12 Hidden Gems in Greece for a Fairy-Tale Trip

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Even in 2024, there are plenty of hidden gems in Greece, that are just as accessible and arguably even more beautiful than the popular spots. It’s almost hard to believe right? especially considering how much travel has bounced back since the event we will not talk about! 🙂

Greece is a stunning country. It’s also super diverse. But, if you’re picturing yourself wandering through a pretty Greek town with the sun’s rays on your back and the sound of the ocean in your ears, then you might not want the babble of other people that comes with many of Greece’s hotspots.

Yes, I’m talking about you Santorini and Mykonos! You might be gorgeous, but you’re hardly a hidden gem these days! Instead, you might want to consider some of the places I’m about to spill the beans on below!

12 Breathtaking Hidden Gems Of Greece

Greece is so full of hidden islands each with its own unique culture and history that makes it distinct from all the others. There are islands with less than 5,000 inhabitants, stunning scenery, authentic Greek history, and virtually no tourism.

So, if you’re looking for some of the most underrated Greek islands, you’re in luck. There are quite a few unique places to visit in Greece and spots that offer a quieter getaway without sacrificing the beautiful Greek culture and delicious food.

These are the most beautiful 12 Greek hidden gems.

1. Kos

Despite being the third-largest island in the Dodecanese, Kos is one of the quieter islands in Greece and a wonderful hidden gem. There are plenty of small fishing villages, quaint towns and ancient ruins for history buffs to explore, as well as tasty fresh fish dishes perfect for foodies. 

There are some gorgeous beaches (like Paradise Beach and Lambi Beach). Plus, the island’s close proximity to the nearby volcanic Greek island Nisyros along with the European hidden gem Kalymnos makes wonderful day trips.

Kos is full also of historical wonders. Walking through the Asklepion and Agora will show you a glimpse into Greek history, while walks in Plaka Forest or explorations at thermal hot springs throughout eastern Kos offer a unique Greek experience.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Kos

2. Nafplion

One of my favourite destinations in Greece is easily Nafplio. This charming Peloponnese coastal town has been described as one of the most romantic places on Earth (perfect for a Greek couples getaway), and it’s an Instagrammers paradise.

The Old Town is full of cobbled streets, traditional tavernas and a picturesque harbour. It’s perfect for your next trip if you’re looking to take some stunning photographs or just want to experience one of the hidden gems in Greece. 

It’s so easy to get there too. Airport options include Kalamata or Athens, but you can also hire a car and drive there if you fancy adding a charming European road trip charm to your holiday plans. We drove from Athens to this quaint little town and were able to take a detour to a few other wonderful sites like Delphi and Corinth on the way. 

If Greek history fascinated you, then you’ll love the history of Nafplion. This gorgeous town is the former capital of Greece and has been around since ancient times. 

Be sure to explore the historical sites of the town while you’re there. The most famous among them is Bourtzi Fortress which can be visited by boat from the port. Akronafiia Fortress’ is also a great option.

Its stunning location overlooking the bay provides wonderful views across the ocean and the mountainside. There’s also a fascinating archaeological museum.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Nafplion

3. Tinos

Hardly anyone has ever heard of Tinos. Tinos is an underrated yet beautiful island between the two Cycladic islands Andros and Mykonos. Despite its stunning landscapes, enchanting villages, and serene beaches, Tinos is a non-touristy and quiet island and one of the best unique places to visit in Greece.

There are many options on how to reach Tinos. Either you take a flight to Mykonos and then hop on a ferry. Or start from Athens and take a 3-hour ferry ride.

Numerous rocky or sandy beaches are perfect if you want to have a relaxing day. If you prefer to experience the local life, head to some of the many villages on the island.

One of the largest and definitely one of the most beautiful ones is Pyrgos, also called Panormos, in the northern part of the island. The village is a real arts centre, being the home place of many famous Greek artists.

