Greece has more than 200 inhabited islands, but most travelers flock to the same few every year. If you’re dreaming of whitewashed villages, turquoise water, and a slice of Greek paradise without the massive crowds, there are plenty of alternatives. Here are 10 underrated Greek islands that offer just as much beauty and charm as Santorini, without the hype.
Kefalonia
Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian islands and delivers a dramatic mix of landscapes: from towering cliffs and turquoise seas to lush hills and pine‑covered mountains. It’s home to incredible natural wonders like the subterranean lake at Melissani Cave, where sunlight filters through a collapsed ceiling to light up the clear water, and to picture‑perfect beaches like Myrtos Beach, whose white pebbles and steep surrounding ridges make it one of Greece’s iconic shorelines.
But Kefalonia isn’t only about beaches. Inland you’ll find charming villages like Assos, with pastel houses that cluster around a lagoon-like bay. The island is big enough to support variety, but still relaxed and much quieter than Santorini or Mykonos, especially if you explore outside the small handful of tourist‑heavy spots.
Because it’s well connected by ferry from ports in western Greece such as Kilini, Patra, or Astakos, it’s easier to reach than many remote islands. Holidays in Kefalonia are perfect for those who want to blend relaxation with a bit of adventure.
Naxo
Naxos stands out among Greek islands because it balances green landscapes, rich history, and laid‑back beach life. Unlike rockier, desert‑like islands, Naxos boasts fertile valleys, olive groves, and hillside villages that feel charming and lived-in.
It’s easy to spend a day lounging on long sandy beaches (like the ones near the port), then hop inland to explore ancient ruins, windmills, or quaint mountain villages with narrow cobblestone streets. For travelers who want beaches, nature, and culture, and don’t feel like fighting tourist crowds, Naxos is a top pick.
It also tends to be calmer than the more famous island resorts: even in summer its vibe stays relaxed, and you can comfortably split time between seaside and inland adventures.
Symi
Symi charms with its neoclassical harbor town with pastel‑colored houses clustered down the hills to the sea, where fishing boats bob and the reflection of buildings shimmers in emerald waters. It’s one of the most photogenic yet understated harbors in the Dodecanese.
Because Symi stays mostly off the radar, you get the beauty of a Greek island without the bustle: wandering narrow alleys, sipping ouzo by the waterfront tavernas, and enjoying seafood fresh from the morning catch. Sunset strolls along the harbor become simple magic.
And yet, it’s reachable. Ferries run to Symi from several ports (including the main Greek port of Piraeus, and other nearby islands). That makes it a feasible island‑hopping stop even if you want to avoid long travel times.
Astypalea
Astypalea gives an appealing blend of Cycladic charm and Dodecanese calm. It’s a smaller island shaped like a butterfly, with a serene rhythm that feels far removed from high-season crowds.
Its hilltop main town (Hora) is built in classic whitewashed style, offering classic Greek‑island views: winding alleys, rooftop terraces, and panoramic sea vistas. Then there are the remote beaches, small coves and stretches of sand reached only via hike or boat, which makes them feel like your own private hideaway.
Ferries to Astypalea come a few times a week from Athens (Piraeus), making it a practical option if you’re flying into Athens and then looking for a peaceful island getaway without too much travel hassle.
Ikaria
Ikaria is the kind of Greek island that gives you space to breathe, wander, and slow down. Known for its wild landscapes and rugged mountains, it’s ideal for travelers who want to escape the typical tourist rhythm.
The island’s pace is relaxed and unhurried. Villages feel timeless, beaches are often uncrowded and natural, and the overall vibe is more about living than entertaining. If you’re craving authenticity, like simple meals, mountain‑side walks, starry nights, then Ikaria delivers.
For those who want to escape the tourist traps and engage with real Greek island living, Ikaria offers an experience that feels genuine, grounded, and away from curated resort‑town gloss.
Folegandros
Folegandros brings dramatic scenery: high cliffs rising from deep blue waters, and a hilltop Chora (main village) perched like a fortress above it all. It feels like Greece at its most raw and romantic, without the crowds.
Walking the narrow streets of Chora at dusk with the wind in your hair, sunset on the horizon, whitewashed buildings glowing and it’s easy to see why Folegandros draws travelers who want the Cycladic beauty without the commercial buzz. Compared with its flashier neighbors, it’s calm, understated, and peaceful.
Secluded beaches, quiet coves, and that remote‑island energy make it perfect for couples or travelers wanting a slow, introspective getaway rather than a party or nightlife scene.
Alonissos
If you love nature, wildlife, and quiet shores, Alonissos delivers on all fronts. It’s part of a larger marine‑park area — the National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades, where you may spot dolphins, monk seals, and seabirds in their natural habitat.
The island’s landscape is lush and green, with pine forests, olive groves, and rocky coastlines that give way to crystal‑clear waters. Villages like Patitiri and Chora (the old town) are quiet and charming, ideal for early‑morning coffees or slow strolls along empty streets.
It’s a chance to truly unplug: fewer tourists, calm waters, and a laid‑back vibe that feels more like a retreat than a vacation hotspot.
Fourni
Fourni is a small archipelago tucked between Ikaria and Samos, known for its untouched charm and traditional Greek lifestyle. This is the kind of place where time slows down, with sleepy fishing villages, rugged coastlines, and secret coves perfect for swimming.
It’s especially appealing to those looking for authentic simplicity, fresh seafood, and an escape from the mainstream island circuit.
Kythira
Kythira sits off the southern tip of the Peloponnese — a bit off the main tourist circuits, which is part of its charm. It’s a Greek island with a sense of mystery and diversity: waterfalls, wild beaches, rugged hills, and remnants of Venetian castles, all in one place.
Because it doesn’t see as many visitors, Kythira retains a fresh-from‑local life feel. Villages are calm and quiet, tavernas serve home‑cooked meals, and nature feels authentic. If you want to discover a side of Greece that feels genuine and varied, not polished for tourism, Kythira gives that in spades.
It’s less accessible than many islands, but that contributes to its laid‑back energy. For travelers willing to go a bit off‑grid, the payoff is meaningful: beauty, solitude, and real Greek island character.
Leros
Leros blends history and island charm with its mix of Italian architecture, war museums, and quiet beaches. It’s perfect for travelers who like their vacations with a bit of story. The island’s main town, Agia Marina, has a low-key vibe and great seafood spots. It has a mellow, welcoming feel. No big crowds, no flashy resorts, just calm streets, a nice harbor, and seafood tavernas by the sea.
Its geography gives you room to explore, hike, and find secluded spots that feel off the usual tourist grid. Compared with the most popular islands, Leros stays refreshingly low‑key and local.
For travelers who like a mix of quiet beaches, modest nightlife, historical depth, and genuine charm, Leros is a nice alternative to a typical “party‑island” vacation.
Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.