Greece counts around 6,000 islands and islets, and roughly 200 of them are inhabited, yet most visitors see the same five or six. The islands on this list are the ones in between: places like Anafi, with about 250 residents, or Ithaca, a name everyone knows and almost nobody visits, where a taverna owner still has time to talk and the beach is yours before noon.
Folegandros has Santorini's clifftop drama without the cruise ships. Sifnos and Tinos have become genuine food destinations. Koufonisia and Schinoussa, in the Small Cyclades, barely register on a map. Kythira is a one-hour ferry from the Peloponnese, Anafi sits under a 460-metre rock monolith, and Alonissos is wrapped by Europe's largest marine national park.
We have sorted all 18 by how hard they are to reach, because that, more than anything, decides whether a hidden island makes a good trip or a lost week. Each entry gives you the ferry time, the beaches, who the island suits and the catch, and the tiers below tell you where to start if you have never island-hopped before.
At a glance — best unknown Greek islands by traveler type
- Best for first-time off-the-beaten-path travelers: Antiparos or Sifnos — easy ferry access, enough infrastructure to feel comfortable
- Best for the "anti-Santorini" trip: Folegandros — same clifftop drama without the crowds
- Best for authentic Greek mountain culture: Karpathos — traditional villages most travelers never reach
- Best for foodies: Sifnos or Tinos — Greece's two most exciting food destinations
- Best for true island paradise: Koufonisia — Caribbean colors, single village, walkable
- Best for hikers: Amorgos — dramatic clifftop monastery, excellent trail network
- Best for wellness and slow travel: Ikaria — the Blue Zone, no-clock Greek time
- Best for total disconnection: Lipsi or Schinoussa — barely populated, blissfully nothing to "do"
- Best for an Athens weekend: Kea (Tzia) — closest Cycladic island, Athenians' secret
- Best for photographers: Symi — most colorful harbor in Greece
- Best for a dramatic castle town: Astypalea — Venetian castle, windmills and beaches that feel private
- Best for solitude near Santorini: Anafi — about 250 residents, an hour from Santorini by ferry
- Best for wildlife and diving: Alonissos — monk seals and Europe's largest marine national park
- Best for mythology and quiet bays: Ithaca — Odysseus's island, 45 minutes from Kefalonia
- Best for a road trip beside the Peloponnese: Kythira — one hour by ferry from Neapoli (bring a car)
Why Visit Lesser-Known Greek Islands?
The famous Greek islands are famous because they deliver. But they also come with crowds, high prices, and increasingly similar tourist infrastructure.
Book a private transfer through Welcome Pickups for a stress-free arrival at Athens port or airport before heading to the islands.
The islands on this list offer something different:
Genuine authenticity — Villages that haven't been redesigned for Instagram, tavernas where the owner's grandmother is cooking, beaches where you might be the only person swimming.
Better value Accommodation is generally cheaper than on Mykonos or Santorini, restaurants don't carry the same tourist markup, and ferry tickets cost the same.
A different pace — These islands operate on Greek time, not tourist time. Shops close for afternoon naps. Nightlife means ouzo at the harbor. And that's exactly the point.
The real Greece — This is what island-hopping felt like before the influencers arrived.
(For the more famous options, see our guide to the best Greek islands to visit.)
Where to start — based on your travel experience
Not every "off-the-beaten-path" island works for every traveler. We'd loosely break these 18 islands into three tiers:
🟢 Easy to reach — good first-time hidden-gem trips Antiparos, Sifnos, Serifos, Tinos, Kea, Symi. Direct ferry connections, established infrastructure (you'll find a good hotel, ATM, decent restaurant), but still genuinely uncrowded compared to Santorini or Mykonos.
🟡 Medium effort — for the more committed second-time visitor Folegandros, Koufonisia, Kythira, Ithaca. Slightly longer ferry routes, a change of boat, or more limited accommodation. The islands themselves are spectacular; the logistics require a bit of planning.
🔴 Off the grid — for repeat Greece visitors who want true escape Ikaria, Amorgos, Karpathos, Astypalea, Anafi, Alonissos, Lipsi, Schinoussa. Long ferry journeys or seasonal flights. Limited infrastructure. The reward is depth and authenticity that's genuinely harder to find anywhere else in Europe.
