The Best Greek Islands for a Quiet Holiday

If you’re looking to escape to a quiet island in Greece this year, we have got you covered. While places like Mykonos and Santorini steal the spotlight, Greece has plenty of quieter, lesser-known islands where you can truly unwind. Imagine yourself exploring sleepy fishing villages, swimming in hidden coves with crystal-clear waters, and eating souvlaki in seaside tavernas.

Whether you're after peaceful beaches, scenic hikes, or just a place to relax with a book and a view, these Greek islands provide the perfect mix of serenity and charm. All without the large tourist crowds. If that sounds right up your street, here are some recommendations to get you started!

Serifos

Serifos is one of the Cyclades' best-kept secrets, a perfect destination for those looking to get away from the crowds. With its rugged landscapes, golden beaches, and whitewashed villages, the island has an unspoiled charm.

The capital of Serifos, Chora, is a picturesque settlement perched on a hill. Take a stroll through its narrow alleys and discover what makes this island so special. After you have explored its whitewashed houses, get cosy in a taverna serving fresh seafood and local wine.

If you consider yourself more of a thrill-seeker, you will love the island’s hiking trails, which lead to secret coves and ancient ruins. Whether you’re after relaxing beach days in the sun or scenic walks with breath-taking views, Serifos is the perfect place to embrace true island life.

Athens to Serifos Ferry

Ferries to Serifos operate regularly from Piraeus Port, the main port of Athens, with a sailing time of approximately 2 hours to 4 hours and 30 minutes, depending on the type of ferry you travel on. High-speed ferries are the fastest option, while conventional ferries offer a more relaxed trip with scenic views of the Aegean. Serifos is also connected to other Cycladic islands like Sifnos and Milos, making it easy to include in a Greece Island Hopping itinerary.

Folegandros

Folegandros is a Cycladic treasure that doesn’t get the praise or attention it rightfully deserves. The island’s main town is Chora, a stunning clifftop village with serpentine alleys, whitewashed houses, and panoramic sea views. Sitting high above it is the Church of Panagia, which is the best place on the island for romantic sunset views.

It’s also good news for beach lovers! Folegandros has some of the most spectacular beaches in Greece. Agali Beach is a worthy local favourite, with soft golden sand and clear, shallow waters. Alternatively, you can visit Katergo Beach, known for its striking blue water and dramatic cliffs. This secluded paradise is accessible either via boat or a short hike.

If you still aren’t persuaded, then wait until you hear about the food. The island’s local cuisine is truly mouth-watering. Don’t leave without first trying matsata, a homemade pasta dish typically served with slow-cooked meat, or souvlaki-style kalasouna, a delicious local cheese pie. This dish is widely available in most restaurants on the island.

Athens to Folegandros Ferry

Ferries to Folegandros operate from Piraeus (Athens), with a sailing time between 3 hours and 45 minutes to 7 hours, depending on whether you take a high-speed with SeaJets or a conventional ferry. The island is also easily accessible by ferry from Santorini, Milos, Sifnos, and Ios, making it a convenient stop for island hopping.

The ferry to Folegandros tend to operate more frequently during the summer, but it’s best to book tickets in advance, particularly for high-speed services. All ferries arrive at the small port of Karavostasis, and from there, buses and taxis can transport you up to Chora, the island’s main village.

Tinos

Tinos is a hidden gem in the Cyclades, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and authentic Greek culture without the crowds. While it’s best known for the Panagia Evangelistria Church, a sacred pilgrimage site, the island has so much more to explore. Its charming mountain villages, like Pyrgos, known for its marble craftsmanship, Volax, with its surreal boulder-strewn landscape, and Kardiani, a lush hillside retreat, provide a glimpse into traditional island life.

Those who love outdoor adventures can enjoy hiking and trekking routes that lead to stunning viewpoints, ancient monasteries, and remote chapels. The island’s coastline is equally impressive, with beaches like Kolymbithra, which is the best spot for surfing. Livada Beach also deserves an honourable mention for its untouched beauty, where you can sunbathe in peace.

