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Times
2 hours ago
- General
- Times
16 of the best quiet Greek islands
Of Greece's 6,000 islands and islets, only 227 are inhabited, and a good few of those have such pulling power that the crowds they attract aren't to everyone's taste. Those busier isles may be packed with atmosphere, but if you're keen to avoid throngs of tourists there are also dozens of others to discover that, compared with the likes of Santorini and Mykonos, are incredibly laid-back. It's not a lack of appeal that positions these quieter islands under the radar: the key thing keeping crowds at bay is generally ease of access. Those islands with international airports (such as Crete, Rhodes, Kos and Mykonos) will always be busier than Milos, Syros and others only served by domestic flights. Ferry connections make a difference too. You'll find fewer people the further you go from Athens or more accessible isles, meaning those you have to hop to — such as Lipsi or Astypalea — are quietest of all. So whether you're after a peaceful time on the beach or a hike in scenic countryside, you'll find the most magical spots by steering clear of cruise destinations, big resorts and social media influencers. From sleepy Cycladic gems to almost untrodden Ionian isles, these are the best quiet Greek islands. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue Best for proximity to AthensWith the catamaran from Athens' main port in the city of Piraeus taking only half an hour, Aegina is among the easiest of Greek islands to hop to. Oddly, its proximity is more a deterrent than a draw: Aegina barely registers with foreign holidaymakers. That's a shame, because visitors will discover a taverna-packed island that offers great value for money. True, the beaches may not be as good as elsewhere in Greece, but Aegina has something else: thanks to all its nut trees, you won't find better pistachio ice cream. Stay in one of the six lovely studios at Nikolaou Residence, in the renovated former home of artist Nikos Nikolaou, about a mile from the centre of for unexpected discoveries Butterfly-shaped Astypalea isn't an obvious island to visit. About halfway between Santorini and Kos, it's one of those spots that flies under the radar — which makes stepping off the ferry here all the more rewarding. History buffs will find Roman baths, a Venetian castle, traditional windmills and a museum chock-full of antiquities; beachgoers will discover some of Greece's most translucent waters. When you get hungry, island specialities to try include ardista (stewed lentils), lambriano (stuffed lamb) and xirotigana (fried dough drizzled with honey). Stay at Chrysalis Boutique Hotel, an adults-only retreat with yoga classes and massage treatments in Astypalea Town. Best for myths and legendsIf you find yourself falling under this Dodecanese island's spell, you wouldn't be the first. Legend has it that this is where Odysseus was enchanted by the goddess Calypso — though today's visitors are more likely to be won over by Lipsi's marvellous beaches. From the sands of Platis Gialos and Kambos to pebbly Monodendri, there's no shortage of spots in which to dive into tempting, turquoise waters. Getting here requires a straightforward ferry trip from Kos, which takes about two hours. The Aphroditi Hotel, just steps from the beach, is perhaps the island's best guest accommodation. Best for authentic characterIt's easy to get overlooked in an archipelago shared with Santorini and Mykonos. Yet Andros, the second largest Cycladic island, has a different appeal to its glitzier neighbours. For a start, it's greener and has lots of scenic hiking trails — then on a hot day the beaches take centre stage. Wild and lovely Achla — watched over in its sheltered cove by a lighthouse and an Orthodox church — is the standout, while sandy Batsi is more accessible, with ample facilities. Stay at Krinos Suites, a boutique hotel in a former silk-weaving school that blends understated style with heartfelt hospitality and you'll be steps from Batsi for sunsetsAnother isle in the shadow of its Cycladic sisters is Folegandros, which sits halfway between Santorini and Milos. Many of its best beaches are accessible only by boat or on foot, which makes it feel laid-back and bohemian. The island's main town, traffic-free, clifftop Chora, has some of the Aegean's prettiest backstreets and squares, plus a Venetian fort with a sheer drop down to the sea. For memorable sunset views, make your way up the long zigzag path to whitewashed Panagia church — or hop on a leisurely cruise to take it all in. Catch the evening's fiery glow from the comfort of Blue Sand Boutique Hotel & Suites, hidden away on