Where to go in Greece now: 6 undiscovered Greek Islands waiting to be explored
No trip to Greece is complete without getting as close to the water as possible: We’re talking quality time on at least one of the country’s gorgeous islands. After all, visiting the Greek Islands in the summer delights the senses with warm sunshine, crystal-clear water, and long, leisurely meals featuring farm-fresh salads and grilled fish. What could be better?
With all these pleasures to offer, islands in Greece are very popular among travelers. So, if you want to enjoy their trademark, untouched beauty with fewer people around, now’s the time to seek out lesser-known gems. We’ve launched brand-new Greece tours that include more islands and offer opportunities to explore these relatively undiscovered destinations like never before. Here are six practically undiscovered islands in Greece you can explore with us on tour.
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Rhodes
These days, more discerning travelers considering trips to Greece want to venture off the beaten path, beyond uber-popular islands like Santorini and Mykonos. Our just-launched 15-day Greece & Turkey tour offers just that thanks to the included cruise to Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese Islands. This historic and stunning Greek Island was once known for the Colossus of Rhodes (built in 280 BC), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. You may not be able to see this giant statue now, but there’s still so much for the modern traveler to explore.
When your cruise docks in Rhodes, you can sign up for a guided tour of the Old Town and Filerimos, a uniquely designed monastery on the outskirts of town. But you can also strike out on your own and see for yourself what makes Rhodes one of the top islands to visit in Greece. In addition to seeing the Acropolis of Rhodes, which was built in the fifth century BC, and strolling the Street of the Knights of Rhodes (dotted with seven different inns), you can relax on the powdery sands of Akti Miaouli beach, located just outside the western edge of the Old Town.
Corfu
A trip to Corfu, one of the most dynamic islands to visit in Greece, offers an unforgettable medley of experiences that combine Greek heritage, Italian history, and some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Historically, Corfu has been part of many great civilizations, from the Phoenicians and the Byzantines to the Venetians. On our 16-day Grand Tour of Greece: Athens, Corfu & Santorini, you’ll get to see that impressive patchwork of cultures. Your guided sightseeing tour of Corfu’s Old Town will include visits to the opulent Achillion Palace—formerly the summer residence of German Kaiser Wilhelm II—as well as the Spianada, the largest square in Greece.
Looking for a unique experience in Greece? Then you can’t miss Corfu’s historic tavernas. They aren’t just places to enjoy a delicious meal; they also offer a special glimpse into the culture of this Greek Island. On our Corfu Tavern Dinner excursion, you’ll get to soak in this wonderful atmosphere for yourself. In the picturesque village of Kinopiastes, you’ll spend the evening in a family-run tavern savoring Greek specialties and the warmth of its hospitality, which includes lively music and dance. No wonder the likes of Greek President Constantine Karamanlis and Hollywood star Jane Fonda have enjoyed this very tavern on their own trips to Corfu.
Paros
For many people planning trips to Greece, the dreamy island of Paros—located very close to Mykonos and Naxos—has become a bucket list destination. And why not? Quaint, whitewashed villages, a bustling restaurant scene, charming, family-owned wineries, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean make Paros one of the can’t-miss Greek Islands.
On our nine-day Greece’s Cyclades Islands: Naxos & Paros tour, a two-day trip to Paros will showcase the best parts of this trendy island. Day one gives you a lay of the land, with a stroll through the lively village of Naoussa (pop in and out of its colorful souvenir shops), an educational tasting of some of the best red and white wines, and a spectacular group dinner. Day two is free for you to explore the island on your own. Not sure how to spend it? Perhaps find a gorgeous beach to post up on. Or, sign up for our Paros Boat Cruise & Snorkeling excursion. You’ll get to see Paros from the water, swim and snorkel around neighboring unexplored islands, and enjoy a mouthwatering Greek BBQ lunch onboard.
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Kefalonia
When it comes to our Greece tours, it’s hard to not be surprised and delighted by islands like Kefalonia. It might not be the most well-known Greek isle, but after three days there on our brand-new 12-day The Greek Ionian Islands: Kefalonia & Corfu tour, you’ll understand why it’s one of our favorite islands in Greece to visit. Just west of the mainland, Kefalonia offers a medley of contrasts, from vineyards and rugged coves to limestone cliffs and sandy beaches.
For many, Kefalonia remains one of Greece’s best undiscovered islands. On tour, you’ll experience the best of this rising destination, including a boat ride on subterranean Melissani Lake, an olive oil tasting at one of the island’s most renowned mills, and a visit to a local winery, where you’ll get to sample grape varietals that can only be sip and savored on Kefalonia.
Lefkada
The Ionian Island of Lefkada is connected to the mainland by a short causeway, yet it remains one of Greece’s least-explored islands. On our 12-day The Greek Ionian Islands: Kefalonia & Corfu tour, you’ll have a day to explore this lush island with cliff-framed beaches and crystalline water. And Lefkada, though not very big, is known for its natural and cultural diversity. To the east, you’ll find traditional villages nestled near lively resorts. And its beaches—Egremni to Porto Katsiki—are great not just for sun-bathing and swimming, but for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and scuba diving, making Lefkada an island to visit in Greece if you like adventure.
Kos
If you’re looking for islands in Greece that your friends might not know about, consider Kos, one of the Dodecanese Islands not far from Turkey. Kos isn’t particularly big (just 27 miles long), but its abundance of natural beauty and culture make it one of the most exciting islands to visit in Greece right now.
On our brand-new 11-day The Greek Dodecanese Islands: Kos & Rhodes tour, you’ll spend three days getting to know this unspoiled haven. You’ll get to spend time on a family-owned honey farm to sample local honey and learn about traditional beekeeping practices. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of some of Kos’ most important historical sites, including Neratzia Castle, Loggias Mosque, and the Sanctuary of Asclepeion. And you’ll have a full free day on Kos to scope out some of the most stunning beaches in Greece. Or, maybe you’ll want to join us for a sailing excursion to discover more of the best islands in Greece.
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