Hidden Greece: Beyond the Tourist Trails

There is a Greece beyond Santorini’s famous sunsets and Mykonos’ beach clubs - a quieter, more authentic Greece that reveals itself when you slow down.

With 6,000 islands and islets scattered across the Greek seas, 227 of them inhabited, there is an extraordinary choice of places to explore. The secret is knowing when to step away from the obvious.

For me, the most memorable Greek experiences happen away from the well-trodden path: swimming from a deserted cove, lingering over lunch in a village taverna, watching the local fisherman or discovering an ancient monastery high above the sea.

Milos, Naxos, Amorgos and Serifos are wonderful places to begin. On Amorgos, the spectacular Chozoviotissa Monastery clings dramatically to the mountainside, offering a glimpse into Greece’s spiritual heritage. For something even more remote, discover Psara, west of Chios, with wild landscapes, quiet beaches and hidden coves. Then there is Nisyros, a volcanic island between Kos and Tilos, where the dramatic caldera and traditional settlement of Mandraki reveal another side of Greece.

Choose Your Island Adventure

For romance or a honeymoon, Santorini - Milos - Folegandros is hard to beat, combining dramatic volcanic scenery, intimate beaches and unforgettable sunsets. Folegandros is one of my favourites: its cliff-top Chora, beautiful beaches and excellent restaurants make it feel wonderfully removed from the crowds. Don’t miss sunset from Panagia Church - it’s a short but steep climb!

For history and culture, try Rhodes - Patmos - Crete, combining medieval heritage, spiritual treasures and some of Greece’s most fascinating ancient sites. For something more unusual, add volcanic Nisyros.

If nightlife is your priority, Mykonos - Paros - Ios delivers stylish beaches and lively evenings, while nearby Antiparos offers an easy escape when you want to slow things down.

My Greek Islands to Watch...

Alonissos is one of the greenest islands in Greece, with beautiful beaches, hiking trails, a charming old town and a marine park that makes it particularly appealing to divers.

Kimolos offers raw beauty, turquoise water and a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere. Sifnos combines elegant simplicity with exceptional food, while Serifos has wild landscapes, dramatic beaches and unforgettable sunsets.

Patmos is ideal for those looking for spirituality, quiet luxury and timeless Aegean charm.

And then there is Symi, my all-time favourite Greek island. Its colourful neoclassical harbour is one of the prettiest in the Dodecanese. Many visitors come only as a day trip from Rhodes, but I would always recommend staying a few nights. Take a boat around the island, catch a taxi boat to a secluded beach and visit Panormitis Monastery.

The real luxury of the Greek islands, though, is time. Take a local boat to a hidden cove, linger over lunch, explore a village, swim until sunset and let the day unfold.

A small-ship or yacht journey makes this particularly special, allowing you to reach smaller ports and coves that larger vessels cannot. Celestyal is ideal for Greek-focused itineraries, while Variety Cruises offers an intimate yacht-style experience. For small but luxurious, consider SeaDream, Emerald, Windstar, Seabourn or Ponant; for the romance of traditional sailing, Star Clippers is wonderfully distinctive.

Final Tips...July and August are peak season, so book accommodation, ferries and popular excursions well ahead. If you can, travel in the shoulder season - late May to June or September to early October - when the islands are quieter, temperatures are more comfortable, and prices can be lower.

The best Greece isn’t necessarily the Greece you’ve seen before. Sometimes, the most memorable island is the one you almost didn’t choose.