If you've never island-hopped in Greece, start in the green tier. If you've done Santorini and Mykonos and want the "real Greece" everyone talks about, go straight to the red tier.
18 Best Unknown & Small Greek Islands
1. Folegandros
The anti-Santorini
Best for: Couples, romantics, walkers | Budget: €€–€€€ | Ferry: 3.5 hrs from Santorini, 4 hrs from Piraeus
Folegandros does what Santorini does — clifftop Chora, dramatic caldera views, whitewashed cube houses — but without the cruise ships, the crowds, or the prices. If you want Cycladic romance without fighting for sunset photos, this is your island.
What makes it special: Chora might be the most beautiful village in the Cyclades. Perched on a cliff edge, it has a perfect central square, narrow streets that lead to viewpoints, and the Panagia church above town for sunset. There are only three villages on the entire island, connected by walking paths through terraced hillsides.
The beaches: Angali is the main beach, accessible by bus or boat. Katergo is wilder and more dramatic. Neither has the infrastructure of bigger island beaches — which is entirely the point.
The catch: Folegandros is small and getting more popular. August accommodation books up months ahead. The beaches require effort to reach. Limited nightlife beyond quiet drinks in Chora's squares.
2. Sifnos
The culinary island
Best for: Foodies, hikers, couples | Budget: €€–€€€ | Ferry: 2.5 hrs from Piraeus (high-speed)
Sifnos has become a genuine culinary destination — the island that chefs and food writers visit when they want to understand Greek cuisine at its best. But beyond the food, it's simply a beautiful, authentic Cycladic island with excellent walking trails.
What makes it special: Nikolaos Tselementes, author of Greece's most influential cookbook, was from Sifnos. The island's clay-pot cooking traditions, local cheeses, capers, and honey are legendary. Multiple excellent restaurants — from traditional tavernas to contemporary spots — make this a foodie's pilgrimage. The walking trails connecting villages are some of the best in the Cyclades.
The beaches: Vathi is a protected bay with tavernas right on the sand — swim, eat, repeat. Platis Gialos is a long sandy beach. Chryssopigi has a photogenic church on a promontory.
The catch: Sifnos is becoming known — it's no longer truly "undiscovered," especially among Athenians. The beaches are good rather than exceptional. Getting there requires a longer ferry than the closest Cyclades.
3. Koufonisia
The tiny paradise
Best for: Beach lovers, minimalists, escapists | Budget: €€ | Ferry: 2.5 hrs from Naxos, 4 hrs from Piraeus
Koufonisia is part of the Small Cyclades — a cluster of tiny islands between Naxos and Amorgos that most tourists have never heard of. Ano Koufonisi (the inhabited one) is just 5.5 square kilometers with a permanent population of around 400.
What makes it special: This is the Greece of dreams — turquoise water, golden beaches, a single village with a handful of tavernas, and virtually no cars. The entire island is walkable in an afternoon. The beaches (Pori, Italida, Finikas) have that Caribbean-meets-Cyclades color palette that makes you question why you ever holiday anywhere else.
The catch: Koufonisia has been "discovered" by Greeks and in-the-know travelers. August is now crowded by the island's standards (which still means far fewer people than Santorini). Accommodation is limited and books up fast. Ferry connections require planning.
4. Amorgos
The dramatic escape
Best for: Hikers, alternative travelers, film buffs | Budget: €€ | Ferry: 6–8 hrs from Piraeus, 2 hrs from Naxos
Amorgos was put on the map by Luc Besson's film The Big Blue — the dramatic clifftop monastery of Hozoviotissa is one of Greece's most striking images. But beyond the photogenic moments, Amorgos attracts a different crowd: hikers, yoga retreaters, and travelers seeking something more meaningful than beach clubs.
What makes it special: Hozoviotissa monastery clings impossibly to a 300-meter cliff, its whitewashed walls visible for miles. Chora is one of the most beautiful Cycladic villages, with a Venetian castle and classic cube houses. The island has excellent hiking trails and a distinctly alternative, laid-back atmosphere.
