While Santorini and Mykonos are stunning, their popularity means crowds, high prices, and a more commercialized experience. Greece offers countless other islands and mainland destinations that are equally breathtaking, rich in culture, and less crowded.
When most travelers think of Greece, two names immediately come to mind: Santorini and Mykonos. These islands have become synonymous with Greek island hopping, Instagram backdrops, and luxury escapes. But with high prices, overcrowded beaches, and cruise ship congestion, the magic that once defined them is slowly slipping away. Fortunately, Greece is home to hundreds of lesser-known islands and towns that offer even more beauty, authenticity, and peace—without the chaos or cost.
From quiet villages with cobbled streets and local tavernas to untouched beaches and ancient ruins with no tour groups in sight, Greece is hiding a different kind of paradise—one that doesn’t show up on travel brochures or influencer posts. These are the places where locals vacation, where time slows down, and where Greek culture thrives far from the curated crowds of the Cyclades.
In this blog post, you’ll discover 13 underrated Greek destinations you’ve probably never heard of—but should. If you’re looking for real food, real people, and real adventure, it’s time to look beyond the glossy postcards and travel deeper into Greece’s soul.
Read here Things to know before going to Santorini, best Greece sim card for tourist and things to know before visiting Greece!
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Why Choose These Alternatives?
Fewer Crowds: These destinations allow you to enjoy Greece’s beauty without the heavy tourist influx of Santorini and Mykonos.
Authenticity: Experience local culture, traditions, and cuisine in a more intimate setting.
Variety: Each location offers unique landscapes, from volcanic cliffs to lush greenery and sandy beaches.
Quick Easy Tips
Travel off-season: May, early June, and September are ideal for mild weather and fewer crowds.
Use ferries wisely: Regional islands like Ikaria, Milos, and Syros are easy to reach and budget-friendly.
Stay in local guesthouses: You’ll save money and enjoy a more authentic experience.
Eat at village tavernas: Skip the tourist menus and enjoy fresh, home-style Greek meals at half the price.
Rent a scooter or car: Many hidden gems aren’t accessible by bus or tour, so go mobile.
Santorini and Mykonos are often treated as the “must-see” jewels of Greece, but they’ve become victims of their own fame. Locals are increasingly frustrated by the overtourism—rising costs, overrun beaches, and the transformation of traditional communities into Instagram stages. Some have even begun advocating for stricter tourism limits to preserve what’s left of their cultural integrity.
Many travelers fall into the trap of treating Greece like a checklist: white houses, blue domes, sunsets, and that’s it. But in doing so, they miss out on the diversity and depth of a country with more than 6,000 islands and thousands of years of layered history. The obsession with a few photogenic hotspots dilutes what makes Greece great in the first place.
There’s also a growing tension around how tourism is affecting the environment and affordability for locals. From rising rent prices in popular areas to strained local services, the pressure is real. Choosing lesser-known destinations not only benefits travelers but supports a more sustainable future for Greece’s communities.
Alternatives To Santorini And Mykonos In Greece
1. Naxos
Why Visit:
Known for its pristine beaches, lush valleys, and authentic Cycladic charm, Naxos offers a quieter and more budget-friendly experience.
Highlights:
Relax on Agios Prokopios Beach.
Explore the ancient Portara (Temple of Apollo).
Visit mountain villages like Halki and Apeiranthos.
Best Time to Visit: May–October
Tip: Enjoy farm-to-table meals with local cheeses, meats, and wines.
2. Paros
Why Visit:
Paros combines Cycladic beauty with fewer crowds and more laid-back vibes compared to Mykonos.
Highlights:
Wander the charming streets of Naoussa and Parikia.
Try windsurfing at Golden Beach.
Visit the Panagia Ekatontapiliani (Church of 100 Doors).
Best Time to Visit: May–September
Tip: Take a ferry to nearby Antiparos for even more seclusion.
3. Milos
Why Visit:
This volcanic island boasts dramatic landscapes, unique beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Highlights:
Swim at Sarakiniko, known for its moon-like white rock formations.
Visit the colorful fishing village of Klima.
Explore ancient catacombs and the Venus de Milo’s discovery site.
Best Time to Visit: June–October
Tip: Take a boat tour around the island to access hidden beaches.
4. Syros
Why Visit:
The capital of the Cyclades offers neoclassical architecture, cultural vibrancy, and stunning beaches.
Highlights:
Stroll through Ermoupoli, with its impressive town hall and Apollo Theater.
Relax on Galissas Beach or Kini Beach.
Enjoy a mix of Greek and Venetian influences in Ano Syros.