Another very typical thing about Tinos is the great number of dovecotes located all over the island. These white buildings with geometrical patterns can be found on a few other Cyclades islands but neither of them has as many as Tinos.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Tinos

4. Spinalonga Island

A must-visit place to add to your Crete itinerary is the intriguing Spinalonga Island, located less than half a mile from Crete’s northeastern coast.

Throughout the years, this piece of history was ruled by the Venetians and Ottomans until the Cretan revolt in the late 19th century. If it’s not your first time hearing about Spinalonga, you probably know it from the best-selling book, ‘The Island’ by Victoria Hislop.

It introduced the world to the island’s history as a leper colony in the first half of the 20th century. This made it a rather popular tourist attraction, especially since it was one of the last active colonies in Europe (the last inhabitants left the island in 1962).

To get to the island, you’ll need to take a short boat ride from either Plaka or Elounda. But since these small towns are not so conveniently reachable by public transport, you might want to consider booking a day tour. This usually includes a few more stops along the way.

Although it is quite small, when exploring the island, you’ll get to see its old Venetian fortress, wander through the remains of the leper colony, and admire the scenic views of the entire Elounda harbour. It is an unforgettable experience and one of the most underrated Greek islands.

✅ Discover the best places to stay near Spinalonga Island

5. Kalymnos

Located just off of Turkey’s southwest coast, this Aegean island is full of natural beauty, a rich history, culture, and delicious food. It’s only about 20 kilometres from Rhodes but is definitely one of the hidden gems in Greece as it’s nowhere near as known to travellers. 

It’s famous for its beautiful white-sand beaches and clear blue waters. But there are so many other things to do while you’re there including exploring ancient Greek ruins, castles, and museums.

It’s also great for an active Greek holiday as there are many hiking trails and paths for everyone’s tastes. Or if you prefer something more adventurous, you could try mountain biking through the forests and scenic hillsides.

The people of Kalymnos are traditionally fishermen, sailors and sponge divers. You get a real taste for authentic Greece while you’re there – as well as a taste for delicious fresh seafood.

Kalymnos is the perfect island for anyone who loves to travel. Some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece are lined up along the coastline of this small island and there is never a shortage of adventures to be had.

From hiking trails to pristine waterfalls and ancient ruins, you will never run out of things to do.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Kalymnos

6. Naxos

Naxos is one of the lesser-known islands in Greece. It is often overlooked compared to the popular and busy Santorini and Mykonos. However, a visit to this large island will reward travellers with amazing scenic views, soft sands, bright blue ocean and much fewer crowds.

From Athens, it’s accessible via a short flight or a 5-hour ferry ride. Those who opt for the ferry will step foot onto land at Naxos old town, which is also known as Chora.

If you follow the cobbled streets, white buildings, and winding alleyways, you’ll discover small restaurants and boutiques nestled into the stone. 

If you’re visiting in the summer months, then buses are available to get around the island. Alternatively, you can rent an ATV from one of the many rental hire places if you’d prefer to explore at your own pace.

Naxos has some of the best beaches in Greece including the gorgeous and secluded Plaka and Agios Prokopios. Make sure to also walk across from Old Town to see the ancient Portara monument, which is a popular sunset spot.

In the middle of the island is the delightful Halki Village, where you’ll find picturesque, bougainvillaea-lined alleyways, and colourful buildings.

Easily one of the unique places to visit in Greece, there is much to see and do in beautiful Naxos. Plus, you can visit without the crowds at the more famous islands in the Cyclades, making it a great option for your next trip to Greece.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Naxos

7. Antiparos

Antiparos is a beautiful and underrated Greek island in the Southern Aegean Sea. It has very close proximity to Paros – in fact, the nearest airport to reach Antiparos is in Paros.

You can take a flight to Paros and then a seven-minute ride to Antiparos. It is known to be a small and less-rushed island for a calmer escape and there is a lot to enjoy during your trip.

