Posted by 🏝️ Travel Guide for Explorers
Greece is known for classics like Crete, Santorini, and Rhodes – but beyond these famous islands, there’s a completely different Greece to discover: unspoiled, tranquil, and authentic. Many of these smaller islands have hardly any mass tourism, few hotels, and all the more nature, charm, and genuine Greek hospitality.
If you’re looking for secluded beaches, picturesque villages, and authentic island life instead of parties and resorts, this list is for you: Here are 20 lesser-known Greek islands that are true hidden gems for independent travelers.
🌿 1. Folegandros – Small, wild, and charming
The tiny Cycladic island of Folegandros is one of the most unspoiled islands in Greece. There are no large resorts here, but instead, you’ll find stunning hiking trails, secluded coves, and a beautiful main village (Chora) perched on a cliff overlooking the sea.
Highlights: Panagia Church with its panoramic views, Agali Beach, charming old town.
Tip: Perfect for those seeking peace and quiet and hiking enthusiasts. Best reached by ferry from Santorini or Naxos.
🌊 2. Anafi – Santorini’s quiet neighbor
Just an hour’s ferry ride from Santorini lies Anafi, a small island that almost no one knows about. Here you’ll find tranquility, endless hiking trails, and small, natural beaches with turquoise waters.
Highlights: Roukounas Beach, Kalamiotissa Monastery, sunsets over the Aegean Sea.
Tip: For nature lovers and independent travelers. Accommodation is limited – book early!
🏖️ 3. Donoussa – An Island for Minimalists
With only a few hundred inhabitants, Donoussa is perfect if you want to completely unwind. There are hardly any roads, little traffic, and beautiful sandy beaches right by the main town.
Highlights: Kedros Beach, hiking trail to Kalotaritissa, traditional tavernas.
Tip: Ferry from Naxos. Many visitors come for wild camping or island hopping.
🐚 4. Schinoussa – Pure Tranquility in the Heart of the Aegean
Schinoussa is a tiny island in the Small Cyclades with just one village and stunning natural beauty. Ideal for those seeking peace and unspoiled nature.
Highlights: Livadi Beach, walks through olive groves, sunset at the highest point.
Tip: Perfect for a few days of island relaxation – there are only a few small guesthouses.
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🏝️ 5. Iraklia – The island without stress
Iraklia is a place where time stands still. No nightlife, no large hotels – just turquoise waters, friendly locals, and absolute tranquility.
Highlights: Livadi Beach, Agios Ioannis Cave, hiking to Papas Peak.
Tip: Ferry from Naxos or Amorgos. Ideal for 2–3 days of complete relaxation.
🌴 6. Lipsi – Island of Slowing Down
The tiny island of Lipsi in the Dodecanese is a true paradise for independent travelers. Here you’ll find beautiful bays, charming alleyways, and delicious local wine.
Highlights: Platis Gialos Beach, Panagia tou Harou Monastery, boat trips to neighboring islands.
Tip: Combine Lipsi with Leros or Patmos for island hopping.
🌊 7. Leros – A Hidden Gem for Culture Lovers
Leros is rich in history – from Byzantine castles to Italianate architecture. At the same time, it boasts numerous small bays and charming villages.
Highlights: Agia Marina Harbour, Pandeli Castle, Alinda Beach.
Tip: Perfect for those who want to combine culture, history, and tranquility.
🌿 8. Tilos – A Natural Island with Soul
Tilos is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. The small island is known for its pristine flora and fauna and is a refuge for rare bird species.
Highlights: Mikro Chorio Ghost Village, Livadia Beach, hikes through rugged landscapes.
Tip: Ferry from Rhodes or Kos. Perfect for a one- to two-week nature getaway.
🏖️ 9. Nisyros – A Volcanic Island with Character
The small island of Nisyros is a true hidden gem. Its highlight is the active volcano in the island’s interior, which can be explored on foot.
Highlights: Volcano Trail, Mandraki Village, Loutra Hot Springs.
Tip: Ideal as a day trip from Kos or for a few relaxing days.
