic
8. SYMI
The first view of Symi when reaching the island by boat is breathtaking. A small colourful port with beautiful neoclassical houses built amphitheatrically, one on top of the other, all facing the busy port. How did they built them and how does one climb all those stairs to get to the ones at the top? It almost looks like a set from a play in the theatre! As the boat approaches, the water turns emerald. When you disembark the only thought that comes to mind is: how come this place is not world famous?
Symi is a picturesque fantasy of sea, sun and tavernas in a backdrop of cute colourful houses. Despite its proximity to Rhodes, it has somehow managed to remain blissfully peaceful and uncrowded, but for the sailing crews and luxury yachts that fill its quaint port.
… Stay at hotel Aliki, a small neoclassical house filled with antiques and enjoy having your morning coffee with the gentle lapping of the emerald water at your feet.
HOW TO GET TO SYMI?
The easiest way to get to Symi is via a Dodekanisos Seaways ferry ride from the island of Rhodes which has an international airport. Alternatively, you can combine it with another of the Dodecanese islands (islands in the south east of Greece); we paired it with Patmos.
Check out the travel guide – Symi: daydreaming of the colourful Greek island
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO -SYMI
Landscape & architecture: Stunning colourful neoclassical houses arrayed amphitheatrically around the lively port. Crystal clear waters even inside the marina but lovely beaches can be reached by small public boats.
Island vibe: Colourful & elegant
9. HYDRA
Despite the fact that it will only take you 1.5 hour to get to Hydra from Athens, you will feel like you been transferred to another era of stone paved alleys and charming neoclassical buildings. But don’t let the laidback atmosphere foul you into thinking that this is paradise forgotten. The island is rich with history of maritime tradition and revolutionary heroes. It truly punched above its weight during Greece’s fight for independence against the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century. The islanders still proudly raise the revolutionary flag every day in all important buildings and the port.
A hotspot for sophisticated international travellers since the 1960s, Hydra is actually one of the first to put the Greek islands on the travellers’ maps. Blissfully, it has managed to maintain the charm of an understated elegant destination…
… Stay at Orloff Boutique Hotel, a charming historic mansion. Filled with antique furniture and delightful courtyards, you will be savouring each sip of your morning coffee while basking in the sunshine, or shade.
HOW TO GET TO HYDRA?
It is a short hydrofoil ride away (about 1.5h) from Athens’ main port, Piraeus, on the same route as Spetses island.
Check out the travel guide – Hydra: Time travel on the idyllic Greek isle
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO -HYDRA
Landscape & architecture: Traditional amphitheatrical village oozes with old-world charm. Car-free. Nice beaches accessible on foot or by small public boats.
Island vibe: Old world charm
10. SPETSES
Captains’ mansions lining the seaside promenade. A port reminiscent of tales from the pirates of the Caribbean. An elegant historical boarding school inspired from the ones in England and Switzerland unusually located next to a sandy beach. Spetses has been attracting the cream of the crop way before it became one of the most expensive European islands to buy property in.
Don’t miss the Bouboulina museum, the house of the legendary lady shipowner who led and financed a big part of Greece’s maritime resistance against the Ottoman Empire in the 1820s. The short narration of her life along with the history of the island will inform and surprise you. On the second weekend of September, the popular Armata celebrations are held; the islands’ revolutionary history comes back to life with historic re-enactments and festivities.
… Spetses has an impressive collection of upscale accommodation options, from historic Poseidonion Grand Hotel to Orloff boutique hotel and Nissia Traditional Residences. Brand new Yayaki is a more down to earth, cosy accommodation option.
HOW TO GET TO SPETSES?
It is a short hydrofoil ride away (about 2.5-3h) from Athens’ main port, Piraeus, next stop after Hydra.
Check out the travel guide – Spetses: the Greek island of legends
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO -SPETSES
Landscape & architecture: Traditional settlement of neoclassical houses splayed along the seaside promenade and the new and old port. The whole island is marvellously suited for a Greek style passeggiata. Car-free. Lovely beaches accessible on foot or by small public boats.
Island vibe: Historic & elegant
11. PAXOI
The beautiful islands in the Ionean Sea have to make it into any list of must-see destinations. Yet as the majority of them are already quite well known, there is only a single contestant here: beautiful Paxoi (you might also come across it as Paxos) along with its little uninhabited neighbour Antipaxoi (or Antipaxos).
The quaint treelined port of Paxoi is filled with cafes and seafood tavernas housed in demure neoclassical buildings. There, yachtie Greeks and Italians mingle after finishing off doing whatever it is you do when the boat is in port… The perfect backdrop for idyllic summer evenings! In the morning, get to nearby Antipaxoi island and enjoy the tropical beaches and coves…
… Stay at down to earth Margina Residence which boasts a super convenient location in the capital town of Gaios. More importantly, the simple but spacious rooms have views to swoon over; enjoy your morning coffee and breakfast gazing lazily at boats, boats, boats.
How to get to Paxoi?
The easiest way of getting to Paxoi when travelling from abroad is to fly to Corfu and then take the ferry. Ferry companies Kamelia lines & Paxos Ilida make the journey twice a day during the summer months which takes about 1h-1.5h. If that sounds like too much of a fuss, break up the journey by spending a few days in stunning Corfu.
You can easily get to Antipaxoi from Paxoi with the frequent local boat services or by chartering a small boat.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO -PAXOI
Landscape & architecture: Lush greenery and beautiful port filled with modest pastel hued houses and not so modest yachts! Luckily, you don’t need one to enjoy this island’s turquoise waters.
Island vibe: Yachties & turquoise waters
The list of under-the-radar Greek islands is bound to get longer! Stay tuned for more updates on this post as I keep discovering more and more little hidden gems!
Where do you plan to travel next? Any of these under-the-radar Greek islands on your bucket list?
This is not a sponsored post & I am not affiliated with any of the hotels, restaurants or organisations mentioned.
A DEEP DIVE INTO GREECE
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