Outsmart the crowds on Greece’s most popular islands and head to these lesser-known gems that look alike

Greece offers some of the most enchanting landscapes in the world – and beaches to die for (plus, there are very tasty salads).

The flip side is that holidaymakers all over the world have caught on, with hotspots such as Crete, Mykonos and Santorini overflowing with tourists during the summer season.

However, as we reveal here, the country has plenty of hidden gems to discover – eye-catching lookalike alternatives to the overcrowded big hitters.

Scroll down to discover eight of these beautiful quieter beach destinations.

PAXOS

Paxos is “unusually green and still largely untouched,” he said Rough Guideswho says it is a ‘particular favorite of sailing rafts’.

Size doesn’t matter for the stunning destination which is “the smallest of the main Ionian islands at barely 12km (7.5 miles) by 4km (2.5 miles),” it adds.

The island is dotted with delis and boutiques as well as several beaches including Erimitis Bay, which is often praised TripAdvisor for its ‘stunning’ views – rassessor ‘Jana’ called it “a must-see.”

Britons traveling to the island can fly into Corfu International Airport and take a bus or taxi to Lefkimmi Port followed by a 45 minute direct ferry to Paxos.

FOLEGANDROS

Often compared to popular Santorini, nearby Folegandros is considered a quieter alternative in the Cyclades archipelago.

This island is “ideal for a peaceful holiday” with “delicious cuisine, beautiful beaches, azure Aegean waters and secluded coves,” according to Visit Greecethe official website of the Greek National Tourism Organization.

“This off-the-beaten-path destination captivates visitors with the pristine beauty of its beaches, the clear blue of its waters and the unadulterated style of its architecture,” he adds.

International travelers can fly into Santorini International Airport and take a direct ferry to the island, which takes about an hour and 30 minutes. You can also fly to Athens International Airport or Milos Airport and take a ferry from there.

THE MANI PENINSULA

The destinations in mainland Greece can easily be forgotten.

Here’s a hint that Mani, the central peninsula of the southern Peloponnese, has “some of the most dramatic and varied scenery” in this part of mainland Greece and is “still wonderfully under-explored.”

So says Lonely planetadding that the “wild, rugged region” offers ample opportunity for outdoor adventures, from “the craggy foothills of the snow-capped Taygetos Mountains to the pristine coastal coves, and from the small villages nestled among olive groves, linked by wires from hiking trails, to the arid landscapes of the south of the peninsula, dotted with abandoned stone towers’.

Fly to Kalamata International Airport and take a bus or taxi to Mani.

NAXOS

Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades and ‘offers great value for money’, says Lonely planet.

“However, you don’t have to travel far to find isolated beaches, atmospheric mountain villages, ancient sites and marble quarries,” he adds.

Like nearby party-going Mykonos, the island’s main town of Hora’ has a beautiful waterfront and a web of steep cobbled alleys below the hilltop kastro. [castle]’ as well as ‘fortified Venetian mansions’.

Its beaches are ranked among the top 10 in the world by the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards.

Commenting on the travel review website, reviewer ‘Greek Traveller’ said: ‘The beaches as such are excellent and considered some of the best in Greece.’

Fly to Athens, Santorini or Mykonos, then board a ferry to Naxos. There are also domestic flights from Athens to the island.

SAMOS

The island of Samos has “an exceptional natural landscape” that offers “beautiful beaches, good wine and monuments of great cultural significance”, according to Visit Greece.

‘Wherever you go, you will see mountains, caves and ravines everywhere. The untouched nature will impress you,’ he adds.

The photos above highlight the picturesque qualities of the fishing village of Pythagorion Port, as well as the turquoise waters of Lemonakia Beach and Potami Beach.

The island also boasts wetlands, waterfalls and two Unesco heritage sites – the ‘fortified ancient city of Pythagoreion and the ancient temple of Hera’.

In a Tripadvisor review, user ‘Patrik Z’ commented that it is an ‘incredible’ island with ‘very clean water’. He added that it is “absolutely worth visiting.”

Fly to Athens and then take a domestic flight to Samos, or take a long ferry ride to the island.

SKOPELOS

Despite starring in the 2018 film Mamma Mia, Skopelos has “managed to retain his understated charm,” according to Lonely planet.

The island is characterized by its “pine forests, olive groves, undulating vineyards and orchards of plums and almonds – many of which find their way into the local cuisine,” it says.

It is ‘notably wilder, artier and more relaxed than neighboring Skiathos’ and benefits from ‘a range of beautiful sand and pebble beaches’.

The guidebook adds that visitors can choose between two settlements – the ‘beautiful attractive main port of Skopelos town’ and the ‘equally delightful northwestern village of Glossa’.

Fly to neighboring Skiathos, then take a one-hour ferry to the port in Glossa or Skopelos town.

MEGANISI

Meganisi has recently been described as “authentic” Greece with “great people” and a “very laid-back vibe.” TripAdvisor reviews.

Photos show the island’s hilltop villages nestled among the trees and quiet beaches surrounded by rugged scenery and clear azure waters.

Reviewers recommend Fanari Beach for its ‘beautiful swimming’. Lomonari Beach, meanwhile, has been praised for its ‘crystal clear waters’ and ‘stunning views’, and is said to be ‘perfect for safe snorkeling or paddle boarding’.

Fly into Aktion International Airport, then take a taxi and ferry to Meganisi, less than two hours away.

PAROS

Paros enjoys ‘great beauty’, ‘impressive landscapes’ and ‘long beaches with crystal clear waters’, according to Visit Greece.

The island benefits from a “well-developed tourist infrastructure… to make your vacation truly unforgettable,” it adds.

The photos above show the beautiful fishing village of Naousa and the traditional village of Lefkes, with whitewashed buildings and cobbled patios adorned with an abundance of plants and brightly colored furnishings.

Travelers on Tripadvisor also recommend the ‘beautiful’ old town of Parikia for its small shops, cafes and restaurants. a reviewer, ‘Cheryl G’, labeled Parikia as ‘the best town to stay in Paros’. She wrote: ‘You can take a ferry to other islands, you can take boat trips to hidden coves, there’s even a boat trip to the local beaches.’

Fly to Athens, Santorini or Mykonos and then take a ferry to Paros.

All transportation services were available at time of publication.