Hidden Gems of the Greek Islands
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the Greek Islands? Mykonos and Santorini? Most people think of those two islands when they think of Greece; most people only know about those two islands. I’m here to tell you that Greek islands are so much more than just Mykonos and Santorini.
Don’t get me wrong, Mykonos and Santorini are the most popular islands for a reason. They are fantastic places to visit, especially in the off season without the crowds. But did you know that Greece has 6,000 islands scattered amongst the Mediterranean? 227 of those islands are inhabited. So besides Mykonos and Santorini, there are 225 other islands to choose from to visit when you travel to Greece. Today we share our top five favorite hidden gems of the Greek Islands.
- Amorgos
Untouched—that’s the word that comes to mind when I think of Amorgos. There is no airport, and the ferry ride is almost 9 hours from Athens’ ferry port. That weeds out many tourists; even in high season, it is not packed like the other islands. Amorgos, a part of the Cycladic islands, is also not very developed, so there’s lots of pure island to explore.
Amorgos is most known for three things: one, being the location of The Big Blue, a famous French film. Two, being the home of an incredible monastery built into the side of a cliff, and three, breathtaking beaches. There’s plenty to see from the monastery, to the main town of Chora, to shipwreck beach, to the many beautiful beaches. Because of the time it takes to get to Amorgos, I recommend at least a five day stay.
I’ve personally been to Amorgos 10 times—it’s beauty does not get old!
- Koufonisia
A tiny paradise—that’s what comes to mind when I think of Koufonisia. Like Amorgos, there is no airport, and the ferry is over 9 hours from Athens’ ferry port. So this Cycladic island remains relatively free of main-stream tourists. Because the island is so small, it lacks the infrastructure to host that many people. So when you visit you can expect calm, quiet, peaceful beaches and nights.
Koufonisia is known for being small yet beautiful. You can easily bike and even walk around the island in a day. There’s a road that goes around the entire island, not for cars, but for bikers and walkers. The beaches and cliffs you see along the way will blow your mind. Even though it’s small, there’s beaches and restaurants to visit. I recommend at least three days in Koufonisia.
- Patmos
The ancient island—that’s what comes to mind when I think of Patmos. With sites dating back to biblical times, Patmos has a long history and rich culture. There’s much to see and do in Patmos, part of the Dodecanese islands. But, like Kuofonisia and Amorgos, there is no airport, and the ferry is about 9 hours from Athens’ port, so it’s a little harder to access, but totally worth the journey.
Patmos is known for the Cave of the Apocalypse, where John of Patmos (St. John the Theologian) is said to have written the Book of Revelations. It’s also known for its fortresslike, 11th-century monastery dedicated to Saint John. Beyond the ancient sites, Patmos has breathtaking beaches and beautiful views you don’t want to miss. I recommend visiting for five days.
4. Samos
Hikers paradise—that’s what comes to mind when I think of Samos, part of the Dodecanese islands. Samos has beautiful, tall mountains that are lush green in spring with waterfalls descending down and breathtaking crystal-clear blue sea views, making it the perfect place to explore by hiking. Samos has an airport which makes it easy to access. However, it is still widely unknown and for that reason, uncrowded.
Samos is only separate from Turkey by a mile-wide strait. It was the birthplace of mathematician Pythagoras and philosopher Epicurus. It is best known for producing sweet Muscat wine. There’s plenty to see and do, with sites like the ancient port of Pythagoreion dating back to the 6th century B.C. I recommend visiting for at least three days.
5. Lefkada
Green and neon blue—that’s what comes to mind when I think of Lefkada, part of the Ionian islands. The colors of the green trees next to the turquoise waters are so vivid and beautiful.
Lefkada has an airport and is also one of the few Greek islands fully accessible by car! You have to see the remains of the castle on an islet by the floating bridge as you cross from the mainland. Both are easy ways to access the island, yet for some reason the island remains relatively uncrowded and underdeveloped compared to others, making it a small paradise.
Lefkada is known for its sheer cliffs and turquoise waters, great beaches for wind-surfing, and traditional villages. There’s plenty to see and do in Lefkada. It’s the perfect island to get on a boat and sail around. I recommend at least three days to visit and explore the island.
So, which hidden gem would you choose to visit?! Reach out to Eyia Retreats to plan your next vacation to Greece!
