quiet greek island holidays


Most people come here for the classic Cycladic village experience as well as incredible nature. The boat Samothraki makes all-day trips that include a brief history and some remarkable views you cannot see otherwise, as well as swimming stops at several beaches and a cookout. Written by Alex from My Lifelong Holiday. Its the most southern of the Greek Islands mentioned here and therefore should be the hottest Greek island in May.

Please share it. Kythira definitely has something to offer every type of traveller but if you love nature and beaches you will leave a piece of your heart on this quiet Greek island. Written by Alexandrina from Earthosea. I recommend checking out the Bouboulina museum to fully understand the history of the area. The island has deep blue-green watersand places with rich natural beauty. The green slopes and paradise beaches are enough to draw you in but once you are there its the warm welcome from locals that makes you want to stay. You can easily spend an entire week exploring the different sandy beaches all around Lemnos island. One of my favourite restaurants was Akrogiali Taverna when you could eat all kinds of dishes. One of the most serene and relaxing destinations to add to any quiet Greek island hopping itinerary is Sifnos. In Ano Koufonisi, you will find amazing beaches with crystal turquoise waters, rocky bays,natural pools, as well as bars, tavernasand small shops. Here are9 easy-going Greek destinations, where you can enjoy calm momentsthis summer: Important: Make sure you follow all latestCovid-19 ferry travel updates for Greece, so that you travel safely and with peace of mind.

We hired a car for a few days of our holiday and explored the inner-island and some hidden coves too. It is one of the most quiet Greek islands, popular for its relaxing atmosphere and beautiful nature. The boats are brand new, very light and also the price is not extortionate. The island is small, so you can easily walk or cycle around. Liparo beach is also very isolated and formed in a small cove shape, perfect for swimming and snorkelling too. Another option is to go there by boat from Piraeus, the Peloponnese or Crete. Many people also visit Antiparos as a day trip from Paros.

Since it is not so touristy, Lemnos ticks two important boxes, it is a budget-friendly holiday option where you can almost be guaranteed solitude and space. These day-tours take in a whole day of swimming, exploring the sea caves, indulging in a great lunch and, with a bit of luck, perhaps a bit of dancing too. The beaches of Pori and Gala are among the most impressive on the island. Further afield on the island lie a number of other secluded beaches including Kedros, Livadi, Kalotaritissa and Fiokio which are just begging to be explored. It is ideal for quiet Greek island holidays and it isconnected by ferry fromPiraeus. As a small child my favourite book was 'People of the World' which featured Inuits from Alaska, children from China and farmers from Peru. They each have benefits and it takes time to compare the deals on them but always look for good & honest reviews and look at the booking conditions. Dont be discouraged though, there are also very quiet Cycladic islands, where you can have these pleasures to yourself. You can travel by ferry to Iraklia from the port of Piraeus. It had its hey-day in the 1980s and some holiday-makers from that era still rebook each year, theyve found their quiet little Greek haven and Im guessing they want to keep it a secret! The car ferry from Kavala to Myrina takes about 3.5 hours and you can also get ferries from Lavrio and Iraeus although these take considerably longer. Theres a lot to be said about a place having just the right amount of tourism, dont you think hotel owners and restaurants are happy for your business and havent developed a resentment for too many tourists trampling their island. Relaxing at the beach of Sarakiniko in Gavdos.

If youre not self-catering there are several small taverns in the different towns on Kythira for you to try some traditional Greek food. Predominantly we use booking & Airbnb but occasionally we use these other lettings too. You should visit the historic center of the island in Chora with its narrow alleys and whitewashed houses. The largest city on the island is Apollonia, located on the highest point of Sifnos. There are very few cars on the island with only residents being allowed to own them. You can reach Kythira from Athens by plane in less than an hour. Its full of art and Christian icons in a seaside whitewashed building that looks like its lifted off a postcard.