the west coast with Aegean horizons from its for volcanic viewsIt's only a short ferry ride from Kos, so Nisyros receives crowds of day-trippers from its Dodecanese neighbour. Happily, when they leave, it becomes a tranquil haven for the smart few who stay here. Volcanic roots have bequeathed it dark-sand beaches, hot springs and pumice cliffs, plus a crater around which it's possible to walk. Dotted here and there are towns and villages: the capital and main port of Mandraki is the liveliest, Emporios is a pretty hilltop village with volcanic views, while Nikia is closest to the crater itself. At the town of Emporios, Melanopetra (the name means 'dark stone') is a good bet for self-catering stays in stylish apartments built with local for culture vulturesYou'd never guess from its peaceful vibe that Syros was once this seafaring nation's main commercial hub. Yet that influx of wealth can be seen in elegant architecture and cultural institutions centred on the island's capital, and that of the Cyclades, Ermoupoli — named after Hermes, the Greek god of merchants. On your list should be the grand 19th-century theatre, treasures displayed in its Archaeological Museum, and an array of Orthodox and Catholic churches. Beach-wise, there are pebble or sand options scattered around the coast, with the best being in the south (don't miss pretty Megas Gialos). Give in to Ermoupoli's charms at Aristide Hotel, an art-and-marble-filled Cycladic townhouse that's a short walk from the beach or main for peaceful escapesBeing overlooked in the rush to reach better-known Cephalonia and Lefkada has been a blessing for offbeat Meganisi. Despite lying only 25 minutes by ferry from Lefkada, this unspoilt Ionian island has forgone large-scale resort development to retain its welcoming, step-back-in-time appeal. With just three pretty villages, acres of olive groves and about 1,000 residents, it's a beautifully languid spot, especially once you're stretched out on one of its marvellous beaches (Fanari and Spilia are highlights). Vathy and Spartochori villages have plenty of charm, and you'll be within striking distance of both when staying at bay-facing Azur Retreat — where an infinity pool and upscale bedrooms await. • Discover our full guide to Greece• Best Greek islands to visit Best for going wildIt's all about nature on Alonissos, which lies within the Northern Sporades national marine park (Greece's first), an area stretching over 2,000 sq km. This reserve is home to rare Mediterranean monk seals, as well as dolphins, turtles and colonies of seabirds. Divers are in for a treat at the Underwater Museum's sunken, fifth-century BC cargo ship, which can also be viewed virtually at the local information centre. Back on dry land, discover monasteries, hiking trails and picturesque island capital, Patitiri, then decamp to Chrisi Milia beach for turquoise waters and some of the finest golden sands. Relax in peace at The Infinity 180 Luxury Suites, a collection of adults-only apartments with a gorgeous pool; then liven things up with a day trip to Skiathos, just over an hour's hydrofoil skim away. • Best hotels in SkiathosBest for mixing city and seaThe Saronic islands are some of the easiest to access from Athens and are a cinch to combine with urban explorations. Agistri is only an hour by ferry from the port of Piraeus, but despite this proximity it remains idyllic and peaceful: all chilled-out vibes, crystal coves and pine trees cascading down to the sea. Dragonera is one of the island's best-known pebble beaches; for sandier shores, try Skala. Skala is also where you'll find Oasis Beach Hotel, whose 52 rooms and suites all have private verandas or balconies, some of which offer sea for otherworldly landscapesThe exquisite Venus de Milo (the ancient statue discovered here, now on display at the Louvre) is not the only thing of legendary beauty to have greeted visitors to this Cycladic outpost over the centuries. Volcanic origins created a landscape of elemental colours which mixes sulphur-yellow cliffs with ash-white and obsidian-black rock formations. Such rawness comes into its own at Sarakiniko beach, where smoothly sculpted, lunar-like shores contrast magnificently with the dazzling waters of the Aegean. The water looks just as inviting when gazed upon from Skinopi Lodge, whose seven extraordinary villas blend into their rocky backdrop for the most luxurious of self-catering for divine beachesThe Dodecanese island of Patmos has a fascinating past. Said to be where the Book of Revelation was written (a theory that consequently saw it become a place of Christian pilgrimage), it's nowadays also known for its nightlife and cosmopolitan edge. Being less well connected