Alternative Greek Islands You Must Visit

Greece is not only about the famous islands like Mykonos and Santorini. There are plenty of unknown heavenly islands in Greece. Hidden paradises that you would think they can not be found in a map. These amazing island destinations in Greece have managed to retain their hotel facilities on a small scale and thus have kept their almost unspoilt beauty. There is no reason to wander to the famous islands when we can find our own uncharted haven, a special place only for us and our loved ones.

There is no reason to wander to the great islands when we can get to Koufonisia. This turquoise paradise is going to blow your mind with its beautiful lacy beaches. Koufonisia has some of the best Greek beaches, despite their small size. Koufonisia is the most typical example of islands that is ideal for all tastes! Ano Koufonissi with its beautiful countryside, its cobbled streets, restaurants with the delicious food, and special bars, as well as Kato Koufonissi with the impressive waters and the wild natural beauty, will make you want to stay in Greece forever. There are plenty of choices if you wish to stay there since Ano Koufonissi has a great number of beautiful hotels and rooms. However, if you are planning to visit this place during high-season we advise you to book a room early enough! We suggest choosing something that overlooks the beautiful beaches of the upper island. Backpackers usually choose Kato Koufonissi since it has plenty of space for a closer approach to nature, that is if you are into camping of course. From Koufonisia you can try island hopping around the Cyclades and visit islands like Paros, Naxos, Ios, Santorini, Mykonos, Milos, Serifos, Sifnos and Amorgos.

Discover the beautiful Tilos, a surprising island for those who do not know it. Your first acquaintance with the island is the harbour and the seaside settlement of Livadia. It is essentially the most touristy part of Tilos since it has the majority of the rented rooms and also has a wide choice of tavernas, cafes and a few bars. Following the one and only asphalt road of the island, you will reach Megalo Chorio. The capital of Tilos is perched on the slopes of the hill of St. Stephen and right above it are the ruins of the castle. To get to the castle you will need to walk about 20 minutes on a path, but the panoramic view of Eristo beach and the fishing village of Agios Antonios is well worth it. Tilos has numerous paths lead to steep slopes which eventually lead to secluded beaches. Tilos is a paradise for those who love birds since rare species of birds has settled there. 

The active volcano, the thermal baths, the love that its people have for the arts, the wonderful settlements and the excellent network of paths make Nisyros a unique island that is definitely worth your attention. The volcanic island of Nisyros also offers hiking that leads to the crater in Mount Polyvoti. The volcano of Nisyros is one of the few that can visit on the whole planet, anyone can get there by car. There are no organized beaches. So, get ready for a holiday without loungers, beach bars and all the jet ski noises. The special energy of Nisyros that seems to spill from the volcano and the lunar landscape offers inspiration to numerous artists, converting Nisyros into "an island of arts" in the summers. 

Ithaca

Ithaca is a great destination for those who love mythology. You will love hiking on this island as you can tour the places where the hero of the Trojan War, Odysseus, passed. Ithaca was Odysseus homeland (Homer's legendary hero) according to the legend. This makes Ithaca a  historical and spiritual point of reference. The hospitable and romantic Ithaca is an ideal place for peaceful holidays, interesting tours and explorations. Combining harmoniously mountain and sea, the island has a wonderful natural vibe, deep sea dismemberment, wonderful bays and charming beaches, picturesque paths and traditional settlements. The exploration is endless. 

Alonissos, the quietest of the islands of the Northern Sporades, is a destination where you will find relaxing hotels, beaches with crystal clear waters and an amazing countryside that is one of the few with so much beauty compared to the rest of Greece. Alonissos has nothing to be envious about if you match it up with the other islands. It is an ideal destination for those who love being close to nature with many points of interest, combining a good stay in Patitiri or Chora or other parts of the island, tasty food to eat, relaxed quality nightlife and natural landscape with as much green as you can find in only a few other islands. Alonissos has an established network that leads through easy walkways to its pristine beaches. This island is characteristic of the beauty that hides in every part of Greece, so it really worth visiting. 

The Ionian islands in general, have a rare and wild beauty with their blue waters, imposing rocks and caves, but these two islands, Paxos-Antipaxos, will make you love the Ionian even more. Paxos is a small island, you can reach from one end to the other in just 15 minutes, while Antipaxi, which is even a smaller island, is a paradise on earth. Buying a map of the island, you will find that you have many options on beaches, with the best of those being Kaki Lagada, Kipiadi, Kipos and Marmari. All these are located on the eastern side of the island. The top beach is non-other than Erimitis (Hermit beach) on the west side of the island. Although it is in the difficult and wild part, there is access to some point by car or other vehicle and then for about 5 minutes walking. The place is thrilling, the sunset wonderful and the best of all is that you will not find a lot of people there. Recently there was a big landslide and the beach opened even more. Paxi The tiny island of the Ionian Sea, which is suitable for escapes through paths that pass through ancient olive trees and stone walls. Anyone who goes to Paxos-Antipaxos has to rent a boat in order to make the round of the island. This is the best way to see its hidden gems and admire how nature has created a true masterpiece. You have to see it to believe it. If you have plenty of days you could also try a bit of island hopping around the rest of the Ionian islands. 

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