Discover hidden gems Greece: tranquil islands, pristine beaches, and authentic experiences beyond the bustling tourist trails.
The allure of the Greek islands is a perennial siren song, a collage of whitewashed villages, cerulean seas, and sunsets that bleed across the horizon. Yet, for the discerning traveller, the very popularity of destinations like Mykonos and Santorini can dilute the experience, replacing serene discovery with the thrum of the masses. We find that true luxury is not merely about thread count or Michelin stars, but about space, authenticity, and the quiet splendour of a place allowed to be itself. This has led our editors and network of correspondents to seek out the archipelago’s more secluded corners—the hidden gems of Greece where time moves at the pace of the afternoon tide.
These are not islands devoid of life or comfort. On the contrary, they offer a more refined, understated form of luxury. Here, opulence is a private villa carved into a cliffside, a meal of just-caught fish at a family-owned taverna, or an entire cove to oneself in the heat of a July afternoon. These are the quiet Greek islands that reward the traveller willing to take one extra ferry, to venture slightly Greece off the beaten path. They are destinations that offer a profound connection to the Hellenic spirit, far from the summer crowds.
For those captivated by the dramatic caldera views and iconic architecture of Santorini but deterred by its sheer density of visitors, we present Folegandros. This small, rugged island in the southern Cyclades delivers the same quintessential aesthetic—a precipitous, cliff-top Chora, labyrinthine stone-paved alleys, and dazzling white chapels—but on a far more intimate and manageable scale.
The heart of Folegandros is its Chora, a beautifully preserved medieval village closed to vehicle traffic. Its three sequential squares are shaded by plane trees, their perimeters lined with unpretentious yet excellent restaurants and quiet bars. The experience here is one of slow, deliberate enjoyment. Evenings are spent lingering over local matsata pasta, not navigating crowds for a sunset photo. The Kastro, the oldest part of the village, is a fortified warren of houses dating back to the 13th century, offering a tangible sense of history.
Above the Chora, a zigzagging path leads to the Panagia church, perched on a dramatic cliff. The walk, especially at sunrise or sunset, provides panoramic views that rival any on its more famous neighbour. Our reports suggest the beaches, while less accessible than on other islands, are a significant part of the draw. Katergo beach, reached by a rewarding hike or a small caique from the port of Karavostasis, is a pristine stretch of pale pebbles set against turquoise water. For those seeking true seclusion, a private boat charter can unlock a series of hidden coves along the island's southern coast.
Luxury on Folegandros is design-forward and discreet. You will not find sprawling resorts here. Instead, a curated selection of boutique hotels, like Anemomilos Boutique Hotel or Blue Sand Hotel & Suites, offer impeccable service and stunning sea views. High-season rates for a superior suite can range from €400 to €800 ($430–$860) per night. For ultimate privacy, a handful of exclusive villas are available for weekly rental, often costing upwards of €7,000 per week.
Amorgos, the easternmost island of the Cyclades, is a destination a world away from the gentle, rolling hills of its brethren. It is a place of raw, untamed beauty, defined by soaring mountains, sheer cliffs, and a deep blue sea that was immortalized in Luc Besson’s film, The Big Blue. For travellers who find luxury in dramatic landscapes and active pursuits, Amorgos is an unparalleled choice for going Greece off the beaten path.
Published by Peters Signature Travel.