Find Serenity on Greece’s Lesser-Known Islands

I was handed a lantern as I stepped out of the taxi to meet new friends who had invited me to a local harvest celebration high in the hills of Samos. My unfortunate shoe choice — wedged heels — made it obvious I was new on the island. While everyone else strode up the uneven, rocky terrain with ease, I struggled to find my footing and wondered how I had so badly misread “drinks on the terrace” as meaning a sea-level spot.

We passed pomegranate trees and slipped through olive groves. At last, my persistence paid off: a candlelit table waiting with carafes of fresh wine and baskets of handmade flatbread, perfect for topping with goat cheese and drizzling with local honey. There was no raucous dancing on tables like Mykonos, and no lines of tourists angling for sunset photos like Santoríni. Instead, a quiet mountain-top terrace overlooked the sea while a single record player serenaded the joyful evening among friends and family.

Situated closer to Türkiye than to mainland Greece, Samos has been contested for centuries because of its fertile, mountainous terrain — ideal for cultivating muscat grapes that thrive on high-altitude slopes. Outside wine aficionados and history buffs drawn to the birthplace of Pythagoras and Epicurus, Samos remains relatively unknown to mainstream tourists, who tend to follow the established Greek island circuit. But travelers who venture deeper into the Aegean discover an island gem: uncrowded beaches, locally grown food, and warm residents often eager to share local traditions — and sometimes their harvest parties.

The growing emphasis on experiential and sustainable travel has given lesser-known islands a chance to shine. A recent “Emerging Destinations in Greece 2024” report from Mabrian Travel Intelligence and MINDHAUS found that interest is steadily expanding beyond the traditional cruise circuits. Travelers are increasingly seeking destinations with fewer crowds, cooler weather and better value. In the past year, lesser-known islands such as Lésvos and Chios in the North Aegean — as well as Samos, Skíathos and Skópelos — gained notable popularity.

Many of these islands are easy to reach by ferry or regional flights from Athens, and a handful — including Samos, Mílos, Páros and Skíathos — offer limited international connections from major European and U.K. hubs. Visitors come for raw landscapes and authentic experiences, and this shift toward quieter destinations can benefit sustainability by dispersing tourism more evenly across the country.

Luxury and boutique accommodations are appearing on several of these islands. Properties such as the adults-only Mythical Coast Wellness Retreat on Lésvos and the stylish Casa Cook Hotel on Samos cater to travelers seeking comfort paired with authentic local experiences. The newly opened Pearl Island Chios Hotel & Spa — Chios’s first luxury hotel — aims to go “beyond the obvious” by offering activities like private boat tours with traditional fishermen and hands-on cooking classes led by island chefs who teach hyper-local recipes.

At the Pearl Island resort, many suites feature private pools or direct terrace access to a central swim-up pool and bar. In true Greek fashion, guests can choose between quiet relaxation or lively conversation across several private and communal dining spaces and lounges.

Island hotels increasingly support travelers who want to avoid overtourism and immerse themselves in authentic local culture. Many offer wellness programs, pottery workshops, farm-to-table dining, and curated recommendations for neighborhood tavernas and family-run businesses, all of which foster meaningful connections and help sustain local economies.

Each lesser-known island preserves its own character while inviting visitors to discover what makes it unique — from mountain terraces and vineyard-dotted slopes to quiet beaches and hands-on cultural experiences.

LODGING
Casa Cook Hotel

This 128-room, adults-only retreat lies minutes from Samos International Airport but feels worlds away, with Grecian village-inspired swim-up suites and relaxed poolside DJ sets.
Potokaki, Pythagoreio,
Samos
$$$$

Mythical Coast Wellness Retreat
A 91-room wellness property reachable by taxi, plane or boat, offering guided retreats as well as private, ultra-luxe stays.
Agrilia Kratigou, Mytilíne,
Lésvos
$$$

Pearl Island Chios Hotel & Spa
This boutique hotel’s 48 suites emphasize privacy and an authentic Greek atmosphere, with multiple dining and leisure options.
Leof. Enoseos 8-14, Chios
$$$$

DINING
Aphrodite Garden Restaurant

A chef-driven spot combining setting and flavor: regional specialties such as stuffed goat are served in a garden of lemon trees and bougainvillea.
Pythagoreio, Samos
$$$

O! Hamos! Tavern
A seaside taverna that feels like dining in someone’s home, with handwritten menus and recipes using ingredients from the owner’s farm.
Adamas, Plaka, Mílos
$$

Ammos Beach Restaurant
Located at Skiathos Princess Resort, this beachside taverna highlights the island’s seafood and fresh salads with thoughtful presentations.
Agia Paraskevi, Skíathos
$$$

INFO TO GO
Many of these islands are reached from Athens International Airport via short regional flights, and popular island airports include Samos International Airport, Mílos Island National Airport and Mytilíne International Airport on Lésvos. Ferries are also available from Piraeus and from northern ports such as Thessaloníki and Kavála. Ferry journeys can be much longer than flights, and routes to the North Aegean often run overnight, so plan travel time accordingly.