Athens to Tinos Ferry

The Athens to Tinos ferry operates every day with Blue Star Ferries, Golden Star Ferries and SeaJets, connecting Piraeus or Rafina ports to the island of Tinos. The sailing duration varies between 2 to 5 hours, depending on whether you take a high-speed ferry or a conventional ferry. The most convenient way of travelling from Athens to Tinos is departing by high-speed ferry from Rafina Port. This route takes approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Symi

Symi, a captivating island in the Dodecanese, is renowned for its neoclassical architecture, crystal-clear waters, and cultural heritage. The harbour town of Gialos, with its pastel-hued mansions, will have you lost for words. It’s one of the most photogenic waterfronts in all of Greece, and leaves quite an impression on those who first visit.

One of the island’s best attractions is the Monastery of Archangel Michael Panormitis, an 18th-century religious site with intricate frescoes and a towering bell. Another is the Kali Strata, a historic stairway that leads to Chorio, where visitors can stroll through charming alleys, discover ancient ruins, and enjoy local cuisine.

For sun-seekers, beaches like Nimborio, Marathounda, and Agios Nikolaos are your best choice in Symi. These pristine shores are accessible by boat or foot. The island’s charm extends to its hidden coves, seaside dining, and relaxed atmosphere, making it an enchanting retreat for travellers seeking both history and serenity.

Ferry from Rhodes to Symi Greece

Ferries from Rhodes to Symi run daily, departing from Mandraki Harbor or Kolona Port. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on the ferry type of vessel you travel on.

Dodekanisos Seaways and Blue Star Ferries provide high-speed and conventional ferry options. We recommend that book in advance particularly during the summer season. The sailing offers breath-taking views of the Aegean Sea, making the ferry ride an enjoyable prelude to Symi’s charm.

Ithaca

Ithaca, the legendary homeland of Odysseus, is an unsung paradise in the Ionian Sea, known for its lush landscapes, serene beaches, and rich mythology. The capital, Vathi, is a picturesque harbour town with charming tavernas, the Maritime Museum, and the Church of Saviour Christ, adorned with post-Byzantine icons.

You cannot leave Ithaca without visiting the Cave of the Nymphs, where, according to Homeric legend, Odysseus concealed his treasure before departing home. Another place worth seeing is the hilltop village of Anogi, which offers breath-taking views of the island and ancient monolithic stones.

For those who are more interested in relaxation, Ithaca is also well known for its beaches. Filiatro Beach is an ideal location for swimming, while Gidaki Beach, accessible by boat or trail, is a secluded paradise with turquoise waters.

Ferry to Ithaca

Ferries to Ithaca arrive from a number of different ports, including Patras, Sami and Poros. Ithaca’s ferry port, Pisaetos, serves as the island’s main gateway, welcoming vessels from Levante Ferries. The sailing time ranges from 20 minutes from Sami to approximately 3 hours and 55 minutes from Patras.

Patmos

Patmos, an enchanting oasis in the Dodecanese, is famed for its religious heritage and breath-taking scenery. The Cave of the Apocalypse, where Saint John is believed to have written the Book of Revelation, is a popular pilgrimage site. Towering over the island, the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts stunning frescoes, an extensive library, and a collection of sacred relics.

Chora enchants visitors with its labyrinth of whitewashed houses, elegant mansions, and panoramic sea views. Skala, the island’s vibrant port town, provides lively waterfront dining and shopping. Nature enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise at Psili Ammos Beach, a secluded stretch of golden sand on the southern coast of the island. Another notable beach worth visiting is Petra Beach, with its clear waters and peaceful setting.

Ferry to Patmos

Ferries to Patmos sail from several ports across Greece, including Piraeus (Athens) and nearby Dodecanese islands like Kos, Leros, and Rhodes. The ferry from Athens to Patmos takes approximately 7 to 9 hours, with 3 sailings per week provided by Blue Star Ferries.

The main port of Patmos, Skala, is the gateway to the island’s spiritual and scenic attractions. We recommend that you book your ferry tickets in advance due to its popularity, especially in peak tourist season.