Best Time to Visit: April–October
Tip: Visit during the Syros International Film Festival in July.
5. Tinos
Why Visit:
Tinos is known for its religious significance, artistic heritage, and traditional villages.
Highlights:
Visit the famous Church of Panagia Evangelistria.
Explore marble-crafting villages like Pyrgos.
Hike to Volax and see its surreal rock formations.
Best Time to Visit: May–October
Tip: Enjoy the island’s exceptional local wines and artisanal cheeses.
6. Folegandros
Why Visit:
A hidden gem offering dramatic cliffs, whitewashed villages, and untouched beauty.
Highlights:
Wander through Chora, one of the most picturesque towns in the Cyclades.
Hike to Panagia Church for stunning sunset views.
Swim in secluded coves like Agali Beach.
Best Time to Visit: June–September
Tip: Embrace the slow pace and dine on fresh seafood at waterfront tavernas.
7. Karpathos
Why Visit:
A rugged, mountainous island with stunning beaches and a preserved traditional culture.
Highlights:
Visit Olympos Village, where locals wear traditional clothing.
Swim at Apella Beach, one of Greece’s most beautiful.
Windsurf in Afiartis, a global hotspot for the sport.
Best Time to Visit: May–October
Tip: Rent a car to explore the island’s remote villages and beaches.
8. Hydra
Why Visit:
A car-free island close to Athens, Hydra offers tranquility, history, and charm.
Highlights:
Stroll through Hydra Town with its stone mansions and narrow alleys.
Swim at Vlychos or Spilia Beach.
Visit historical mansions like Lazaros Kountouriotis Museum.
Best Time to Visit: April–October
Tip: It’s perfect for a day trip from Athens or a quiet weekend getaway.
9. Ithaca
Why Visit:
Believed to be the home of Odysseus, this Ionian island is steeped in myth and natural beauty.
Highlights:
Explore hidden coves like Gidaki Beach.
Visit Vathy, a picturesque harbor town.
Hike to Nymphs Cave and Homer’s School.
Best Time to Visit: May–September
Tip: Ithaca is ideal for those seeking peace, hiking, and sailing.
10. Peloponnese (Monemvasia and Nafplio)
Why Visit:
Mainland Greece offers stunning coastal towns and rich history without the need for ferries.
Highlights:
In Monemvasia, explore the medieval castle town on a rocky island.
Visit Nafplio, a charming Venetian port with cobblestone streets and fortresses.
Discover ancient sites like Mycenae and Epidaurus.
Best Time to Visit: March–November
Tip: Rent a car to explore the region’s vineyards and olive groves.
11. Sifnos
Why Visit:
Sifnos is a foodie paradise with excellent hiking trails and beautiful beaches.
Highlights:
Visit the whitewashed village of Kastro.
Dine on local specialties like revithada (chickpea stew).
Relax at Platis Gialos or Vathi Beach.
Best Time to Visit: May–September
Tip: Try pottery-making workshops, as Sifnos is famous for its ceramics.
12. Skiathos
Why Visit:
Skiathos boasts lush greenery, vibrant nightlife, and some of the Aegean’s best beaches.
Highlights:
Relax on Koukounaries Beach and explore the historic Bourtzi Fortress.
Take a boat trip to Lalaria Beach with its striking cliffs.
Stroll through the lively Skiathos Town.
Best Time to Visit: June–September
Tip: Visit neighboring Skopelos, the filming location for Mamma Mia!
13. Amorgos
Why Visit:
Famous for its dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters, Amorgos is an unspoiled Cycladic gem.
Highlights:
Visit the Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa, built into a cliffside.
Swim at Agia Anna Beach, featured in The Big Blue.
Explore ancient ruins and charming villages.
Best Time to Visit: May–September
Tip: Enjoy hiking trails that connect the island’s villages and hidden beaches.
Final Thoughts
Travelers often equate value with popularity—but in the case of Greece, it’s the overlooked places that hold the real treasure. The charm of Naxos, the serenity of Folegandros, the authenticity of Pelion—these destinations are where Greece quietly whispers instead of shouts. You’ll spend less, experience more, and walk away with stories that haven’t already been told a thousand times.
There’s nothing wrong with visiting Santorini or Mykonos once—but if you want the kind of trip that changes you, you have to break free from the guidebooks. Exploring the unknown parts of Greece offers not just better travel experiences, but a deeper respect for the culture and people who live there.
So skip the lines, dodge the selfie sticks, and let the rest of the world chase the obvious while you discover what Greece is truly about.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.