The Cycladic Islands are famous for several things their pristine white-washed architecture, their stark and uncompromising landscape, their jewel-toned seas, and sometimes their magnetic international draw. The old harbour is one of the best places to eat on the island and the traditional taverners will serve up wonderfully fresh seafood that has been caught that day. No, rather than swarms of drunken sunbathers, Folegandros appeals more to scenery buffs and amateur photographers. The island is also known for great sailing conditions where youll find perfect winds and turquoise waters. You can reach Ithaca by ferry in about 3.5 hours from the port of Patras. If you visit the beach at Chrysopigi you can also explore the stunning Chrysopigi Monastery.

The Lion of Kea, an ancient stone carving, is a short hike away almost in the centre of the island. This rather large island in the blue Aegean sea is not part of the main circuit of destinations visited by the crowds of tourists that Greece receives every summer.

An impressive little slice of sand surrounded by cliffs, but it takes more than that to draw the tourist hordes in this part of the world. The water on this sandy beach is very shallow for many meters, and Diakofti doesnt get any winds from the north that could create waves. See more from Megan on Facebook. Koufonisia consists of 2 islands: Ano Koufonisi and Kato Koufonisi. The sunbeds and umbrellas are usually free to use in Greece, as long as you buy drinks from the beach-bar. Folegandros is definitely a quiet Greek Island and one you must surely visit if you plan on island hopping around Greece this spring or summer. In short, Greeces most northern island is a lush little gem that seems to have escaped the masses (perhaps its the 75-minute ferry ride from Kavala airport to Limenas Town which puts people off) so still retains a lot of old-world charm. Most have a public changing area and refreshment stands with sun chairs and umbrellas that you can rent. Written by Chrissy from Travel Passionate. The crystal waters of Chalikiada beach in Agistri.

The main town is split into two parts. Here youll find a string of cafes, restaurants. Tip: If listening to the sounds of natureis number one priority for your upcomingholidays, have a look at our list withthe best islands for nature loversand learn how to get there by checking theGreek ferry schedules for2022. From Vassiliki Beach, you can take a boat to explore harder to reach Lefkada beaches like Agiofili Beach. The island has beautiful sandy beaches and a wild natural landscape. You certainly wouldnt need a sauna to warm you up afterwards! It has great views over the bay at Grikou and several different apartment sizes for however many you may have in your group. See more from Amber on Instagram. However, it is possible to hire mopeds and quad bikes to travel around the island, which makes for a more serene setting. The islands port and ferry terminal is located in the city of Kamares. With no airport and only one town, the activities really lend themselves to a peaceful holiday at a nice slow pace. Samothraki is a relatively small island in the North Aegean Sea, quite close to Turkey. So, if you fancy a quiet Greek island and wiling away your time with Greek olives, fantastic food, a cold beer or maybe an Ouzo, have a read of this list of Quiet Greek Islands & see which Greek island you think is best for you.

Its situated roughly 300m east of Sithonia and ninety-minutes south-east of Thessaloniki. The island is known for its clay and the fine craftsmanship of their pottery. Remember to book in advance though. Lemnos is connected to Athens and Thessaloniki airports and in summer, more conveniently, to Kavala harbour in northern Greece. It was a glimpse into another world that would inspire me to wander the globe in search of something special. Search For Cheap Flights To Quiet Greek Islands. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Kimolos is about 8 hours by ferry from Piraeus. To get to Antiparos you can take the car ferry from Pounda in Paros, which takes just 7 minutes or you can take a passenger ferry from Parikia which takes around 20 minutes.

Within the town, there are tavernas, churches, a handful of bars and Meltemi (or Port Beach) which you can enjoy without walking or travelling anywhere. Do you want to know which Greek islands are the least touristy? We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The rest of Keas beaches are small and secluded, ideal for enjoying privacy and isolation. Agistri, also known as Angistri or Agkistri, is a tiny, quiet Greek island in the Saronic Gulf.

