5 Quiet Greek Islands
5 Quiet Greek Islands to visit
We offer 5 quiet greek islands to consider when you are planning your visit to Greece. Do you prefer the quiet islands for a more relaxed experience/ Perhaps you have memories of the Greek islands of years ago before substantial development has altered their nature? Do you like the idea of slower paced life and quiet ‘non-organised’ beaches? Then please consider the islands we recommend.
But of course you also need to consider your travelling companions – if you are travelling with others who prefer things a little more lively then we also suggest practical combinations with other islands where you might find more visitors and a ‘livelier’ experience to keep everyone in your group happy with their visit.
Kimolos
Kimolos – named from the Greek for chalk ‘Kimolia’ – is our first quiet Greek island to consider. It is a very small island in the south-west of the Cyclades near to Milos. It is very small (only 38 sq kms) but it offers the classic combination of attractive beaches, quaint settlements, dramatic landscape, good food and friendly locals to give you a visit to remember.
How to get to Kimolos
Milos to Kimolos ferry
The most popular way is to take the small ferry Osia Methodia from Pollonia in Milos, a 20 minute trip to Kimolos. The ferry operates several trips a day in the summer period.
You can fly to Milos from Athens then travel by car/taxi from the main Milos port round to Pollonia to catch the ferry to Kimolos.
Other ferries
Other Cyclades islands also connect to Kimolos eg Sifnos, Santorini. You can also take the ferry from Athens with the Piraeus to Kimolos via Serifos & Sifnos a popular route.
Things to do in Kimolos
Best beaches in Kimolos
For its size, Kimolos has a good selection of beaches to visit. For sandy shores and crystal clear waters, try Prassa or Bonatsa beaches. Kallamitsi and Ellanika are also good. Goupa offers a small beach for a swim near the Chora but is more notable for the fisherman’s caves (syrmata) that provide a unique backdrop.
Boat trip to Poliegos
Poliegos is an (almost) uninhabited island to the south east of Kimolos. It’s a smaller version of Kimolos with the same crystal clear waters and stunning rock vistas of its neighbour. You can take a kayak to explore some of the waters and cave formations.
Explore the Chorio and villages
The Kimolos Chorio is a picture-perfect example of the typical Cycladic centre – narrow alleyways populated with cafes and tavernas, whitewashed houses, multiple churches etc. It’s easy to wander around. And of course don’t forget the Kastro (castle) too.
There are a few other villages dotted around the island – Psathi is the port village and Aliki is in the south of the island.
Find the Skiadi mushroom
This unusual stone formation often features in pictures from Kimolos. Like similar structures, it has been created through erosion of the lower softer rock to leave a stunning monument – it is highlighted on most maps and can be found towards the east of the island.
Islands to pair with Kimolos
You’ll probably gather that Milos is the obvious choice to pair with Kimolos given how close it is. It’s a reasonable contrast in terms of how lively Milos is but perhaps very similar in many other ways. Sifnos is another one to consider – it’s almost quiet enough to qualify as a quiet Greek island but is a little livelier with more variety and a fantastic food scene.
Schinoussa
Schinoussa is another quiet Greek island and is one of the Small Cyclades islands located to the southeast of Naxos. It is indeed small and a quiet Greek island which qualifies it as one of our recommendations but it is also beautifully formed. If your idea of a Greek island holiday is beach/rest/taverna on repeat then Schinoussa might be perfect for you.
How to get to Schinoussa
Naxos to Schinoussa ferry
The easiest way is to take the famous Express Skopelitis ferry from Naxos Town port to Schinoussa. It’s a short and cheap trip that will take you from the bustle of Naxos to the calm of Schinoussa. Blue Star ferries also connect to Schinoussa a few times a week.
You can fly to Naxos from Athens then travel by car/taxi from the airport to the port to catch the ferry to Schinoussa.
Other connections
Other Cyclades islands also connect to Schinoussa eg Iraklia (another quiet Small Cyclades island), and Amorgos.
Things to do in Schinoussa
Best beaches in Schinoussa
There are a couple of nice beaches close to the lovely Chora. Tsigouri Beach is a stroll down the hill past Grispos Villas and Livadi Beach is a little further to the south in the next bay – they are both nice sandy beaches, easy swimming and Livadi has a decent cafe behind the beach. Lioliou and Psili Ammos are eastern beaches to visit and if you can negotiate the road, Fikio is nice to visit in the north of the island.
Hop across to Iraklia
It’s a very short trip across to Iraklia (not to be confused with Ikaria!) and you can easily cross another island off your list. You can either catch the Skopelitis if timings work and there are boats from the harbour that will make the short journey across.
Explore the Chorio
Look it will not take you very long since it is essentially one street but it is charming nonetheless. There are plenty of cafes and tavernas to consider as you wander along.
Islands to pair with Schinoussa
You’ll probably gather that Naxos is the obvious choice to pair with Schinoussa. Naxos is much bigger and gives plenty of variety in terms of things to see and do so if you need that contrast, Naxos is a good choice. Other islands in the Small Cyclades group (Iraklia, Koufonisa, Donousa) are also good choices but quiet similar to Schinoussa.
