When it comes to summer holidays, Greece really does tick every box. Golden beaches lapped by aquamarine seas, ancient ruins basking under the Mediterranean sun and long, lazy lunches in seaside tavernas with fresh fish and chilled local wine. It’s no wonder Greece continues to be a top pick for UK travellers year after year.
But it’s not just about the postcard-perfect Santorini sunsets or buzzing Mykonos beach clubs. The real magic often lies in the lesser-known islands and untouched corners where life moves slower, traditions run deep, and the tourist crowds haven’t quite caught on.
Exploring the Greek Islands – the lesser-known Gems
To those who have not been to Greece, the Greek Islands seem magical. Even though Santorini and Mykonos are on everyone’s bucket list and are overtouristed, there are hundreds of other interesting and beautiful islands to explore.
Every island has its own identity, whether it is rugged terrain, mountains, gorges or hidden bays with quiet beaches, there is something special on every island.
You can visit them by ferry, private yachts or local boat hire. There are some tours that will take you to a few islands. Just know that most of these islands are off the beaten track. So you won’t find local coffee shops for takeaway coffees nor will you find Irish pubs or British food.
For the most local experience, grab a frappe from a Kafenion, have lunch in a taverna, preferably a fish one that serves the day’s catch and watch the sunset from a local bar where the locals congregate in the evening.
Here are a few other islands to consider.
Andros
The easiest island to get to from Athens, just a short ferry ride away so you can do it as a day trip. Andros is a walker’s paradise, crisscrossed with lush hiking trails and dotted with freshwater springs and neoclassical mansions. It also has some of the Cyclades’ most underrated beaches and excellent local wines.
Karpathos
This lesser known island near Rhodes is one for those looking for a unique experience. Karpathos is a rugged island of traditions with a large dose of nature. Olympos is a remote village where the women still wear traditional dress and live like the 21st century has not touched them. There are numerous hiking routes across the island and is especially popular with bird watchers.
Ios
The hippie crowd found Ios before the Instagrammers. It is often mistaken as a party island but like other Greek islands, Ios has a quieter, more soulful side with charming villages, historic monasteries and secluded bays. The best time to visit is in the shoulder season to avoid the crowds.
Folegandros
A serene alternative to its famous neighbour Santorini, Folegandros offers whitewashed houses, dramatic cliffs, and cobbled streets that wind through the hilltop village of Chora. Its calm pace and boutique atmosphere make it ideal for couples and solitude-seekers.
Amorgos
This rugged island is a paradise for hikers and divers. The dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, and the cliff-hugging Hozoviotissa Monastery give Amorgos an almost mystical charm. It’s also known for its role in Luc Besson’s film The Big Blue.
Crete
This is one of the biggest islands and it is big in history, mythology as it is the birthplace of the Minoan civilisation and there are great beaches too. If you know the myth about the Minotaur, you need to visit Knossos Palace, an archaeological gem. You will also find Venetian fortresses, Byzantine churches, and Ottoman influences woven into the island’s architecture and towns. Elounda is away from the main town and has charming fish tavernas facing Spinalonga island and some stunning hotels.
Ikaria
Ikaria is an island with pine forests, quiet beaches, mountains and gorges not forgetting hot springs. Great for those who long for unspoilt outdoors and wellness. As it is not on tourist routes nor a cruise port, it does not have massive crowds.
Ikaria is one of the world’s Blue Zones, where the local people live well into their 90s. They attribute this to their Mediterranean diet, strong ties with family and community and daily physical activity. Local food like foraged greens, goat and Ikarian sourdough paired with the local wines. Perfect for slow travel, and those looking for an authentic Greek experience.
Top Tips for Visiting the Greek Islands
- Travel in Shoulder Season: Visit in May/June or September/October when the weather is still warm and sunny, there are fewer tourists and you can get better prices for accommodation.
- Island-Hop Sustainably: Visit just one island group like the Cyclades or Dodecanese to avoid long ferry journeys. Alternatively, there are also night ferries on some routes.
- Use Local Ferries: Travel between islands on night ferries or the slow ferries for scenic routes and to experience how locals travel. Just know that sometimes the ferry timetables are not accurate.
- Respect Greek Culture: Dress modestly in villages and when you visit churches. Don’t walk around in your swimwear unless you’re at a beach restaurant or bar. Do support local artisans and makers and try the local food at the tavernas.
Understand new travel costs in Greece
When budgeting for your trip, take note of new tourism charges coming into effect in 2025. These include a revised daily accommodation tax of €8 and the introduction of a Climate Resilience Tax (to support environmental sustainability) that can range from €1.50 to €10 per night, depending on the type and location of the accommodation where you stay.
While these changes may slightly increase the overall cost of your trip, you can still find great value by booking early or choosing self-catering options. Villas in the Greek island work out cheaper if you’re travelling as a family or part of a group. If a pool is a must, villas with a pool might be a better option as smaller hotels don’t usually have them.
Updated entry rules for UK travellers to Greece
Before your trip to Greece, make sure you have all the necessary travel permissions, especially with new regulations coming into effect. By 2025, new systems like the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) and the Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will be in place. Also check the expiry date on your passport, make sure it is not more than 10 years since the issue date.
All UK travellers must submit biometric data and complete an online form before visiting Schengen countries, including Greece, so make sure you are familiar with government requirements and do it before you travel to avoid any last-minute surprises.
Summer in Greece – it’s truly memorable
Despite small changes in costs and new entry rules, Greece remains unbeatable as a summer destination. With almost guaranteed sunshine, the hot weather, glorious beaches, culture and history if you want it and a wide range of experiences, it’s a great choice for a memorable summer holiday.
