More than 6,000 large and small islands are scattered along the coast of Greece, lapping at the lapping of turquoise waters and faded by the sun – Greek islands fill your imagination with mythological stories, fill your stomach with local delicacies, and relax your nerves with real leisure. We've identified 10 hidden treasure islands and come and experience the most chic slow travels of the Aegean and Ionian Seas.
Cyclades Islands
Flaganzros
Folegandros
"Enjoy the sunset"
©Peter Fischer/AWL
Santorini is known for its spectacular sunset, and in the evening the golden glow shines on the whitewashed houses, volcanic slopes and sparkling blue sea, but the same notorious crowds are really unpleasant. Luckily, the island of Freganzros, near Santorini, has exactly the same scenery. The island, which chokes the southern throat of the Cyclades, was the site of the exile of political dissidents in Roman times. You can watch the sunset in Hora, the most beautiful village on the island, and laugh at the unwise decision of the tyrant. You can also set off from the chaotic center of the island and follow the path to Panagia, the church that guards the island towering over the hills and chasing the last rays of the day.
Tinos Island
Tinos
"Experience traditional island life"
©Johanna Huber/4Corners
Tinos is a Greek Orthodox holy site, the Our Lady of Tinos, enshrines the icon of the Virgin Mary with the power of rejuvenation. However, the island pilgrimage is also good for your health, as it is the best place to experience rural life in the Cyclades. Rent a car and depart from the town of Tinos, the first stop is the hilltop Ktikados, with its beautiful blue dome bell tower. Then head to Tarabados, which has a large Venetian loft, but is more like the doge's palace. Finally, return to the small Dio Choria, where the cafés are perfect for sitting and watching the crowds come and go.
Milos Island
Milos
"Breaking through the bay"
©Sivan Askayo
Home to The Venus of Milos, Milos is home to some of the Most Watched Rocks of the Cyclades – its coastline is made up of limestone cliffs and turquoise waters, the most widely known greek island scenery. If you want to get close to the cliff and break into an inaccessible sea cave, it is best to drive a leaf boat, so that you can run aground in the cove and happily abandon the boat, when there is no rumbling of the motor in your ears, only the crashing sound of the waves. Kleftiko means "pirate's lair," where you can paddle through oncoming rock arches and use the blue waves to find legendary treasures lost in the sea caves.
Sifnos
Sifnos
"Shopping with heart"
©Design Pics Inc/Alamy Stock Photo
In ancient times, Sifnos made its fortune from gold and silver mines, and the islanders became the richest people in the Cyclades. Today, gold has been dug up and silver has been dug up, but fortunately, the tradition of craftsmanship in Sifnos has not been abandoned. Locals still draw inspiration from this small land, continuing their long tradition of pottery and weaving. Spend the afternoon exploring the boutiques of the labyrinthine village of Apollonia. Then turn to the nearby Artemonas for Sifnos Stoneware, a pottery family that has been handed down for five generations, making ceramic tableware mostly in the turquoise of the Aegean Sea or the deep blue of the Cyclades sky. But remember: don't bring your own plates to a Greek wedding, because Greeks have a custom of throwing plates.
Kaia Island
Kea
"Farm Homestay"
©Agrikea/Emotional Frames/emotionalframes.gr
Looking for one of the most luxurious farm homes? Don't miss Agrikea, a boutique hotel in the middle of the apricot trees of Kea Island, where guests can get a glimpse of the island's days when it was inextricably linked to holiday homes. Fig, olive and pomegranate trees fill the kitchen, and pecking chicks and guinea fowl roam the yard after 60 years of abandonment. There is also an infinity pool and massage services – although they don't go along as well as the ancient Greek farm traditions. Stay here in winter or spring, and you can take a guided gardening tour of the island, during which you can follow the cobblestone paths through the swaying meadows of wildflowers.
North Aegean Islands
Chios Island
Chios
"Visit a village off the beaten track"
©Philip Lee Harvey
Both the Byzantine emperors and ottoman sultans were fond of chewing frankincense – this "ancient wrigley gum" is the gum of frankincense wood that, when chewed, releases a cedar-like flavor. The origin of frankincense will also haunt you: the island of Chios in the northeast of the Aegean Sea is just a stone's throw away from the Turkish mainland. You can join a group tour to the Frankincense Center in the south of the island, where your guide will show you how to collect gum from ancient trees. In addition, be sure to stay in what people call the "Frankincense Village", wander the village's deserted cobblestone alleys, and walk through the mansions built by generations of gum kings.
Icaria Island
Ikaria
"Throw yourself into the party"
©Percy Ryall/Alamy Stock Photo
According to legend, the island of Ikaria got its name from Icarus, who flew too close to the sun to fall off the coast. Although that was a lesson about "restraint", it does not seem to have worked now. Icaria's summer saints festival is prestigious, saying that it is a country festival, but it is more like a carnival party – in the warm, short nights, the island's villages will host more than a dozen fiery celebrations, people dancing in cobblestone squares, lamb stew on the table, and countless Ikaria wines. The biggest pomp is probably Hristos Rahes, the "sleepless village" of the local population. It is said that in order not to attract the attention of the pirates passing by during the day, the local residents have long developed the habit of nighttime activities, so they are the old revelers.
Limnos
Limnos
"Family Camping"
©Evan Mavridoglou/Surf Club Keros
Contrary to the trend of family vacations on the Greek islands, Surf Club Keros takes the form of accommodation in a luxury safari tent nestled among the reeded dunes of Limnos. The shoal in front of the tent is perfect for kids to learn kitesurfing and windsurfing, and a reliable shoreward wind always blows the surfboard (and kids) back to shore. For non-thrill-seeking adults, early morning yoga classes and massages are in the middle. There are also edutainment and educational day trips, a short drive south and you'll find inspiration among the monuments of Poliohni – said to be the oldest birthplace of constitutional democracy in Europe.
The Twelve Islands
Symi Island
Symi
"Mystery Quest"
©Franz Marc Frei/Getty Images
When sailing to Gialos, you might think the ferry is going in the wrong direction: the Italian mansions lining the pier are reminiscent of the palaces of Amalfi and Portofino. In fact, in the 1920s and 1940s, Symi was indeed under Italian jurisdiction. Nowadays, people come from Rhodes for a holiday and feel the "sweet life" of the Twelve Islands. Although not many people spend the night in Giaros, even fewer leave. Spend the afternoon on the cobbled beaches and lively taverns of Nimborios, or embark on an adventure with the blessing of the gods, following the winding alleys to the Moni Taxiarhou Mihail Panormiti, founded in the 5th century, where the patron saint of sailors is enshrined: St. Michael.
Saronic Islands
Hydra Island
Hydra
"Great food"
©Agnieszka Sitarz
Hydra is closed to vehicles and can only explore the long, narrow Island of Saronic on mules, donkeys or on foot. Luckily, it only takes a 10-minute walk from the ferry terminal to reach Techne Restaurant. This restaurant, which serves a new style of Greek cuisine, is one of the most eye-catching food stars on the Aegean Sea, and in addition to the food, it also comes with a peloponnese view from the window. Dishes here use sustainable, local, seasonal ingredients, as well as fresh catch from the sea near the restaurant, such as sea bream fillets, mussels, beans, artichoke, saffron juice and pistachios. After lunch, you can take a walk around the neighborhood to eat, go to the wilderness of the island, and follow the cobblestone paths through the pine forest, except for the distant blue tide and the occasional snort of donkeys.
This article is adapted from the May 2020 issue | Oliver Smith
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