Kea has seventeen beaches for you to choose from and the waters around Kea are home to several shipwrecks, including the Titanics sister ship, the Britannic. Dont forget to try the local wine or maybe even visit some of the local vineyards. Some beaches are more popular and have tourist facilities; these are Gialiskari, Koundouros (the most popular) and Korissia. The closest airport to Kea is in Athens although other local islands have ferry services too. Take a tour of the monastery and the Cave of the Apocalypse, but make sure to wear appropriate clothing. Book your ferry here. by Disqus. Written by Oksana & Max from Drink Tea & Travel. The Greek Islands are exquisite, & in our opinion, some of the nicest islands in Europe to visit. Agistri is a small island in the Saronic Gulf. The hike should take you around 2 hours and will show you a different side to Kythira. For the ultimate quiet Greek island and even more seclusion, you can take a boat ride around the island Polyaigos it means many goats who are the islands only inhabitants. Anafi is located in the Cyclades, next to Santorini. There are places to eat and drink everywhere you turn, but some favourites were the taverna at Psili Ammos, the taverna on the beach at Grikou, and the taverna at Lambi Beach.

Don't miss out on a tour with the local boats that take passengers to uninhabited islets and pristine beaches. See a trend? They are regular participants in local events and activities but luckily the island has retained its tranquillity and appeal.

Travellers can choose to walk between beaches on the island (with hikes across the island taking a couple of hours) or can hire a fishing boat and captain to take them around the rural coastal locales.

Rent a scooter in Skala, its the best way to get around. The beaches and trails of Kato Koufonisi are amazing and we recommend spending a nightin your sleeping bag under the starry sky. They are delicious. Kythira, according to Greek mythology, is the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and the island of Kythira is situated between Crete and the Greek mainland. The main town is picturesque and has a pedestrian street where you can explore the cute shops and visit the ruins of the Old Castle ( Kastro). If youre looking for a truly quiet Greek Island experience, Xyla beach, 15km west of Ioulida, is the most remote beach and is reached from a mule-track or by boat. Clearly the weather on the Greek Islands will be far hotter and the water a little less brass. One of the most popular, child-friendly, hikes on the island is the one exploring the waterfalls and windmills around the village of Mylopotamos. You are invited to explore the wild yet magnificent landscapes and start a magical adventure. Visitors may also want to discover the Cave of the Wall and the Cave of Fokospilia, with stalactites and stalagmites creating a magical interior. In the valley of Vathipotamos, theres also the Temple of Demetra (3rd century BC) along with a theatre (1st century BC). Due to the islands small size and lack of traffic, it is perfect for hiking and cycling with routes circumnavigating Spetses and crossing through the middle of the island. Written by Megan Starr. Although its the main port of the island, theres a stunning beach just before the bridge that brings you to the port. The beaches here are picture-perfect; Aponisos (5 entry); Chalikiada (you can wild camp here); Dragonera; Mariza; Milos; Skala and Skliri beach are all shallow, rocky and have calm waters perfect for lazing in and for snorkelling. The best places to snorkel are the Blue Lagoon and White beach, both of which offer various species to observe. In Kamares you can rent a car and there is a bus stop which you can use to explore other sites on Sifnos. If you are new to the sport there are lessons and equipment at nearby shops. Aegean and Ionian Seas. Whether you are strolling along a lonely cliff-side trail, wandering down a quiet alley or watching the sun dip below the horizon in silence and solitude, it is hard to imagine a more serene place.

If history is your passion you will love the examples of Venetian architecture on Kythira. See more from Alex on Facebook. Even if youre not keen on spending a lot of time at the beach you will appreciate Kythiras beauty. Thus, it is recommended to bring plenty of food and drinkable water with you on board. Ano Koufonisi is small and you can walk the whole island in about 3 to 4 hours. Agistri isperfect for a quickgetaway from the Greek capital, as it is one of the islandsclosest to Athens.

Alternatively,these are some of the booking agents we use. Read our list with the best islands for quiet holidaysto escape the crowds and book cheap ferry tickets on Ferryhopper. It was built around the Monastery of St John during the 12th century. The island of Diaporos is surrounded by a deep bay which allows sea vessels to sail undisturbed around it. The island beaches are heavenly, surrounded by sand dunes and cedar forests.

One of the main geological features is called Skiadi a large rock formation that provides shade.

Patmos is a charming island in the Dodecanese and an ideal destination for peaceful holidays. Unlike its celebrated neighbor, Anafiis a quiet Greek island, ideal to escape the crowds and enjoy some peaceful time by the sea. Their long white stretches of sand are undeveloped and can only be reached by descending the trail or steps down to the beach but that is part of their charm. There is no shortage of magnificent ancient ruins to explore here either. See more from Anda on Facebook.