🌅 10. Kalymnos – An Island for Active Travelers
Kalymnos is a paradise for climbers and outdoor enthusiasts. The island offers spectacular cliffs, beautiful beaches, and authentic villages.
Highlights: Climbing areas near Massouri, Emborios Beach, Sponge Diving Museum.
Tip: Also a top destination for hikers and divers. Ferry or short flight from Kos.
🌴 11. Kassos – Authentic Village Life
Kassos is a small, windswept island south of Karpathos – time seems to have stood still here.
Highlights: Fry Village, Helatros Beach, traditional festivals.
Tip: Ideal for travelers who want to experience authentic village life and local cuisine.
🌊 12. Chalki – A Gem Near Rhodes
Just an hour by ferry from Rhodes lies Chalki, a peaceful island with pastel-colored houses and crystal-clear water.
Highlights: Nimporio Harbor, Ftenagia Beach, hike to the old fortress.
Tip: Perfect for a few days of island idyll far from mass tourism.
🌿 13. Alonissos – Natural Paradise of the Sporades
Alonissos is famous for its marine national park, home to monk seals. The island offers stunning hiking trails and secluded beaches.
Highlights: Leftos Gialos Beach, Chora Old Town, boat trip to seal colonies.
Tip: Combine Alonissos with Skopelos or Skiathos.
🏝️ 14. Skyros – Authentic and Diverse
Skyros is popular with Greeks but still a hidden gem for international tourists. Beautiful beaches, forests, and authentic villages await you here.
Highlights: Chora with its castle, Agios Fokas Beach, traditional crafts.
Tip: Ferry from Kymi on Euboea or a short flight from Athens.
🌅 15. Fourni – Island Archipelago for Individualists
The tiny Fourni archipelago consists of several islets with hidden beaches and tranquil coves. Perfect for those seeking absolute solitude.
Highlights: Petrokopio Beach, traditional fishing harbors, boat trips.
Tip: Only accessible by ferry from Samos or Ikaria – limited accommodations available.
🌿 16. Ikaria – Island of Longevity
Ikaria is known for its exceptionally high centenarian population. The relaxed lifestyle, hot springs, and unspoiled nature make the island unique.
Highlights: Nas Beach, Therma Springs, hikes through gorges.
Tip: Perfect for extended stays and slow travel.
🏖️ 17. Agistri – Small, Green, and Close to Athens
Just an hour by ferry from Athens, Agistri is a green oasis with pine forests and turquoise bays.
Highlights: Aponisos Beach, Dragonera Beach, cycling tours around the island.
Tip: Ideal for a short break or as a combination with Aegina.
🌊 18. Psara – Secluded Island of Tranquility
Psara is a tiny island west of Chios – secluded, steeped in history, and ideal for unwinding.
Highlights: Limnos Beach, historic monasteries, secluded hiking trails.
Tip: Accessible only by ferry, minimal tourist infrastructure – perfect for adventurers.
🌴 19. Gavdos – Southernmost Point of Europe
Gavdos is a tiny island south of Crete – the southernmost inhabited point of Europe. Here you’ll find endless sandy beaches, no hotels, and an atmosphere like being at the end of the world.
Highlights: Agios Ioannis Beach, Sarakiniko Beach, lighthouse at Cape Tripiti.
Tip: Accessible only by ferry from Chora Sfakion. Wild camping is permitted and popular.
🌅 20. Koufonisia – Small, sunny, and beautiful
The island of Koufonisia is a jewel of the Cyclades: tiny, charming, and boasting some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Everything is within walking distance.
Highlights: Pori Beach, Finikas Bay, boat trips to neighboring islands.
Tip: Ideal for a few relaxing days of island hopping.
🧭 Conclusion – Greece’s tranquil island worlds await
Greece’s most famous islands are beautiful – but you’ll often find the true soul of the country where no cruise ships dock and no all-inclusive resorts stand. Whether you’re looking for nature, solitude, hiking, or authentic village life – these 20 islands offer you Greece as it was decades ago: genuine, peaceful, and wonderfully unspoiled.