Forget Santorini, Rhodes, and Mykonos: These 5 underrated Greek islands will take your breath away

Summer in Greece—this is written on almost everyone’s bucket list, for a good reason. Greece is pure magic: from stunning sandy white beaches and turquoise sea water to wonderful landscapes with olive and lemon trees, charming architecture, untouched nature, rich history, mesmerizing mythology, and as the cherry on top, the flavorful Greek cuisine.

Millions of tourists flood the Greek islands every summer for long days at the beaches or sailing and discovering small fisherman villages, nights at the taverns breaking plates and drinking ouzo, and hours spent shopping and exploring the ancient temples of the gods.

Choose Your Greek Island: Iconic Hotspots or Hidden Gems Waiting to Be Explored?

Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Corfu, and Crete—these are the Greek islands that top most travel lists.

With its romantic scenery, beautiful white churches with blue domes, and unforgettable sunsets, Santorini is the top choice for honeymooners wanting a dreamy seaside escape.

Mykonos is well known for the parties, all day and all night, with world-famous DJs, luxurious beach clubs, and a cosmopolitan vibe.

History lovers looking for a journey back in time choose Rhodes for its UNESCO-protected Medieval Old Town, archaeological sites, and, of course, long golden beaches.

Crete offers the authentic Greek experience to its visitors, with long sandy beaches, lovely mountains, historical sites, museums, and local taverns serving fresh seafood and traditional dishes.

Corfu welcomes tourists with its beautiful architecture, small and hidden beaches accessible only by boat, an old monastery, and lively summer vibes at its bars and clubs.

But these five islands are just the tip of the iceberg. Greece has around 6,000 islands and islets, nestled in the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Of those, only about 227 are inhabited. So while the famous few steal the spotlight, there are hundreds of lesser-known islands quietly waiting to be explored—peaceful, authentic, and just as breathtaking. These are the best hidden Greek islands you’ve never heard of.

Folegandros Island: Stunning, Simple, and Serene

If you are looking for the romantic scenery that Santorini has but without the crowd, then book a flight to Folegandros. This small island in the Cyclades will amaze you with its untouched natural wonders, long and wild beaches, and the perfect little white houses and small churches.

This Greek island, with fewer than 1,000 inhabitants, is enchanting and sophisticated, but its true charm lies in its simplicity. Here, the locals still nurture the true Greek spirit, keeping the tradition alive through their architecture, cuisine, and family-run taverns, with no fancy beach bars or restaurants.

The island’s main village, Chora, sits atop a dramatic cliff and is one of the most picturesque in the Aegean—car-free, quiet, and full of charm. Don’t miss the hike up to the Panagia Church, which rewards you with panoramic views over the sea and the cliffs below, especially breathtaking at sunset. Perfect for a date night—or maybe even popping the big question.

But the true beauty of Folegandros lies in its secluded Greek island beaches. Raw and beautiful, the only noise is the sound of waves crashing against the little pebbles. Agali, Katergo, and Livadaki are absolute musts for crystal-clear waters and peaceful swims.

And to really savor the island, be sure to try matsata, Folegandros’ signature dish of handmade pasta typically served with rooster or rabbit in a rich tomato sauce—simple, yet mouthwatering.

With its relaxed pace, stunning landscapes, and authentic vibe, Folegandros feels like a postcard from a quieter, more soulful Greece. Truly one of the best destinations in Greece, beyond Mykonos and Santorini.

Kastellorizo: Pastel-Coloured Paradise

Where the pastel-colored houses meet the clear turquoise waters of the Aegean, you can find the little Greek island of Kastellorizo, a perfect spot for an escape from urban life and city noise.

Kastellorizo is called by the locals Megisti or ‘biggest’, because despite only being around 10 km², it’s the largest island in its archipelago. It’s located only two kilometers from the Turkish coast, but it has still kept the Greek tradition and flavors.

Love at first sight may happen to you when you step onto the old port of this tiny island. The main harbor town is like a postcard—pastel-colored neoclassical houses, small boats, and local fishermen still mending fishing nets by hand, like in the old days.

You can feel the serenity in the air, the sea breeze, and just relax while being sun-kissed. Kastellorizo was made for true hedonists who seek a laid-back seaside holiday. No big resorts, no beach clubs—just charming tavernas serving fresh fish and a peaceful, slow pace and authentic Greek style.

Its staples are the old fishing boats, so treat yourself with a sailing excursion, snorkeling, and exploring sea caves like the Blue Grotto.

While the island doesn’t have long sandy beaches, it offers stunning spots for swimming and sunbathing right off the rocks, with crystal-clear waters—the most beloved are Mandraki, Faros, and the swimming platforms near the harbor.