See more from Laynni on Facebook. The effect on the Aegean waters is hypnotic undiluted shades of turquoise and deep blues. Its not as developed as other Greek Islands and does not benefit from restaurants or cafes, except for a few private villas. Choose the best quiet holidaydestinationfor you and book cheap ferry tickets on Ferryhopper with all 2021 ferry ticket offers. There are very few organised activities here which makes it perfect to escape the tourists and those wanting the buzz of bars and glamour. There is a selection of hotels, restaurants and boutiques and if youre looking for a keepsake from your trip, buy some pottery on Sifnos. The whole place shuts down for the afternoon in the Greek version of siesta and, although Chora boasts a number of terrific fresh food and souvlaki restaurants, they always seem either just starting to open or just about to close. Its an enchanting journey, with stops at Kythnos, Serifos, Sifnos and Milos along the way.

Kamariotissa. Islands dont get more pristine than Kimolos the very name of the island comes from the word for chalk, and Kimolos glows bright white with it from the pure white dirt roads to the pale sands.

All you need in Schinoussa is good company! rriving ferries from Athens, Naxos and Amorgos, Folegandros appeals more to scenery buffs, Kimolos is about 8 hours by ferry from Piraeus, Myrina, Lemnos Island is a foodies paradise, Theresa from Adventures In Middle-Aged Travel, 75-minute ferry ride from Kavala airport to Limenas Town, Property For Sale In Bulgaria: A Guide To Buying A Bulgarian House, Greek Party Islands: Best Party Destinations In Greece. They are a brand new company, so they were not overbooked and were patient and explained everything. These cookies do not store any personal information. The main nightlife is in Apollonia but you will find cosy tavernas and intimate, rooftop bars, far different from the clubs and dance parties on other islands. You can travel to Samothrace from Alexandroupolisin just 2 hours. See more from Oksana & Max on Facebook.

Tanger Med or Tangier Ville: which is the right port for you? It is a topchoice for couples and families, as it combines aromantic feelingwith a relaxing atmosphere. The island is considered "heaven on earth", as it is one ofthe most sereneGreek islands with great natural wealth. Although small in size, there are various options for sightseeing, as Ithaca has a rich history and culture. For the committed hikers, it is possible to make it to the top of the 1611- meter high Mount Fengari, the place from which the god Poseidon legendarily watched the Trojan War. According to mythology, Kea was once known as the Water Islandand was given the name Ydroussa. The villages landmark is a windmill that dates back to 1812.

Youre just as likely to come across glamorous 5-star hotels as you are quaint little bed and breakfasts, or tiki-style beach bars next to elite instagrammable venues like the Karnagio Beach Bar. Do you want to continue practicing social distancing and keep an air of isolation duringyour holidays? If you head out of town on the main road for about 14 km, you will come to Therma, which a pretty town with lush foliage that surrounds and runs through the middle of it. Anti means opposite in Greek and hence you will see and hear a few islands in Greece with this prefix.

Saying that a Greek island has fantastic scenery can be a bit redundant, however, few can boast the kind of peaceful tranquillity and untouched open spaces that Folegandros offers. Lemnos is a lovely island with relaxing vibes and beautiful beaches making it a perfect summer holiday on a quiet Greek Island.

There is not a lot to do on Antiparos which is a big part of its appeal! Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Head over to our How To Find Cheap Accommodation for all our tips and tricks on how to get free or cheap holidays. There are many sailing companies that offer full and half-day sailing excursions around the island. Amazing sandy beach with blue waters in Schinoussa. Kalamos is the second-highest monolith in Europe after Gibraltar and the 360 view from its peak is breathtaking! The beach of Psili Ammos is one of the prettiest in Patmosand we recommend trying local delicacies at the beach taverna with thewonderful view. You can find accommodation in small hotels by the sea or in traditional houses in the mountainous villages across the island. When you see bleached cliffs, white sand and turquoise waters of Lefkada, youll find it hard to believe that more people dont come to this hidden gem in the heart of the Ionian Sea. In addition to the Sanctuary itself which warrants several hours of hiking and contemplation. The island has some great hiking trails that lead to amazing viewing spots andsecluded beaches.