The beaches: Agia Anna near Hozoviotissa is small but stunning. Mouros is a gorgeous cove on the south coast. The beaches require effort but reward with beauty.
The catch: Amorgos is far from Athens — the ferry journey is long. The island is mountainous and rugged, so getting around requires planning. Not for those seeking easy beach access and resort amenities.
5. Ikaria
The Blue Zone island
Best for: Wellness seekers, alternative travelers, festival lovers | Budget: € | Ferry: 7–9 hrs from Piraeus
Ikaria is famous for two things: being a "Blue Zone" where people routinely live past 100, and having a culture so laid-back that shops open when they feel like it. Named after the mythological Icarus (who fell into the sea nearby), Ikaria operates on its own schedule.
What makes it special: Ikarians attribute their longevity to a simple diet, strong social connections, afternoon naps, and not caring about schedules. The island was historically a place of exile for Greek communists, and that independent streak remains. Summer brings famous panigiria (religious festivals) with all-night dancing and free wine.
The beaches: Seychelles Beach is genuinely stunning — a small cove with dramatic rock formations and turquoise water. Nas has a river mouth and ancient temple ruins. Messakti is a long sandy stretch popular with surfers.
The catch: Ikaria's "island time" can be frustrating if you expect things to be open when signs say they should be. Infrastructure is basic. The ferry journey is long. This is not a luxury destination — it's an experience.
6. Antiparos
The quieter neighbor
Best for: Families, couples, day-trippers from Paros | Budget: €€ | Ferry: 10 min from Paros
Antiparos sits just across a narrow strait from Paros, but feels like a different world. While Paros has developed into a full-service tourist destination, Antiparos remains small, quiet, and genuinely charming.
What makes it special: The main village is perfectly sized — you can walk everywhere, everyone knows everyone, and the pace is unhurried. The cave of Antiparos is one of the oldest-known caves in Greece (stalactites date back 45 million years). The beaches are excellent and rarely crowded.
Tom Hanks connection: The actor has been visiting for years and reportedly owns property here. The island's appeal to those seeking discretion speaks to its low-key character.
The beaches: Camping Beach, Soros, and Agios Giorgios are all lovely. The water clarity is exceptional.
The catch: Antiparos is small — you can see it in a day or two. Nightlife is minimal. Most visitors combine it with time on Paros.
7. Serifos
The rugged beauty
Best for: Beach lovers, independent travelers, those avoiding crowds | Budget: €€ | Ferry: 2–4 hrs from Piraeus
Serifos is what Mykonos might have been if tourism had never arrived. A whitewashed Chora tumbles down a hillside, beaches remain largely undeveloped, and the island's mining history gives it a rugged, authentic character.
What makes it special: Chora is stunning — one of the most dramatic hilltop villages in the Cyclades, with a ruined Venetian castle and views across the Aegean. The beaches are numerous and excellent, from organized Livadi to wild Psili Ammos. Former mining infrastructure (Serifos was iron-rich) creates an unusual industrial-romantic atmosphere.
The beaches: Psili Ammos, Agios Sostis, Agios Ioannis, Ganema — Serifos has excellent beaches at every compass point, most of them quiet even in summer.
The catch: Serifos has limited infrastructure — few hotels, basic restaurants, minimal nightlife. A car or strong legs are needed to explore. That's also exactly why people love it.
8. Symi
The pastel harbor
Best for: Photographers, day-trippers from Rhodes, couples | Budget: €€€ | Ferry: 1 hr from Rhodes
Symi might be the most visually striking harbor in Greece — neoclassical mansions painted in ochre, terra cotta, and pastel blues rise amphitheater-style from the waterfront. Most visitors arrive on day trips from Rhodes, but staying overnight reveals a different island.
What makes it special: The harbor of Gialos is genuinely extraordinary — wealthy from the sponge trade, the island's merchants built grand houses that survived because tourism arrived before modern development could destroy them. The Panormitis monastery on the south coast is a major pilgrimage site. Once the day-trippers leave, Symi becomes peaceful and magical.
The beaches: Symi's beaches are small coves reached by boat or walking — Nos, Marathounda, Agios Nikolaos. They're limited compared to bigger islands.