You can experience adventurous activities like diving and swimming at the beautiful beaches along the coastline. You can also visit Camping Antiparos to enjoy a seaside campground stay at a maximum cost of €8 per night.

The best times to visit Antiparos and experience these activities are April-June and September-October. The weather in Greece at this time is moderate and you won’t hit the school holiday rush.

The island is mostly crowded during late June and early September. Therefore you might also find Antiparos hotels more expensive or booked up altogether. Instead, you can book a stay in Paros and visit the island Antiparos as a day trip – the ferry is only 7 minutes after all! 

Apart from that, do not miss grabbing regional delicacies, especially the freshly sourced fish, at one of the popular restaurants, Captain Pipinos.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Antiparos

8. Sifnos

The island of Sifnos in Greece is a charming little hidden gem in Greece, overshadowed by its more famous neighbours in the Cyclades group.

Whereas other islands can get crowded in the summer, Sifnos retains its small island charm and laid-back atmosphere. Plus, it’s the same look as the other Greek islands – white-washed buildings, small villages, sandy beaches and a beautiful blue Mediterranean sea.

Located in the West Cyclades, Sifnos is accessible only by ferry. It’s easy to get to the island after a visit to Athens by taking a ferry directly from Piraeus to the port town of Kamares in Sifnos. If you fancy island hopping, you can jump on a ferry to other Greek islands too, including Santorini.

Sifnos is well-known for its food thanks to a local chef who wrote the first well-known Greek cookbook back in the early 20th century. The local speciality in Sifnos is skepastaria. It involves chickpeas and is still made in ceramic pots as it has been done for centuries.

If you need to work off all the good food, there are plenty of hiking trails in Sifnos – most of which are regarded as easy or moderate. Of course, take lots of water because an easy trail can become difficult quickly under the bright Greek sun.

Sifnos is perfect for people seeking a picture-perfect island escape for simple pleasures like good food and an afternoon nap in the sun. Plus, as one of the top hidden gems of Greece, the island is far from dull. There are plenty of small cafes and bars in Apollonia, the capital of Sifnos.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Sifnos

9. Samos 

Samos is much less known compared to more famous islands. Many of the beaches on this secret Greek island will be wild and empty even in July & August. Perfect for chilling out and drinking juice (the local Gia…giamas is absolutely amazing). 

However, Samos isn’t just beaches and cocktails – although most of the beaches are free and easily reachable. You can also explore the mountains, hike through lush forests, explore tunnels and even take a day trip to Turkey.

But if you do love Greek beaches (who doesn’t), Potami Beach, in the northern part of the island is highly recommended. It’s a massive beach, heart-shaped and absolutely stunning. 

Just before Potami Beach, you’ll find the small town of Karlovasi. This is one of the most wonderful hidden gems in Greece and an absolute must-see. Some years back it hosted a street art festival and the murals are still there to be seen, some are very impressive. 

The traditional Greek food is also stunning in Karlovasi. You’ll find some very good restaurants near the harbour or in the city centre, and make sure to try the local octopus dish as it’s utterly delicious.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Samos

10. Kasos

Step back in time to Kasos island, one of the prettiest Greek hidden gems, which is relatively untouched by tourism.

Kasos is the southernmost island in the Dodecanese and lies just east of Crete. It is a rugged island with traditional villages and the picturesque old port of Bouka, which is well worth visiting to enjoy fresh fish.

There are lovely beaches for lazy days and it is fun to hop on a boat to the islet of Armathia which has some absolutely stunning beaches.

When you are exploring Kasos, visit the dairy of the Vonapati family, near Ayia Marina, as it is where the different island cheeses are made.

Popular dishes in Kassian cuisine include almirotiri, and sitaka which are all made with sheep and goat’s milk cheese. Another speciality is soupiopilafo which is a rice dish cooked with fresh squid ink. A number of the local dishes have Egyptian roots as many islanders left Kasos to work in Alexandria.

