The Best Most Underrated Greek Islands
Last updated on January 19th, 2023
Greece boasts of one of the most extensive coastlines worldwide, and numerous little paradises called Greek islands. The uniqueness of the Greek isles stems from the differences in their landscapes that are most evident within the different regions of Greece. For instance, the landscape of the Cyclades is vastly dissimilar to one of the islands in the northern part of Greece, like Lemnos or Thassos.
As you can deduce, the diversity of Greek islands provides you with several opportunities for your vacations. Besides the typical and cosmopolitan destinations of Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Corfu, and Rhodes, there are hidden destination gems.
In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the most underrated islands one by one. Let our narration commence!
Folegandros
Folegandros is part of the Cyclades and is located between Paros and Santorini. The cosmopolitan nature of Paros and Santorini has not touched the Folegandros shores, but the island’s beauty is unparalleled. It has the traditional Cycladic architecture with white-painted houses and scenic alleys.
You can’t miss the opportunity to swim on the secluded Katergo beach, where the waters have a serene blue that soothes your soul and mind. Alongside your swimming activities, Katergo beach is an excellent sailing expedition that navigates you around the Georgitsi cave and Chrysospilia. These caves were notorious pirate lairs.
Lemnos
Lemnos embodies the wild beauty of the northeastern part of Greece and remains one of the untouched by the human intervention islands. The latter is the principal reason behind the uniqueness of this magnificent island.
Lemnos is famous for its contradictory landscapes, as it contains rocky terrains and sandy beaches, which are the lair of windsurfing enthusiasts. Of course, the most distinctive landscape of the island is the sand dunes, which resemble the Sahara desert.
Furthermore, a boat trip to the Seal’s Cave, Cave of Philoctetes, and Agios Efstratios island shall make you experience the adventurous part of an island of exceptional contradictions.
Samothrace
Another enchanting island in the northern-eastern part of Greece is Samothrace. Samothrace is a sacred island with steep hills and the stunning waterfalls of Mount Saos, the highest mountain of the Aegean Sea. Legendary narrations claim that Poseidon gazed at the Trojan War perched at the hills of Mount Saos.
Many people opt for diving in the crystal and cold waters of the waterfalls at Fonia Springs. There you will find the serenity you lack in your struggling everyday life and spend relaxing moments before enjoying the exquisite local cuisine.
Kythnos
Kythnos comprises another idyllic Cycladitic environment with the characteristic that only the island’s northern part is inhabited. It is a picturesque island with narrow alleys in its villages and numerous windmills, which take advantage of the Aegean Sea breeze.
Its more famous beach, Kolona, is a narrow passage that links Kythnos with the islet of Agios Loukas. Other mesmerizing destinations are Kanala beach and the secluded Gaidouromantra beach.
Kastelorizo
Let’s orient the southern-eastern part of Greece towards Kastelorizo, one of the rarest gems of the Dodecanese complex. The name Kastelorizo derives from the Castello Rosso, a castle that still looms above the island’s picturesque capital. The view from Castello Rosso is breathtaking, especially during sunset.
The red hill above the island’s capital contrasts magnificently with the blue-green waters, which offer an exciting opportunity for diving and relaxing. The serenity that Kastelorizo provides is so captivating, and if you are a History enthusiast, you should definitely pay a visit to this remote area of the Aegean Sea.
Ithaca
“As you set out for Ithaca
I hope your road is a long one,
full of adventure and discovery”.
The above verses of the famous poem, ‘Ithaca’ by C.P. Cavafy, brilliantly encompasses a possible visit to this magnificent island. The ethereal blue waters and the magnificent landscape are underrated due to Ithaca’s cosmopolitan neighbour islands of Kefalonia and Lefkada. Nevertheless, Ithaca stands equal to its fame and glory as the homeland of Odysseus, the hero of “Odyssey“. The latter is Homer’s remarkable contribution to ancient and modern literature.
Therefore, a visit to Ithaca constitutes a walk in the ancient Greece lane and dives in the exceptional waters of Filiatro, Sarakiniko, and Agios Ioannis beaches. Furthermore, a boat tour around the island and the exquisite local dishes will conclude the overall incredible experience.
Paxoi Islands
Paxoi islands consist of Paxos and Antipaxos, two enchanting islands in the northwestern part of Greece near Corfu. Antipaxos is uninhabited and provides special boat tours around its otherworldly sea caves and magnificent beaches like Voutoumi.
On the other hand, Paxos comprises three villages, Gaios, Lakka, and Longos. Gaios is a great place to relax and enjoy the serenity of the island while tasting the local dishes. Moreover, a road trip towards Lakka and Longos is a must due to the numerous olive trees surrounding the captivating environment.
