Here is a list of where to stay in Greece to avoid the crowds. We’ve got a complete list of big and small islands as well as some unknown villages packed with activities.
Greece is one of the most popular countries for holidays worldwide, and Greece is also a country that tackled the current health situation in quite an intelligent way, which has allowed a gradual but safe lockdown lift.
As a result, the country is opening to international tourism in quite an organized way and is receiving visitors from several countries in Europe and the rest of the world. So holidays in Greece are a dream that can still come true in the next few months.
However, it’s natural that people have some concerns, and it’s only logical for you to try to safeguard your health and the health of your loved ones.
For this reason, it will undoubtedly be a great idea to visit the less popular islands which, although being entirely off the beaten path, are brimming with unique beauty and are perfect for a relaxing holiday in Greece… at the end of the day, who doesn’t want to put this year behind and enjoy a fantastic summer holiday?
Check out these unique and unusual places for the perfect summer vacation in Greece.
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Check The Solitary Areas In The Bigger Greek Islands
Although bigger islands such as Rhodes, Corfu, or Crete tend to be very popular Greek destinations, which will make you easily discard them for the risk of encountering overpopulated resorts, the truth is that these places are still ideal for an isolated holiday.
Southern Coast Of Crete
The vast territories of these big islands make it easier for you to find isolated accommodation. For instance, the southern coast of Crete is an ideal place with small and often deserted villages, lonely beaches, and less accommodation availability.
Corfu
The same applies to the eastern coast of the island. Corfu is another good example; the north of the island boasts different villages where it’s possible to rent a small house and have a lovely holiday. Regarding Rhodes, the southwestern area of the island features many peaceful spots and enchanting mountain villages.
Naxos
Another reasonably big island you could enjoy is Naxos. However, it’s located in the center of the Aegean. It’s quite a popular spot for the summer holidays; there are several picturesque mountain villages where it’s relatively easy to get away from the crowds.
Paros
Paros’ nearby island offers the same characteristics and can also be a good holiday choice to avoid crowded villages. On both islands, it’s possible to find lonely beaches to enjoy.
The possibility remains if you’re still dreaming of visiting Mykonos or Santorini. It’s possible to avoid the crowds if you choose strategically where to stay on each of these popular Greek Islands.
For Mykonos, we recommend the northern coast, while when it comes to Santorini, the areas of Vlychada, Baxedes, and Vothonas are good options to avoid crowds.
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Discover Any Of These Twelve Smaller Or Lesser-Known Greek Islands
The cluster of Greek Islands is immense, and it’s often tough to decide which island to choose for your holiday. It’s common to fall into the crowded island trap, choosing popular spots such as Mykonos and Santorini. This time, though, the conditions are all given for you to discover small Greek islands, usually entirely off the radar. Let’s see a few of them.
Lipsi Island
Lipsi is a small island in the Dodecanese, perfect for a relaxing and isolated holiday. There are a few spectacular beaches to enjoy, good local tavernas, and nightlife activities are reduced to a few bars and tavernas right by the port.
If you enjoy exploring, you can look at the lonely churches in the mountains or walk around the village’s romantic alleys.
Donousa Island
Right opposite Naxos island, there’s a unique cluster of five small islands where isolating is easy and simply the way to go. All of them are home to landscapes of outstanding wild beauty with pristine seas and dreamy shores.
Donousa is one of the most beautiful of all, and it’s relatively easy to reach taking a boat from Naxos port.
Antiparos Island
Only 10 minutes away by boat from Paros, the tiny island of Antiparos, in the center of the Aegean, is a unique Cycladic Island to isolate, relax, and enjoy your summer in Greece.
Once on the island, you can discover the pristine beaches, the tasty seaside tavernas, and one of the most spectacular caves in Europe, the Cave of Antiparos, home to stunning natural formations of stalactites and stalagmites.
Thassos Island
Located in the northern part of the Aegean Sea, Thassos is a unique summer destination in Greece. An island with plenty of sunshine during all the summer, Thassos boasts amazing beaches where it’s also possible to enjoy water sports and magnificent local cuisine.
Although the island is not really small, it’s entirely off the beaten track, making it a perfect destination to avoid big crowds this summer.
