16 Of the Best Quiet Greek Islands

Of Greece’s 6,000 islands and islets, only 227 are inhabited, and a good few of those have such pulling power that the crowds they attract aren’t to everyone’s taste. Those busier isles may be packed with atmosphere, but if you’re keen to avoid throngs of tourists there are also dozens of others to discover that, compared with the likes of Santorini and Mykonos, are incredibly laid-back. It’s not a lack of appeal that positions these quieter islands under the radar: the key thing keeping crowds at bay is generally ease of access. Those islands with international airports (such as Crete, Rhodes, Kos and Mykonos) will always be busier than Milos, Syros and others only served by domestic flights.

Ferry connections make a difference too. You’ll find fewer people the further you go from Athens or more accessible isles, meaning those you have to hop to — such as Lipsi or Astypalea — are quietest of all. So whether you’re after a peaceful time on the beach or a hike in scenic countryside, you’ll find the most magical spots by steering clear of cruise destinations, big resorts and social media influencers. From sleepy Cycladic gems to almost untrodden Ionian isles, these are the best quiet Greek islands.

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1. Aegina

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Best for proximity to Athens

With the catamaran from Athens’ main port in the city of Piraeus taking only half an hour, Aegina is among the easiest of Greek islands to hop to. Oddly, its proximity is more a deterrent than a draw: Aegina barely registers with foreign holidaymakers. That’s a shame, because visitors will discover a taverna-packed island that offers great value for money. True, the beaches may not be as good as elsewhere in Greece, but Aegina has something else: thanks to all its nut trees, you won’t find better pistachio ice cream.

Make it happen

Stay in one of the six lovely studios at Nikolaou Residence, in the renovated former home of artist Nikos Nikolaou, about a mile from the centre of town.

2. Astypalea

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Best for unexpected discoveries

Butterfly-shaped Astypalea isn’t an obvious island to visit. About halfway between Santorini and Kos, it’s one of those spots that flies under the radar — which makes stepping off the ferry here all the more rewarding. History buffs will find Roman baths, a Venetian castle, traditional windmills and a museum chock-full of antiquities; beachgoers will discover some of Greece’s most translucent waters. When you get hungry, island specialities to try include ardista (stewed lentils), lambriano (stuffed lamb) and xirotigana (fried dough drizzled with honey).

Make it happen

Stay at Chrysalis Boutique Hotel, an adults-only retreat with yoga classes and massage treatments in Astypalea Town.

3. Lipsi

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Best for myths and legends

If you find yourself falling under this Dodecanese island’s spell, you wouldn’t be the first. Legend has it that this is where Odysseus was enchanted by the goddess Calypso — though today’s visitors are more likely to be won over by Lipsi’s marvellous beaches. From the sands of Platis Gialos and Kambos to pebbly Monodendri, there’s no shortage of spots in which to dive into tempting, turquoise waters. Getting here requires a straightforward ferry trip from Kos, which takes about two hours.

Make it happen

The Aphroditi Hotel, just steps from the beach, is perhaps the island’s best guest accommodation.

4. Andros

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Best for authentic character

It’s easy to get overlooked in an archipelago shared with Santorini and Mykonos. Yet Andros, the second largest Cycladic island, has a different appeal to its glitzier neighbours. For a start, it’s greener and has lots of scenic hiking trails — then on a hot day the beaches take centre stage. Wild and lovely Achla — watched over in its sheltered cove by a lighthouse and an Orthodox church — is the standout, while sandy Batsi is more accessible, with ample facilities.

Make it happen

Stay at Krinos Suites, a boutique hotel in a former silk-weaving school that blends understated style with heartfelt hospitality and you’ll be steps from Batsi beach.

5. Folegandros

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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. The island’s main town, traffic-free, clifftop Chora, has some of the Aegean’s prettiest backstreets and squares, plus a Venetian fort with a sheer drop down to the sea. For memorable sunset views, make your way up the long zigzag path to whitewashed Panagia church — or hop on a leisurely cruise to take it all in.

Make it happen

Catch the evening’s fiery glow from the comfort of Blue Sand Boutique Hotel & Suites, hidden away on the west coast with Aegean horizons from its bedrooms.

6. Nisyros

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Best for volcanic views

It’s only a short ferry ride from Kos, so 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 beaches, hot springs and pumice cliffs, plus a crater around which it’s possible to walk. Dotted here and there are towns and villages: the capital and main port of Mandraki is the liveliest, Emporios is a pretty hilltop village with volcanic views, while Nikia is closest to the crater itself.

Make it happen

At the town of Emporios, Melanopetra (the name means “dark stone”) is a good bet for self-catering stays in stylish apartments built with local materials.

7. Syros

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Best for culture vultures

You’d never guess from its peaceful vibe that Syros was once this seafaring nation’s main commercial hub. Yet that influx of wealth can be seen in elegant architecture and cultural institutions centred on the island’s capital, and that of the Cyclades, Ermoupoli — named after Hermes, the Greek god of merchants. On your list should be the grand 19th-century theatre, treasures displayed in its Archaeological Museum, and an array of Orthodox and Catholic churches. 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).

