Beat The Crowds At These 5 Lesser-known Greek Islands!

With dazzling white buildings clinging craggy cliffs, sun-kissed beaches, and the endless turquoise sea, the Greek islands have been alluring visitors for long. But look beyond the pounding music and parties of Santorini and Mykonos, and the real Greece with its warm and friendly culture awaits. Rarely mentioned in travel guides, ignored by package tour operators, and skipped by typical tourists, lie Greece’s hidden treasures – its pristine, unspoiled islands. With over 227 inhabited islands to choose from, why not begin with these five lesser-known endearing isles off the beaten track.

Amorgos is an island far, far away from the touristy traps of mainland Greece. A long bumpy boat ride from Athens brings you to this postcard-like Cyclades island. Wandering through the island’s tiny villages garnished with white-washed houses with colorful doors, is like taking a walk back in Greece of the yesteryears. Think Santorini minus the glamour and crowds. When you’re not busy doing nothing, visit the spectacular 10^th century Hozoviotissa Monastery that distinctly stands out like a giant white blob on a rugged brown cliff overlooking the azure sea.

Koufonisia is Greece’s best kept secret. A set of two islands, the inhabited Pano Koufonissi and the uninhabited Kato Koufonissi, they are separated only by a 200-meter sea channel. Pano Koudonissi is stuck in its own time period. It is perfectly unkempt with a cluster of white Cycladic homes. Fishing continues to remain the main source of livelihood. There are no real roads. People still move around on foot or on bicycles. This is where you come to unplug and unwind, in the true sense of the words.

Steeped on the edge of a steep cliff flanked by the Sea of Crete, Folegandros is bewitchingly beautiful. Surprisingly, this Greek beauty has managed to stay hidden from tourism. In fact, the island got its first ATM only a couple of years ago! Besides its pristine beaches, Folegandros’ highlight is the clifftop village of Hora and its zigzagging steps leading to the Church of Pangia.

A tiny dot in the Sea of Crete, the unadulterated island of Gavdos is for intrepid travelers looking for a Robinson Crusoe-esque experience. Inhabited by a tiny community of 100 odd souls, this surreal island is Greece at its isolated best. Gavdos seems to be trapped in a 60’s time loop with travelers camping on beaches, campfire under the stars, and rock-n-roll music lilting in the background. Hundreds of years ago Homer described Gavdos as the ancient Ogygia, home of the nymph Calypso, where the ship of Odysseus crashed. And it’s easy to believe Homer. As you idly sit on the beach, it’s not difficult to imagine the seductive Calypso luring Odysseus. Gavdos, is where time seems to stand still.

At Alonnisos you can experience the delights of the unpretentious, laidback Greek life. Wake up early and head to the National Marine Park of Northern Sporades to spot some rare seabirds, dolphins, and Mediterranean monk seals. Stroll through olive groves and orchards. Sip on chilled ouzo while relaxing on the beach. Relish fresh grilled fish. And when the sun sets, join in the locals and dance to old bouzouki classics. If that’s not a perfect escapade, we don’t know what is!

So book your flights on emi with Mihuru Splitfare and explore the best places to visit in Greece.