The Piraeus - Schinoussa routetakes about 7 hours. See more from Chrissy on Facebook. Spetses is known for being one of the more romantic islands and a favourite amongst residents of Athens due to its quiet ways and insane beauty. The awe-inspiring monastery of Agios Ioannis Theologos in Patmos. The journey takes around7 hours. While it is located on the Naxos-Milos ferry route, connections arent all that frequent and you may end up arriving and/or leaving in the middle of the night. At the same time, it has a wild beauty, which makes it perfect for outdoor activities. From here, you can see as far as the neighbouring islands. It is best known for its phenomenal beaches and crystal clear coastline. The ferry trip from Piraeus to Agistri is just 1 hour. Written by Alex from Szallas Gyergyoban. Here you will find a small collection of charming hotels, apartments and B&Bs which could be your base for the trip. If you are looking for adventurous holidays, new acquaintances and complete escape from the city life, Samothrace is your next destination! Which gives you an idea of just how tiny Folegandros is.

There are lots of secluded beaches where you can feel the serenity and purity of this idyllic place. If you want to explore the area by boat, you can visit the nearby islands of Peristeri, Aimpelitsi or Elia Agiou. Anafis capital is a true gem of the Aegean Sea, featuring traditional architecture, small shops, as well as a few bars and restaurants withDJ nights or live Greek music. It is located close to Kefalonia and it is an ideal destination for travelers seeking beautiful landscapes, magical seas and quiet holidays in Greece.

Samothrace is famous for its natural pools, calledvathres. I have experience with only one place to stay on Patmos, and that was the wonderful Chrisantonis Apartments. Written by Amber from Provocolate. You will arrive in the larger, newer part of the town but if you head left from the dock and walk around the headland, you will find the amazing old harbour. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. You can get from Piraeus to Anafi by ferry in about 10 hours. For the most adventurous of travelers,there are several options for outdoor activities, such as hiking, water sports and climbing in the gorge of Harakas. comments powered Lefkada Island is one of Greeces most incredible natural beauties and an off the beaten path destination perfect for anyone looking for a quiet Greek Island vacation. To get to Lefkada you dont need to take a ferry. Thesenatural pools are formed on a rocky mountainous terrain and they have reinvigorating waters. Donousa makes a great destination for an off-the-beaten-track holiday and can also be combined with some other larger Greek islands such as Naxos, Mykonos, Astypalea and Amorgos for an island-hopping trip to remember! Written by Theresa from Adventures In Middle-Aged Travel. Dont forget to let us know what you think and if you book a holiday to one of these islands, let us know too. The crystal clear waters surrounding the island allow for an undisturbed observation of the rich marine world there. Thassos has a rich history with some ancient sites and equally ancient local traditions, like bee-keeping and marble-quarrying, so there is plenty to do in Thassos if youre up for a bit of exploring. The drive is about 5 hours from either city. These island hikes are best enjoyed in spring when the wildflowers are in bloom and temperatures arent too hot. The Greek island of Kea is known for its exceptional beaches, upmarket fine dining & wine and its one of the best islands for walking paths and trails. There are 21 passenger-only ferries a week to the island from Piraeus, and they must be booked in advance as they quickly sell out. Add to that a handful of rich Russian oligarchs and youre left with a beautiful island that caters for some old faithful tourists and some new youth with cash. However, there arent many direct flights from other countries and because of this Kythira is not usually busy with tourists making its beaches far less crowded than some of the more well-known islands. As well as other adventure activities like scuba diving trips and kayak tours available.

After this, you should go to the Sanctuary of the Great Gods. While pretty much every restaurant on Donousa serves up tasty Greek cuisine, Tzi-Tzi Taverna, Iliovasilema Restaurant and Avli are some of my favourites with traditional mezze dishes and fresh food being the order of the day. There is a bridge to the mainland so you can rent a car and drive if you are coming from Athens or Thessaloniki.