Alonissos
Alonissos is the quiet member of the Sporades island trio sitting alongside the well developed Skiathos with its airport and well known beaches and the ‘Mamma Mia’ island of Skopelos. Alonissos benefits from being the least known of the trio but if you’re looking for a quiet Greek island and don’t mind the extra travel then this could be a good choice for you.
How to get to Alonissos
Ferries to Alonissos
The most popular way is to fly to Skiathos and then take the ferry to Alonissos which will take up to 2 hours depending on the type of boat and intermediate stops (maybe in Skopelos – a great chance to see the beautiful harbour).
Other options are available from the Greek mainland and also from other nearby islands like Evia.
Things to do in Alonissos
Best beaches in Alonissos
To generalise, Alonissos beaches tend to be narrow and pebbly so if long sandy beaches are your preference, this may not suit you. But to compensate, beaches of bright white pebbles against a backdrop of green forest and surrounded by crystal clear blue water are a great sight and will soon entice you in for a swim. Some good examples are the often-photographed Dimitrios beach ( a lip of beach jutting out into the water) , Leftos Gialos and Kokkinokastro (Red Castle beach). Also to generalise, beaches are generally easy to get to with sunbeds being much cheaper than the more popular islands.
Explore things to do in Alonissos
Take a dive…
The National Marine Park and some of the other areas around Alonissos are great for both novice and experienced divers. The Triton Dive Centre has a good reputation for instruction and offers a well equipped boat for transportation. Some of the dives provide beautiful colours in the blue water.
…or rent a boat
Alonissos is a great location to rent your own boat and explore the many hidden coves and beaches along the coast. As you meander along you will get the full impression of the forest scenery meeting the deep blue of teh water. Check out Alonissos Boats
Islands to pair with Alonissos
Skopelos is the obvious one to consider – it’s more popular than Alonissos but if you’re going outside the peak season it could still be quiet enough for you – and it’s a nice easy ferry connection.
Evia might be another to look at – it’s not really known as a tourism destination but it’s one that the Greeks love going to – which is never a bad sign.
Folegandros
‘The Rock’ is number 4 on our list of quiet greek islands for you to consider. It’s one of the Cyclades islands, located in the south west of the group near to Milos and Ios, and is one of the rugged barren style volcanic islands.
How to get to Folegandros
Ferries to Folegandros
There are multiple connection options to Folegandros including from Athens which will be a trip of between 4 and 8 hours depending on the type of boat chosen.
Folegandros does not have an airport (of course) but another option is to take an international flight into Santorini airport and then take a ferry from there with a travel time of around 2 hours.
Things to do in Folegandros
Folegandros is not a big island so this is one where you can expect plenty of time to relax and reflect – good book essential.
Wander round the Chora
There are many attractive Choras on the Cyclades islands but Folegandros definitely has one of the best. And while you are doing that, sample the wonderful food of course.
Folegandros things to see and do
Walk (hike?) up to Panagia Church
You will not be able to resist the urge to walk up the zig zag path to teh Church to admire the views down to the Chora and across the whole island. Make sure you take some water with you for the journey and take your time heading up – going down is much easier.
Find the Ano Meria bakery
Ano Meria is a traditional settlement in the northern part of Folegandros. You’ll find all the elements of a small Greek community including a small and friendly bakery tucked away just off the main road. Not a massive range but everything we tried was good including cheese pie, watermelon pie (really) and the local bread. And it was all offered with a friendly smile.
Have a swim at Agkali Beach
Folegandros would not be considered a paradise for beaches but Agkali is a nice bay for a swim with a couple of cafes/tavernas right down on teh beach. There are also some accommodation options if you fancy a stay away from the Chora. There are also boat trips available from here to take to you some of the less accessible bays and beaches.
Tinos
Tinos is a real gem in the Cyclades and another quiet Greek island. It caters for tourists but is by no means overrun outside the peak season and it’s quite a large island so there are plenty of different villages to visit and sights to see.
How to get to Tinos
Like to other quiet Greek islands featured here, Tinos does not have an airport. Ferry connections are good however whether you are coming from Athens (ferry time between 2 to 3 hours depending on boat) or from nearby Mykonos (travel time only around 30 minutes).
Best things to do on Tinos
Explore Tinos Town
It’s one of the better port towns with a nice section of laneways full of cafes and bars plus a waterfront that stretches out for a few kms to the south of the ferry arrival point. You’ll find plenty of touristy shops on the hill up towards the Church but also a good selection of bakeries and cafes with decent coffee (try Mikro Cafe or Holy Hood).
Visit the Holy Church of the Virgin Mary Evangelistria
The importance of the pilgrimage to this church can be seen by the carpet that leads from the ferry port up the hill to the church, making things a little more comfortable for the pilgrims who crawl up towards the Church. Even if you’re not a pilgrim, the Church is well worth a visit.
Look around the villages
There are some really attractive villages on Tinos from the larger ones like the marble village of Pyrgos with its square full of cafes under the plane tree to the smaller ones like Ysternia and Kardiani with views out over the Aegean. Take some time to visit and wander around – you’ll see traditional village life with the occasional cafe or taverna.
Head north to Panormos and Kolimvithra
Panormos is a lovely little bayside settlement with a front ringed with cafes/taverna. Head a little further and you’ll come to Kolimvithra Beach which is a nice place for a swim and relax (as long as it’s not too windy).