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  Greece boasts 227 populated islands, each offering distinct attractions.
  
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  EXPLORE FURTHER: I put an all-inclusive vacation to the test to see if it offers good value for money.
  

Excessive tourism is a trending subject in
Greece
amidst crowds of selfie enthusiasts flooding popular vacation spots such as Santorini, Mykonos, and Corfu.

However, don’t let that discourage you from experiencing Greek culture firsthand.

Across the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Ionian Seas, there are 227 populated islands—some of these rarely attract many visitors.

MailOnline Travel has picked out five top choices under this list – all providing plenty of sunshine, beaches, seasides, and calmness without the hordes of people.

From the ‘untouched allure’ and ‘hidden shores’ of Tilos to the ‘isolated’ yet ‘peaceful’ Amorgos, these lesser-known Greek islands will make you eager to reserve your ticket.

The toughest challenge will be deciding where you go first…

Tilos

Tilos sits halfway between Kos and Rhodes in the Aegean Sea; it boasts only 746 residents permanently living there and sees relatively few visitors.

Unforgettable Greece
‘Tilos is a small island in the Dodecanese archipelago, known for attracting free campers and those looking for tranquility during their vacations.’

‘Tilos Island remains free from large-scale tourism and retains its pristine allure. The beaches are hidden away—ideal for individuals looking for seclusion.’

The small capital of Tilos is Megalo Chorio, nestled at the foot of a mountain featuring an imposing Medieval Castle atop. The most bustling town here is the harbor of Livadia.

Chios

Chios, the fifth biggest Greek island located in the northern Aegean Sea near Turkey, draws a few visitors to its principal town. However, much of the island consists of peaceful rural areas and stays relatively under-the-radar.

Travel guide website
Greeka
‘Chios is an exceptionally beautiful island that remains largely undiscovered by tourists, even though it boasts numerous attractions like stunning beaches and magnificent medieval villages.’

‘Low tourism can be attributed to Chios being economically self-sufficient for numerous years.’

‘The peace and genuine charm of Chios, coupled with its diverse and lush scenery, charming towns, and beautiful shores, render this island an outstanding place for a vacation.’

Kythira

Discover Greece
states: ‘Kythira is an island of considerable size located in the southern part of the Peloponnese.’

‘Accessing it isn’t particularly simple; perhaps that’s why it hasn’t been developed for tourism.’

You can get to the island via ferries, which operate frequently throughout the day. However, if you prefer flying, you’ll first have to reach Athens and then take another flight to Kythira Island National Airport.

The additional effort might pay off, even so.
Cycladia
‘Kythira boasts exceptional natural landscapes and scenic attractions, coupled with stunning beaches… in short, some of the top destinations to explore in Greece.’

Amorgos

Greeka
Comments: ‘Amorgos does not rank as one of the leading vacation spots in Greece; instead, it is an isolated island that has maintained its traditional architectural style and quaint lifestyle.’

‘Popular among those seeking unconventional travel, natural beauty, and peace, Amorgos provides moments of calmness and distinctive encounters.’

Lonely Planet
states: ‘The winding roadway that stretches across the lengthy mountain range of Amorgos, linking the primary villages, stands out as one of the most picturesque routes in the Cyclades.’

It calls Kalotaritisas Bay the island’s ‘prettiest beach’.

Samos

Samos, which has approximately 33,000 residents, is more renowned compared to several other islands featured here; however, it offers numerous laid-back and understated regions.

Lonely Planet
‘Aside from its modest accommodations and the main town of Vathy, there are many hidden gem beaches and serene locations nestled within the cooler, wooded interior mountains, where you can experience traditional ways of life.’

Villages such as Manolates, Palaio Karlovassi, Platanos, and Spatharei are described as ‘charming’ and worthy of a visit by traveler Nicksy.
TripAdvisor.

Discover Greece
recommends visitors to check out Mikri Lakka beach, mentioning: ‘This beach is among the smallest and least crowded in Samos, shielded from winds, featuring smooth stones and seashells alongside tranquil azure waters.’

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