The Best Undiscovered Greek Islands

When most individuals consider Greek islands, locations like Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, and Rhodes pop into their head.  These islands are iconic and exquisite, and that is most likely why they’re overrun with vacationers, particularly throughout the excessive season within the summertime when Greek island-hopping is at its busiest. 

However Greece has round 200 inhabited islands to discover, and loads of them are simply as stunning and fascinating as probably the most well-known hotspots, although much less recognized. Should you’d like to seek out the perfect undiscovered Greek islands that solely the locals actually go to, learn forward. 

You may keep away from the crowds, go to Greece like an area, and most of all, uncover locations most vacationers haven’t seen.

The Best Undiscovered Greek Islands

Discover Greece like an area by visiting these superb undiscovered Greek Islands!

1. Paxoi (or Paxi)

A string of islands positioned within the Ionian Sea, Paxoi tends to be quiet and devoid of international crowds, but it surely sports activities among the most stunning seashores and clear waters within the Mediterranean Sea. Most seashores listed here are small and quiet, with out the seashore bar tradition of different Greek hotspots.

A few of the seashores, together with those thought of particularly stunning on the west coast, are usually not accessible by land, so should you’re touring the Ionian on a ship, or are up for catching boats out of the primary port in the direction of the seashores, Paxoi might be an excellent match for you, particularly if you wish to favor calm, clear waters over seashore events. In some locations, you’ll be able to even see the ocean ground at a depth of 30 meters.

The largest islands are Paxos and Antipaxos. Really useful seashores on Paxos embody Marmari, Kaki Langada, and Achai Bay.  If you need to discover the west facet seashores, and the gorgeous caves within the cliffs of Paxos, take a day journey in a ship from the primary metropolis of Gaios, or from Lakka. Monodendri and Levrecho are most likely amongst the busiest seashores on the island, and the previous additionally has watersports to supply. The finest seashores on Antipaxos are thought of Vrika and Voutoumi.

2. Folegandros

Folegandros is a comparatively tiny island within the Aegean Sea, and it often passes unnoticed by vacationers regardless of its location between tourism powerhouses Santorini, Paros, and Mykonos. Nevertheless, many Greek vacationers on the lookout for a quiet, enjoyable escape have favored Folegandros over time for its picturesque city and exquisite seashores. 

Angali Seaside is the jewel of Folegandros, however there are a lot of different shores to go to as properly, although maybe not simply accessible by automotive. Most individuals drive to Karavostasi, and stroll to different seashores from there.  The walks across the island are among the most mesmerizing in Greece, and guests all the time comment on the peaceable silence they expertise on this island. 

3. Syros

Syros was fairly an essential island within the Aegean Sea, because it’s foremost city, Ermoupolis, was as soon as the most important port in Greece, and remains to be the capital of the Cyclades. For these fascinated by tradition, historical past and structure, Syros is unquestionably the undiscovered Greek island you wish to go to.

The port in Syros is nonetheless a bustling, busy place, day and night time. Just a few streets in from the waterfront, the superbly constructed City Corridor towers over an enormous city sq.. Within the night, the sq. is filled with youngsters in town corridor’s gigantic staircase, and folks having fun with espresso (learn to order espresso in Greece), drinks, or Syros’ well-known candy (loukoumi) within the cafes positioned throughout the sq.. 

You may get pleasure from an aesthetic night time on the Apollon Theater, constructed within the 19^th century, view one among Michelangelo’s unique work or get misplaced within the charming winding cobblestone alleys of Vaporia, slightly additional up from the city heart, and marvel on the 19^th century neoclassical buildings throughout you.

In the course of the day, strive heading to the seashores in Vari, Kini, Foinikas, and Agkathopes. If you wish to proceed exploring the island, head as much as Ano Syros, a historic city in the direction of the island’s peak that has been round since medieval instances.

4. Antiparos

Proper subsequent to the extra well-known islands of Paros is a smaller island known as Antiparos, which is now turning into a well-liked alternative for Greeks on trip. Along with good seashores and some nightlife spots, it options an intensive cave system for the extra adventurous vacationer, and a Venetian citadel inbuilt medieval instances.

There are just a few good seashores, and you may select your vacation spot primarily based in your preferences. If you need a lounge chair and quick access to seashore bar, Livadia is the best choice, whereas households are inclined to favor Psaraliki. For a extra secluded spot, strive Panagia, or should you’d prefer to be daring and take a look at a nudist seashore, Tenting Seaside is all the time an possibility.

5. Lefkada

Positioned south of Kerkyra within the Ionian Sea, Lefkada is a big, lush island with hanging blue waters, loads of small charming farming cities, a phenomenal marina, and a busy capital metropolis. In the course of the summer season season, particularly in August, the island sees an enormous inflow of Greek and Italian vacationers. Favored seashores embody Kathisma and Porto Katsiki. 

If you wish to go outdoors the primary metropolis (often known as Lefkada), take a look at Vasiliki or Agios Nikolaos. Vasiliki has nice tavernas proper on the waterfront, and is taken into account among the best windsurfing spots in Europe. At night time, head right down to Agios Nikolaos, which has a pedestrian avenue heading right down to the seashore, lined with retailers, cafes, eating places, and bars on the waterfront.

One in every of my private favourite spots on the island is Rachi Taverna, positioned within the mountains within the small city of Exanthia.  Rachi is the proper place to have dinner after an extended day on the seashore and watch among the best views of the sundown. 

In the primary metropolis of Lefkada, yow will discover loads of small squares with creperies and cafes, in addition to loads of purchasing.  Should you stroll out on the pedestrian walkway alongside the waterfront, you’ll go many bars and golf equipment that maintain going properly into the night time.