9 Quiet Islands in Greece: Travel Where the Greeks Travel!
Do you want a more authentic travel experience next time you visit Greece? Tired of the crowds and want a peaceful escape? Then, check out these 9 quiet islands in Greece. You’ll know they are a hidden gem when you see that the touristy mostly include Greeks! My favorite kind of travel is going off-the-beaten-path. There are so many underrated islands in Greece waiting to be discovered. From Kimolos, a tiny volcanic island, to Symi, a colorful hidden gem close to the coast of Turkey. Plus, if you want a more affordable vacation to Greece, going with a lesser-known destination will always be more cost-effective.
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9 Quiet Islands in Greece
1. Kimolos
Explored by Jackie of Jou Jou Travels
Kimolos is possibly the quietest Greek Island to visit. It only had 900 year-round inhabitants. This tiny volcanic island is a peaceful escape from the crowds. You can reach it in only 25 minutes from Milos, which is gaining popularity these days.
On the island, you only have a handful of restaurants and one gas station. If you visit, you’ll really feel its charm especially if you go to the main village of the town. This is where you’ll have all the picturesque white-washed streets to yourself. The iconic Panagia Odigitria Church is the central focal point of the town.
There’s many nice beaches to explore as well including Rema Beach, Prassa (Agios Georgios), Aliki, Bonatsa, and Kalamitsi.
If you get hungry head over to Kalamitsi Tavern or Kali Kardia.
Another fun thing to do is taking a boat ride to the uninhibited island of Polyaigos.
🏖️ Best for: Authentic Greek experience + Secluded Beaches
✈️ How to get there: Kimolos has no airport so you can fly into Athens and take the direct ferry which takes about 8 hours or you can visit Milos first and get there in 20 minutes from Milos by ferry. I book all my ferry tickets in advance with Omio.
🏨 Where to Stay: The Windmill is a unique hotel in an actual restored windmill. It has views of the sea and views of the town.
2. Folegandros
Explored by Martina of PlacesofJuma
Folegandros is where the Greeks travel in Greece so you know it’s a true hidden gem. This island offers a serene and authentic experience away from the typical tourist trails. It’s part of the Cycladic Islands and can be reached by ferry from Athens or Santorini.
A one-week stay is ideal for those looking to travel slowly and relax on this quiet Greek Island.
The island’s rugged landscape is really impressive, with rocky cliffs and picturesque beaches. The highlight is the Chora (the main town), perched atop a dramatic cliff hundreds of meters above the sea. You can stroll through charming alleys, dine in traditional tavernas, and get a taste of the true authentic Greek lifestyle.
One of the top attractions is the Church of the Virgin Mary, a landmark of Folegandros. The church is accessible via a scenic walkway and offers a beautiful sunset view.
Folegandros is perfect for those who love walking and hiking. The island has endless beautiful landscapes amidst nature. The island has many marked trails leading to breathtaking viewpoints and secluded beaches.
Renting a quad or scooter is the best way to explore the island. The traditional village of Ano Meria is a must-visit with great tavernas to enjoy a meal and stunning views of the plateau.
April, during the low season, is the best time to visit Folegandros for even fewer tourists and lower prices.
🏖️ Best for: Hidden beaches, hiking and nature
✈️ How to get there: Closest airport is Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos – from there, you have to take the ferry (book ferry tickets here).
🏨 Where to Stay: Onar Suites & Villas are just stunning and very centrally located.
3. Symi
Explored by Anita of Anita Beyond The Sea
Symi is one of the larger islands of the Dodecanese. Known for its colorful houses and streets, the island will strongly remind you of the Cinque Terre villages in Italy. It’s definitely a hidden gem to discover!
You can get to Symi from Rhodes Harbor. The city has a very touristy airport which is connected to many European cities. From there there are several ferries or speed boats that will bring you to Symi in about an hour, depending on the weather condition.
But why is Symi so special? In addition to the above mentioned colorful houses, the island is also home to the beautiful Panormitis Monastery. The monastery is a very important pilgrimage destination because of the famous icon of Archangel Michael. The bus/taxi from the town to the monastery will take 30 minutes.
When visiting the town, don’t miss Kali Strata the famous blue stairs where the most powerful families of the island used to live. In the same area you will find also restaurants and artisan shops.
In the past, Symi became very rich because of its sponges. Today the island main revenue is tourism, but you still will see many shops that sell precious natural sponges.
The island is mountainous and its beaches are mainly small coves. And yet beaches like Agios Georgios or Agios Nikolaos are a small paradise with very few tourists.
How many days should you spend there? 2 days are enough to thoroughly explore the town, the monastery, and visit one of the beaches of the island, our recommendation is Agios Georgios.
