Skip Santorini—These Greek Islands Are Just as Stunning (and Way Less Crowded)

The Greek Islands are renowned for their breathtaking landscapes, many of which offer idyllic beaches framed by crystal-clear blue waters, so it’s no wonder millions visit every year. Beaches on some of the most popular islands, like Santorini and Mykonos, are jam-packed with people during the summer months in particular. When you’re seeking plenty of action, that might be what you prefer, but for those who’d rather enjoy more tranquil beaches for soaking up the sun, fortunately, there are beaches in the Greek Islands where it’s possible to avoid the big crowds. 

Having explored many myself, with a preference for quieter stretches, I’ve discovered a number of underrated Greek islands ideal for enjoying the sounds of gentle waves and incredible scenery with few others around.

Zakynthos is home to dozens of beautiful beaches, including famous Shipwreck Beach, but many of them are filled with umbrellas and loungers, drawing big crowds. Xehoriatis is different than most, in part because there’s no obvious road access. Located just east of the popular Alikanas resort area, you can park on the main road or stay in one of the Tonia Apartments vacation rentals just a short walk away. If you enjoy lunch at the Shoestring Beach Bar, which sits just above, you can enjoy especially easy access. I highly recommend the mussels or grilled prawns with a cold Levante beer or a chilled glass of the local white wine. Afterward, simply descend the wooden stairs to reach the soft sands and crystal-clear turquoise water. Relatively protected from the winds, it’s the perfect spot for a swim, and you’ll often have the beach practically all to yourself. 

As Kedrodaos is a bit harder to reach than other beaches, it offers a secluded, unspoiled atmosphere where wildlife thrives. It’s just 1.5 miles from one of the most famous in Crete, Elafonissi, which draws the big crowds, but here you can explore the small coves in between leaping into the sea for refreshing dips without the masses. You might take in the beauty of Elafonissi first and then follow the walking path for about 15 to 20 minutes from its parking area to reach Kedrodasos. Bring all your supplies, including water and food, as there are no facilities of any kind. You will find juniper trees for shade, ideal for relaxing while watching for the area’s wildlife, from sea turtles to falcons and eagles.

Balos Beach is located about 11 miles northwest of Kissamos on the west side of Gramvoussa Cape. While it’s busy during the tourist season, you can enjoy it without the crowds by heading here soon after sunrise. I recommend staying in the charming village of Kaliviani, just minutes from the approximately 6-mile-long dirt track (no 4X4 necessary) that will bring you to the trailhead. From there, it’s less than a mile trek down the rugged trail where bell-wearing goats often roam. From atop the rocky mountain, you’ll be able to marvel at the breathtaking vista of white sands swirling around a brilliant turquoise lagoon. Once there, swimming in the calm, warm waters with no one else around is truly a surreal experience. 

It won’t be long before visitors start to arrive by boat and others make the hike down, but if you want to stick around, a food truck usually opens up, and you’ll find plenty of loungers and umbrellas.

Although it’s just a short ferry ride from Santorini, one of the most popular islands in Greece, Thirasia (also spelled Thirassia or Therasia) offers a serene oasis with beautiful, secluded beaches and clear cobalt waters for swimming like Agia Irini (Saint Irene). It’s an easy stroll from the port through the streets lined with fishermen’s houses and colorful fishing nets, while offering stunning views of Santorini’s caldera and Oia village that lies opposite. Even during the height of summer, it remains nearly deserted with only the traditional kaiki boats bobbing up and down on the brilliant blue-green waters providing signs of life.

Naxos is renowned for its beaches with soft, powdery sands. While it’s become an increasingly popular destination, spectacular Plaka Beach with its silky white sands stretches for 2.5 miles, ensuring plenty of room for all. It’s easy to escape the busier areas with their lounge chairs and umbrellas by heading to one of the more secluded sections. You’ll have to bring your own beach blanket or towel, but it’s worth it for the more serene ambiance. When you’re in need of food or drink, just head to one of the beach bars or restaurants nearby. 

