By Briana Seftel
Everyone knows Santorini and Mykonos, but what about lesser-known Greek islands? Greece has 227 inhabited islands, each different in size and feel.
As a follow up to The Ultimate Guide to the Greek Islands, we've compiled a list of eight off the beaten path islands that are waiting to be explored!
Kefalonia
The largest of the Ionian Islands, Kefalonia is famous for its exotic beaches and seaside villages. Due its large size, the island is able to maintain its laidback and quiet feel even in high season.
Delos
According to Greek mythology, Apollo was born on this small rocky island in the Cyclades archipelago. The entire island of Delos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds a number of archaeological wonders dating back centuries.
Koufonisia
Set in between Naxos and Amorgos, Koufonisia is a small group of two islets separated by a wide strait. The relaxed island is known for its sheltered golden sand beaches and small natural pools of turquoise water.
Hydra
Step back in time in Hydra, a blissful motor-free island in the Saronic Gulf. The closest island to Athens is known for its bohemian spirit and lively port filled with charming restaurants, shops, and more. Everyone from Leonard Cohen to Sophia Loren has been drawn to the island.
Andros
The second-largest of the Cyclades, Andros is a nature lover’s dream for its rugged mountains, lush valleys, and waterfalls surrounded by wildflowers. The main town of Hora has a long seafaring tradition and is packed with neoclassical mansions.
Symi
Colorful homes sit atop one another in the port of Symi, making it one of the most beautiful sights in all of Greece. The island in Dodecanese was settled by the Italians almost a century ago, giving it a distinctly different feel from other Greek islands.
Skopelos
For many visitors, Skopelos epitomizes a typical Greek island – untouched villages, great food, quiet beaches, and green mountain ranges. The island has more than a dozen monasteries scattered around, making it a popular destination for spiritual seekers.
Milos
A volcanic island in the Cyclades, Milos is famous for its unspoiled coastline and unique moonlike white volcanic rocks. Spend hours lounging on Lefkada beach as you look towards the impossibly blue Aegean Sea.