The catch: Symi is expensive by Greek standards — the wealthy history means prices haven't dropped. Beaches are not the island's strength. Day-tripper crowds can overwhelm the harbor from 11am–4pm.
9. Lipsi
The forgotten Dodecanese
Best for: Total escapists, nature lovers, peace seekers | Budget: € | Ferry: 1 hr from Patmos, 2 hrs from Leros
Lipsi is one of Greece's smallest inhabited islands — just 16 square kilometers with a population of around 800. It sits in the Dodecanese between Patmos and Leros, largely ignored by international tourism.
What makes it special: This is Greece at its most elemental. One village, a handful of tavernas, beautiful beaches, and absolutely nothing to "do" except swim, eat, walk, and exist. The people who come to Lipsi come to disappear for a while.
The beaches: Platis Gialos is the main beach — sandy and calm. Katsadia is more remote. Monodendri is accessed by boat. All are quiet.
The catch: Lipsi requires effort to reach — you need to ferry via Patmos or Leros. There's genuinely nothing happening beyond village life. Some find this heaven; others are bored within hours.
10. Tinos
The art and food island
Best for: Foodies, art lovers, couples seeking culture | Budget: €€ | Ferry: 1.5–2 hrs from Rafina
Tinos sits right next to Mykonos but couldn't be more different. While its neighbor parties, Tinos has quietly become one of Greece's most exciting food destinations, with a thriving arts scene centered on marble craftsmanship.
What makes it special: The marble villages of Pyrgos and Panormos are stunning — the island has produced marble artists for centuries, and workshops still operate. Venetian dovecotes (ornate stone towers) dot the landscape like sculptures. The food scene has exploded, with restaurants sourcing from local farms and creative chefs putting Tinos on the culinary map.
The beaches: Kolymbithra (two beaches — sheltered and windswept), Agios Sostis, Livada. Good variety but not the island's primary draw.
The catch: Tinos is famously windy — the meltemi hits hard in July and August. A car is essential to explore the villages. The Panagia church brings religious pilgrims in August (especially around August 15).
Our best hotels in Tinos guide covers where to base yourself, from Tinos Town to village houses inland.
11. Schinoussa
The minimalist escape
Best for: Ultimate escapists, off-grid travelers | Budget: € | Ferry: 3.5 hrs from Naxos
Schinoussa is part of the Small Cyclades — and even smaller and quieter than Koufonisia. With a permanent population under 300 and just two villages, this is about as remote as Greek island-hopping gets while still having accommodation.
What makes it special: Genuine peace. The island has a few tavernas, a handful of rooms to rent, beautiful empty beaches, and nothing else. You come here to disconnect completely.
The beaches: Tsigouri, Livadi, Almyros — small, beautiful, and likely to be empty.
The catch: Very limited infrastructure. Ferry connections are infrequent and weather-dependent. You need to embrace simplicity.
If Schinoussa appeals, its Small Cyclades neighbours Iraklia and Donoussa are just as quiet and are worth a look when you plan the ferry route out of Naxos.
12. Kea (Tzia)
Athens' secret
Best for: Hikers, Athenian-style travelers, weekend escapists | Budget: €€ | Ferry: 1 hr from Lavrio
Kea is the closest Cycladic island to Athens, yet almost unknown to international tourists. It's essentially an Athenians' secret — the island they escape to on weekends when they want Cycladic beauty without crowds or long ferry journeys.
What makes it special: Ioulis (Chora) is a beautiful hillside village with a completely different character from the whitewashed Cycladic norm — red roofs, oak trees, a famous 6th-century BC lion carving. The hiking trails are excellent, connecting ancient paths between villages. The beaches (Koundouros, Spathi, Otzias) are uncrowded and beautiful.
The catch: Kea ferries leave from Lavrio (not Piraeus), which is further from central Athens. Limited tourism infrastructure outside peak season. You need a car to explore properly.