🏖️ Best for: Crystal clear waters and cultural activities
✈️ How to get there: The closest airport is Rhodes; from there you can take a ferry (book ferry tickets here). The ferry to Symi takes about 1 hour.
🏨 Where to Stay: Nireus Hotel is perfectly located in the center of Symi harbor.
4. Antiparos
Explored by Jackie of Jou Jou Travels
🏖️ Best for: Charming village + Exciting Cave
✈️ How to get there: Take a ferry from Parikia port on Paros island, which is easily accessible by ferry or plane from Athens (book ferry tickets here).
🏨 Where to Stay: Artemis Hotel is a super cute hotel and is near the Agios Spiridonas Beach.
Antiparos is located just next to Paros and you actually need to get to Paros first in order to visit it. This island is very charming and small and is much lesser known than other places in Greece.
Tom Hanks is often seen visiting this island because it’s his personal favorite. If you’re lucky, you might spot him there. If you love white-washed buildings and beautiful pink Bougainvillea flowers, Antiparos has a lot of that.
But that’s not all the island has to offer. There’s the impressive Antiparos cave which is located on Agios Ioannis Hill. The ancient cave is one of the oldest caves in Greece and is known for its stalactites and stalagmites.
In the main town, you’ll find a long street full of wonderful boutiques and restaurants. One local favorite is Elia Kafenes where you can enjoy brunch with a view of the sea. Otherwise, you can head to Captain Pipnos for seafood near the beach.
There’s also a Venetian Castle (Kastro) built originally in the 13th to 16th centuries but now in ruins. If you’re looking to relax at the beach, the beaches of Glyfa and Livadia are great choices to spend the day.
5. Paxos
Explored by Alina Kaplanov of The Luxury Travelers
Paxos is a small island in the Ionian Sea, near the west coast of Greece. Unlike some of the more popular Greek islands, Paxos does not have an airport, which has helped it maintain its low-key, authentic charm.
Most visitors come on a day trip from Corfu to Paxos, which is only about 15 km away. Alternatively, travelers who choose to stay on Paxos can take a ferry from Corfu and enjoy the island to themselves once the day crowds depart in the afternoon.
Paxos is an ideal destination for those who seek relaxation and admire pure nature. The island’s hilly landscape is mostly covered with olive trees and dense vineyards.
Additionally, Paxos has exceptional geological formations, with impressive high cliffs. Years of erosion at sea level created deep caves, such as the iconic Blue Caves, perfect for snorkeling in the crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Another must-see scenic spot is the Tripitos Arch, a natural bridge that can be admired from above or explored by boat from underneath. The capital of Paxos, Gaios, is a small port town with Venetian-style architecture and cobbled streets, filled with cafes, seafront tavernas, and many small shops, perfect for picking up local souvenirs.
From the main port of Gaios, visitors can take a short boat ride to the unspoiled white sand beaches and turquoise waters of the neighboring secluded island, Antipaxos.
Being a beach getaway, the best months to visit are the summer months, from July to September, which are considered the high season.
🏖️ Best for: Snorkeling + Exploring the caves
✈️ How to get there: The closest airport is Corfu Island, and from there you can take a ferry (book ferry tickets here). The ferry takes 45 minutes.
🏨 Where to Stay: Torri E Merli Boutique Hotel is located near Lakka Port and it features Venetian style, luxurious rooms, and an infinity pool.
6. Poros
Explored by Eleanor of Elevate Your Escapes
Poros, Greece is a charming little island in the Saronic Gulf. It features gorgeous landscapes, historic sights, and is surrounded by beautiful clear blue waters. It’s the perfect spot for a hidden gem getaway.
You can explore Poros Town, at the heart of the island. This is where you’ll get off the ferry or boat for a day trip. You’ll see narrow cobblestone streets, with vibrant decor. Local shops, cafes, and tavernas line the main strip along the waterfront.
Visitors can hike or bike the island’s scenic trails for great panoramic views. Additionally, The Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi, is a nice climb in town. It offers incredible panoramic views of the island. I really enjoyed this!
Poros has an array of stunning beaches, including Love Bay, Askeli Beach, and Neorio Beach. Kayaking, snorkeling, and sailing adventures can be booked in town, too.
History lovers will enjoy the Archaeological Museum, which showcases ancient artifacts from Poros’ past.
The best time to visit is May to June and September, when there are less crowds but still summer weather.
🏖️ Best for: Quiet and calm waters.
✈️ How to get there: You will arrive by boat right into the heart of town. The best way to get to Poros is the public ferry, departing from Athens/ Pireaus port (book ferry tickets here). The ride is about two and a half hours. Some day trip operators sail into Poros on a quick stop, as well.