than some other Greek islands (the best ferry links are via Kos), Patmos rarely feels crowded and its shores are sublime. Kampos has the busiest beach scene; or hire a boat and escape to Psili Ammos (which merits its name meaning 'fine sand'). Porto Scoutari, the top Patmos hotel with a large swimming pool and rooms bathed in white, is an ideal base from which to for gorgeous sceneryLying between Crete and the Peloponnese region of mainland Greece is Kythira: the southernmost of the Ionian chain and a place where age-old traditions still reign. Given that the goddess Aphrodite was said to have hailed from here, it's only fitting that the island's landscapes match her fabled beauty — canyons, cliffs and countryside sit beside golden beaches and ancient ruins. Stay at Hidden Retreats, a soulful escape on a hilltop overlooking the sea — venturing out to discover pretty villages connected by cobblestone pathways, or the lovely white sand beach at for edge-of-Greece getawaysDon't be surprised if you haven't heard of Kastellorizo. This tiny treasure is one of a handful of Greek isles skimming Turkey's Turquoise Coast, near the seaside town of Kas. Also known as Megisti, the island takes its common name from Castello Rosso, a castle that looms above the port from a distinctively reddish-rocked hilltop. Its single, east-meets-west town has museums, a mosque and colourfully painted houses. Casa Mediterraneo, a six-suite boutique hideaway, is set across three burnt-orange-hued homes with views of the sunset and for couplesFor stacks of somnolent, step-back-in-time appeal, this Cycladic isle has everything solitude-seeking couples could need, only two hours or so by boat from Piraeus and an even shorter hop from Milos. Even in high season, you'll find quiet spots among the island's 40-odd beaches (Livadakia is a highlight), and a surprisingly lively hilltop town that gleams against the sun-scorched rockface. Book into Nostos, a 17-room property whose solar panels, heat pumps and other green technologies minimise its impact on the island's for foodiesIt's thanks to Nikolaos Tselementes, a local chef who wrote the first modern Greek cookbook in 1926, that Sifnos is renowned for its foodie credentials. Just 10km from neighbouring Serifos, Sifnos celebrates Tselementes with a food festival every September. Yet it's the wealth of bakeries and restaurants — especially in the capital Apollonia and nearby Artemonas — that keeps the culinary offering interesting all summer long. Equally respectful of the island's heritage is Sigma Residences, a collection of villas and cottages on the edge of Apollonia whose names are a nod to local villages and traditional farming practices. • Best Greek islands for families• Best Greek island hotels
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Smaller Greek island with 70 beaches that experts warn you should see before it gets too popular
Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter Published: Invalid Date, GREECE has around 6,000 islands off the mainland and some are getting more popular by the year. Condé Nast Traveller has revealed the 34 islands to explore now before they get too popular - and at the very top is Milos. 6 6 The Greek island is the largest island of the Cyclades group with a population of 5,000. In 2019 which was one of the busiest years for the island, records revealed that over 952,000 people visited by ferry and another 37,933 tourists arrived by plane. In contrast, Mykonos has a population of around 10,000, and now has over a million visitors every year. Condé Nast Traveller has warned that Milos is becoming increasingly popular with the number of tourists growing steadily each year. Celebrities are also discovering the island; in 2021, Justin Bieber and his wife Hailey holidayed on Milos. Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell as well as Jeff Bezos have been spotted there in recent years. It's no wonder Milos is a popular spot for travellers, it has beautiful villas and boasts over 70 beaches. Milos has been described as being extremely photogenic, with some of the best spots being at the seaside villages of Klima and Mandrakia. The beaches are high among the list of things to do on the island, making up nine of the top 10 attractions on TripAdvisor. It's not just beaches the island has to offer, there's also an ancient Roman theatre which is found in the village of Tripiti. Karpathos: Greece's Underrated Island Paradise 6 6 The theatre is well-preserved and open-air marble with views over the Aegean Sea and the harbour of Kilma village. There are also the Milos catacombs which are said to be some of the most important catacombs in the world. This isn't the first time Milos has been brought to attention, it was also called the best island on the face of the planet by Travel + Leisure in 2021. The publication asked readers to rate island destinations all over the world, as they looked to find the best one. Milos nabbed top spot because of its "extraordinary tavernas and dozens of picturesque beaches." 