Underrated Islands of Greece You’ve Never Heard Of (But Should Visit!)
Greece is home to over 6,000 islands, yet most tourists flock to just a handful of popular destinations like Santorini and Mykonos. These well-known islands certainly have their charms, but they often suffer from overcrowding, especially during peak tourist seasons. For travelers seeking a more authentic Greek experience with fewer crowds, this research report highlights some of the most underrated Greek islands worth visiting. These hidden gems offer stunning landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and authentic Greek hospitality without the tourist masses.
Cycladic Hidden Treasures
Serifos
Serifos is a Cycladic island located just a few hours away from Athens by ferry. Like the more famous Cycladic islands, it features the iconic whitewashed houses with blue windows, but with a unique twist—its main town is perched on a hill, offering breathtaking views of the harbor below. Visitors can enjoy quiet beaches and even stay at camping grounds to fully immerse themselves in nature. The island’s relative obscurity compared to other Cycladic islands makes it perfect for those seeking tranquility.
Milos
Though part of the popular Cyclades island group, Milos receives far less attention than its neighbors despite being considered one of the most romantic island destinations in Greece. The island is famous for its unique Sarakiniko Beach, which features an otherworldly moonscape setting with smooth, bright white volcanic rock formations contrasted against turquoise waters. The main town of Adamas serves as a good base from which to explore the island’s beautiful beaches and charming fisherman villages.
Folegandros
Folegandros may be Santorini’s neighbor, but it offers a completely different experience. Unlike its famous counterpart, you won’t find fancy restaurants, boutiques, or tall buildings here. Instead, visitors can enjoy pebble beaches with gentle azure waves, watch goats scurry up hills, and see traditional wooden windmills turn in the sea breeze. The island’s Chora (main town) features timeless Cycladic architecture, and family-run eateries serve delicious homemade dishes like matsata and local delicacies such as goat cheese paired with rakomelo, the region’s signature honey-infused liquor.
Kimolos
This small volcanic Cycladic island near Milos is known for its fascinating rock formations and beaches with fossil-studded sands. Its striking white sands result from layers of chalk that make up the island, creating a jaw-dropping contrast against the brilliant blue of the Aegean Sea. The calm waters make it perfect for swimming, and it’s also a great spot to find the Mediterranean monk seal. The main town (Chora) is home to an abandoned castle and archaeological museum, with traditional blue and white homes often adorned with colorful gardens.
Koufonisia
Part of the Small Cyclades, Koufonisia comprises the uninhabited Kato Koufonisi and Keros, along with the inhabited Pano Koufonisi. The islands remained off-grid until the 1980s (electricity only arrived in 1982). Visitors can access secluded beaches via wooden boats departing from the port to coves along the eastern shore. The day can end perfectly at Pori Beach, where the stylish Kalofego beach bar serves creative cocktails and incredible Cycladic dishes.
Andros
As the northernmost Cycladic island located between Tinos and Euboia, Andros remains surprisingly overlooked by international tourists despite its proximity to Athens. Its Chora is uniquely characterized by neoclassical mansions rather than the typical small whitewashed buildings, dating back to when Andros was a maritime superpower. The island offers outstanding museums focused on archaeology, nautical history, and modern art. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate its extensive network of hiking trails, while beach lovers can choose from over 100 beaches ranging from remote, clothing-optional stretches to organized beaches with water sports and beach bars.
Islands Near Athens
Saronic Gulf Islands (Poros, Hydra, Aegina)
The Saronic Gulf islands cluster provides an excellent option for travelers who want to experience Greek island life but have limited time. Located just a short ferry ride from Athens, these islands offer a convenient escape from the capital. Hydra stands out for being car-free, providing an authentic old-town Greek feel as visitors and locals alike get around on foot, by boat, or on donkey-back. Each island has its own character, with dreamy beaches and charming architecture.
Kea (Tzia)
Kea, also known as Tzia, is just 90 minutes by ferry from Athens’ mainland port of Lavrio, yet it often escapes tourist notice. The village of Ioulida, with its maze of traditional white Cycladic houses, is perched on a mountainside like a flock of swans. Beyond its architectural beauty, the island offers excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities—the waters surrounding Kea are home to several shipwrecks, including the Britannic, Titanic’s sister ship which sank in 1916.
Kythnos
This mountainous island in the western Cyclades is easily reachable from Athens but has remained largely hidden from tourists. Interestingly, its name comes from the ancient Greek verb “keftho,” which literally means “hide.” Kythnos offers authentic Aegean beauty and character with stunning beaches and wild natural landscapes, all just a short ferry ride from the capital city.
