We’ve all heard of Santorini and Mykonos with their picture-perfect vistas, world-famous beach clubs and must-see sunsets. However, with every Instagram post and magazine cover, comes an overabundance of visitors. The Greek territory encompasses 6000 islands and islets, of which 227 are inhabited. This means there are plenty of alternative destinations away from the bright lights and crowds; unspoilt island locations for you to find your very own Greek island paradise. Here are our top picks for authentic islands in Greece for you to add to your Greek bucket list.
Kythira
To begin out list of authentic Greek Islands, we bring you Kythira. Kythira was the reputed birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and Beauty, and this beautiful island is certainly easy to fall in love with. Located off the south-eastern tip of the Peloponnese peninsula, Kythira is a rugged and mountainous island; cut by gorges and dramatic valleys hiding beautiful waterfalls, impressive caves and secluded coves. Kythira can be irksome to travel to but that only acts in its favour in terms of peace and quiet! While you’re here, make sure to check out the whitewashed streets of Chora and the simply sensational views of the whole island from the Venetian castle.
For food lovers, make sure you try the island’s delicious honey. Greek philosopher Hippocrates first championed Kythira honey for its medicinal qualities. Made with pollen from Kythira’s wild thyme bushes, it’s nutritious, fresh and the perfect breakfast accompaniment to creamy Greek yoghurt. The best way to get to Kythira is travelling by boat from the port of Neapoli, on the south of the Peloponnese. There are daily ferry routes, and the trip lasts just over an hour.
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Chios
Although Chios is Greece’s fifth-largest island, it has largely escaped the tourist trail; primarily due to a successful shipping industry and its monopoly on the mastiha trade (Mastiha is a resin harvested from lentisc trees, used as chewing gum and mouth freshener since antiquity: a must-try while you’re in Chios!) If you make the trip to this lesser-known gem, prepare to enjoy stunning landscapes, practically deserted beaches and unpretentious restaurants serving up delicious Greek fare. We recommend that your first port-of-call is the tiny ‘painted village’ of Pyrgi where you’ll be sure to strike up a conversation with friendly locals!
Folegandros
While Folegandros is just a short ferry ride from Santorini and has a similar volcanic landscape and architecture (think whitewashed buildings draped in bougainvillaea and blue-domed churches), it feels like an entirely different world. There are no cruise ships or coach tours here, so you can really kick back and enjoy unrushed island life. Check out our guide to Folegandros here.
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Amorgos
Remote and magical Amorgos had its fifteen minutes of fame back in the 1980s, when it was the film location for Luc Besson’s ‘The Big Blue’. Luckily, it’s so remote and hard-to-get-to (the fastest ferry from Athens takes 6 hours), that it’s definitely not fallen victim to the ‘Mamma Mia’ effect. We love Amorgos – it’s a throwback to a simpler way of life – a place where you can while away the days mixing with locals over backgammon and beers. Amorgos has more than 600 different plant species, at least 65 of which can be used as ingredients in food and the tavernas and restaurants offer mouth-watering meals in true farm-to-table dining experiences. If you’re a hiker, there are many well-maintained, marked hiked trails around the island, connecting the island’s villages.
Ikaria
Ever since local lad Icarus flew too close to the sun, the residents of Ikaria in the North Aegean Sea have been taking it easy. Tavernas, restaurants and shops operate on very flexible hours and a chilled-out lifestyle definitely seem to be paying off – Ikaria is included in the world’s Blue Zone: a term referring to geographic areas in which people have low rates of chronic disease and live longer than anywhere else. While on this idyllic island, make sure to fully embrace the Ikarian way of life. Slow down, listen more, enjoy glasses of Ikarian wine, eat your fill of delicious local dishes (make sure to try the local honey!), soak in the island’s hot thermal waters and spend days topping up your Vitamin D levels at one of the many fabulous beaches – our favourites include Seychelles beach and Nas beach. Talk to many of the laid-back, wonderful locals and enjoy a real slice of Greek life at its most relaxed.
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The Small Cyclades
Described by Lonely Planet as ‘the best Greek islands you’ve never heard of’, the Small Cyclades – comprising Schinoussa, Iraklia, Donousa and Koufounisia are fan favourites on our Cycladic sailing trips. These islands are worlds away from their more famous, busier neighbours. Picture unspoiled natural settings where there’s not a whole lot to do besides soaking up the tranquillity of these rural havens with their sapphire waters.
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