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Home > Lesser-known islands of Greece

Lesser-known islands of Greece

Hidden Gems 2027 That (Still) Few People Choose

Greece is not just Mykonos and Santorini, there is another Greece made of silence, little harbours without yachts, bakeries filled with the scent of warm bread at 6 in the morning and beaches where you can hear only the wind, the sound of the waves and the echoes of nature

For 2027 we have selected 5 authentic hidden gems, islands still untouched by mass tourism but extraordinarily rich in identity, perfect for those who want to discover a different Greece and are willing to make the effort to reach them.

  • Iraklia
  • Schinoussa
  • Fourni
  • Kastellorizo
  • Anafi

They are not “cover-worthy” islands, they are islands to experience and preserve.

Where these hidden gems are located

These islands belong to three different archipelagos and share one characteristic: they are peripheral, remote, poorly connected. And that is precisely their treasure.

Small Cyclades (Iraklia and Schinoussa)

Located between Naxos and Amorgos, in the heart of the Aegean Sea. They are tiny, arid and authentic islands, with few inhabitants and a slow pace of life.

Eastern Aegean (Fourni)

A wild archipelago between Samos and Ikaria, famous for fishing and its incredible rugged coastline.

Dodecanese (Kastellorizo)

The easternmost island of Greece, just a few kilometres from Turkey. Tiny, elegant, suspended in time.

South-eastern Cyclades (Anafi)

Located east of Santorini, but worlds away from the glamorous atmosphere of its famous neighbour.

These islands share one characteristic: they are peripheral, remote, poorly connected. And that is precisely their treasure.

✈️How to reach them

Reaching these islands requires planning. There are no direct international flights (except Kastellorizo via Athens) and that is precisely why the journey becomes part of the experience.

Iraklia and Schinoussa

Flight to Athens or Mykonos → ferry to Naxos → small local ferry.
Total travel time: 5–8 hours.

Fourni

Flight to Samos → local ferry (1–2 hours).

Flight to Kos → local ferry or Blue Star (4/5 hours).

Kastellorizo

Flight from Athens (1h20) or long ferry journey from Piraeus.

Flight to Rhodes → local ferry (3 hours).

Anafi

Flight to Santorini → ferry (1–2 hours).

History: islands of sailors, pirates and resistance

These islands have an intense history.

Fourni is famous for its ancient shipwrecks: dozens of Roman ships have been discovered on its seabed.

Kastellorizo was an important trading base and has an Ottoman and Italian past.

The Small Cyclades were refuges for pirates and later became self-sufficient farming communities.

Anafi, according to legend, emerged from the sea to protect the Argonauts during a storm.

You will not find large museums. You will find stories told in the kafeneia that make the holiday even more genuine and personal.

Interesting facts:

  • Fewer than 150 people live on Iraklia.
  • Schinoussa produces fava beans considered among the best in the Cyclades.
  • Fourni has more fishing boats than cars.
  • Kastellorizo has a harbour that looks like a film set.
  • Anafi has one of the largest monoliths in the Mediterranean (Kalamos).

What you absolutely must see

Just a few things but they will make all the difference. Oh, don’t expect beach clubs. Expect silence and magic

  • Agios Ioannis Cave on Iraklia
  • Livadi Beach on Schinoussa
  • Wild coves of Fourni
  • Colourful harbour of Kastellorizo
  • Zoodochos Pigi Monastery on Anafi

Live like a local: non-touristy activities

Everyone who comes to Greece dreams of spending a few days not simply as a holidaymaker, but also feeling like an integral part of the land and the community. Until twenty years ago, these experiences were common but now, with mass tourism and all the information channels, the Greek islands have become a money-making machine and certain experiences that truly made the difference have been lost. Fortunately, on these small islands it is still possible to experience moments of rural life. Don’t miss the chance to do the things on this list if you can, so that you feel not like tourists but like guests of the family.

  • Help a fisherman pull in the nets, especially on Fourni
  • Take part in the summer patron saint festival
  • Buy warm bread from the village bakery early in the morning
  • Go trekking among isolated chapels
  • Eat in a taverna without a written menu

Why choose one of these hidden gems in 2027

Because more and more travellers are looking for authenticity. And these islands have not yet given in.

Because tourism is changing, because luxury today is space, because the true privilege is hearing no noise.

These islands are only for those who

  • love walking
  • love talking to people
  • love the sea without music
  • love the real Greece

What are you waiting for?? Send us an email to organise a wonderful holiday travelling around the Greek islands where overtourism has not yet arrived and where you can still enjoy unspoilt and genuine beauty.

Where to stay based on the type of traveller

Families with children

Schinoussa and Iraklia small guesthouses near the beach, calm sea, complete safety.

Couples

Anafi and Kastellorizo intimate atmospheres, solitary sunsets.

Groups of friends

Fourni traditional houses and wild nature.

Solo travellers

Iraklia perfect for those seeking silence and introspection.

To end on a beautiful note, remember that hidden gems do not remain hidden forever. 2027 could be the last year when you can experience them like this.

Are you looking for the Greece that is not simply photographed but listened to? Well, these little gems could be perfect for you.

If you need help organising a holiday, write to us at info@meraviglioseisolegreche.com

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