With more than 6,000 islands floating in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea, and only 227 of those inhabited, Greece has a plethora of idyllic island escapes. Whether you’re after unspoiled beaches, ancient ruins, or white-washed stone villages, Greece has it all.
Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, and Kos are all beautiful locations and regularly top the ‘best Greek islands’ lists, but they also attract the most visitors. For those seeking a hidden gem or a quieter escape, here are our five most underrated Greek islands.
Hydra
Leonard Cohen called this tranquil and car-less island home for seven years back in the 1960s, and the moment you step foot onto the docks of the horseshoe-shaped port, with the gentle sounds of clip-clopping donkeys and lapping water, it’s easy to see why.
The island, easily accessible by a two-hour ferry from Athens, has long been a refuge for artists and musicians. Replete with hidden coves and white-washed stone houses, Hydra still holds the mysticism and romanticism that held Cohen here all those years ago. So if you’re after a quiet escape and to rub shoulders with local artists, Hydra is the island for you.
The island can get a little busier in the high season as it has become popular with wealthier Greeks looking for a weekend break. In the summer, luxury sailboats flow into the quiet port. But for the rest of the year, sleepy donkeys and the bells of moored boats are the only sounds to resonate around the harbour.
Naxos
Once known for its plentiful exports of cheese, potatoes, and marble, the island of Naxos kept its most prized possession for itself – endless beaches of white sand. Miles upon miles of powdery shores await, and you’re bound to find a secluded spot for yourself.
And it isn’t just the sun-worshipers that Naxos caters for. Plaka Beach offers up prime spots for windsurfing, with its huge stretch of sandy dunes and crystal waters.
Wandering through the narrow streets of the town of Naxos, Venetian influence can be seen everywhere you look. Leaving the sleepy villages, you can gaze upon the ruins of Portara, the great marble doorway of the Temple of Apollo, as you explore the rugged inland island, which is also home to three gargantuan Kourosstatues hidden in the hills. Herodotus once described the island of Naxos as ‘the happiest of islands’, and once you spend some time here, it’s easy to see why.
Milos
The famous ancient Greek statue of Venus de Milo , believed to be the goddess Aphrodite, has long stood at the Louvre Museum. But it was on this quiet island floating in the Aegean Sea that the statue was rediscovered back in 1820. Luckily for those seeking a quiet coastal getaway, the volcanic island of Milos has kept a relatively low profile – unlike the statue. A quick ferry ride from Athens means you can easily reach an island that has somehow remained under the radar, unlike many of its more famous cousins.
With more than 70 pristine and unspoiled beaches, Milos boasts some of the most dramatic and diverse coastlines in all of Greece: the rolling, moon-white cliffs of Sarakiniko; the tiny boat houses, or Syrmata, of Klima; and the natural swimming hole of Papafragas are just some of the stunning and picturesque sites of Milos.
Serifos
If you’re looking for an even more laid-back island – the kind of island that boutique stores and fancy hotels have yet to find – then Serifos might just be your dream island escape. Even in peak Greek tourist season in the middle of August, you can still easily find secluded coves of untouched sand and empty beaches.
The best beaches on the island are Skala and Kalo Ambeli, with the tricky access serving to deter larger crowds. No manicured steps or paved roads lead down to these coves. Instead, the only way to reach them is by dirt roads and rough donkey tracks.
However, possibly the best way to explore the island and all its remote inlets is by renting a boat from Livada, a quiet harbour on the south-east part of the island.
Ithaca
The homeland of Odysseus, the eponymous hero of Homer’s famous epic the Odyssey , has somehow managed to stay under the radar all this time. The island of Ithaca has long been popular with sailors, but tourists have yet to truly find this underrated gem.
The green and luscious hills that cover the island from coast to coast also hide the eighth-century BC ruins of Odysseus’ palace. Exploring the hills further you could stumble across the church of Anogi, covered in centuries-old Byzantine murals.
The port of Kioni provides the perfect pitstop from a day of exploring, where you can relax by the pier sipping cocktails whilst live music completes the serene atmosphere. Nearby Frikes, another sleepy fishing village, is a local favourite for its lively waterside tavernas where the raki flows endlessly. The beaches around Ithaca are small and pebbly but the water is crystal clear, and you can just as easily find your own slice of paradise on Ithaca to disappear from it all.
Currency exchange for your Greek escape
With countless Greek islands to choose from, there is a space to suit everyone’s needs. From authentic Greek experiences and ancient ruins to isolated hard-to-reach beaches, Greece has it all.
Whether you’re planning to purchase a quiet rural retreat or looking for something on the beach you’ll of course need to transfer your money into euros.
You can make the most of your money transfers with Currencies Direct. We offer highly competitive exchange rates and no transfer fees to help you get a great deal when exchanging currencies.
We also offer a range of services which can help maximise your returns when transferring money anywhere in Europe. With that extra cash, you could splash out on something special.
Get in touch with one of our friendly currency experts to go through all your currency options and to help prepare for your Greek island escape.