🏨 Where to Stay: Sirene Blue Luxury Beach Resort is one of the nicest and most relaxing resorts on the island. It’s located not too far from the main town.
7. Syros
Explored by Aimee Stephens of Snap Happy Travel
Syros is the capital of the world-famous Cyclades Islands yet it remains one of the least-visited islands in this region of Greece. This is such a shame since the small island boasts epic rose-gold sunsets, glorious beaches, and gorgeous towns filled with white-washed homes.
This island’s main city Ermoupoli is the administrative capital of the Cyclades and here you’ll find plenty of white-washed buildings, cobbled streets, and plenty of delicious restaurants and Cafes.
Some must-visit attractions in Ermoupoli include the theater of Apollo, and the church of Agios Nikolaos. Another popular tourist spot on Syros is the sleepy coastal town of Galissas which is home to one of the prettiest beaches on the island and the quaint fishing village of Kini which is also home to a stunning golden sand beach.
If you’re a sunset lover my top tip is to climb up to the Chapel of Santa Paku before the sun goes down – it’s the best sunset-watching spot on Syros in my opinion!
As for the best time of year to visit Syros, my vote goes to the months of May, June and September. As you’re pretty much guaranteed good weather – average daily highs of around 79 Fahrenheit (26 Celsius) in these months and it’s less crowded as European school holidays typically run from July to the end of August.
🏖️ Best for: Gorgeous Beaches and Historic Cities
✈️ How to get there: You can get a ferry from Athens Piraeus port, this departs daily and takes 3 hours (book ferry tickets here).
🏨 Where to Stay: The light-filled and modern Hotel Remvi in Galissas boasts a lovely pool, a great breakfast and friendly staff.
8. Tinos
Explored by Jackie of Jou Jou Travels
Tinos is one of the most underrated islands in Greece. The island is located in Aegean Sea and is part of the Cyclades island group in Greece.
The most famous attraction here is the Panagia Evangelistria Church, which attracts pilgrims from across Greece. In addition, there are so many cute charming villages and without the crowds. Those include Pyrgos and Volax, where you’ll also find traditional marble sculpting.
Other things to do include visiting the Cave of Tinos, enjoying scenic hikes, and trying the delicious food all at affordable prices. Two top restaurants include Marathia and Exomeria. Tinos’ beaches, such as Kolymbithra and Agios Fokas, are the perfect place to relax.
🏖️ Best for: Religious Pilgrimage + Beautiful Beaches
✈️ How to get there: You can take a ferry from Athens’ Piraeus port and reach Tinos Town in 4.5 hours (book ferry tickets here).
🏨 Where to Stay: The Luxury Suite in Dyo Choria is located in Tinos Town and offers nice views from the rooms.
9. Lefkada
Explored by Flavia Desario of Un Mundo Ahi Afuera
Lefkada, also known as Lefkas, is renowned for its stunning beaches and beautiful turquoise sea.
Located in the picturesque Ionian Sea, the island is conveniently connected to mainland Greece by a small bridge, making it accessible by bus from Athens. The closest airport is Aktion National Airport, also known as Preveza Airport, which is just a 20-minute drive from Lefkada Town.
What sets this island apart is its awe-inspiring beaches with turquoise waters and majestic white cliffs. Lefkada remains somewhat of a hidden gem, meaning it’s not as crowded as some of the more famous Greek islands, making it an ideal destination for a peaceful getaway.
The best time to visit Lefkada is in late spring (May) or early autumn (September). During these times, the weather is perfect, and the island isn’t packed with tourists.
When visiting Lefkada, the west coast beaches are a must-see: Egremni, Porto Katsiki, and Kathisma. The water’s color is stunning, and the area is wonderfully wild. For water sports enthusiasts, Vasiliki is renowned for windsurfing.
To explore the island, it’s best to rent a car or scooter, as public transportation is quite limited. Vasiliki is a great place to stay and serves as a good base for exploring the rest of the island.
Lefkada is one of those places that stays with you long after you leave. The scenery, the food, and the laid-back vibe make it a perfect spot for a relaxing holiday.
🏖️ Best for: Water sports, stunning beaches, and awe-inspiring cliffs
✈️ How to get there: The closest airport is Preveza, and from there you can take a 20-minute taxi or a bus to the island. If you’re already in Greece, driving or taking a bus from Athens is also an option, taking about 4-5 hours.
🏨 Where to Stay: Porto Fico Hotel is located in Vasiliki, in the south of the island. It offers a pool and beach access, making it the perfect place to stay while exploring Lefkada.
Hopefully, you enjoyed reading about these quiet islands in Greece. Leave a comment below if you know any more great hidden gems so other readers can discover them too!
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