Paxos Island
Paxos is a beautiful small gem on the Ionian sea just a few miles from Corfu. The island’s capital, Gaios, is a marvelous Greek village by the sea, made of small cobblestone alleys and picturesque, colorful houses.
The best way to reach Paxos is with a ferry departing from the port of Corfu. A beautiful central square is an excellent place for dinner, while the beaches in the area are unique. For a more exciting experience, you can rent a boat and reach the even smaller Antipaxos Island, home to one of the most stunning turquoise seas in Greece.
Gavdos Island
The unique wilderness of Gavdos island translates into spectacular sand dunes, an extensive collection of lonely beaches, bizarre rock formations, and one-of-a-kind cedar forests that will make you fall in love with the place.
Gavdos is the southernmost post in Europe, and it can be reached by boat from the southern port of Chora Sfakion on Crete.
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Karpathos Island
Not as small as many of the islands mentioned so far, Karpathos is a perfect island in the Dodecanese to experience some time on your own. Thanks to its mountainous landscape, there are several isolated villages, both by the sea and mountains, where you can rent a small house to spend your holiday.
For the same reasons, lonely beaches are abundant, some of them reachable only by boat, great for a social distancing kind of holiday.
Anafi Island
Easy to reach from the port of Santorini, Anafi is one of those Greek islands that nobody seems to visit, but when they do, they can’t help but fall in love with the peaceful atmosphere and the Cycladic landscape. And don’t worry, despite being so close to Santorini, both islands seem to be a universe apart regarding crowds and lifestyles.
Life runs at a different speed in Anafi, with its one village and its ancient Greek traditions seeming to resist and survive our modern times. Like the neighboring Santorini, the island has volcanic origins. Therefore, you can admire a unique landscape of imposing cliffs and rough sandy beaches. Most beaches on the island can be accessed on foot.
Skiathos Island
An ideal destination for those who enjoy subaquatic sports, Skiathos is an unknown Greek island that can be the answer you were looking for to enjoy a holiday in Greece minus the crowds.
This stunning island belongs to the Sporades cluster, and it features a magnificent green landscape with crystalline coasts and a fascinating marine landscape. Therefore, the island is perfect for snorkeling, immersion, hiking, and enjoying various outdoor activities.
Alonissos Island
This remote northern island, also part of the groups of the Sporades, can be reached from the city of Volos (not far from Athens by car or public transport), where there are daily ferries and hydrofoils to Alonissos Island.
The perfect environment, if you love close contact with nature, the rugged landscape, and the small islands scattered around the archipelagos make Alonissos a unique place to enjoy walks in the green pine forests. But, most importantly, Alonissos hosts the National Marine Park of the Northern Sporades, famous for being a natural refuge for dolphins, the Mediterranean monk seal, and endless varieties of rare seabirds.
Astypaleia Island
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Often considered one of Greece’s prettiest islands, Astypaleia is a perfect destination for a peaceful and solitary holiday. Besides, if you are looking for a stunning Cycladic landscape, the island will not disappoint! The picturesque, whitewashed villages on top of the hill dominate the island’s landscape.
A row of traditional windmills with red roofs stands next to the other as you make your way up to the Venetian castle and church, crowning the hill on top of the settlement. From here, the views of the surrounding sea are fantastic.
You can reach several quiet beaches with a rental car or hiking. The somewhat odd shape of the Astypaleia often described as a butterfly, splits the island into two different sections worth exploring.
Symi Island
Another Dodecanese island worth a visit is the tiny island of Symi, just a few kilometers from Turkey’s coast. The unique beauty of its port welcomes visitors with an array of colorful Neoclassical buildings and mansions standing amphitheatrically over the port of Gialos.
The small streets and cobblestone alleys of Symi are ideal for tranquil walks. You’ll be able to discover the village of Chorio, with old-time churches and classic domes, or even enjoy a friendly conversation with a local in one of the small cafés.
When it comes to beaches, the island offers excellent sandy beaches for families and pebbly beaches and several secluded coves. For more adventurous experiences, the nearby islets of Agia Marina and Nimos are an outstanding opportunity for quality time on your own.
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These are some of the many islands that you can visit in Greece without being surrounded by crowds. And no matter what place to stay, follow the local regulations regarding social distancing; they will guarantee you and your family a safe, stress-free holiday, full, relaxed, and unforgettable memories.
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