Greek islands without crowds are a rare find during summer. But we’ve done our research and discovered 10 of the best. They’re easy to reach, score high on fun for kids and haven’t really been discovered yet. Take a look.
The fascinating ‘ghost’ town of Mikro Horio on the Greek island of Tilos
10/10 Tilos: pick of the Greek islands for young eco-adventurers
This is a gentle, laid back island. People come here to enjoy the tranquillity and unspoilt beauty so don’t expect theme parks and 24/7 entertainment. Instead, canoeing, kayaking, walking and exploring keeps everyone busy. There are beaches too, try Eristos for perfect peace, shallow waters and soft sand. Tilos is small, but packed with rewarding trails through its wooded hilly interior and down to secluded coves. In fact, the whole of Tilos is like a nature reserve it’s so green and wildlife-rich, plus it’s also powered by solar and wind energy, so it isn’t just one of the quieter Greek islands it’s also one of the most eco-conscious.
Where is it? One of the Dodecanese, Tilos is in the Aegean, between the Greek islands of Kos and Rhodes.
How to get there? Direct UK flights to Kos take from 3 hours, 50 minutes. Kos to Tilos ferry from 1 hour, 35 minutes.
Book your stay in Tilos
Pretty Skiathos harbour, Sporades Islands, Greece
9/10 Skiathos: one of the better known ‘secret’ Greek islands
Skiathos counts as one of the better known ‘secret’ Greek islands, so it’s off the beaten track but still pretty lively. There’s an open air cinema here, plus boat cruises, and mountain bike hire. Snorkelling and hiking are also popular. Don’t miss Koukounaries beach on the south coast. The sand here is powder soft, the forest background is lovely and plenty sunbeds and restaurants make it just about perfect for families.
Where is it? Skiathos is part of the Sporades group of Greek islands.
How to get there? Direct UK flights to Skiathos take from 3 hours, 20 minutes.
Book your stay in Skiathos
Lovely whitewashed village houses are part of the enchantment on Antiparos
8/10 Antiparos: the island loved by camera-shy celebrities
Greek islands don’t come much more photogenic than Antiparos. It’s all classic whitewashed houses with cobalt blue doors and splashes of crimson bougainvillea. Less well known than its near neighbour Paros, the secret island vibe here is loved by publicity-shy celebrities, but there’s plenty to do apart from star gazing. Wander up to the Venetian fortress of Kastro in the centre of town. Explore the unique cave system from inside Agios Ioannis hill. Take a day trip to Despotiko Island, an uninhabited island strewn with ancient artefacts. And head for the main town in the evening when its quiet cobbled streets and cheerful tavernas really come to life.
Where is it? Antiparos is one of the Cyclades Islands in the southern Aegean.
How to get there? Direct UK flights to Paros take from 3 hours, 40 minutes. Paros to Antiparos ferry crossing from 15 minutes.
Book your stay in Antiparos
Gorgeous Lefkada beaches are water sport heaven for older kids
7/10 Lefkada: head here with your sporty older kids for summer 2022
Lefkada is the best 0f the Greek islands for a balance of buzz and peace. It’s got enough going on, but is relatively untouched by tourism and ideal for families wanting a little more than just beaches. It’s the perfect getaway for water sports: try Vasiliki Bay for windsurfing and kayaking or Milos for kite-surfing. Lefkada Town is a charming harbour, good for exploring and home to 14th century Agia Mavra. Active families can hike around the olive grove-filled hilly centre of the island. And when you want beaches, Lekada’s Porto Katsiki beach ranks as one of the loveliest in Europe.
Where is it? Lefkada sits in the Ionian sea west of Athens.
How to get there? Direct UK flights to Lefkada take from 3 hours, 15 minutes.
Book your stay in Lefkada
Famously beautiful Symi Harbour in the Dodecanese
6/10 Symi: the island to pick for pretty beaches and warm seas
Symi is one of the tiny Greek islands with hidden, pristine beaches tucked around rocky inlets reachable only by water taxi – kids love this. Snorkelling’s fun here thanks to year-round warm seas and clear waters. The island’s colourful neo-classical harbour town is the best place to stay, has good restaurants and lovely old streets to wander around. If you can tear yourself away from the beaches a hike round what remains of Symi’s ancient fortifications is well worth the effort.
Where is it? Symi a Dodecanese island and lies just north of Rhodes
How to get there? Direct UK flights to Kos take from 3 hours, 50 minutes. Kos to Symi ferry crossing from 2 hours, 50 minutes.
