{"id":1833,"date":"2025-05-01T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-01T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/?p=1833"},"modified":"2025-05-06T13:06:14","modified_gmt":"2025-05-06T13:06:14","slug":"you-only-have-to-go-once-to-fall-in-love-your-favourite-greek-islands-that-arent-santorini-or-mykonos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/01\/you-only-have-to-go-once-to-fall-in-love-your-favourite-greek-islands-that-arent-santorini-or-mykonos\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018You only have to go once to fall in love\u2019: Your favourite Greek islands that aren\u2019t Santorini or Mykonos"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Looking for paradise? Head to these stunning Greek islands for the perfect holiday (Picture: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Azure waters, bombshell beaches, charming fishing villages, and traditional tavernas. <\/p>\n

We\u2019re talking, of course, about Greece<\/a>, the holiday hotspot blessed with a Mediterranean<\/a> climate and over 250 days of sunshine a year.<\/p>\n

The European country, which boasts around 6,000 islands, has long been a top summer<\/a> destination for British holidaymakers. In 2024, Greece welcomed 4.5 million visitors from the UK, with many flocking to popular choices such as Santorini and Mykonos.<\/p>\n

However, both islands have recently been feeling the effects of overtourism<\/a>. In 2024, a new tourist tax was introduced<\/a> for cruise ship<\/a> passengers, charging a levy of \u20ac20 (\u00a316.88) each for disembarking during peak summer. The money is invested back into local infrastructure.<\/p>\n

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Mykonos is working to reduce the volume of tourists (Picture: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Last year, the mayor of Santorini, Nikos Zorzos, warned that high tourist numbers coupled with a construction boom could \u2018destroy\u2019 the island. This is on top of the recent earthquakes<\/a> that saw thousands evacuate <\/a>over safety concerns.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\tSign up to The Getaway newsletter\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
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Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration.\u00a0Sign up here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

To promote sustainable tourism, we asked Metro <\/strong>readers to tell us about their favourite Greek islands<\/a> that aren\u2019t the old reliables. Who doesn\u2019t love to broaden their travel horizons, anyway?<\/p>\n

Metro readers have their say<\/h2>\n

Pauline Johnson Wallis shared fond memories of Agistri, an island about an hour by boat from the Greek capital Athens<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Known for world-class beaches and water sports, it\u2019s been described as one of Greece\u2019s last hidden paradises. <\/p>\n

Pauline wrote: \u2018I used to go every year back in the 90s. Still remember that amazing feeling of arriving at this tiny island\u00a0early morning, bags were put in the back of a trunk. Accommodation was basic but clean, locals were brilliant and there was nothing to do but eat, drink and enjoy.\u2019<\/p>\n

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@ashley.raso<\/a> <\/p>\n

My top 10 must see reccomendations in Lefkada, aka the spot Greeks go to holiday in Greece! #lefkada<\/a> #lefkadagreece<\/a> #portokatsiki<\/a> #amentelefkada<\/a> #egremni<\/a> #kathisma<\/a> #coplalefkada<\/a> #greektiktok<\/a> #placesingreece<\/a> <\/p>\n

\u266c original sound \u2013 Ashraso<\/a> <\/section>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Elsewhere, Antoaneta Pateva\u2019s recent trip to Thassos, the northernmost major Greek island in the Aegean Sea, made a lasting impression. <\/p>\n

She raved about the \u2018green, golden, and marble beaches,\u2019 as well as mountainous areas lush with olive trees.<\/p>\n

\u2018Simple, beautiful and not overcrowded, and extremely fresh air,\u2019 she wrote.<\/p>\n

For Paul Bassett, Carole Willans, and plenty of others, Skiathos was a winner. Susan Buckland also enjoyed her time there, but described the landing as \u2018hair-raising.\u2019 <\/p>\n

This writer can confirm the latter to be true, but at the same time, it\u2019s a truly incredible descent. <\/p>\n