6 So if you want to visit before you end up queuing to take a picture for Instagram like you do in Santorini, hop over sooner rather than later. To get to Milos from the UK, you'll need to fly over to Athens which you can do with EasyJet from £26.99. You then have to take a second flight to the island which will take 40 minutes from Athens. Or hopping on a ferry to Milos which takes between two and seven hours depending on whether there are other island stops along the way. where locals like to go on holiday. Here's another Greek island that's set to be a big tourist magnet and is a hotspot for the likes of Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks. 6
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
The underrated and wondrously wild Greek island that's been named best to visit in 2025
A gorgeous Greek island that's 'well beyond the usual tourist radar' has been named as one of the best of the country's islands to visit in 2025. According to Lonely Planet, Ikaria is one of the best Greek islands to add to your bucket list. While the island isn't a leading tourist destination, it has been globally recognised for its long-living residents. Ikaria is one of the world's five designated 'Blue Zones', places where people are much more likely to live to 100. But why is it one of 2025's best Greek islands to visit? Lonely Planet reveals: 'It takes effort to get to Ikaria, a wondrously wild island in the eastern Aegean, but those who make it this far too rewarded. 'Ruggedly mountainous, gorge-riven, thickly forested and well beyond the usual tourist radar, this island has its own look and culture.' According to Homeric legend, Dionysus, the god of wine and theatre, was born on Ikaria. At Therma, a spa village on the island, tourists can unwind in Ikaria's hot mineral springs which are thought to soothe arthritis and rheumatism The island is heavily tied to Greek myth and even earns its name from Icarus, the man who flew too close to the sun. Lonely Planet recommends hiring a car to explore the island to make your holiday 'feel like a proper adventure'. The travel guide suggests heading to Seychelles Beach, known for its 'dazzling azure waters'. A picturesque cove, Seychelles Beach has bright pebbles and is backed by rock formations. At Therma, a spa village on the island, tourists can unwind in Ikaria's hot mineral springs which are thought to soothe arthritis and rheumatism. Those looking to emulate the islanders' healthy lifestyle can head into the hills to see the giant rock houses where locals used to hide from pirate attacks. 'These stiff climbs - along with a herb-rich diet - are part of what contribute to the island's extraordinarily high number of centenarians,' reveals Lonely Planet. While Lonely Planet recommends taking a ferry from Kos to Ikaria, it can also be reached by plane from Athens. Those looking to emulate the islanders' healthy lifestyle can head into the hills to see the giant rock houses where locals used to hide from pirate attacks The travel guide suggests that tourists spend two weeks on Ikaria to let the island 'truly work its magic'. And Greece is also home to Europe's best beach, according to a new ranking. Port Glarokavos Lagoon Beach took the crown in a ranking put together by judges at European Beach Destinations. The beautiful Greek beach is located on the country's northern Kassandra Peninsula.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Georgia Toffolo wears an array of bikinis as she shares highlights from lavish holiday to Greece after her boat trip disaster
Georgia Toffolo wore an array of bikinis as she shared her highlights from her lavish holiday to Greece on Tuesday. The TV personality, 30, looked much happier while eating lunch by the pool, and enjoying a day out with the girls after their recent boat trip disaster. In one clip, Georgia wore a black and white polka dot bikini with a stylish, red sarong and straw fedora hat. She was later seen in a plunging red one piece with a pair of vintage-look Adidas shorts over the top. Georgia captioned the update: 'WARNING: This reel contains an excessive amount of me talking. Its constant haha.