13. Karpathos
The authentic mountain island
Best for: Cultural travelers, photographers, repeat Greece visitors | Budget: €€ | Ferry: 5 hrs from Rhodes, 16 hrs from Piraeus
Karpathos is what travelers mean when they say "authentic Greek island." It's the second-largest Dodecanese island after Rhodes, but tourism arrives at a fraction of the volume — making it one of the most genuinely unspoiled large islands in Greece. The mountain villages of the north have preserved traditional life so completely that older women still wear the local costume daily and weddings follow centuries-old rituals.
What makes it special: Olymbos village clings to a mountainside in the far north, accessible only by a winding road or a long boat trip. Time genuinely feels suspended here — the women weave traditional clothing, the bakeries make bread in wood-fired ovens, and the village retains its own dialect, closer to ancient Greek than modern.
The southern beaches (Apella, Achata, Kyra Panagia) rival anything in the Cyclades but draw a fraction of the visitors. Pigadia, the main port, has good restaurants and a long sandy beach. The interior is mountainous and wild, ideal for adventurous drivers.
The beaches: Apella is repeatedly voted one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece — turquoise water, cliffs, pine trees. Achata is smaller and quieter. Kyra Panagia has a clifftop chapel. None have the development of Santorini or Mykonos.
The catch: Karpathos is harder to reach than any other "popular" island — direct flights from Athens (1 hour) are seasonal, the ferry from Piraeus is overnight, and ferry connections to neighboring islands are sparse. Once there, a rental car is essential. Restaurants close earlier than you'd expect. This is not a backpacker island; it rewards travelers who've already done Greece once and want depth over breadth.
📍 Explore top-rated tours in Karpathos
14. Kythira
The Peloponnese's quiet neighbour
Best for: Independent travelers, couples, road-trippers | Budget: €€ | Ferry: 1 hr from Neapoli, 2 hrs 20 from Gytheio, 6.5–7 hrs from Piraeus
Kythira sits between the Peloponnese and Crete and belongs to neither, which is most of why it has stayed quiet. It is the closest island to the mainland on this list, yet most travelers heading for the Cyclades never consider it. Hesiod has Aphrodite born from the sea foam off these shores, and the island has been quietly proud of it ever since.
What makes it special: Kapsali's twin bays sit below the castle of Chora, and the staircase down to Kaladi beach thins out the crowd by itself. Inland, the Mylopotamos valley has the Fonissa waterfall, and a cave nearby keeps 13th-century frescoes at its mouth. The villages are working communities, with farmers on the terraces and fishermen in the harbors, not museum pieces.
The beaches: Kapsali is the easy one, with two bays and tavernas close to the sand. Kaladi, reached by that long staircase, is the one people remember. The south coast has long stretches of beach with very few people on them.
The catch: You will need a car, and the one-hour ferry only helps if you can reach Neapoli, a long drive south from Athens. The Piraeus ferry takes 6.5 to 7 hours, and the summer flights from Athens (about 50 minutes) use small planes that fill quickly. Many restaurants close after mid-October.
15. Astypalea
The butterfly island
Best for: Couples, photographers, beach lovers | Budget: €€ | Ferry: roughly 9–11 hrs from Piraeus, usually overnight; seasonal flights from Athens take about 1 hr
Astypalea looks like a Cycladic postcard but belongs to the Dodecanese, and its butterfly shape gives it the nickname. Greeks holiday here, which tells you most of what you need to know: families from Athens come back to the same taverna for twenty years.
What makes it special: Chora tumbles down from a Venetian castle with windmills along the ridge, and everything is walkable if you can handle the steps. The butterfly shape means very different landscapes within thirty minutes of each other: a castle town, a sandy resort-style bay at Livadi, and a wild, empty western peninsula.
The beaches: Livadi is the main beach, sandy and easy, with tavernas close by. Out along the western coast the beaches feel private even in summer, with the kind of water that gets compared to the Caribbean.
The catch: It is far. The overnight boat from Piraeus takes roughly 9 to 11 hours (book a cabin), and the small seasonal planes sell out early and are weather-sensitive. Dining options are limited, and most places close from November to March.
