When most people think of Greek islands, places like Santorini, Mykonos, Kreta of Corfu come to mind. But beyond the famous hotspots, Greece hides a world of smaller, lesser-known islands waiting to be discovered. Those hidden Greek islands are perfect for travellers and foreign buyers who seek authenticity, tranquillity, and untouched beauty.
According to the Helleense Militaire Geografische Dienst, Greece boasts an incredible 29,372 islands (inhabited and uninhabited). In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through 8 Greek islands that remain off the radar for most foreign visitors but should definitely be on your list.
1. Meganisi: Lefkada’s Secret Neighbour
Just a short ferry ride from Lefkada, Meganisi is a lush, green island dotted with traditional villages, secluded beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Meganisi, mentioned in the Homeric epics, is an island with a rich history that has undergone significant development as a tourist destination in recent years.
Despite its beauty, it remains quiet and authentic, with a small number of inhabitants. According to the 2021 census, the island’s permanent population is now officially 914 people. It’s a favourite among yacht owners, offering natural harbours and private coves.
For property seekers, Meganisi offers rare villas with panoramic sea views, peaceful retreats close to Lefkada and mainland Greece.
Covering only 24 square kilometres and boasting a coastline of over 46 kilometres, the island is home to stunning beaches and numerous sea caves, which have been celebrated since ancient times. According to legend, one of these caves was the lair of the Cyclops, who Odysseus famously blinded.
2. The Diapontian Islands: Greece’s Western Frontier
Northwest of Corfu lie the Diapontian Islands, which include 12 islands, consisting of three larger (Othoni, Mathraki, and Erikousa). The remaining nine islets are named: Diakopo, Diaplo, Karavi, Kastrino, Lipso, Ostrakos, Plaka (or Agkyra), Plateia, and Trahia.
Remote and unspoiled, they are Greece’s westernmost point, rich in natural beauty and peaceful beaches. For those who want to disappear into simplicity, the Diapontians are the answer. The three large islands belong to the municipality of Corfu, which is located near them.
The three main islands have a permanent population of 1,700 people scattered across settlements that even the larger Ionian islands would envy. They are lush with ancient olive trees, cypresses, shrubs, herbs, and flowers, and are rightly considered among the most beautiful and unique travel destinations in the country.
3. Halki: A Postcard from the Dodecanese
Near Rhodos, Halki (also spelled Chalki) feels like stepping into another era. A beautiful island with a village full of colourful houses and distinctive Dodecanese architecture, featuring balconies adorned with hanging flower pots.
It’s a destination for those who love slow living and authentic charm. According to the 2021 census, the island has 475 permanent residents. The island has an area of just 28 square kilometres and a coastline of 34 kilometres.
Beautiful beaches surround Halki, many of which are accessible on foot, while others can be reached by boat. The three beaches that are easily accessible on foot are Pontamos, Ftenagia and Kania.
Remarkably, Halki is also a pioneer in the field of green development, having become an Eco Island: a model of sustainability. Many initiatives, such as electric cars, chargers, telemedicine, 5G network, technology workshop for children, and photovoltaics, are just a few examples.
4. Lipsi: Tranquillity in the Dodecanese
Tucked between Patmos and Leros, in the south-eastern Aegean Sea, Lipsi is a small island with 778 residents that embodies the essence of slow living in Greece. Known for its peaceful atmosphere and wonderful beaches, it is an ideal destination for relaxation and is also part of the NATURA 2000 network, a vast, EU-wide network of protected areas.
With crystal-clear waters, charming, whitewashed houses, and a warm, close-knit community, it’s the perfect place to escape the rush of modern life. Tourism remains low-key, making it an ideal destination for those seeking authenticity and tranquillity. For property seekers, Lipsi offers rare opportunities to invest in a truly unspoiled corner of the Dodecanese.
