Discover Greece’s Lesser-Known Islands
Greece’s lesser-known islands are growing in popularity. Hidden gems like Karpathos and Tilos may not dominate your Instagram feed like Santorini just yet, but they offer equally rewarding sights that are less crowded and often more affordable.
Greece is one of Europe’s most popular holiday spots; however, it is becoming a victim of its own success, straining under the weight of 32 million international visitors annually. Islands like Mykonos and Santorini are reaching saturation point, with daily flows of thousands of tourists stretching infrastructure and supplies. Therefore, this year might be a prime time to take the pressure off these hotspots and explore some lesser-known gems.
Specialist tour operator, Sunvil, recently analyzed search volume for Greek islands. The analysis identified the number of times per month that individuals in the UK search online for terms including each island’s name. Consequently, the most significant increases in search volume between 2018 and 2019 were for these lesser-known islands.
Kythira, with its pristine beaches, picturesque waterfalls, and iconic sugar-cube architecture, generated the most searches this year. Following closely is Samos, located just off the Turkish coast. Relaxed islands like Limnos, Kythnos, and Halki are also piquing the interest of travelers seeking the quintessential Greek island experience, characterized by unhurried evenings in family-run tavernas and fewer crowds to contend with.
Dudley Der Parthog, Sunvil’s programme director for Greece, remarked, “Today, more and more people are searching for those less-travelled or ‘secret’ islands. Whether they are looking to escape the crowds and their own hectic lives or wishing to fuel their wanderlust—and others’ through social media—it’s always a thrill to discover somewhere new and untouched.”
All of these islands provide excellent accommodation options, often with more affordable rates. If you need some inspiration, here’s a breakdown of the full top 10 list of hidden Greek island gems that people are searching for:
- 1. Kythira +340%
- 2. Samos +39%
- 3. Limnos +38%
- 4. Kythnos +32%
- 5. Halki +30%
- 6. Koufonisia +25%
- 7. Milos +23%
- 8. Meganisi +22%
- 9. Tilos +21%
- 10. Karpathos +14%
However, if you still can’t resist the allure of Greece’s most famous islands and are keen to see whether it lives up to its reputation, you can check out GoTravelDaily’s guide to Santorini for first-timers here.
