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The best quiet Greek islands

Your Greek island holiday doesn't have to be shared with a cast of thousands. Here’s where to
go to avoid the masses

James Litston | Destination Expert | Thursday September 8 2022, 15:02pm

G
reece lays claim to 6,000 widely scattered islands and islets, of which 227 are
inhabited. Some (step forward Santorini and Mykonos) have such pulling power that
they’re often swamped in peak season. But if holidaying in a tourist magnet isn’t quite
your thing, the good news is that there are scores of isles where things remain much sleepier.
Avoid those that are known for giant resorts or where cruise ships frequently call and you can
still find spots as magical as they appear in Greek mythology. From quiet Cycladic outposts to
untrodden Ionian or Sporades beaches, these are the less-crowded islands we love most.

Main photo: Alonissos (Alamy)

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Batsi, Andros (Getty Images)

1. Andros
Best for authentic character
It’s easy to get overlooked in an archipelago shared with Santorini and Mykonos. But Andros,
the second largest Cycladic island, has a di erent appeal to its glitzier neighbours. For a start,
it’s greener and has lots of scenic hiking trails, but on a hot day it’s the beaches that take centre
stage. Wild and lovely Achla — overlooked in its sheltered cove by a lighthouse and an
Orthodox church — is the standout, but sandy Batsi is more accessible, with ample facilities.
Stay at Krinos Suites*, a boutique hotel that blends understated style with authentic and
heartfelt Greek hospitality.

Folegandros (Getty Images)

2. Folegandros
Best for sunsets
Another isle in the shadow of its Cycladic sisters is Folegandros, which sits halfway between
Santorini and Milos. Many of its best beaches are accessible only by boat or on foot, which
makes it feel laid-back and bohemian. Take a memorable stroll along zigzag stairs to
whitewashed Panagia church, then soak up sunset views from tra c-free, cli -top Chora (the
island’s main town) or get closer still on a sunset cruise. Better yet, catch evening’s fiery glow
from the comfort of Blue Sand Hotel & Suites*, hidden away on the west coast with Aegean
horizons from every room.

Nikia, Nisyros (Alamy)

3. Nisyros
Best for volcanic views
Being only a short ferry ride from Kos, Nisyros receives crowds of day-trippers from its
Dodecanese neighbour. Happily, when they leave, it becomes a tranquil haven for the smart
few who stay here. Volcanic roots have bequeathed it dark sand, hot springs and pumice cli s,
plus a crater around which it’s possible to walk. Dotted here and there are villages: Mandraki is
liveliest, Nikia has volcanic vistas and Emporios sits beside the volcano itself, where
Melanopetra* (the name means “black stone”) is a good bet for self-catering stays in stylish
units built with local materials.

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A street near Syros town hall (Alamy)

4. Syros
Best for culture vultures
You’d never guess from its laid-back vibe that Syros was once this seafaring nation’s main
commercial hub. Centred on the capital, Ermoupoli (named for the Greek god, Hermes), the
legacy of that influx of wealth can be seen in elegant architecture and cultural institutions
such as the theatre and great archaeological museums. Beach-wise, there are pebble or sand
options scattered around the coast, with the best being in the south (don’t miss pretty Megas
Gialos). But with Ermopouli being so charming, opt for a city stay at Hotel Aristide*, an art-
and-marble-filled Cycladic townhouse within steps of refreshing sea swims.

Vathy harbour, Meganisi (Alamy)

5. Meganisi
Best for peaceful escapes
Being overlooked in the rush to reach better-known Cephalonia and Lefkada has been a
blessing for o beat Meganisi. Despite lying only 25 minutes by ferry from Lefkada, this
unspoilt Ionian island has foregone large-scale resort development to retain its welcoming,
step-back-in-time appeal. With just three pretty villages, acres of olive groves and about 1,000
residents, it’s a beautifully languid spot, especially once you’re stretched out on one of its
marvellous beaches (Fanari and Spilia are highlights). Vathy & Spartochori villages also have
plenty of charm; you’ll be within striking distance of both when staying at bayfront Azur
Retreat*.

Chrisi Milia, Alonissos (Alamy)

6. Alonissos
Best for going wild
It’s all about nature on Alonissos, which lies within the Northern Sporades National Marine
Park (Greece’s first). The 2,000 sq km reserve is home to rare Mediterranean monk seals, as
well as dolphins, turtles and colonies of seabirds. Snorkellers and divers are in for a treat at the
underwater museum’s sunken, 5th-century BC cargo ship. Back onshore, discover monasteries,
hiking trails and picturesque Patitiri village, then decamp to Chrisi Milia for turquoise water
and one of the best sandy beaches. Relax in peace at adult-only Infinity 180 Luxury Suites*;
then liven things up with a day trip to Skiathos, an hour’s hydrofoil skim away.

Agioi Anargyroi church and beach, Agistri (Getty Images)

7. Agistri
Best for mixing city and sea
The Saronic Islands are some of the easiest to access from Athens and are a cinch to combine
with urban explorations. Agistri is only an hour by ferry from the capital, but despite this
proximity it remains idyllic and peaceful: all chilled-out vibes, crystal coves and pine trees
cascading down to the sea. Dragonera is one of the island’s best-known pebble beaches, or for
sandier shores try Skala. This is also where you’ll find Oasis Beach Hotel & Spa*, whose 52
rooms and suites each have private verandas blessed with sea and mountain views.

Sarakiniko beach, Milos (Getty Images)

8. Milos
Best for otherworldly landscapes
The exquisite Venus de Milo (the ancient statue discovered here, now on display in the Louvre)
is not the only thing of legendary beauty in this outpost of the Cyclades. Volcanic origins
created a landscape of elemental colours that mix sulphur-yellow cli s with ash-white and
obsidian-black rock formations. Such rawness comes into its own at Sarakiniko, where
smoothly sculpted, moonlike shores contrast magnificently with the dazzling Aegean Sea. The
water looks just as inviting when gazed upon from Skinopi Lodge*, whose seven extraordinary
villas blend into their rocky backdrop for the most luxurious of self-catering stays.

Psili Ammos beach, Patmos (Alamy)

9. Patmos
Best for beautiful beaches
The Dodecanese island of Patmos has a fascinating past. Said to be where St John wrote the
Book of Revelation (which consequently saw it become a place of Christian pilgrimage), it’s
nowadays known for its buzzing nightlife and cosmopolitan edge. Being less well connected
than some other Greek islands (the best ferry links are via Kos), Patmos rarely feels crowded
and its beaches are sublime. Kampos has the busiest beach scene; or hire a boat and escape to
Psili Ammos (which merits its name meaning “Fine Sand”). Porto Scoutari*, the top Patmos
hotel, is an ideal base from which to explore.

Kythira (Getty Images)

10. Kythira
Best for gorgeous scenery
Lying between Crete and the Peloponnese is Kythira: the southernmost of the Ionian chain and
a place where age-old traditions still reign. Given that the goddess Aphrodite was said to have
hailed from here, it’s only fitting that the island’s landscapes match her fabled beauty.
Canyons, cli s and countryside sit beside golden beaches and ancient ruins to captivate those
who venture here, as if falling under the sirens’ spell. Stay at eco-luxury Hidden Retreats* on a
hilltop overlooking the sea, venturing out to discover pretty villages connected by cobblestone
pathways, or the lovely white sand beach at Diakofti.

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Take me there
Inspired to visit these wonderful Greek islands but yet to book your trip? See options with Tui*
and Jet2Holidays*. Alternatively, here are the best tours of Greece* with our preferred suppliers.

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