The best sandy beaches in Lipsi:
– Katsadia
– Kampos
– Tourkomnima
The best pebble beaches in Lipsi:
– Choklakoura
– Xirokampos
– Papantria
5. Sikinos: The Island of Serenity
Unlike its Cycladic neighbours Ios and Santorini, Sikinos has resisted mass tourism. With just one main village, only 386 permanent residents and a handful of beaches, it offers a sense of solitude and timelessness. For property seekers, it’s a rare chance to own a slice of the Cyclades without the crowds. Here, you’ll find beautiful old architecture, a 15th-century castle and churches and monasteries dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
Only three beaches are accessible by car, while the rest can be reached by sea or on foot. Don’t miss:
– Alopronia: The beach at the port of Sikinos offers direct access to all the village’s amenities.
– Agios Georgios: A cove with pebbles, sand, crystal clear waters and some tamarisk trees for shade.
– Dialiskari: A small sandy cove surrounded by impressive rocks.
– Maltas: The most remote beach on the island, accessible either by boat from Alopronia or on foot (the route is long).
6. Astypalea: The Butterfly Island
Shaped like a butterfly, Astypalea sits at the crossroads of the Cyclades and the Dodecanese. Its whitewashed houses, Venetian castle, and endless sea views make it one of Greece’s most picturesque islands. Despite its beauty, it’s still off the radar for most travellers.
In terms of population, it is slightly larger than the previous islands mentioned, with 1,376 residents. The main town of Astypalea is one of the most beautiful and impressive in the Aegean, stretching amphitheatrically over a hill dotted with windmills and white houses. Scenic hiking trails lead to caves said to have once hidden pirates, and nearby uninhabited islets are perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
Even the British Times recently listed Astypalea as a top destination for unexpected explorations.
The beaches of Astypalea are numerous and diverse, catering to a wide range of tastes. Some of them are:
– Plakes
– Tzanakia
– Vatses
– Kaminakia
– Panormos and many more
7. Nisyros: The Island with a 160,000-Year-Old Volcano
Few travellers know Nisyros, yet it boasts one of the most remarkable landscapes in Greece; a dormant volcano with a lunar-like crater (called Stefanos) you can walk inside. The volcano of Nisyros, about 160,000 years old, is the youngest in the Aegean region. The caldera was formed by its two largest eruptions, which occurred 25,000 and 15,000 years ago, causing the summit of the volcano to collapse. The Stefanos crater, with a depth of 27 m and a diameter of 330 m, is approximately 3,000-4,000 years old and is one of the largest and best-preserved hydrothermal craters in the world. The volcano last erupted in 1871 and 1877.
Beyond its geology, the island, with only 1,048 residents, charms visitors with traditional villages, hot springs, and artistic vibes. The best beach is considered to be Pachia Ammos, to the east. Nisyros is also known for its warm thermal waters and hot springs, renowned for their therapeutic properties that help with rheumatic, arthritic, skin, and circulatory conditions.
8. Arki: A Tiny Slice of Old Greece
With only 40-50 inhabitants, Arki is among the smallest inhabited Greek islands. Life here is simple: fishing boats, quiet coves, and traditional tavernas by the sea. For those who dream of an untouched island, Arki delivers exactly that.
Arki has beautiful, unspoiled sandy and pebble beaches that are ideal for total relaxation. Some of them are:
– Augusta or Patelia
– Kalitzaki
– Limnari
By visiting this island, you will forget about cars, as you’ll realise you can only get around on foot, with just one-third of the island’s surface being inhabited. It is also highly recommended to visit the ruins of the old Italian Observatory, dating back to World War II, as well as the caves that served as shelters during that time, and the ruins of the Castle of Arki, which date back to the 4th century BC.
There are countless such islands in Greece, far too many to cover in one article. Whether you’re a traveller seeking quiet escapes or a foreign buyer dreaming of owning property in Greece, these hidden islands offer something priceless: authenticity. Far from the tourist crowds, they offer a lifestyle rooted in simplicity, nature, and community, the true Mediterranean experience.