A lovely place to stay is the comfortable Theoxenia Apartments, in the village of Panagia, a 15-minute walk from Bouka. Kasos can be reached by ferry from Athens, Rhodes, or Crete and by air from Athens and Rhodes.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Kasos

11. Thassos 

Thassos is one of the northernmost and probably lushest Greek islands. It’s definitely one of the most unique places to visit in Greece. Thassos has a lot of beautiful, natural gems, and historically important sites to offer.

For example, there’s the island’s capital city Limenas where you can find an old amphitheatre overlooking the new harbour. Another historical site not to miss is the archaeological museum which has many old artefacts to admire. 

The old harbour is a wonderful place to take a stroll and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the small city. Further south on the island, you can find the ancient marble quarry of Alyki. It’s really fascinating to learn more about the techniques people used to get marble more than 1200 years ago.

Moreover, there are some old ruins of a church on the peninsula. Only a few kilometres from Alyki is the Archangel Michael Monastery located on a cliff above the sea. It’s a very peaceful, quiet place and more than 700 years old. 

If you want the best 360-degree view of the island, climb up the highest peak of Thassos – Mount Ipsarion. You can either take an organized tour or walk up there starting from Potamia. No matter what option you choose, the view from up there is simply breathtaking.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Thassos

12. Pelion Peninsula

The Pelion Peninsula is another of the gorgeous hidden gems in Greece that is well worth a visit. This stunning area has very few crowds and in some places, exclusively locals or domestic visitors. This alone gives the Pelion Peninsula a huge appeal.

This is a great place to explore the great outdoors or dine on delicious Greek food. If you love being active while travelling, you’ll thoroughly enjoy a sea kayaking trip along the Pelion coast exploring sea caves or the chance to go hiking. 

The scenery is incredible in this region of Greece. Expect to find turquoise waters, lush greenery and rocky cliffsides. In the area around Mount Pelion, in the northern part of the peninsula, you’ll find rock caves, quiet streams, and even waterfalls where you can take a dip and cool off after a hot day. 

For a more laid-back holiday, you can spend days lounging on the white sand beaches. The beaches at Agios Ioannis, Chorefto, and Potistika are must-sees and gorgeous hidden gems in Greece.

Since food is such a big theme on the Pelion Peninsula, it’s a great idea to take a cooking class while you’re there. The one at Karaiskos Farm is very impressive.

This organic farm produces lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and they will teach you how to make tasty regional dishes. The recipes were a great souvenir of the Pelion Peninsula.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in the Pelion Peninsula

Which Greek island is the least touristy?

Well, if we were to go by annual visits, then Skopelos would be an easy winner. Skopelos was once called “the forgotten island” because there are so few people who live on this gorgeous piece of land. It’s only inhabited by only 4,696 residents which means that you’ll have a lot more space than anywhere else in Greece! It’s also one of the greenest islands in the country.

However, if you’re looking for a Greek island that is ideal for budget travellers and nature lovers, then Ikaria might be the perfect place for you.

Ikaria Island is one of the least-visited hidden-gem Greek islands. It’s not overrun with tourists like some of its neighbours. Located 10 miles southwest of Samos, the coastlines are beautiful and there are plenty of opportunities for hiking through the nearby forests. 

This beautiful island is one of the most unique places to visit in Greece. With only about 9000 inhabitants on this small island, it still retains its authentic Greek culture as well as many traditional customs from ancient times.

Final Thoughts on the Most Beautiful Hidden Gems in Greece

Greece is the perfect destination for anyone who loves to travel. It’s a beautiful, diverse country with an abundance of amazing sights and activities.

You can find some of the best food on earth there, visit ancient ruins and explore incredible natural scenery. But in many places, (like Athens, Mykonos, and Lindos in Rhodes), you’ll also find large crowds.

So, if you’re looking for a peaceful Greek escape, I hope the destinations above have inspired you to visit some of Greece’s less-heard-of spots. They truly are worth it, trust me! And, they might even make your trip to Greece much more enjoyable.

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