Think of the Greek islands, and 99% of people will instantly picture Mykonos beaches and Santorini’s blue roofs. Meanwhile, Greece’s lesser-known islands remain largely undisturbed by mass tourism, leaving them ripe for the picking for more adventurous travellers.
Of course, these ‘hidden’ destinations do require a bit more effort to reach than their famous cousins. But they also offer everything that made the Greek islands legendary in the first place, offering the quintessential holiday experience with heaps more authenticity.
If you’re a backpacker who opts for places to stay without the crowds and hidden prices, you’ll already be experienced in searching for hidden gems. Luckily, Greece is home to many islands, but most of its tourist activity is focused on only a handful, leaving the others ready to be explored.
Whether you’re booking a small ship Greek islands cruise or trying to find somewhere to spend a laid-back week or two, here are some of the best hidden gems in the Greek islands.
Best Hidden Gems in the Greek Islands
Discover the best hidden gems in the Greek Islands that promise authentic experiences:
Ithaca, Ionian Islands
If you’re a fan of classic literature, you’ll have heard of Ithaca as the home of the mythical hero Odysseus. Part of the Ionian archipelago, it’s a destination with a legendary history and rural charm, making it a popular choice for a romantic holiday.
Travellers who aren’t very fussed over nightlife will love Ithica, which offers intimate experiences like evenings spent together over long dinners at family-run tavernas and morning swims in private coves. Enjoy all kinds of romantic excursions to private pebble beaches, hilltop taverns, and sunset viewpoints overlooking the Ionian Sea.
You’ll need to be ready to travel for quite a while to get to Ithaca, but you’ll be rewarded after your journey with the sight of a green, mountainous landscape emerging from azure waters. Rerries run from Kefalonia or the mainland port of Patras, and it’s easy to spend a lazy week enjoying the islands despite their relatively small size.
Naxos, Cyclades Islands
The Cyclades Islands are a firm favourite for visitors to Greece. But when you look beyond iconic Mykonos and Santorini, you can discover the hidden gem of Naxos. Naxos is a particular favourite among history buffs because of its wonderful architecture and monuments from across the centuries.
On Naxos, experience everything from ancient temples dedicated to Apollo and Venetian towers to rural mountaintop villages. The sheer diversity of this place makes it such a wonderful travel destination, whether you want to spend days exploring the medieval old town (Chora) or just enjoying the peaceful beaches and coastal cafes.
Despite its hidden gem status, Naxos sits conveniently in the centre of the Cycladic ferry network. You can get to it from the busy ports in Athens, Santorini, or Mykonos and enjoy a break from the tourists. We highly recommend a visit for an alternative experience to those offered by its neighbours, which still delivers diverse experiences.
Patmos, Dodecanese Islands
Want to return to a version of Greece that feels worlds away from modern infrastructure? The island of Patmos delivers in spades, free from the trappings of tourism.
In the Dodecanese archipelago, Patmos is a mystical place requiring a journey to reach. Ferries from Piraeus can take up to twelve hours, or connections are available from other Dodecanese islands, but it’s undoubtedly worth the trip. This journey also filters out more casual visitors, so you’ll only share the island with others on your wavelength.
The medieval town of Chora on Paros cascades down hillsides below the imposing Monastery of St. John. The island’s religious significance creates a unique atmosphere and almost sacred experience. But while pilgrims do mix with backpackers here, you can also enjoy secluded beaches accessible only by footpath, deserted hiking trails, and plenty of traditional cuisine.
Spetses, Sporadic Islands
Our final recommendation for the best hidden gems in Greece is Spetses. This is a total green paradise, where pine forests tumble down to secluded coves. A car-free policy means that nature lovers will be totally in their element.
You can enjoy Spetses’ tranquil atmosphere by walking the network of hiking trails and enjoying beaches where you might be the only person for miles; perfect for anyone wanting to feel totally disconnected from modern life. When you want to return to civilization, there’s a charming main town where neoclassical mansions watch over roads trodden by horse-drawn carriages.
Spetses lies just two hours from Athens by hydrofoil, making it surprisingly accessible despite its peaceful character. There’s no better place in the Greek islands if you’re looking for all manner of wildlife experiences and a real sense of being closer to nature.
Explore a New Side of Greece
Greece’s island destinations are famous for good reason and are still worth visiting. But these hidden gems are a perfect example of why it’s important to look past the places that get all the attention and discover a more authentic, historic, or unspoiled side of a country.
Each island requires slightly more effort to reach and explore, but this additional investment is certainly paid back in the experiences you have once you’ve arrived. Whether you’re drawn to Ithaca’s romantic seclusion, Naxos’s historical treasures, Patmos’s spiritual atmosphere, or Spetses’ natural beauty, we hope you venture off the beaten path on your next holiday and visit these unsung heroes instead.