Eastern Aegean Gems
Ikaria
Named after Icarus of Greek mythology, Ikaria is notable as a “Blue Zone”—one of the few places in the world with an unusually high percentage of centenarians. The life expectancy on the island exceeds 90 years! While it’s further from Athens (requiring an 8-hour ferry ride), it does have its own airport. Visitors to Ikaria are immersed in the love, culture, and hospitality that the Ikarians have to offer, and perhaps can learn a thing or two about longevity. Local wisdom suggests Greek wine might be the secret to their long lives.
Lemnos
Lemnos offers an incredibly diverse landscape: sand dunes similar to the Sahara, stunning beaches, ancient cities, and Frankish castles, all set against an otherworldly volcanic backdrop. The island has a vibrant nightlife and is remarkably budget-friendly. It holds special historical significance for visitors from Australia, New Zealand, or other Commonwealth nations, as it was the departure point for ANZAC troops heading to Gallipoli during World War I.
Samos
This verdant island is characterized by lush pine forests, splendid beaches, and wines that have been celebrated since ancient times. The Heraion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a testament to the island’s rich history. Samos is painted in broad strokes of green and blue, with trails weaving through vineyards, olive groves, and mountains. For accommodation, the Doryssa Boutique Hotel in Pythagoreio offers an adults-only escape with rooms decorated in earthy tones and plush fabrics, each with a private terrace.
Dodecanese and Ionian Treasures
Astypalaia
Nicknamed the “Butterfly Island” because of its shape, Astypalaia is located between the Dodecanese and Cyclades island groups. Its barren landscape emerges from sapphire waters, dotted with white cube-style homes. The Chora’s maze of small alleys is lined with houses splashed with color from blooming flowers and blue doors. Visitors can explore the ancient Tarara Baths with their stunning mosaics, a unique infant cemetery, and the castle of Ai Gianni for spectacular sunset views.
Halki (Chalki)
Halki, or Chalki, preserves the undisturbed charm of traditional Greek island life. The island’s old town entered a dormant period when the local sponge industry collapsed, giving Halki a tranquil allure. This car-free haven is accessible only by boat from Rhodes or by weekly hydrofoil connecting to other islands. With limited accommodations and minimal commercialization, Halki offers an authentic experience of island life, making it a perfect refuge for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Ithaki (Ithaca)
As the legendary home of Odysseus, Greek mythology is palpably present throughout Ithaki, whispering through hidden coves and overgrown archaeological sites. The island’s capital, Vathy, charms visitors with its neoclassical buildings and natural harbor, from which the Lazaretto islet’s white chapel can be spotted peeking out from the tranquil sea. Local culinary specialties include lobster pasta, and the island offers numerous hidden pebble beaches perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Getting lost among Ithaki’s labyrinthine pathways is considered an art form here.
Symi
Symi is distinguished by its harbor framed with pastel-colored neoclassical homes, creating a picturesque time capsule effect. The Panormitis Monastery, a revered Greek Orthodox pilgrimage site, offers a peaceful contrast to the island’s otherwise bustling life. Symi’s cuisine is characterized by fresh flavors, with the delicately fried Symi micro-shrimp (simiako garidaki) being a standout local delicacy.
Kastellorizo
Located just a stone’s throw from the Turkish coast, Kastellorizo enchants visitors with its sparkling turquoise waters and picturesque harbor. The island’s rich history is reflected in its Ottoman mansions, Byzantine castles, and remnants of wartime. While it lacks sandy beaches, Kastellorizo’s rocky coves offer excellent snorkeling opportunities. The local cuisine features traditional Greek dishes and locally-produced honey.
Paxoi
Paxoi, a tiny island south of Corfu, was mythologically known as a “sanctuary of love for the gods” and the hideaway of Poseidon. It offers an incredible spectrum of colors, underwater caves and shipwrecks for diving enthusiasts, lush green hills, small bays with surreal blue waters, and fjord-shaped beaches. Visitors can discover charming villages nestled among olive and pine trees, enjoy natural geothermal springs, and visit the Venetian fortress of Agios Nikolaos.
Conclusion
While Santorini and Mykonos continue to dominate Greek tourism, these underrated islands offer authentic experiences with fewer crowds and often at more reasonable prices. From the rugged beauty of Amorgos to the serene shores of Koufonisia, each island has its own distinct character and attractions. Whether you’re seeking pristine beaches, historical sites, outdoor adventures, or simply a taste of traditional Greek island life, these lesser-known destinations provide wonderful alternatives to their more famous counterparts.
Visiting these underrated Greek islands not only gives travelers a more authentic experience but also helps distribute tourism more evenly throughout the Greek islands, reducing pressure on overtouristed destinations while bringing economic benefits to less-visited communities. The next time you plan a Greek island getaway, consider adding one or more of these hidden gems to your itinerary for a truly unforgettable Greek adventure.
