The beauty and mystique of the Greek Islands are legendary -- connected to ancient stories of gods and men and heroic adventures. One only needs to open up a book of Greek mythology to learn how Zeus was born in a cave on Crete or how the great king Odysseus called Ithaca home. The are about 6,000 Greek Islands, with just over 200 inhabited. This feature is unique in all of Europe, and even the most avid traveller will be hard-pressed to see them all. The islands stretch from the coast of Athens through five different seas.The most visited islands are Crete (the largest), Santorini, Rhodes, Corfu and Mykonos. This select group of islands attracts throngs of holidaymakers during the sultry summer months. Their beauty and allure are timeless and their popularity is well-deserved. From the gleaming white villas that grace Santorini to the bass-thumping nightlife in Mykonos and idyllic beaches in Corfu, there are a thousand reasons to fall in love with Greece’s ‘big 5.’If you want to stray from the crowds or have already visited the most popular islands, it’s high time to widen your scope. You could spend months, maybe even years, island-hopping among the thousands of tiny islets and lesser-known Greek Islands. Fear not. For those of you who don’t have the Herculean energy to frolic indefinitely, we’ve narrowed the list down to seven islands that, despite being under the tourism radar, are worthy of your time. Whether it’s for their seclusion, unique historical landmarks or environmental beauty, these seven are sure to be as seductive as Aphrodite!
Sifnos
This petite island grants visitors an idyllic snapshot of traditional Greek life that’s undeterred by tourism. The rugged pastoral landscape is dotted with terraced olive groves and pockets of almond trees and sprawling local flora. Sifnos remains mostly cut-off to outsiders from October to Easter as many hotels and businesses shut their doors. But come during the summer months and you’ll find tranquil whitewashed villages and blissful beaches being lapped by turquoise waters. While visiting Sifnos be sure to wander the hilltop village of Apollonia, swim and sunbathe at beaches in Platy Gialos and dine at a tavern in Vathy.
How to get there: The easiest way to reach Sifnos is to fly from to either Santorini or Mykonos and then take a ferry.
Kea
This is the most remote of the Cyclades Islands and far removed from the path of foreign tourists. This polished little island is a favourite amoung Athenians who come for weekend breaks. Visitors to Kea will find themselves transported back to what Greece was like thirty years ago. Kea is an attractive island for travellers looking for chic yet affordable accommodation. Kea also offers a sophisticated nightlife scene in Korissia and Vourkari, interesting archaeological sites and jaw-dropping beaches in Gialiskari and Otzias bay.
How to get there: There are ferries to Kea from the port of Lavrion, located on the southern side of Attica. During the summer months there are additional connections to and from Kea with other Cyclades, such as Kythnos and Syros.
Antipaxos
This tiny island is the pearl of the Ionian islands in Western Greece. Despite the island’s demure size, it is a beach lover’s paradise and a popular stop for yachts and sailboats. Antipaxos is bordered with a variety of picturesque beaches that will leave you speechless. From sandy to pebbled, small coves to wide stretches, it has some of the clearest beaches in the world. The most popular beach is undeniably Voutoumi beach, which boasts crystalline turquoise waters. There are less than 100 people living on Antipaxos, so visitors either have to rent a house or house-share on the island, or overnight in Paxos.
How to get there: Antipaxos can be reached by 15-minute ride with a sea-taxi from the port of Gaios in Paxos.
Samos
Samos rests a mile off of the coast of Turkey, separated by the Mycale Strait in the eastern Aegean Sea. Samos is the birthplace of the famous mathematician Pythagoras, philosopher Epicurus and Muscat wine. Samos is a multi-faceted island that offers a bounty of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, rustic appeal as well as a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Visitors can hike, cycle, boat and spend days touring local vineyards and archaeological sites. Samos is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Pythagorieo, which is home to Tunnel of Eupalinos and the Temple of Hera in the southern part of the island. Visitors who are looking for a taste of tavern culture should spend a few nights in Pythogorio with its bustling waterfront, as well as the capital of Vathy or Kokkari.
How to get there: Samos is easily accessible by air and there are flights to the island from Athens, Thessaloniki, Chios, Rhodes and several other islands.
Zakynthos
Known by many names, Zakynthos is unique in the sense that its allure is not found on land, but beneath the waves. Surrounded by indigo waters that team with life and beauty, Zakynthos is the ideal holiday spot for avid divers, snorkelers, sufers and animal lovers. The island is known for its many environmental volunteer opportunities. Visitors can choose to volunteer their time with one of the many local organisations that protect sea turtles. Adventurous visitors won’t be able to resist the opportunity to dive between rocks and pay a visit to some of the underwater caves. Zakynthos caters to every type of holidaymaker. You’ll find quiet rustic villages like Vassilikos, family resorts such as Tsilivi and Kalamaki, and the notorious party town of Laganas. Zakynthos is definitely the most visited island on our list.
How to get there: Due to its increased popularity, travellers can find flights to Zakynthos from the U.K. during the summer months. There are also plenty of domestic flights from Athens. Alternatively, visitors can reach the island via ferry from Kyllini on mainland Greece.
Naxos
Naxos' aesthetic appeal is universal. The island welcomes honeymooning couples, families and solo travellers. Naxos is renown for its beautiful Greek music. Men, women and children dress in traditional Greek attire and serenade visitors in the streets with folk music. You can also find free live shows almost every night of the week in local tavernas. Active visitors will enjoy the chance to kite surf and windsurf along the western coastline or hike to the peak of Mount Zas, the tallest point in the Cyclades. Naxos is no stranger to breath-taking beaches and there are a plethora to choose from. The most popular being Plaka, Agios Prokopios, Orkos and Mikri Vigla.
How to get there: Visitors can fly from Athens to Naxos. Or, travellers can take a ferry or high-speed boat from a number of islands, including; Santorini, Crete and Mykonos or from the mainland ports in Athens or Thessaloniki.
Amorgos
For privacy, seclusion and sublime natural beauty, look no further than the Cycladic island of Amorgos. Esteemed for its unique architecture, remote beaches and pretty hiking trails, Amorgos is the ultimate Greek getaway. Lose yourself along the winding trails that cut across the island, discover the charming town of Hora and pay a visit to the anciet Monastery of Hozoviotissa, the island’s most famous landmark. The unspoilt island will appeal to visitors who prefer a subdued holiday where days are spent sunbathing, swimming and exploring the island on foot.
How to get there: Due to its more remote location, getting to Amorgos is not as easy as other islands. Visitors can fly from Athens to Naxos and then take a ferry from Naxos to Amorgos. There are ferries between Athen’s Piraeus port and Amorgos. There are also ferry connections between Amorgos and other islands, including Crete, Paros and Koufonissi. Ferry rides are on average, at least 7.5 hours long, so booking a business class seat is recommended.