Make it happen

Give in to Ermoupoli’s charms at Aristide Hotel, an art-and-marble-filled Cycladic townhouse that’s a short walk from the beach or main square.

8. Meganisi

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Best for peaceful escapes

Being overlooked in the rush to reach better-known Cephalonia and Lefkada has been a blessing for offbeat Meganisi. Despite lying only 25 minutes by ferry from Lefkada, this unspoilt Ionian island has forgone 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).

Make it happen

Vathy and Spartochori villages have plenty of charm, and you’ll be within striking distance of both when staying at bay-facing Azur Retreat — where an infinity pool and upscale bedrooms await.

• Discover our full guide to Greece
• Best Greek islands to visit

9. Alonissos

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Best for going wild

It’s all about nature on Alonissos, which lies within the Northern Sporades national marine park (Greece’s first), an area stretching over 2,000 sq km. This reserve is home to rare Mediterranean monk seals, as well as dolphins, turtles and colonies of seabirds. Divers are in for a treat at the Underwater Museum’s sunken, fifth-century BC cargo ship, which can also be viewed virtually at the local information centre. Back on dry land, discover monasteries, hiking trails and picturesque island capital, Patitiri, then decamp to Chrisi Milia beach for turquoise waters and some of the finest golden sands.

Make it happen

Relax in peace at The Infinity 180 Luxury Suites, a collection of adults-only apartments with a gorgeous pool; then liven things up with a day trip to Skiathos, just over an hour’s hydrofoil skim away.

• Best hotels in Skiathos

10. Agistri

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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 port of Piraeus, 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; for sandier shores, try Skala.

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Skala is also where you’ll find Oasis Beach Hotel, whose 52 rooms and suites all have private verandas or balconies, some of which offer sea views.

11. Milos

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Best for otherworldly landscapes

The exquisite Venus de Milo (the ancient statue discovered here, now on display at the Louvre) is not the only thing of legendary beauty to have greeted visitors to this Cycladic outpost over the centuries. Volcanic origins created a landscape of elemental colours which mixes sulphur-yellow cliffs with ash-white and obsidian-black rock formations. Such rawness comes into its own at Sarakiniko beach, where smoothly sculpted, lunar-like shores contrast magnificently with the dazzling waters of the Aegean.

Make it happen

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.

12. Patmos

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Best for divine beaches

The Dodecanese island of Patmos has a fascinating past. Said to be where the Book of Revelation was written (a theory that consequently saw it become a place of Christian pilgrimage), it’s nowadays also known for its 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 shores are sublime. Kampos has the busiest beach scene; or hire a boat and escape to Psili Ammos (which merits its name meaning “fine sand”).

Make it happen

Porto Scoutari, the top Patmos hotel with a large swimming pool and rooms bathed in white, is an ideal base from which to explore.

13. Kythira

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Best for gorgeous scenery

Lying between Crete and the Peloponnese region of mainland Greece 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, cliffs and countryside sit beside golden beaches and ancient ruins.

Make it happen

Stay at Hidden Retreats, a soulful escape on a hilltop overlooking the sea — venturing out to discover pretty villages connected by cobblestone pathways, or the lovely white sand beach at Diakofti.

14. Kastellorizo

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Best for edge-of-Greece getaways

Don’t be surprised if you haven’t heard of Kastellorizo. This tiny treasure is one of a handful of Greek isles skimming Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, near the seaside town of Kas. Also known as Megisti, the island takes its common name from Castello Rosso, a castle that looms above the port from a distinctively reddish-rocked hilltop. Its single, east-meets-west town has museums, a mosque and colourfully painted houses.

Make it happen

Casa Mediterraneo, a six-suite boutique hideaway, is set across three burnt-orange-hued homes with views of the sunset and harbour.

15. Serifos

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Best for couples

For stacks of somnolent, step-back-in-time appeal, this Cycladic isle has everything solitude-seeking couples could need, only two hours or so by boat from Piraeus and an even shorter hop from Milos. Even in high season, you’ll find quiet spots among the island’s 40-odd beaches (Livadakia is a highlight), and a surprisingly lively hilltop town that gleams against the sun-scorched rockface.

Make it happen

Book into Nostos, a 17-room property whose solar panels, heat pumps and other green technologies minimise its impact on the island’s environment.

16. Sifnos

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Best for foodies

It’s thanks to Nikolaos Tselementes, a local chef who wrote the first modern Greek cookbook in 1926, that Sifnos is renowned for its foodie credentials. Just 10km from neighbouring Serifos, Sifnos celebrates Tselementes with a food festival every September. Yet it’s the wealth of bakeries and restaurants — especially in the capital Apollonia and nearby Artemonas — that keeps the culinary offering interesting all summer long.

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Equally respectful of the island’s heritage is Sigma Residences, a collection of villas and cottages on the edge of Apollonia whose names are a nod to local villages and traditional farming practices.