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Skiathos is perfect for those who love to sunbathe by day and party by night (Picture: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The tiny airport sits in the middle of the Aegean Ocean, with unspoiled views of the Sporades islands as you land.<\/p>\n

In July 2024, I flew to Skiathos on the way to Skopelos. I remember seeing a mixture of tiny fishing boats and luxury yachts bobbing up and down on the water, sometimes getting so close that you could see people popping champagne on the deck.<\/p>\n

Speaking of Skopelos<\/a>, many don\u2019t realise that the craggy island served as the filming location of Mamma Mia!, the 2008 musical rom-com based on the songs of ABBA. <\/p>\n

Its beautiful neighbour, Skiathos \u2013 which is also grappling with the effects of overtourism \u2013 often mistakenly gets the recognition instead.<\/p>\n

However, Skopelos is a 37sqm patch of paradise, with verdant hills, turquoise water and ancient history. Embroidered with golden beaches, traditional domed churches and whitewashed villages, it still feels like a land that time forgot.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\tThe \u2018Greek Caribbean\u2019 island with a tragic past\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
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Metro\u2019s<\/strong> Alice Murphy<\/a> is a regular on the island of Lefkada, which she describes as \u2018Greece\u2019s best-kept secret.\u2019<\/p>\n

Alice writes: \u2018Nicknamed the \u2018Greek Caribbean\u2019 for its iridescent ocean and superstar beaches, Lefkada\u2019s mythic past tells of tragic figures throughout the ages who threw themselves from the rugged heights to the depths of the sea.<\/p>\n

\u2018These tales have been rejected by historians, but their romantic allure still adds mystique to the lush green hills and lunar white sands that make Lefkada the most unique \u2013 and perhaps most unspoiled \u2013 of the seven jewels known as the Ionian islands.\u2019 <\/p>\n

Read the full report here.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Meanwhile, Deborah Shepherd described Kefalonia and Corfu as \u2018beautiful,\u2019 while Kate Johnson agreed, revealing that she\u2019s been to the former over 25 times.<\/p>\n

Jim Bischoff favoured Euboea (Evia), Greece\u2019s second largest island but one that\u2019s not widely known. Tracy Robinson declared Faliraki a \u2018beautiful place.\u2019<\/p>\n

Rhodes, Hydra and Crete<\/a>, Greece\u2019s largest island, were other locations that got plenty of mentions. <\/p>\n

Jim Turburfield said you \u2018only have to go to Crete once to fall in love,\u2019 while Sharon Woodward praised the Platenes area.<\/p>\n

She said: \u2018It\u2019s lovely. Not far from Rethymnon which has a great amount of shops and restaurants. Amazing beach.\u2019<\/p>\n

Granted, Crete is one of the most popular islands next to Santorini and Mykonos, but its size allows it to cope with the influx of visitors it receives.<\/p>\n

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Earlier this month, Metro\u2019s<\/strong> Eleanor Noyce<\/a> reported that Jet2 had launched numerous UK routes to the underrated island of Samos. <\/p>\n

She writes: \u2018Inundated with golden sands, ancient ruins and fine wine, the little-known Greek island of Samos might not be as popular as Mykonos or Crete \u2013 but it\u2019s certainly considerably quieter.\u2019<\/p>\n

Read Eleanor\u2019s deep dive into Samos and how to get there here<\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

What to do in Crete<\/h2>\n

From experience, I can also vouch for Crete. An Instagrammer\u2019s dream<\/a>, everywhere you turn, you\u2019re met with breathtaking landscapes. Balos lagoon is a gem that\u2019s well worth visiting.<\/p>\n

Lying on the western coast, the beach is famed for turquoise waters, wild natural beauty, and exotic scenery. <\/p>\n

It\u2019s common to see sheep roaming the beach, migrating down from the surrounding mountains.<\/p>\n

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Balos lagoon in Crete offers spectacular views (Picture: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For the \u2018world\u2019s best beach<\/a>,\u2019 head to Elafonissi on the southwestern side of the island. <\/p>\n