Hidden Gems of the Greek Islands
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the Greek Islands? Mykonos and Santorini? Most people think of those two islands when they think of Greece; most people only know about those two islands. I’m here to tell you that Greek islands are so much more than just Mykonos and Santorini.
Don’t get me wrong, Mykonos and Santorini are the most popular islands for a reason. They are fantastic places to visit, especially in the off season without the crowds. But did you know that Greece has 6,000 islands scattered amongst the Mediterranean? 227 of those islands are inhabited. So besides Mykonos and Santorini, there are 225 other islands to choose from to visit when you travel to Greece. Today we share our top five favorite hidden gems of the Greek Islands.
- Amorgos
Untouched—that’s the word that comes to mind when I think of Amorgos. There is no airport, and the ferry ride is almost 9 hours from Athens’ ferry port. That weeds out many tourists; even in high season, it is not packed like the other islands. Amorgos, a part of the Cycladic islands, is also not very developed, so there’s lots of pure island to explore.
Amorgos is most known for three things: one, being the location of The Big Blue, a famous French film. Two, being the home of an incredible monastery built into the side of a cliff, and three, breathtaking beaches. There’s plenty to see from the monastery, to the main town of Chora, to shipwreck beach, to the many beautiful beaches. Because of the time it takes to get to Amorgos, I recommend at least a five day stay.
I’ve personally been to Amorgos 10 times—it’s beauty does not get old!
- Koufonisia
A tiny paradise—that’s what comes to mind when I think of Koufonisia. Like Amorgos, there is no airport, and the ferry is over 9 hours from Athens’ ferry port. So this Cycladic island remains relatively free of main-stream tourists. Because the island is so small, it lacks the infrastructure to host that many people. So when you visit you can expect calm, quiet, peaceful beaches and nights.
Koufonisia is known for being small yet beautiful. You can easily bike and even walk around the island in a day. There’s a road that goes around the entire island, not for cars, but for bikers and walkers. The beaches and cliffs you see along the way will blow your mind. Even though it’s small, there’s beaches and restaurants to visit. I recommend at least three days in Koufonisia.
- Patmos
The ancient island—that’s what comes to mind when I think of Patmos. With sites dating back to biblical times, Patmos has a long history and rich culture. There’s much to see and do in Patmos, part of the Dodecanese islands. But, like Kuofonisia and Amorgos, there is no airport, and the ferry is about 9 hours from Athens’ port, so it’s a little harder to access, but totally worth the journey.
Patmos is known for the Cave of the Apocalypse, where John of Patmos (St. John the Theologian) is said to have written the Book of Revelations. It’s also known for its fortresslike, 11th-century monastery dedicated to Saint John. Beyond the ancient sites, Patmos has breathtaking beaches and beautiful views you don’t want to miss. I recommend visiting for five days.
4. Samos
Hikers paradise—that’s what comes to mind when I think of Samos, part of the Dodecanese islands. Samos has beautiful, tall mountains that are lush green in spring with waterfalls descending down and breathtaking crystal-clear blue sea views, making it the perfect place to explore by hiking. Samos has an airport which makes it easy to access. However, it is still widely unknown and for that reason, uncrowded.
Samos is only separate from Turkey by a mile-wide strait. It was the birthplace of mathematician Pythagoras and philosopher Epicurus. It is best known for producing sweet Muscat wine. There’s plenty to see and do, with sites like the ancient port of Pythagoreion dating back to the 6th century B.C. I recommend visiting for at least three days.
5. Lefkada
Green and neon blue—that’s what comes to mind when I think of Lefkada, part of the Ionian islands. The colors of the green trees next to the turquoise waters are so vivid and beautiful.
Lefkada has an airport and is also one of the few Greek islands fully accessible by car! You have to see the remains of the castle on an islet by the floating bridge as you cross from the mainland. Both are easy ways to access the island, yet for some reason the island remains relatively uncrowded and underdeveloped compared to others, making it a small paradise.
Lefkada is known for its sheer cliffs and turquoise waters, great beaches for wind-surfing, and traditional villages. There’s plenty to see and do in Lefkada. It’s the perfect island to get on a boat and sail around. I recommend at least three days to visit and explore the island.
So, which hidden gem would you choose to visit?! Reach out to Eyia Retreats to plan your next vacation to Greece!
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