There are still Greek islands that are not very touristy and corners of paradise preserved from mass tourism. Here 18 Greek islands with few tourists for authentic vacations !
We present here 18 discreet islands that have kept their authenticity.
Kimolos
Close to Milos, populated by a hundred or so inhabitants, the island of Kimolos seems somewhat forgotten. We like its wild beauty, its preserved character (no nightclubs or souvenir stores here), its volcanic rocks and its beautiful sandy beaches.
To learn more: see our articles on Kimolos
Agistri
Among the Greek islands that are not very touristy is Agistri (or Angistri), an island near Athens. It is unknown to tourists and this is what makes it so charming and rare. Although small in size, Agistri has many assets:
- Close to the Greek capital: it is only one hour by boat from the port of Piraeus.
- Preserved: it offers a landscape little polluted by constructions and roads.
- Small: it is easy to walk, bike or scoot around.
- Multiple, it delights us by the diversity of its landscapes: villages, beaches and creeks, forests.
For more information: see our articles on the island of Agistri
Iraklia
This peaceful island of 19 km² is part of the Lesser Cyclades or Small Cyclades (a series of islands located southeast of Naxos). There are beautiful beaches with clear waters. The port is connected to the only village by the island’s one and only asphalt road.
For more information: see our articles on Iraklia and the Small Cyclades
Lichadonisia, the Greek Seychelles
These are Greek islands that are not very touristy! A little over 200 km from Athens, lies a secret paradise. The islands of Lichadonisia are breathtaking. They are located in the north of the island of Evia, opposite Kamena Vourla, and are nicknamed “the Greek Seychelles”. The largest island of this archipelago is called Manolia. These islands are not inhabited, you can go there by boat from the port of Kamena Vourla.
Kythnos
Located between Kea, Syros and Serifos, this beautiful island of the Cyclades is still preserved from international tourism. There are beautiful beaches, charming villages and arid landscapes with spectacular views of the sea. Kythnos is the ideal island for those who want a peaceful vacation.
For more information: see our articles on the island of Kythnos
Poros
Poros is a small island located in front of the Peloponnese, very close to the Greek mainland. It is popular with Greek tourists, but much less so with foreign tourists. It is an island that has the merit of having an atmosphere and a charm all its own. Often associated with a romantic image, it has a slightly old-fashioned side that delights travelers.
For more information: see our articles on the island of Poros
Symi
Symi is a picturesque and charming island, located off the Turkish coast. We like its colorful neoclassical houses, its deserted coves, its hiking trails and its serenity. A paradise for aesthetic travelers! You can easily go to Symi by day from the island of Rhodes.
For more information: see our articles on the island of Symi.
Anafi
If you are looking for absolute isolation, Anafi is a wild and remote island where time seems to have stopped. It is the perfect island for lovers of hiking and calm. There you can admire arid and windswept landscapes, dotted with Cycladic chapels and whitewashed houses. There are also beautiful beaches. Attention: few tourist infrastructures.
Kalymnos
If you are looking for Greek islands that are not too touristy, then look at Kalymnos. It is traditionally the island of sponge fishermen. Moreover, it is nowadays known as one of the main climbing destinations in Greece and even hosts a climbing festival every fall. A treasure hidden in the Aegean Sea.
For more information: see our articles on the island of Kalymnos
Chios
Located near the Turkish coast, Chios is reminiscent of the Greece of old. It’s an island that has kept its local character and tourism remains rather discreet. The landscapes of the island are very varied and there are also some beautiful beaches and Byzantine remains. We should also mention its interesting gastronomy.
For more information: see our articles on the island of Chios
Ithaca
Ithaca is a Greek island a little off the beaten track. It is not necessarily located on the classic route of tourist visits and is not invaded by mass tourism as is the case of its neighbors (Kefalonia, Lefkada and Zakynthos). And for good reason, the island is green, steep, still very wild and a little less easy to access than elsewhere.
To know more : see our articles on the island of Ithaca
Icaria
Icaria is an island known for its gentle pace of life and the calm of its inhabitants. In fact, there are many centenarians. Here too, it is an island outside the usual tourist flows and where you can find the atmosphere of old Greece.
For more information: read our articles on the island of Ikaria.
Astypalea
Astypalea, the westernmost island in the Dodecanese, is sparsely visited, even during the summer months. It mainly attracts a discerning clientele who come to admire its capital, characterized by white houses dominated by a Venetian fortress.
For more information: see our articles on the island of Astypalea.
Karpathos
Karpathos is one of the most remote islands of the Dodecanese. Recommended for those who want to experience authentic, warm and unpretentious Greece. The beaches are very beautiful and wild… but not always easy to reach.
To find out more: see our articles on the island of Karpathos
Samothrace
Samothrace is also one of the Greek islands that are not very touristy. It is a natural and endearing island for those who seek peace and quiet. Of course, its access is difficult, which explains why it is little frequented. We like its mountainous landscapes.
Kastellorizo
This tiny island (9 km²) is located near the Turkish coast. It is known for its calm, but also for its rich flora and fauna. Its port lined with neoclassical houses is full of charm. There are also beautiful beaches. An endearing island!
Paxos
This small Ionian island south of Corfu has recently been in the spotlight with the Maestro series. However, it is still very confidential, you must take advantage of it! Paxos is a peaceful and green island, covered with fields of olive trees. The Venetian influence that has deeply marked its neighbor Corfu has extended to here, as evidenced by the architecture of the beautiful port of Gaios. Paxos is also an idyllic place for a boat trip or scuba diving.
For more information: see our articles on the island of Paxos.
Lesvos
Despite its large size, the island of Lesvos has chosen to privilege ecotourism over mass tourism. Located in the Northern Aegean, a few miles from the Turkish coast, the 3rd island of Greece is a well-preserved treasure. Indeed, the old city of Mytilene has a unique charm inherited from its long history, marked by Persian, Byzantine and Italian influences. Lesbos also reserves many surprises, among which a unique place in the world: the amazing petrified forest of Sigri.
For more information: see our articles on the island of Lesvos.
Koufonissia
Koufonissia is the secret pearl of the small Cyclades, with its shimmering colors and turquoise waters. It consists of three islets: Keros, Kato Koufonissi and Pano Koufonissi. Despite its small size, the island of Koufonissia is surprisingly lively, with many cafes, restaurants and shops. The wild camping rubs shoulders with the boutiques and trendy bars. This small paradise is therefore an ideal compromise to enjoy the calm of nature, the beauty of the beaches and the lively evenings of the small village of Chora.
For more information: see our articles on the island of Koufonissia.
In short, we wish you beautiful discoveries!
Laure M. and Sandra B.
Updated February 29, 2024
