Greece is one of the most popular beach destinations for tourists in Europe. While that means the likes of Crete, Corfu, and Rhodes will likely see thousands of excited visitors return to its shores, it offers the chance to check out some of the best-unexplored Greek islands for more adventurous travelers.
Samos
Samos is a Greek island in the eastern Aegean Sea, separated from Turkey by narrow Mycale Strait. There are daily ferries to Kusadasi in Turkey. It was the birthplace of mathematician Pythagoras and philosopher Epicurus and is known for producing sweet Muscat wine.
For those who love exploration, there are even more places to discover in Samos. One of them is the Monastery of Panagia Spiliani above Pythagorion. There, you’ll find a mysterious cave church, where the holy icon of the Virgin Mary was allegedly found. Holidays in Samos are a great opportunity to go island hopping to the nearby islands of Ikaria and Fourni.
Kastellorizo
Just 2km from the coast of Turkey, but some 125km east of Rhodes, Kastellorizo is Greece’s most remote island. The main town’s picturesque harbor is worth lingering over, before checking out its impressive Archaeological Museum and the Castello Rosso, which gave the island its name. Best of all, the quiet beaches and azure waters are perfect for snorkeling, with fascinating shipwrecks beneath the lapping waves.
Elafonisos
Just a few hundred meters off the coast of the Peloponnese peninsula, Elafonisos’s emerald seas and spectacular beaches have made it the go-to for tourists looking for some Greek summer sun without the crowds. Connecting the Fragko and Sarakiniko peninsulas, Simos Beach is the best on the island, a sweep of sand that’s perfect for a long day spent sunbathing, swimming and eating local seafood. The island has a long history and was at the heart of the wars between the Athenians and Spartans. If you want to feel steeped in Greece’s past while enjoying its renowned hospitality, then Elafonisos is the place to be.
Patmos
In the northern Dodecanese, Patmos has long been a stop-off for smaller cruise liners, its passengers drawn in by the Cave of the Apocalypse, where St John is believed to have written the Book of Revelation. The towering, fortress-like 11th-century monastery is also a big attraction, its high walls overlooking the main town of Hora. The pretty backstreets of the town are perfect for a quiet stroll, while the nearby beaches make Patmos the perfect destination for a laidback break. The main stretch of sand in the town of Skala is backed with small tavernas serving up squid and other local delicacies, perfect after a long swim in the warm waters of the bay.
Lipsi
Lipsi, just a short boat ride east of Patmos, will also satisfy any history buffs looking to head to this corner of the Mediterranean. Crisscrossed by hiking trails and blessed with beautiful, unspoiled beaches, it’s an island full of rustic charm. For a chance to experience Greek island life like it used to be, Lipsi should be at the top of your list.
Symi
Close to Rhodes, Symi is known for the neoclassical buildings that seem to tumble down the hill of Gialos harbor, greeting arriving ferry passengers. Once ruled by the Italians, Symi has a very different look to other classically Greek islands. A visit here is all about exploring the streets of Gialos, sailing between beaches, swimming in the Aegean Sea, and eating some of the best food in Greece.
Sailing is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the hidden gems of Greece’s islands, offering a unique perspective on its pristine coastline and secluded beaches. From the turquoise waters around the Dodecanese to the quiet coves of the Aegean, each destination offers something special for those who venture by boat. Whether you’re gliding between the remote shores of Kastellorizo, soaking up the sun on Elafonisos, or discovering tucked-away beaches on Symi, sailing allows you to experience Greece’s natural beauty at your own pace. When sailing, it is worth purchasing professional sailing bags and covers – https://rippercovers.com/en/covers-and-accessories/. This way, you can anchor in serene bays, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and savor the island life as it was meant to be—peaceful, picturesque, and steeped in history.
