8 Secret Greek Islands To Visit This Summer Before They Become The Next Big Thing
Dreaming of quiet beaches, hidden coves, and authentic Greek charm?
Skip the crowded hotspots this summer, and discover Greece’s best-kept secrets.
If I were you, I wouldn’t wait too long. These hidden gems won’t stay secret forever. It’s already starting to leak out.
1. Astypalea
Shaped like a butterfly, this island is a mesmerizing blend of white-washed houses, vibrant bougainvillea, and cobblestone alleys. It’s easy to get lost in its labyrinthine streets, and trust me, you’ll kind of want it!
Despite its dreamlike scenery, Astypalea is surprisingly untouched by mass tourism. You can still find locals sipping Greek coffee at old-school kafeneia, eager to share tales of pirates and ancient myths.
Beaches like Livadi and Kaminakia are so serene, you’ll wonder how they’ve stayed under the radar for so long. Pack a snorkel; the crystal-clear waters are teeming with marine life. Go before everyone else catches on.
2. Lipsi
Lipsi is the epitome of “off-the-beaten-path.” Imagine a place where time slows down, locals know each other by name, and cats laze around the streets without a care in the world. Already calling you, right?
Lipsi’s coastline is a masterpiece of nature. Platis Gialos and Hohlakoura are must-visits, offering pristine sands and that perfect shade of Aegean blue. With no noisy beach bars to shatter the serenity, it’s just you, the sun, and the whispering waves.
It’s a tiny island, but Lipsi leaves a big impression. Just don’t tell too many people; let’s keep this secret between us.
3. Koufonisia
Looking for an escape to a simpler world? Part of the Lesser Cyclades, this tiny island duo, Pano Koufonisi and Kato Koufonisi, feels like a hidden paradise crafted by the gods themselves.
There are no resorts or crowded streets here! Instead, except golden beaches and crystal-clear waters that look photoshopped. Rent a bike or take an easy stroll along the coastal path that links one stunning beach to another. Every turn reveals a new slice of heaven.
Don’t rush. No one’s in a hurry here! It’s a place to disconnect from the world and reconnect with life’s simpler pleasures.
4. Elafonisos
Elafonisos might just be the best island you’ve never heard of.
This tiny speck on the map is a slice of the Caribbean in the Mediterranean. Think powdery white sands, water so clear you can see your toes even waist-deep, and a vibe that’s wonderfully laid-back.
Despite its beauty, Elafonisos remains refreshingly under the radar. There are no mega-resorts or loud beach clubs here. Instead, you’ll find cozy, family-run guesthouses and tavernas serving seafood that practically jumps off the boat onto your plate.
5. Agios Efstratios
Agios Efstratios is for those who crave authenticity. This small island is Greece at its rawest and most untouched.
This place is steeped in history, once a place of exile but now a peaceful haven. Yet, despite its heavy history, Agios Efstratios feels light and welcoming, like a secret that’s been waiting to be discovered.
Pack a picnic and spend the day unwinding under the Greek sun. And if you’re lucky, a local fisherman might share a story or two. It’s these small, unexpected moments that make Agios Efstratios unforgettable.
6. Kastellorizo
Kastellorizo feels like a splash of color against the Aegean blue. The harbor is straight out of a painting, lined with neoclassical mansions reflecting in the shimmering sea. It’s the kind of place where you half-expect to see a movie being filmed.
In fact, it was the setting for the Oscar-winning “Mediterraneo,” so movie buffs, take note.
It was only after this movie was filmed, in the early 90s, that it gained some international attention. But even then, it remained a secret shared by few.
7. Tilos
Tilos is the kind of island where time seems to stand still! Nestled between Rhodes and Kos, this tiny treasure is a paradise for nature lovers and history buffs.
This island is a sanctuary. Being a protected area, it’s a home to over 100 species of birds and rare flora. And then there are the beaches! Quiet, unspoiled, and impossibly beautiful.
Despite its tranquility, Tilos knows how to celebrate life. Local festivals burst with traditional music and dance, bringing the community together in joyful harmony.
8. Schinoussa
This tiny island is the embodiment of the Greek “slow life,” where days are long, sunsets linger, and the only rush you’ll feel is to the next breathtaking viewpoint.
What sets Schinoussa apart are its beaches. More than fifteen of them, each more beautiful than the last. Livadi and Tsigouri are favorites, with golden sands and waters perfect for swimming.
If you’re looking to disconnect, you’ve found the right place. Rent a small boat to explore hidden coves, or hike along coastal paths that reveal spectacular views of the Aegean Sea.