Most people going to Greece for the first time often decide to visit Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, or Athens. Although those places deserve the reputation, Greece has over 200 inhabited islands that travelers often overlook.
Greece is a fantastic destination for a romantic vacation, but also a place where travelers can be immersed in history and admire its influential architecture and heritage. Visiting islands that are not on the radar of most tourists is a chance to discover another side of Greece and not have to share the sightseeing with hundreds of people, even during the summer.
10 This Overlooked Island Near Mykonos And Santorini
The Cyclades are a group of 33 islands in the Aegean Sea, including the famous Mykonos and Santorini. The lesser-known are probably the Koufonisia, two islands Ano Koufonisi and Kato Koufonisi, separated by a 200-meter straight. The only way to move on the islands is by walking or cycling, making it a perfect spot for travelers looking for more privacy.
The islands can be reached by boats that leave from Athens daily. The first view travelers have of the island is the Chora, a typical Greek island with white houses overlooking the ocean.
9 The Place Where Venus De Milo Was Discovered
The Venus de Milo was found at Milos, which is also part of the Cyclades. The volcanic island has over 40 beaches that can be reached by bus or car. Discovering the whole island demands at least a few days, but travelers can start with Sarakiniko, which has a moonlike landscape, and the Papagrafas beaches and caves.
The catacombs are an interesting tour for travelers who want to see more than the beaches. Milo is also one of the best spots in Greece to see the sunset.
8 This Island Is Popular Among Greeks
Greeks also spend their vacation exploring the islands, and Samothraki is one of their favorite, especially among those who live in the North. Also known as Samothrace, the island can only be reached by ferry, which means it is not on the radar of most foreign tourists.
During summer, the most popular spot on the island is Pachia Ammos, the only sandy beach around; tourists can go to it by car. Travelers looking for a quieter place can go on a four-hour hike to the Vatos beaches, where they are allowed to camp.
7 This Island Is Famous In The Literature
People who have read the Odyssey might remember the Ithaka Island and the hometown of the hero Ulysses, which explains why the place is often referred to as the most mythical Greek island. Yet, this charming place is still unknown among most tourists. Ithaka impresses by its untouched beaches with emerald waters, including Gidaki, Marmaka, and Filiatro. The best thing to do at Ithaka is to enjoy the place and relax for a few days.
Besides the beaches, travelers can visit the Cave of Nymphs, the monastery facing the ocean. The location is another excellent spot for diving.
6 A Place With More Than Amazing Beaches
Travelers who decide to visit Kythira will be rewarded with pristine beaches, hiking through the gorges and several waterfalls. The best way to arrive on the island is by catching one of the daily flights leaving from Athens or a ferry boat leaving from Neapolis and Gytheio islands.
One of the best things to do in Kythira is to explore its small villages. Chora, for example, has a Venetian castle on the hill overlooking the ocean and is worth visiting. Of course, beaches won't disappoint travelers, and they should go to Halkos, Kaladi and Kapsali beaches. The Nereid waterfall is another highlight on the island.
5 The Butterfly Island Won't Disappoint Travelers
Astypalea is known as Butterfly Island due to its shape. This incredible island is often overlooked, but it is privileged located at the Agean sea, just between the Dodecanese and the Cyclades. Astypalea is a microcosm of the best things in Greece, but life flows slowly compared to other sports in the country. Tourists can take their time to enjoy the churches, villages, and secluded beaches.
Kaminakia is considered the best beach among locals, and to get there, travelers need to drive on a sand road to the south of the island.
4 Most Tourists Don't Know This Island Near Athens
Kythnos is a lesser-known Cyclades island, and it's the closest one to Athenes, so travelers can easily reach it by ferry. The tiny island is surrounded by golden-sand beaches perfect for swimming, and the most famous of them is Kolona. Kythnos is also filled with villages that are worth exploring. Dryopida, for example, is nestled in a valley overlooking the ocean.
Spending some days or weeks in Kythnos means having the chance to explore the picturesque streets, and local restaurants and go on breathtaking hikes.
3 A Quiet Paradise Near Rhodes
Chalki is not far from the famous Rhodes and is the perfect place for travelers looking for a quiet spot at the Agean sea. Also known as Halki, the island's main attractions are its beaches, especially Kania and Ftenagia. Diving is also a popular activity in the region, and it is possible to explore shipwrecks and underwater caves.
For fans of scenic views, it is possible to hike to the Panagia Church, where it is possible to have a clear view of the Rhode's shores.
2 One Of The Most Scenic Views In Greece
Folegandros stands out among the Greek islands thanks to its scenic views, famous spring waters, and secluded beaches. It is also among the favorite destinations of Greeks during the summer, but the island remains quiet most of the year. The most famous sightseeing in Folegandros is the Panagia church, which can be admired from different points of the island. The church is placed on the top of a hill and can be reached through a zigzag-shaped path.
1 This Island Is Close To The Turkish Coast
Kastellorizo Island is the furthest island from Athens, and it's located at the edge of Greece, just 2 kilometers away from the Turkish coast. Kastellorizo is also the smallest among the inhabited islands in Greece, featuring just one village, and there is no car around.
Despite its size, Kastellorizo has excellent hotels, and it is more affordable than other islands. The best things to do on the island are boat tours, visiting the caves, snorkeling, and admiring its architecture. Kastellorizo is also known for having great local restaurants.