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. She added: 'This literally is my show reel from our holiday what a team, what a trip xx' Previously, Georgia flashed her abs in a skimpy blue bikini as she shared a hilarious video on Instagram of her nightmare boat trip in Greece. The former Made In Chelsea star began the ride with perfect blow dried hair, dressed in her stylish beach attire, but was soon left completely windswept after a very hectic boat trip. She was left in hysterics as she held onto the boat for her life during the 'gale-force journey' around the gorgeous Greek seas. In the clip, Georgia could be heard shouting 'Make it stop!' while holding onto her beach hat to stop it blowing away. She captioned the post: 'When we said boat day this is not what we had in mind… 'BUT swimming off the boat in the most crystal clear water, surrounded by fish was just magic. So calm SO PERFECT it almost made us forget the gale-force journey. 'This trip just keeps surprising us in the best (and most hilarious) ways. Although… we are very glad to be back on dry land lol. Never felt more grateful what a team xxx' Previously, Georgia flashed her abs in a skimpy blue bikini as she shared a hilarious video on Instagram of her nightmare boat trip in Greece The former Made In Chelsea star began the ride with perfect blow dried hair, dressed in her stylish beach attire, but was soon left completely windswept after a very hectic boat trip Her trip comes after her new husband James Watt revealed how he lost £150,000 while gaining a wife in Georgia, as the couple opened up on their need to keep adding to their already eye-watering multimillion pound fortune. The BrewDog co-founder, 42, and Georgia began dating in 2023, before tying the knot in a low key ceremony in March this year. This week, it was revealed that the newlyweds are worth a staggering £425million, according to The Sunday Times, overtaking the likes of Ed Sheeran, Lord Sainsburys, Harry Styles and Lewis Hamilton. Following their placing at 304 on the publication's Rich List, the couple opened up to the The Sunday Times on their relationship, where they both insisted that they couldn't rest on their fortune and needed to keep making money. Reflecting on how they came to fall for each other, James revealed that their first date came about as a result of one of his 'worst-ever investments' that cost him £150,000. He recalled: 'Georgia is the outcome of one of my worst-ever investments. I have a portfolio of about 20 small businesses and one of them fell by the wayside, but the founder of that business knew Georgia and set us up. So I may have lost £150,000 but I gained a wife. Maybe it was my best investment ever?' Explaining her attraction to James, Georgia said that her type is 'powerful, successful men' and while giving an insight into their marriage, she admitted the couple 'talk about work constantly'. She went on to insist that, despite having her eye-watering nine-figure net worth, she has to be constantly working to bring in more money, because she is 'brilliant at spending' it. She confessed: 'I do have to keep working and earning all the time because I'm brilliant at spending money. James is good at saving and planning for the future but that's not something that ever comes to my mind.' While James admitted that he is also obsessed with continuing to grow his millions, saying: 'No matter how much I've achieved, or how much money I've made, I'm always thinking: what's next?' It came after Georgia shocked fans after revealing her and James' currently empty joint bank account, as she hit back at accusations she was only with the businessman for his money. In an Instagram Q&A she responded to a question about whether she was a gold-digger by sharing a screenshot of the pair's current account balance of £0. The reality star said: 'Going off the state of our joint bank account, on balance I would say probably not. What do you think?' While last Saturday, Georgia admitted she 'can't bear to be apart' from James, as she took to Instagram with a gushing birthday tribute to her husband. Speaking over a series of videos of the pair looked smitten while enjoying trips away, the I'm A Celeb star gushed: 'Happy birthday to the love of my life. 'Before I met James I'd heard about this wild, crazy, brilliant but totally unstoppable businessman - but what I found when I met him was something much better than that. 'You are kind, you are gentle, so beautiful through and through and I still can't quite believe that we are married.' She added: 'The life that we're building together, the calm and sense of peace in our family, I've never had this and I feel so very grateful. 'Since we got married on March the first, something has really shifted. I feel more safe and more held than ever. You support me in so many ways that I struggle to explain. You know I can't bear to be apart from you. You just make me feel so safe.
