Greece has around 6,000 islands, with about 227 inhabited—and roughly 225 of those aren’t Mykonos or Santorini. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any choice (if you can avoid the Surf Lodge crowd and €80 beach chairs, parts of Mykonos are actually quite beautiful). But if you’re after something quieter and less touristy, you’ve got options. Plenty of them, actually. I’m originally from mainland Greece, and I’ve made a real effort to explore new islands every time I go back—even so, I’ve only visited 30 so far. I’ve got a long way to go.
In the meantime, I’ve put together a list of my personal favorites. Some are lively, with stylish boutique hotels that attract a trendy crowd. But the best ones, in my opinion, are relaxed, too rough around the edges for TikTok, and probably a bit tricky to reach. These are the places where taverna menus are handwritten—or don’t exist at all—and nobody’s heard of an espresso martini. The three islands below are just a sample—and some are definitely more off the beaten path than others—but if you’re planning a trip to Greece this summer and want to avoid the crowds, these are worth looking into. As for the rest? We’ve both got time.
Courtesy of Elly Leavitt
Astypalaia
From above, it looks like Mars. Dry terrain dotted with rocky coves, wild mountains, and dramatic coastlines; a cluster of white cube-shaped houses signals life (and the main town). Known as the “Butterfly of the Aegean” because of its shape, it’s a world away from the flashy, developed islands in the nearby Cyclades—and that’s exactly what makes it special. On Astypalaia, people will offer you a ride if you look too tired walking uphill; locals gather for impromptu bouzouki concerts in alleyways; and the best beaches are reached via a slightly scary route carved into a mountainside that’s technically “a path” but really just the side of a mountain.
A car or ATV is recommended to explore the wildest parts of the island (though the AstyBus, an electric ride-share service that shows the island’s commitment to sustainability, is handy for getting around), so most of the action is in Chora. After hiking up to the castle to watch the sunset over the sea (maybe stopping at Castro Bar for an aperitivo on the way), head to a late dinner at Kafeneio Karai or Apanemia, and order what seems like too much food (it’s all good) to share. For a day trip, I booked a last-minute boat ride to Kounoupa and Koutsomiti, two uninhabited islets with the clearest water I’ve ever seen—there’s so much to explore on this deceptively quiet island. I first visited a few years ago, and I’m already planning to go back this summer.
Where to Stay: Chora is your best bet for accommodation—you’ll be within walking distance of all the markets, coffee shops, and bakeries. This home, right across from the castle entrance, puts you in the middle of everything (including the best gyro on the island at To Steki tou Kalofaga, just a few minutes away). It’s tidy, full of traditional island charm, and even has a little patio where you can enjoy your coffee each morning—the perfect cozy home base.
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Courtesy of Elly Leavitt
Ithaca
Here’s a timely recommendation: Ithaca (or Ithaki), a small island in the Ionian Sea known to most as the much-talked-about destination in The Odyssey and known to me as the place where I had the best onion pie ever. (At O Kalioras, up in Perachori, reached via quite an adventurous dirt road that I’m sure some Homeric parallels could be drawn from, if needed.)
Part of the island’s remote appeal comes from its location. With no airport and no ferry connection to Athens, you have to take a boat from the northwestern part of the mainland or from nearby islands like Kefalonia and Zakynthos. With fewer international visitors to cater to, the atmosphere is easygoing and relaxed—no black transfer vans or aspHiring DJs here. Rent a car and explore at your own pace, visiting pebbled coves and historic sites like the Monastery of Panagia Kathariotissa. One of my favorite days, we rented a small motorboat and headed to some of the harder-to-reach beaches. Gidaki was beautiful, but Afales Bay—where turquoise waters crash against towering limestone cliffs—was the real highlight.
Where to Stay: Base yourself in Vathy, the capital and main harbor of the island. For a week, we booked Villa Galazio, a two-bedroom home right in town, within easy walking distance of restaurants and bakeries. We alternated between Amarantos and YE bakery for a quick coffee and a pita to pack for lunch on the beach. The house is recently renovated, with a spacious kitchen and plenty of outdoor space (including an outdoor shower) to relax in the evenings before heading out to dinner. The covered terrace, with views of the town, is reason enough to book.
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Courtesy of Elly Leavitt
Syros
Maybe you want an off-the-beaten-path Greek island experience, but with the option to rejoin the path every now and then—if so, put Syros on your list. As the capital of the Cyclades, it’s more cosmopolitan than the other options here, with a year-round population that gives it a distinct cultural identity (the island has a strong music and film scene, hosting several festivals throughout the year).
Still, it remains relatively non-touristy despite being close to Athens. Get your Aegean fix at Asteria, a swimming spot in the Vaporia district, where expensive beach chairs are replaced by a concrete diving platform jutting out of the water—arrive early to claim your spot among the sunbathers, and watch out for rogue waves. (If you miss the sand, Vari beach, with its handful of seaside tavernas for a convenient lunch, is also great.) Stop by Elliniko Kafeneio in Ermoupoli for an afternoon pick-me-up slice of portokalopita; explore the winding streets of Ano Syros in the evenings. You’ll choose from small, hole-in-the-wall restaurants before heading to Theosis Bar, a cocktail spot with seating carved into the cobblestone streets that comes alive around 10 p.m. I ordered a Paloma and felt quite glamorous.
Where to Stay: Tucked above the town of Ermoupoli in the Venetian settlement of Ano Syros, you’ll find Bougainvillea’s Little Balcony. This traditional home reflects the history of the neighborhood (built in the 13th century): original stone walls, wood-beamed ceilings, and an impressive collection of ornate antique wooden furniture. It all leads to a narrow balcony right above the busiest path in the village—perfect for people-watching, and even better for setting up a small card table for a competitive aperitivo hour. (There’s a great souvlaki spot called Chyma kai Tsouvalata just around the corner to take the sting out of losing at gin rummy.)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about visiting three lesserknown Greek islands for your summer travel plans
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 Which lesserknown Greek islands are you talking about
Were focusing on three Folegandros Chalki and Symi They are beautiful but much quieter than Santorini or Mykonos
2 Why should I choose a lesserknown island over a popular one like Santorini
Youll find fewer crowds lower prices and a more authentic relaxed Greek experience You get stunning views and beaches without the long lines and packed streets
3 Are these islands hard to get to
They require a bit more effort You usually fly into a larger island and then take a ferry The ferry rides are part of the adventure
4 Do people speak English on these islands
Yes In hotels restaurants and tourist spots English is widely spoken In very small villages you might need a few hand gestures but its generally easy to communicate
IntermediateLevel Questions
5 What makes Folegandros different from the other two
Folegandros is a classic Cycladic island with a dramatic clifftop town whitewashed houses and stunning hiking trails It has a rugged traditional vibe with very few sandy beachesmore rocky coves
6 What is special about Symi
Symi is famous for its colorful neoclassical mansions in Gialos harbor and its pebbled beaches Its also a major hub for day trips to the isolated crystalclear waters of St Georges Bay
7 What about Chalki Is it just a day trip
Chalki is the smallest and sleepiest of the three Its only town Nimborio is a tiny carfree harbor Its perfect for total relaxation swimming and slow walks Many people visit as a day trip from Rhodes but staying overnight is magical
8 Which island has the best beaches