Must-visit lesser-known islands
The Greek islands offer many choices for a memorable holiday. Apart from world-famous Santorini and Mykonos, many other island gems truly deserve being explored and enjoyed on your next visit to Greece.
Thinking of the Ionian Sea Islands? This time, consider Ithaca Island: a green place combining untouched nature, beautiful beaches washed by turquoise waters, delicious local cuisine centering on fish and seafood, and a laid-back atmosphere. Ithaca is Odysseus’ famed homeland, described in Homer’s Odyssey, a place with a long history and archaeological finds that date back millennia. Visit the Archaeological Museums, the ruins of the Palace of King Odysseus, and the Maritime and Folklore Museum to learn more about the island’s fascinating history.
Explore Ithaca’s picture-perfect villages, starting with Vathy. This is the island’s capital, situated at the innermost point of Molos Bay opposite tiny Lazaretto Islet, in the lower half of the island. Stroll beside the whitewashed, terracotta-roofed houses and charming cafés, and taste local dishes at the traditional tavernas. Kioni is a picturesque seaside village further north, with an impressive Italianate character and buzzing nightlife. Other traditional villages inland, such as Anogi, Exogi, Perachori, and Stavros, should also be on your list.
Nature lovers will appreciate the well-kept trails that make hiking on this green island easy to plan. Sailing is also a popular activity, as the waters are relatively calm. Sometimes the best way to explore the coastline is by boat, especially those sheltered secluded coves and inlets that are difficult to reach by land.
On the other side of Greece, the Aegean Sea offers a host of islands; choosing here may be a harder choice! In the northwestern Aegean is Alonnisos, an island within a national marine park. This region is the habitat of large seabirds as well as a protected area where the endangered Mediterranean monk seal lives. It’s a green island with beautiful, unspoiled nature and woods mostly of pine, oak, olive, and strawberry trees and scrubland. Ramblers will enjoy the 25 or so trails, such as the Alonnisos Great Traverse, a 25-kilometer-long path that crosses the island from north to south.
After a long hike, what’s better than a refreshing dip in the sea? These beaches are absolutely worth visiting: Agios Dimitrios; Leftos Gialos; Kokkinokastro; Chrisi Milia; Votsi; Rousoum Gialos; Giorgi Gialos; and Megalos Mourtias, among others.
Take a boat trip around Alonnisos and the islets east of it. Explore the shallow waters, which are ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. If you’re an open water diver, the Peristera Underwater Museum is a must-visit. Located in the sea area between Alonnisos and Peristera Islands, it’s the wreck of a Greek, 5th-century, B.C., 30 meter- long ship that carried some 4,000 wine amphoras. Today, you can see them on the seabed where the ship sank, off the west coast of Peristera Islet. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is not to be missed!
