Most Quiet Greek Islands
Introduction
Most Quiet Greek Islands – Are you already planning your holidays in the Greek islands? Do you want to continue practicing social distancing and keep an air of isolation in your holidays? Quiet doesn’t necessarily mean small. Some of the quietest island destinations in Greece are also some of the largest. Even on popular islands blessed with great beaches, summer tourism tends to be focused in a few places, leaving the rest of the island undeveloped and ripe for exploration. But there are over 200 inhabited islands in Greece, so you’ll still find large islands with fascinating histories that haven’t been spoilt by mass tourism. As a general rule, quieter destinations tend to be harder to reach – some requiring long ferry journeys. But there are airports scattered around the Greek islands, so this isn’t a hard and fast rule.
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Read our list with the best islands for quiet holidays, to escape the crowds. Here’s our list of 5 Greek destinations where you can enjoy some quiet, solitary, time this summer according to location, landscapes and types of holiday they offer:
Patmos
Patmos is a charming island in the Dodecanese, about 8-9 hours by ferry from the port of Piraeus. It’s an ideal destination for peaceful holidays. The traditional architecture of the island, the picturesque villages and the beautiful natural landscape make an ideal scenery for walks and strolling around. You should visit the historic center of the island in Chora, with its narrow alleys and whitewashed houses. The island has some great hiking trails that lead to spots with an amazing view or to secluded beaches. The beach of Psili Ammos is one of the prettiest beaches in Patmos, and we recommend eating local delicacies at the beach taverna with a wonderful view.
Koufonisia
Koufonisia belong to the Small Cyclades island group and they are perfect for beach holidays. The ferry trip from Athens to Koufonisia can be from 4 to 7 hours depending on the vessel type. Koufonisia consist of 2 islands, Ano and Kato Koufonisi. In Ano Koufonisi you will find amazing beaches with crystal turquoise waters, rocky bays, and natural pools as well as bars, tavernas, and small shops. The beaches of Pori and Gala are among the most impressive ones on the island. Ano Koufonisi is small and you can walk the whole island in about 3 to 4 hours. If you are looking for a secluded destination for total relaxation then you should visit Kato Koufonisi. The small island is uninhabited, it has only one taverna, and you will encounter very few people. The beaches and trails of Kato Koufonisi are amazing and we recommend spending one night there, in your sleeping bag, under the starry sky
Anafi
Anafi is located in the Cyclades, next to Santorini. Unlike its celebrated neighbor, Anafi is ideal to escape crowds and enjoy some peaceful time by the sea. You can get from Athens to Anafi by ferry in about 10 hours. The island has beautiful sandy beaches and a wild natural landscape. There are also some spectacular trails, with the one that leads to the mount Kalamos being a must. Kalamos is the second-highest monolith in Europe after Gibraltar and the 360 view from its top is breathtaking. Anafi’s Chora is a true gem of the Aegean, with traditional architecture, small shops, as well as a few bars and restaurants that often organize DJ nights or live Greek music.
Gavdos
Gavdos is located in the southernmost tip of Greece, and Europe, so it’s the most suitable place for relaxing and carefree holidays. The trip from Athens to Gavdos can be approximately 14 hours, including a ferry ride from Athens to Chania, a bus ride from Chania to Paleochora, and a ferry from Paleochora to Gavdos. Can you think of a better destination to isolate, away from the city? The island beaches are heavenly, surrounded by sand dunes and cedar forests. The best way to discover the wild natural beauty of Gavdos is by its hiking trails. The island is small and it has less than 100 permanent residents. There are a number of rooms available but most travelers prefer to camp in one of Gavdos’ amazing beaches.
Agistri
Agistri is a small island in the Argosaronikos gulf, just 1 hour by ferry from the port of Piraeus. The relaxing pace as well as its beautiful nature of Agistri make it perfect for a getaway close to Athens. The island is small so you can easily walk or cycle around. Agistri is famous for its clear blue waters and idyllic beaches. Swimming, snorkeling, or diving are popular activities on the beaches of Agistri. We recommend visiting Aponisos and Chalikiada, for their amazing sea and surrounding nature.
Honourable mentions
- Crete is the largest island in Greece and has plenty of untouched areas – just avoid the developed northern coast.
- Sikinos is one of the quietest and least touristy islands in the Cyclades
- Tilos is a small island in the Dodecanese which is often overlooked by island-hoppers
- Astypaleia is half way between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese and its awkward location keeps it quiet