16. Anafi
The island under the rock
Best for: Hikers, solitude seekers, photographers | Budget: €€ | Ferry: about 1 hr from Santorini, 7–8 hrs from Piraeus
Anafi has about 250 permanent residents and sits only 22 kilometres east of Santorini, yet it feels like another century. Myth says Apollo raised it from the sea to shelter the Argonauts in a storm, and its name is usually translated as "revelation".
What makes it special: Kalamos rises 460 metres straight out of the sea on the southeast coast, the second-largest monolith in Europe after Gibraltar. A trail of 50 to 75 minutes leads to the monastery of Panagia Kalamiotissa at the summit, built over the ruins of a temple of Apollo, and on a clear day you can see Santorini, Ios and Crete at once. On 8 September, the feast of the Virgin, locals carry the icon up the rock for an all-night vigil, which is worth planning a trip around. Down in Hora, about 3 km from the port, the tavernas do not rush you.
The beaches: Roukounas and Klisidi are the two to know, with soft sand and clear water. "Crowded" on Anafi in August means maybe twenty people on the main beach.
The catch: Accommodation is limited and basic, there is no nightlife and few places to eat, and direct sailings from Piraeus run only a few times a week in summer. The easiest way in is the small ferry from Santorini, which runs year-round. In winter most places close.
17. Alonissos
The marine park island
Best for: Nature lovers, divers, hikers, families wanting calm beaches | Budget: €€ | Ferry: 4–5.5 hrs from Agios Konstantinos via Skiathos and Skopelos, or fly to Skiathos (1 hr) and take a 90-minute ferry
Alonissos is in the Sporades rather than the Cyclades, and it has no airport, no cruise dock and about 2,800 year-round residents. It is the last stop on the Sporades ferry line, and that single fact is why it has stayed what it is.
What makes it special: The island is wrapped by a marine national park of 2,260 square kilometres, the largest in Europe, where monk seals still breed and underwater visibility often passes 40 metres. The 1965 earthquake split the island in two: Old Alonissos sits on the cliffs with no cars, while Patitiri at sea level holds the ferries and the supermarkets. Most people who stay a week rent a villa, because that is what the island has.
The beaches: The beaches are quiet pebble coves, many reached by a short drive or by boat, and even in August you may share one with twenty people instead of just your partner. Chrysi Milia and Kokkinokastro are the names locals give first.
The catch: There is no direct ferry from Athens: the road to Agios Konstantinos takes about 2.5 hours before the sea leg even starts, and the fast catamarans book up in summer. Most accommodation closes between November and March.
18. Ithaca
Odysseus's island
Best for: Slow travelers, sailors, Homer fans | Budget: €€ | Ferry: 45 min from Sami on Kefalonia; no airport and no direct ferry from Piraeus
Ithaca covers 96 square kilometres, has about 2,900 residents, and has no airport and no cruise dock. Everyone has heard the name from Homer and Cavafy and almost nobody goes, which is a combination no other Greek island manages.
What makes it special: Vathy sits at the head of a fjord-like bay, and Kioni and Frikes are the fishing villages on the northeast coast. The mountain villages of Anogi, Perachori and Exogi are the ones most visitors never reach, Anogi holding 14th-century Byzantine frescoes. Pilikata Hill outside Stavros is the strongest candidate anyone has for Odysseus's palace: unproven, and better for it. If you came for Homer, our guide to Ithaca and the Odyssey covers the sites one by one.
The beaches: Filiatro is a turquoise cove ten minutes from Vathy and the easy swim. Gidaki takes a 40-minute hike or a water taxi to reach, which is exactly the point of it.
The catch: Almost everyone spends a night on Kefalonia first, because the 45-minute crossing from Sami to Vathy or Frikes is the practical route. The mainland alternatives are Astakos and Kyllini in summer. In winter most tourism shuts down and ferries thin out.
Islands Often Called Hidden That Have Gone Mainstream
Lists like this one often include islands that were undiscovered a generation ago. These are all worth visiting, but none of them is a secret any more, so we have left them off on purpose.
- Naxos: the largest of the Cyclades, with good infrastructure and plenty of international visitors. A great starter island, not an unknown one.
- Milos: famous for its volcanic beaches and firmly on the main island-hopping circuit, so book ahead for summer.
