The first things that come to mind for many people when they think of Greece, particularly as summer approaches, are moussaka, sunshine, Athens, and islands. It’s true that when you hear or read about Greek islands, your mind likely goes straight to the most famous ones, such as Mykonos, Santorini, or Crete.
However, some islands are lesser-known and may not receive as much attention, but they are still worth exploring for both tourists and local travelers alike. So, let’s check out 5 Lesser-Known Greek Islands to Explore!
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5 Lesser-Known Greek Islands to Visit
An impressive fun fact about the Greek islands is that they number 6.000, with only 170 of them being inhabited! This is a unique phenomenon for the European continent. Therefore, it makes sense that many of them are unknown to most people.
Anafi
Nestled in the midst of the azure Aegean Sea is the charming Anafi, a haven for those in search of complete serenity and authentic beauty. This small Cycladic island is bewitching with its picturesque beaches, crystal-clear waters, and white houses adorning its stunning villages.
Travelers can relish the genuine taste of Greece at traditional tavernas, explore the trails leading to secluded beaches, and immerse themselves in the island’s rich history at the Archaeological Museum of Anafi.
If you’re searching for adventure, Anafi’s crystal clear waters are perfect for diving and snorkeling. And if you’re an avid hiker, Anafi is an ideal destination, as you can explore unique trails on the island. An exciting fact about Anafi is that the eastern end of the island is home to Kalamos, an impressive monolith that rises to a height of 480 meters, making it the second-highest monolith in the world after Gibraltar!
To reach Anafi, there are regular routes available from Santorini, as well as the port of Piraeus and other Aegean ports.
Donousa
Donousa is the northernmost island among the Small Eastern Cyclades, situated between Naxos and Amorgos. It is located just north of Anafi. If you are fond of peaceful holidays, then Donousa is the perfect destination for you.
Donousa has only around 160 permanent residents, making it one of the smallest islands in Greece. However, it boasts magnificent beaches with crystal clear waters. The charming port of Donoussa, adorned with traditional white houses and tavernas by the sea, offers a delightful experience of Greek cuisine and local products.
Two of the most stunning beaches on Donousa island are “Kedros” and “Stavros”.
A fascinating fact about Donousa is that due to the unique terrain, caves have formed on several coasts of the island, which can only be accessed by boat. The magnificent natural beauty of the caves, with the reflections of the seabed, creates a breathtaking picture that is worth seeing if you find yourself on the island.
You can reach the island by boat from the port of Piraeus or other islands in the Cyclades. Donousa is an excellent starting point for island hopping to the Small Cyclades and other Aegean islands.
Lipsi
Lipsi is a cluster of small islands located in the northern Dodecanese, situated in the southeastern Aegean Sea. It is home to a population of almost 800 permanent residents, with the largest island of the group being Lipsi itself. This classic Greek Aegean island is characterized by its white and blue color scheme and small size, which makes it easy to explore by foot.
Lipsi is renowned for its serene atmosphere and stunning beaches, making it the perfect destination for those looking to unwind. The island boasts picturesque cobbled streets, friendly locals, and crystal-clear waters, creating an idyllic picture of Lipsi.
Visitors to Lipsi will find a variety of beaches to suit their preferences, ranging from sandy to pebbled. Some of the most popular beaches on the island include Katsadia, Turkomnima, Papandria, and Monodendri. Additionally, it’s worth noting that Lipsi is listed on the European Ecological Network Natura 2000, which is an impressive feat!
Getting to Lipsi is easy, with regular ferry routes available from the port of Piraeus, as well as other ports throughout the Aegean islands.
Chalki
Chalki is a charming and colorful island in Greece that can be easily recognized by its beautiful harbor. It is a small island with only around 300 permanent residents and is located very close to Rhodes. The island’s only settlement, Niborio, is a delightful and picturesque town built around the harbor. Its architecture and narrow streets, along with the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea, make it a popular destination for those looking for a peaceful and relaxing summer vacation.
One of the most interesting things about Chalki is its designation as the Island of Peace and Friendship by UNESCO. Visitors to the island can enjoy a variety of local delicacies such as thyme honey, local cheese, and homemade pasta. Chalki is so small that visitors can easily walk around the entire island without the need for transportation.
To get to Chalki, visitors can take a ferry from the port of Piraeus or the port of Rhodes, located nearby, or from other ports of the Aegean islands.
Meganisi
We’ll wrap up this list of five lesser-known Greek islands worth exploring with Meganisi, an island in the Ionian Sea. The name literally means “big island”. It’s a beautiful island situated between Lefkada and mainland Greece.
Meganisi has a permanent population of approximately 1,100 people and is home to three villages: Katomeri, Vathi, and Spartochori. The island’s beaches and waters are different from those in the Aegean islands, with white pebbles being the main feature of most of the beaches.
Meganisi is a lush and green paradise, and the coastline is unique and unlike the typical Greek island. You’ll see lots of stone houses, old windmills, and sea caves on the island, with the most famous one being the Papanikoli cave, the second-largest sea cave in Greece!
If you’re interested in visiting Meganisi, you can take a ferry from Lefkada.
Lesser-Known Greek Islands – What not to miss
These were 5 lesser-known Greek islands to explore. As mentioned earlier in this article, Greece is home to numerous islands, each with its own charm and distinctiveness.
During the summer season, if you happen to be on one of these islands and are fortunate enough, you might get to attend a local festival. It is an experience that should not be missed!