The island of Iraklia is a popular day trip from Naxos, but it’s also possible to stay here and enjoy an authentic, peaceful island atmosphere with just a handful of hotels and vacation rentals. In the main village of Agios Georgios, there is a population of only about 100 permanent residents and a beautiful, sandy beach. Just a short stroll from the port, it’s the perfect spot to unwind beneath the shade of the tamarisk trees and enjoy unforgettable dips in the pale turquoise water. Children can safely splash around in the shallows while parents watch from their beach towels. There are no umbrellas and loungers, but you will find tavernas steps away for food and drink. 

Mykonos is best known for its lively beach clubs with lots of partying throughout the summer, but there are some lovely hidden gems where you can enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere away from the crowds. The island’s south coast is where blaring music is often heard over the waves, but on the northern coast, there are more secluded spots like Agios Sostis Beach without the noise. A small, sandy shore that’s more of a locals’ beach, there are no umbrellas and loungers, but you’ll typically have plenty of room to spread out a few towels, even during the peak of the busy tourist season. When the wind doesn’t blow in, the aquamarine-hued water is generally calm and ideal for swimming. As there is more privacy here, nudists can enjoy skinny dipping. 

Another plus, Kiki’s Tavern is located right by the beach. This local gem offers a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for dining on fresh, traditional dishes with a sea view that can be complemented by homemade wine. If there’s a wait for a table, you’ll even get a free glass. 

The fast ferry from Paros in the heart of the Cyclades will get you to Antiparos in just 10 minutes. It offers a peaceful escape with soft sands and crystal-clear azure waters for swimming, often with no one else around. Faneromeni lies at the end of a long, dirt road, helping to keep the crowds away, even during the busy summer months. If you arrive early, you’ll have the best chance of enjoying it all to yourself. Protected from the north winds, the water is calm and clear while the seabed is teeming with fish, making it ideal for snorkeling and relaxation. There are no facilities of any kind, so bring an umbrella for shade, drinking water and other supplies, perhaps packing a picnic.

Kefalonia is one of the lushest of the Greek islands and the largest in the Ionian archipelago. It’s renowned for its beaches, many backed by emerald forests that dip right down to beautiful beaches edged by clear, electric blue water. Fteri is one of them, and as it requires a short trek through the pines, it makes for a more serene spot for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. As you descend toward the glistening, white pebbled shore, tucked between soaring cliffs, the view is likely to take your breath away. Soak up the moment, marveling at the incredible beauty – if you bring a snorkel and mask, you can also explore the vibrant underwater world with all sorts of marine life, including sea turtles. 

When you’re ready for a break, the taverna nearby serves authentic local fare for savoring the delicious flavors of the island while admiring an unspoiled paradise.

Ithaca is the mythical home of Odysseus, and another lush Ionian Island near Kefalonia. Its coastline includes secluded coves framed by a crystal-clear sea ranging in shades from brilliant aquamarine to emerald. On the northeastern coast, Gidaki Beach makes it worth a visit alone. To get there, you’ll travel through rugged terrain and olive groves, with your reward a pebbled shore framed by high cliffs that’s ideal for romance-seekers who want to enjoy some alone time. 

Just 25 miles northwest of Rhodes in the Dodecanese, Symi is a small, mountainous island ideal for those seeking a more authentic Greek island experience with a peaceful atmosphere. While there are many uncrowded beaches, both sandy and pebbly, Agios Georgios is particularly serene as the only way to get there is by water taxi from Symi’s harbor, or your own boat. The enticing water is clear, warm, and Easter egg blue, so you might want to spend much of your time swimming. There are no facilities here, so bring everything you need, perhaps a picnic, beach blanket, and plenty of sunscreen, to enjoy this wild stretch backed by a nearly 100-foot-high cliff. 

There’s no need for a boat to reach Emborios Beach, located two miles northwest of Symi Town. But you might want to stay in one of the handful of vacation rentals that will put you just steps from the water, accessed by following the shoreline opposite. That pretty much guarantees you’ll have the chance to swim with not another soul around. This is a place that’s hard to leave, easy to spend an entire day with trees for shade and several beach bars and tavernas offering cold Mythos beer and the fresh catch of the day, complete with tables on the sand.