- Paros: a full-service tourist destination and the ferry hub for Antiparos, which is why Antiparos made the list and Paros did not.
- Syros: a working Greek town and busy ferry hub rather than a resort island. Lovely, but not a place you will have to yourself.
- Hydra: car-free and only about 1.5 hours from Athens, which is exactly why it fills with weekenders and day trippers.
- Lefkada: reached by road with no ferry at all, and busy for exactly that reason.
How to Get to the Small Greek Islands: Ports, Ferries and How Long to Stay
Only some of these islands leave from Piraeus, and the departure port decides your whole trip, so check it before you book anything. Durations below are the ones given in the entries above and vary by boat and season.
- From Piraeus: Sifnos (about 2.5 hours, high-speed), Serifos (2–4 hours), Folegandros (about 4 hours), Koufonisia (about 4 hours), Amorgos (6–8 hours), Anafi (7–8 hours), Ikaria (7–9 hours), Kythira (6.5–7 hours), Astypalea (roughly 9–11 hours) and Karpathos (overnight, around 16 hours).
- From Rafina or Lavrio: Tinos leaves from Rafina (1.5–2 hours) and Kea from Lavrio (about 1 hour), both on the east side of Athens.
- From a nearby hub: Antiparos is 10 minutes from Paros, Symi about an hour from Rhodes, Lipsi an hour from Patmos or two from Leros, Koufonisia 2.5 hours and Schinoussa 3.5 hours from Naxos, Anafi about an hour from Santorini, and Ithaca 45 minutes from Sami on Kefalonia.
- From the mainland, not an island: Kythira is one hour from Neapoli or 2 hours 20 from Gytheio, and Alonissos is reached from Agios Konstantinos, about 2.5 hours by road from Athens, or by flying to Skiathos first.
Fast catamarans are quicker but rougher in the July and August meltemi wind, so on routes over about two hours in the Cyclades the slower conventional boats are the better summer choice when both run. Ferries to the smallest islands run once or twice a day at best, and some days not at all in bad weather, so keep a buffer day before any flight home. There is no Greek ferry pass; every leg is booked separately. Our Greece ferry guide explains the three Athens ports, the ferry types and where to book.
How long to stay: Give an easy island such as Antiparos or Kea two or three nights. The far ones, Anafi, Astypalea, Kythira and Karpathos, deserve three to five days, because the journey eats most of a day each way. If you are linking several, pair islands that share a ferry line: Koufonisia, Schinoussa and Amorgos out of Naxos, Lipsi with Patmos and Leros, or Alonissos with Skopelos and Skiathos.
For the middle stop of that Sporades chain, see our guide to Skopelos.
How small is small: By year-round population, the smallest islands on this list are Anafi (about 250 residents), Schinoussa (under 300), Koufonisia (about 400) and Lipsi (about 800), followed by Alonissos (about 2,800) and Ithaca (about 2,900). Greece also has inhabited islets with only a handful of residents and no visitor infrastructure at all, which is why the Small Cyclades are the practical answer if you want the smallest island you can actually stay on.
When to go: May, June and September are the sweet spot. The smallest islands wind down fast after September, and many restaurants and rooms close between November and March, so check opening dates before you commit to October.
If you want a lesser-known island with a proper main town, read about how to get to Skyros and what to do there before you choose.
For a small Cyclades island with a Roman monument at Episkopi and almost no nightlife, see our Sikinos Greece travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
Which Greek island is least touristy?
The Small Cyclades (Schinoussa, Iraklia, Donoussa) see very few international visitors. Lipsi in the Dodecanese is similarly under-the-radar, and Anafi, with about 250 residents, is one of the quietest islands in the Cyclades. For Cycladic beauty without crowds, Serifos is also an excellent choice.
What is the best unknown Greek island for beaches?
Koufonisia has beaches rivaling famous Cycladic destinations with turquoise water and golden sand. Serifos has excellent scattered beaches, most empty even in peak season. Kea combines beautiful beaches with easy Athens access, and Astypalea has sandy beaches that feel private even in summer.
Are small Greek islands good for first-time visitors?
