Top 15 Undiscovered Greek Islands

Folegandros may be Santorini’s neighbor, but this tranquil Cyclades island doesn’t have much in common with it. There are no fancy restaurants, boutiques or buildings taller than two stories, and you won’t ever see a big cruise ship pulling into port. Here you can look forward to relaxing on pebble beaches as the azure waves gently crash against the shore, watch the goats as they scurry up the hills and the old wooden windmills twirl in the salty sea breeze. Irresistibly charming, its Chora hosts, timeless traditional Cycladic architecture, while family-run eateries serve delicious homemade dishes like matsata and local delicacies like goat cheese paired with rakomelo, a liquor with honey added and the region’s signature beverage.

Enjoy a romantic escape to the Cyclades with a stop in Folegandros on our 12-day Private Tour.

Nicknamed the “Butterfly Island” because of its shape, Astypalea is located in the heart of the Aegean between the Dodecanese and Cyclades, its barren landscape emerges from the deep sapphire waters, dotted with white cube-style homes. The maze of small alleys in the Chora are lined with the houses that are splashed with brilliant color, from blooming flowers to blue doors. Visit the ancient Tarara Baths with their stunning mosaics, the unique infant cemetery and take a stroll to the castle of Ai Gianni to watch a glorious sunset before relaxing under the stars on one of the beaches.

The Small Cyclades are made up of four main islands, Iraklia, Donoussa, Koufonissi and Schinoussa, and dozens of little ones, that sit between Amorgos and Naxos. Filled with unspoiled, undisturbed beauty, walk the long sandy beaches and you may not see another soul, while the improbably clear aquamarine waters calls for a refreshing dip and souvenir shops are miles away. The islands remained off-grid until just a few decades ago – in fact, there was no electricity here until 1982. While an increasing number of visitors are discovering them, it’s still relatively few. Iraklia is renowned for its cave pilgrimage, while Dounousa with its rugged terrain is popular among hikers. Koufonissi is especially ideal for worshipping the sun. Schinoussa’s coastline offers 18 beaches along with many private, sheltered bays for swimming, while the tavernas in the Chora light up after dark, calling to explore the nightlife.

Kimolos, a rugged Cycladic jewel, is home to some of the most postcard-perfect beaches in Greece like Prassa. Its striking white sands are the result of the layers of chalk that make of the island, which presents a jaw-dropping contrast against the brilliant blue of the Aegean. Ideal for a swim with its calm waters, it’s also a great spot to find the Mediterranean monk seal. The only settlement of size is the main town or Chora which is home to an abandoned castle and archaeological museum. There are plenty of traditional blue and white homes, often with colorful gardens.

Kea Island is also close to Athens, just an hour away, yet it’s managed to stay a well-kept secret among the locals. There are no big tourist crowds here, and you’ll feel like your worlds away from the city. Enjoy soaking up the sun on one of the beautiful beaches, outstanding snorkeling and diving – the waters that surround the island are home to a number of shipwrecks, including the Britannic, Titanic’s sister ship which sunk in 1916. There are ancient ruins to explore, a fascinating archaeological museum to visit and plenty of eateries tasty local specialties.

Discover all that Kea Island has to offer on our Athens, Delphi & Cyclades 11 Day Cruise Tour.

Part of the Sporades in the northwest Aegean between Mount Pelion and the island of Evia, Skopelos is truly blissful. One of the few inhabited islands in the archipelago set just off the east coast of the mainland, it’s renowned for its beautiful beaches framed by dazzling blue waters and pine tree-dotted hills. Skopelos Town is one of the most stunning ports in the country with its hillside a sprawl of white walls topped with terracotta tiles, while Venetian fortress ruins overlook it. There are scenic walks to enjoy and dozens of monasteries to visit scattered about the island for an ecclesiastical crawl.

Unlike the other Sporades isles, you won’t find Alonissos in any travel guide books. It has its own distinct personality, a place where the rugged natural landscape, with its olive and pine trees dip down to crystal-clear azure waters. The island is the most remote in the group and its home to the National Marine Park of Northern Sporades, a refuge for dolphins, the Mediterranean monk seal and rare seabirds. Patitiri is its picturesque capital and harbor, with a gorgeous stone paved waterfront and a medieval castle that offers sweeping vistas to the sea.

Paxoi is a tiny island jewel, just a few nautical miles south of Corfu. Known as a sanctuary of “love for the gods,” this was the mythical hideaway of the god Poseidon. It boasts an incredible array of colors, underwater caves and shipwrecks for diving, lush green hills, small bays with surreal blue waters and fjord-shaped beaches. Discover charming villages tucked away in olive and pine trees, soak in natural geothermal springs and visit the Venetian fortress of Agios Nikolaos.

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