In 2025, Tripadvisor\u2019s annual Traveller\u2019s Choice Awards gave the beach this title thanks to its unique pink sands and crystal-clear waters.<\/p>\n

A word of warning: <\/strong>The Greek government declared the area a nature reserve and prohibited pocketing any of the sand as a keepsake.<\/p>\n

Finally, if you\u2019ve ever listened to Joni Mitchell\u2019s Carey, from the classic 1971 album Blue, chances are, you\u2019ll have wondered where the \u2018Matala moon\u2019 is. <\/p>\n

Back in the 1960s when the hippy era was in full swing, a heartbroken Joni travelled to Greece with her friend, Penelope.<\/p>\n

There she found a community of backpacking hippies who had settled in the sleepy fishing village of Matala, claiming the ancient man-made caves surrounding the beach as their home. The caves are well preserved today, as is the Bohemian, free-spirited lifestyle.<\/p>\n

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@p_mami_<\/a> <\/p>\n

Meryl Steep, ABBA and Greece are the extreme trifecta of royalty and #skopelos<\/a> is the castle \ud83c\uddec\ud83c\uddf7 My guide to the island on Substack \u26f1\ufe0f #mammamia<\/a> #greece<\/a> #travel<\/a> #skopelosisland<\/a> #traveltiktok<\/a> #fyp<\/a> #travelguide<\/a> <\/p>\n

\u266c Our Last Summer \u2013 Mamma Mia Songs<\/a> <\/section>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

What to do in Hydra<\/h2>\n

Hydra is a beautiful Greek island known for its creative community. Back in the 60s, it attracted an artistic crowd including Leonard Cohen<\/a> and his muse, Marianne Ihlen.<\/p>\n

One of the Saronic Islands, Hydra is known for tranquillity by day and a thriving party scene by night. <\/p>\n

The port is brimming with bars, restaurants and traditional tavernas, while the car-free town makes it easy to stroll around.<\/p>\n

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Aimlessly amble the streets of Hydra while soaking up the sun (Picture: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For those into history, there\u2019s the Lazaros Koundouriotis Mansion, which showcases the life of a wealthy Greek shipping magnate who supported the Greek Revolution. <\/p>\n

For adrenaline junkies, Hydra has plenty of perfect hiking trails, including a popular route to Profitis Ilias Monastery. And for sun worshippers, there are immaculate beaches such as Saint Nicholas, Avlaki, and Kaminia.<\/p>\n

What to do in Evia<\/h2>\n

All cultured out after a trip to Greece\u2019s capital, Athens?<\/a> A visit to the island of Evia is the perfect way to wind down. There are two ways to reach Evia from Athens: by car, which takes just under two hours, or by ferry. The latter journey takes one hour from either Rafina Port or Agios Konstantinos Port. <\/p>\n

Once you arrive, explore ancient ruins, wander through the historic city of Chalkida, or relax in the natural Thermal Springs of Edipsos, known for their healing properties.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Because it\u2019s Greece, expect paradise beaches, too. Popular hotspots, where you can swim in the clear waters and lounge on the sandy beaches, include Chiliadou, Kalamos, Thapsa and Pefki.<\/p>\n

During the evenings, hit up one of the many tavernas and indulge in classic Greek cuisine. Devour everything from\u00a0aromatic local greens, fresh fish, gyros or lamb kleftiko, while sipping on a carafe \u2013 or two \u2013 of wine. Dreamy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Looking for paradise? Head to these stunning Greek islands for the perfect holiday (Picture: Getty Images) Azure waters, bombshell beaches, charming fishing villages, and traditional tavernas. We\u2019re talking, of course, about Greece, the holiday hotspot blessed with a Mediterranean climate and over 250 days of sunshine a year. The European country, which boasts around 6,000 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1835,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1833","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1833","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1833"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1833\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1841,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1833\/revisions\/1841"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1835"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1833"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1833"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1833"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}