Small islands reward self-sufficient travelers who enjoy simplicity. For easier logistics, start with mid-size islands like Naxos. However, Folegandros, Sifnos, Antiparos, Tinos and Kea are relatively accessible small islands with decent infrastructure.
Which unknown Greek island is best for couples?
Folegandros is the clear pick: clifftop villages, dramatic sunsets, intimate atmosphere, almost no crowds. For more options including the dedicated honeymoon picks, see our Best Greek Islands for Couples guide.
Are there any unknown Greek islands with direct flights from Europe?
Most lesser-known islands require a ferry from Athens or another hub. The exceptions with small airports and summer flights from Athens are Karpathos, Ikaria, Skyros, Kalymnos, Astypalea and Kythira, though direct European flights are rare and seats on the small planes sell out early. For most off-the-beaten-path Greek islands, you'll fly to Athens and ferry from there.
When is the best time to visit small Greek islands?
May, June, and September are the sweet spot. The weather is warm (22-28°C), ferries are running but not overwhelmed, accommodation is available without booking 6 months ahead, and the island operates at "Greek time" rather than tourist time. August is peak everywhere, and even small islands can feel crowded. October works for warmer islands (Karpathos, Ikaria, the Dodecanese) but the Small Cyclades wind down rapidly after September.
What's the difference between Naxos and these "small" Greek islands?
Naxos is actually one of the larger Cycladic islands (the largest, in fact) and gets more international tourism than the islands on this list. It's a great "starter" island, with beautiful beaches, good infrastructure and more options, but it's not really "unknown" anymore. The islands on this list are smaller, less developed, and offer the kind of experience travel writers were describing 30 years ago.
Do you need a car on the small Greek islands?
It depends on the island. Koufonisia is small enough to walk in an afternoon, and the main village of Antiparos is walkable too. Serifos, Tinos, Kea, Karpathos and Kythira are much easier with a rental car, or at least strong legs, because the beaches and villages are spread out. Book the car early for August, since small islands have very few.
How many days should I spend on a small Greek island?
Two or three nights is enough for an easy island such as Antiparos or Kea. Plan three to five days for the far-flung ones, such as Anafi, Astypalea, Kythira and Karpathos, because the journey itself uses up most of a day each way and rough seas can delay a sailing. A one-village island like Lipsi or Schinoussa works best as a two-night stop inside a longer island-hopping route.
Are hidden Greek islands cheaper than Santorini and Mykonos?
Usually yes for rooms and meals, because tavernas on small islands don't carry the same tourist markup. Ferry tickets cost the same wherever you go. The exceptions are Symi, which is expensive by Greek standards, and August on any tiny island, when the handful of available rooms can sell out months ahead.
What are the easiest hidden Greek islands to reach from Athens?
Kea is about one hour from Lavrio, Tinos is 1.5 to 2 hours from Rafina, Sifnos is about 2.5 hours from Piraeus on the high-speed ferry, and Serifos is 2 to 4 hours from Piraeus. Antiparos is a 10-minute hop from Paros. Everything else on the list is a longer journey or involves changing boats.
Which hidden Greek island is best for hiking?
Amorgos has the most dramatic trail network, ending at the Hozoviotissa monastery clinging to a cliff. Kea and Sifnos have old paths linking villages, and Anafi has a 50 to 75 minute climb up Kalamos rock to the monastery at the summit. Alonissos is the pick if you want hiking and a marine national park in one trip.
Are small Greek islands good for families with children?
Some are, with caveats. Antiparos is the most family-friendly on this list, and Alonissos and Ithaca have calm, quiet beaches (Filiatro on Ithaca is ten minutes from Vathy). Remote islands with long ferry rides and limited services, such as Anafi, Schinoussa and Lipsi, suit older children better than toddlers.
What are the smallest Greek islands you can actually visit?
Among islands with regular ferries and rooms to rent, Anafi (about 250 residents), Schinoussa (under 300) and Koufonisia (about 400 on Ano Koufonisi) are the smallest on this list, followed by Lipsi (about 800). Greece also has inhabited islets with only a handful of residents and no visitor infrastructure, which is why the practical answer for most travelers is one of the Small Cyclades.
Affiliate disclosure: some links in this article are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.