And when the sun sets, enjoy a quiet dinner on the seashore with freshly caught fish and stuffed squid, the local specialty dish that captures the essence of this underrated Greek island.  Doesn’t have the fame of Mykonos, but the beauty, even more.

Kea Island: Historic, Green, and Peaceful

Located just off the coast of Attica, Kea is one of the greenest islands in the Cyclades—with rolling hills, vineyards, oak forests, olive groves, and hidden coves that offer the perfect escape from city crowds. This island, rich in history, was once home to four ancient Greek city-states, and its archaeological heritage is definitely worth exploring.

Today, Kea has a population of around 2,500 residents, spread across small villages that maintain a traditional way of life.

Kea is especially popular among sailing and diving enthusiasts. Its proximity to Athens makes it an ideal weekend getaway, and the underwater world here is fascinating, with several shipwrecks—including parts of the legendary Britannic, the sister ship of the Titanic.

The beaches are peaceful and sometimes nearly empty—Otzias, Koundouros, and Spathi are among the most famous, offering calm waters, golden sand, and open horizons. These are secluded Greek island beaches you’ll remember forever.

Kea is not just a place to relax, but a destination where you can truly feel the spirit of ancient Greece while enjoying traditional cuisine such as nettle and cheese pie, or fresh fish drizzled with local olive oil.

Samothrace Island: Wild, Remote, and Magical

Nestled in the northern Aegean Sea, Samothrace (or Samothraki) is unlike any other Greek island. There are no airport landings, no luxury resorts, and no busy crowds—just raw beauty and a sense of stillness that’s hard to find these days. This is a place for nature lovers, dreamers, and those who long to wander off the beaten path. This underrated destination in Greece is truly a little piece of heaven on Earth. The serenity and peace are surreal.

Standing proud, like a Greek God, is Mount Saos, the island’s wild heart, rising 1,611 meters into the sky. Legend says Poseidon watched the Trojan War unfold from its peak. Today, the mountain draws hikers, campers, and free spirits looking for adventure and connection with nature. The trails twist through thick forests, leading to ancient springs, natural pools, and icy waterfalls—the most famous being Kleidosi and Kremasto, where swimming beneath the falls feels like stepping into myth.

Though Samothrace is often seen as a mountain island, the coast hides its own kind of magic, the purest one. The beaches here are wild and peaceful, untouched by beach bars or loud music. Pachia Ammos, with its soft golden sand and a single taverna, is the most accessible. Kipos Beach, blanketed in smooth blue-grey pebbles, feels more remote and raw. And for the truly curious, a hike or boat ride around the southern edge of the island reveals hidden gems like Vatos, a beach so secluded you may have it all to yourself, even in August.

With fewer than 3,000 residents and a true walk in the past, Samothrace is a rare Greek island that will take your breath away. And after an all-day hike, deep in the waterfalls, feast yourself with one of the most beloved traditional dishes of Samothrace—katsikaki sti gastra, which means slow-cooked goat in a clay pot. For those looking for Greek islands without crowds, this is paradise found.

Samos Island: Sacred, Sophisticated, and Sunny

The Greeks proudly speak of Samos as an island of exceptional natural beauty, rich wine, golden beaches, and deep spiritual heritage. But Samos is more than just a pretty island—it’s a place of legacy, where mythology, philosophy, and science were born under the same blue skies.

Once revered by kings, priests, and poets, Samos was considered a spiritual and intellectual center of the Mediterranean world. It was here that temples reached for the heavens, and minds shaped the way we still think today. The island is the mythical birthplace of the goddess Hera, and home to some of ancient Greece’s brightest minds—Pythagoras, the great mathematician; Aristarchus, the pioneering astronomer; and Epicurus, the philosopher of simple pleasures.

 

Wandering through the island, you’ll find echoes of this glorious past. Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites await: the ancient city of Pythagoreion, once a bustling port and center of learning, and the Heraion of Samos, a grand sanctuary dedicated to Hera, surrounded by cypress trees and sacred silence.

But Samos is not only about history. The landscapes here are lush and generous—green hills dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and quaint villages. The beaches are breathtaking, from the popular Tsamadou with its turquoise waters and beach bars to hidden gems like Megalo Seitani, wild and untouched, reachable only by hike or boat.

And don’t leave without tasting the island’s famous Muscat wine, sweet and golden, just like the light that bathes this remarkable place.

Greece — Islands Made for Every Soul

From small fisherman villages still nurturing tradition to modern tourist resorts and clubs, from simple nature to luxurious bars, a walk through the past or a stroll past super-brand shops, high-end dining or a local tavern with fresh seafood—Greece has an island for every taste and style.

And while the famous ones shine bright, it’s often the underrated destinations in Greece that leave the deepest mark. Let the unknown surprise you. These are the best hidden gems in Greece, and all you need to do is book your flight and scratch that Summer in Greece from your bucket list.