Times
24-05-2025
- Times
The hack to holidaying in Greece for just £403 this summer
By July, most of us are craving a dose of dead-cert sunshine without the back-up jumpers almost always needed in the UK. Just a three-hour flight away, Corfu is our closest Greek island and delivers perfect do-nothing weather in July, with long, dry days and temperatures in the high 20s. There's also plenty to do if you can prise yourself off the lounger, with museums, mountain villages and a Unesco-listed old town with terracotta rooftops, pavement cafés and cobbled streets. You'll stay in Kavos, a lively resort with plenty of beach bars, water sport centres and restaurants an hour's drive from the capital on the southern tip of the island. Seven nights' self-catering at Agnes Beach, including flights from Luton with easyJet, costs £403pp with Tui, departing on July 9. Coach transfers in Corfu and a 23kg checked bag are included. Rooms are simply decorated with white and lemon walls, tiled floors, pine furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows leading onto a private balcony or terrace. Each one has a kitchenette for rustling up meals or stashing sundowner drinks and there are several supermarkets within walking distance. There's no restaurant on site but a pool bar has breakfast and snacks. Other places to eat nearby include the beachfront Roussos, which has been serving Greek and seafood dishes for over 100 years (mains from £6; and Tomata, which specialises in Corfiot cuisine (mains from £15; The hotel is right next to Kavos beach with its miles of golden sand, warm shallow water and snack bars. A water sports kiosk offers kayaks, jet skis, banana boats and pedalos (from £8; The main Kavos Strip is a few minutes' walk away for bars, nightclubs and shops, and there's a bus and taxi rank right outside the hotel for exploring further afield. Corfu's family-run Olive Oil Museum is half an hour away for an insight into the island's 500-year-old history of olive oil extraction, plus sampling (£7; On the way back, stop at the Pontiglio Winery, which also has a small museum and produces wine from Corfu's unique grape varieties including kakotrygis (tastings from £13; Take bus B1 for a day trip to the capital, Corfu Town (£4; Ruled by the Venetians for four centuries and guarded by two fortresses, it's a charming Italian-influenced maze of arched colonnades, shaded piazzas and cobbled alleyways lined with ice-cream parlours. Duck inside St Spyridon's Church to see its frescoes, red bell tower and the silver casket of the island's patron saint of the same name (entry free), then climb the towers of the town's 14th-century fortress, Palaio Frourio, to look over the bay towards Albania (£8). The island's northern coast is best for hiking. Marked trails cross the pine-cloaked mountains and skirt hilltop villages such as Lakones and Makrades, leading down to quiet coves for cooling off. Pass the 13th-century monastery at Palaiokastritsa and head to the glass-fronted Dolce Café for homemade yoghurt and honey ice cream with the island's best sunset views (£4; Palaiokastritsa Rd). This article contains affiliate links, which can earn us revenue • Return Luton-Corfu flights, departing on July 9• Coach transfers• 23kg hold luggage• Seven nights' self-catering at Agnes Beach ( Feeling flush? If you're inspired by Corfu, and have more to spend, try one of these: Just six miles north of Corfu Town, Palapart Gikas hotel is in the smaller resort of Gouvia with its marina, mainly shingle beaches and upmarket waterside restaurants. Rooms are light and airy with white walls and furniture and zippy turquoise accents. All have kitchenettes and balconies, and there are also family rooms, swim-up rooms and two-bedroom apartments. The hotel has three outdoor pools including one for children, a small gym and a snack bar serving breakfast. The beach and centre of Gouvia are both about a ten-minute walk away, while Palaiokastritsa is a 20-minute Seven nights' self-catering from £837pp, including flights, coach transfers and hold luggage ( The adults-only Domes Miramare, a Luxury Collection resort, was once owned by the Onassis family and is now a high-end resort on its own 650m shingle beach on Corfu's eastern coast, half an hour south of Corfu Town. Surrounded by a centuries-old olive grove, it has three restaurants including one with its own sushi bar, several pools, a tennis court and a lavish spa modelled on ancient Greek baths. There's also a private yacht for decadent day trips. Chic minimalist rooms in earthy shades are either by the beach or built on a hill overlooking the Ionian Sea and many have an outdoor hot tub or private pool. Details Seven nights' B&B from £1,420pp, including flights and hold luggage (
