Skip the Hot Spots—Visit These 10 Lesser-Known Greek Islands Instead

Located in the Cyclades, Serifos has become a popular destination for Athenians in the past few years, thanks to its unspoiled beaches, natural beauty, and gorgeous hilltop town, Chora. Here, hike the Mining Trail, where you’ll spot old rusted mining wagons and tools; swim in the turquoise waters of Psili Ammos and Agios Sostis; and trek to Grias Castle to enjoy panoramic views of the island below. Since Serifos was the mythological home of the Cyclops, walking up to the Cyclops’ Throne rock formation is also a must.

Ikaria is famously one of the few Blue Zones in the world, a place where a surprisingly high number of its residents live past 90 years old. Scientists and locals alike attribute this longevity to the island’s notoriously laid-back lifestyle, love of wine, fresh, healthy produce, and focus on community. Here, experience a truly unique place where no one is concerned about time, and residents drink, eat, chat, and laugh until the wee hours of the morning at the famous panigiria, the island’s festivals, which take place regularly all throughout the year.

For many, Patmos has long been a religious destination, as Christians believe that John of Patmos wrote the New Testament’s Book of Revelation here after receiving holy visions. The Monastery of Saint John the Theologian (a UNESCO site) and the Cave of the Apocalypse remain major attractions on the island today. But Patmos has recently developed a lively nightlife culture that attracts young visitors from all over Greece, making it the ideal island for anyone that wants to swim in the island’s clear waters by day and sip on cocktails at night.

If you want to forgo beach bars and crowded streets in favor of a peaceful retreat, you'll love the butterfly-shaped island of Astypalaia. Hiking trails and truly tranquil beaches dot the landscape of this island in the Dodecanese. Visit beaches such as Agios Konstantinos, Livadia, and Pera Gialos to swim in their bright turquoise waters, then stop by top sites including the Panagia Portaitissa monastery and hike from the Astypalaia Port to the Castle and back down to Spatha Cape.

Rent a boat or join a tour from the main port of Gaios to explore the coast of Paxos, which is mostly inaccessible by car or on foot thanks to the island’s towering white cliffs. Plunge into the deep blue waters, where you can often see down to the ocean bottom at a depth of 40 feet (12 meters). Swim in the Blue Caves, drive through olive groves, and indulge in fresh seafood at traditional Greek tavernas in the towns of Lakka and Longos.

Related: Where To Go Island Hopping in Greece

Kalymnos boasts an incredibly unique landscape both above and below the water. Rock climbers from all over the world flock to this island’s rocky shores to challenge themselves with the towering boulders and cliffs. Kalymnos was also the capital of the Greek sponge diving industry. Today, most of the sponge divers may be gone, but scuba divers can still explore the island’s rich underwater world.

Insider tip: Most visitors take a plane instead of a ferry to Kalymnos, as the island is quite far from Athens.

Though tourists crowd its neighbor, Rhodes, every summer, they leave the colorful island of Symi relatively untouched. But people tend to fall in love with Symi at first sight—the moment they approach the bright and colorful houses of the harbor town from the sea. Just a fraction of the size of Rhodes, Symi offers up a more tranquil, laid-back atmosphere. When there, walk up to Kali Strata for a stunning view, then go for a swim at Saint George Bay.

Greeks love the tiny island of Amorgos for its gorgeous beaches and slower pace of life. But the primary call to the island is its delectable cuisine. Sample delicious fresh food at Apospero Restaurant, drink psimeno raki (the Amorgos version of the famous, strong Greek liquor), and indulge in desserts and delicacies at Kallisto Pastry Shop. Between mealtimes, explore Mouros Beach and its three neighboring sea caves, or investigate the rusty Kalotaritissa Shipwreck.

Related: 15 Traditional Greek Foods and Drinks To Try on Your Next Trip

Visitors usually explore the tiny Cycladic island of Folegandros on foot or by scooter. There’s one main road on the island—which itself is just under 8 miles (13 kilometers) long—and only a few car-free villages. In fact, the tiny island boasts a wintertime population of just 300 people. This is why many people skip the asphalt altogether and walk the network of cobblestone trails that crisscross the island instead. Take your time to explore this walker’s paradise, discovering the pristine beaches of Agali, Vardia, and Katergo along the way.

Made famous in Homer’s The Odyssey, the former home of Odysseus is rapidly becoming a popular choice for travelers that want peace and quiet in the green islands of the Ionian Sea. Explore traditional picturesque villages including Vathy, Kioni, and Frikes, marvel at the beauty and clear waters of the Cave of the Nymphs, and kayak or scuba dive in the island’s deep blue seas. Then, cool off from the midday sun by swimming in the secluded waters of Gidaki Beach.