Alternative Greek Islands You Must Visit

In Greece, you can find a lot of destinations on almost unknown heavenly islands. We are talking about locations which would make one think that these islands are off the map. These are the hidden islands of Greece, which retain their almost unspoilt beauty.

Amorgos

is an island that has become a special meet-up destination for some. You are either going to love it immensely and you will want to become a “permanent Amorgian” or you will see it as one of the islands of the barren line you just need to see only once. It has a beautiful Chora (where you will spend most of your nights) and two harbours, Katapola and Aegiali. The first harbour gathers all the traffic – boats, food, cafes, bars, hotels. From here you have access to a number of beaches by taking a boat and setting sail to destinations like Saints Saranda, Cherokomos, Finikies or even get to places on foot like Saint Panteleimonas and Martezi. The second harbour is quieter, with a long sandy beach, while the surrounding villages (Tholaria, Potamos and Lagada) will keep you busy. Everything you need for hanging out with friends and having “rakomela” can be found there. Swimming in Amorgos means exploring the small rocky coves of Kato Meria (Agia Anna, Mouros) and losing yourself in the endless blue. Amorgos is also a paradise for walkers.

Anafi

in the Small Cyclades might be another suggestion for those looking to unwind. Relaxing low-budget holidays, beautiful beaches, picturesque countryside and quiet evenings with your company while having “rakomela”. You will find a few choices of accommodation in this small, completely Cycladic countryside, which is the only settlement along with the port of Agios Nikolaos. So, in order to find a place to stay, we suggest you book your room early. Taverns and bars are few but offer extremely tasty and authentic Greek cuisine. The most famous beaches are Katsouni and Flamourou and the most remote of the Great River, Little and Big Roukounas.

Koufonisia

Holidays in Koufonisia? Yes, please! In the 1980s it sounded like a rather quirky choice, deliberately isolated and natural. Today things have changed. The exotic beaches became known and the island was overwhelmed by a multinational tourist stream that fortunately did not completely flatten its virgin features. Holidays mean peace, relaxation, and a natural escape from the city’s dungeon. You can do all of the above is you choose Koufonisia as a starting point for your Greek island hopping holiday. Forget what it means to be stuck in a traffic jam. All you have to do is to roam around wonderful beaches, walk to the uninhabited Kato Koufonissi and go to the Devil’s Eye.

Antiparos

The low profile of Antiparos has been starting to change in recent years. Especially, since the media of the whole world have reported that Tom Hanks spends his summers on the island, Antiparos has seen its tourists multiply by hundreds. And not unfairly, as there are beautiful beaches (Kako Rema in Ai-Giorgis, Mikri Paralia in Soros, Sifneikos Gialos). In Antiparos, you will also find an impressive cave dominating the hill of Agios Ioannis which is ideal for kayaking excursions around the seaside caves. The bougainvillaeas and geraniums of the Castle, the only settlement of the island, are luscious. You’ll love walking around the area.

Kastelorizo

Kastelorizo is located in the Dodecanese with a population of 492 inhabitants. This marvellous island might be just 800 meters from the Turkish coast, but Kastelorizo is undoubtedly Greek. Here you will found out what the authentic island life really is. The building that gave its name to the island, Kastelorizo, is a red fort that dates back to the 14th century. The harbour is pleasantly different and very bright compared to the well known Greek settlements that you might have seen until now. It is actually a beautiful complex of villas with bright colours! The Blue Cave, on the southeastern coast of the island, is an impressive natural phenomenon that you must visit when you find yourself here.

Trizonia is a miracle of nature, with an area of just 2.4 sq. Km, walking around the area is so much fun, just 25 km from Nafpaktos. If you take a close look at a map you’ll see that itis located right opposite Aegio. There are many surprises on this island. First of all, the seas are so peaceful, the water very calm, extremely clear since you can see the bottom of the sea and its colour is deep blue. It has been recorded in history that Onassis (famous Greek tycoon) wanted to buy this island from the locals by offering enormous sums of money. The locals refused by replying that this specific paradise was not for say, so, Aristotle ended up buying the island Scorpios. Here you will forget everything: cars, motorbikes, noise, voices, stress, fatigue, and you will get familiar with nature and the islands lively flora that includes almonds, prickly pearls, eucalyptus, holly, plums, olive trees, pine trees and cedar trees. The natural landscape is amazing, its lacy and continuous beaches, the lush vegetation and the 156 permanent residents are truly hospitable and open their houses to visitors. There are many sailboats in the harbour of the settlement and you can find plenty of fresh fish in the taverns there.

The islands of Kalamos and Kastos were deserted and uncultivated until the end of the 17th century. The city of Kalamos is 1 mile from the northern Cape of Kastos and the coasts of Kastos and Kalamos are deep. Today the way people look at these islands has changed or we’d rather say that it has improved. If you find yourself in Lefkada, the smell of thyme, basil, bay laurel, pine, pomegranate, the scent of almond and olive trees as well as that of – the only pine tree of its kind – the pine tree of the sea comes from the islets that are close to Lefkada, Kalamos and Kastos. You can find these islands close to the shores of Aitoloakarnania, 20 minutes by boat from Astakos and just 1 nautical mile from Mytikas. Green islands with lush organic bio-gardens and stunning beaches, plane trees, dense pine forests and the complete absence of cars, except for mini-vans and vans for garbage collection and the transport of the 35 inhabitants of Kastos and 300 of Kalamos will make you think that you’ve travelled back in time. You will need neither a bus nor a taxi. You can go to their surrounding beaches by boat. Every distance can be done on foot or by bicycle since you can find the most interesting locations in close proximity where you can use a small and easy route to reach them.