The Greek Islands are livelier than you think. From Santorini to Mykonos, these places are filled with luxury resorts, five-star hotels, cool nightlife districts, and lots of tourist spots. Those are all well and good but they do distract from the natural wonders of Greece. The Greek Islands are some of the most beautiful paradises in the world. Arguably, the more rural they are, the better! There's no doubt that you might fall in love with the likes of Hydra, Anafi, Kasis, and Ithaca more than well-known islands. Their largely untouched environments and provincial charms are truly something else!
Anafi
Just like its more famous, fellow Cyclades Island,
Santorini, Anafi is a volcanic island rich with natural wonders. Though it has its fair share of whitewashed towns, they're pretty far apart from each other. What surrounds these towns are barren lands, giving an earthly look that's unique compared to the other Greek Islands. But what may look and feel like a bleak place is actually more of an untouched gem in the Mediterranean. The fact that these barren lands aren't dominated by luxury resorts and modern real estate is proof that Mother Nature still reigns supreme here.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Fourni
In many ways, Fourni is your typical Greek Island. There are charming white-washed towns, cool windmills, and beautiful coasts. Nothing out of the ordinary here, right? Well, there's still the idyllic nature of the paradise. Compared to the likes of Mykonos and Corfu, Fourni Island is practically a ghost town. It still gets its fair share of tourists, sure, but the vibe here is overall chill and peaceful. It's a small town in the Greek countryside, beaming with rural charms and a provincial way of life. You couldn't have found a better place for a summer getaway!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Turhan Akman
Hydra
Despite how near it is to Athens, it's pretty surprising that Hydra is also a relatively rural Greek Island. Though fairly popular in its own right, it's not exactly the liveliest place in the Mediterranean. If you compare the crowds here to, let's say, the
French Riviera, you'd hardly believe that both are located in the same region. There aren't even vehicles on the island too. Your best bet for
public transport in Hydra is to ride a mule. Pretty old-school, sure, but fascinating nonetheless. It's a true-blue Grecian experience you won't ever forget!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Iraklia
Iraklia is the kind of Greek Island you have to see to believe. Largely quiet even during summer, it hardly holds up to the other Cyclades Islands in terms of popularity. But its natural beauty? Out of this world! You have to see its turquoise waters! The hue is so bright, you'd swear that it's painted. Or that a giant paintbrush was dipped here. Shimmering against the sunlight, you won't find waters as picturesque as these even among the other Greek Islands! Such a sight is reason enough to go off the beaten path and head on over to Iraklia!
Source: Flickr.com/ Federico Coppola
Ithaca
If you think that Ithaca sounds familiar, it's probably because it's the purported home of Odysseus, the island's legendary king and the hero of Homer's “Odyssey.” Since it was mentioned in what is perhaps the most famous and beloved epic poem from Ancient Greece, any student of literature ought to, at the very least, have heard about this island. Though once you see its lush forests and gradient sea waters, you'd question why Odyssey ever wanted to sail away in the first place! If you were the kind of this land, you'd want to enjoy your time here as much as you can.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Kasos
Trust that even many of the most seasoned travelers out there haven't heard about or haven't been to Kasos. Located on the southernmost tip of the Aegean Sea, it's not exactly near any of the more famous Greek Islands out there. And that's exactly what makes this place even more worthwhile to visit. Its largely unspoiled lands are ripe for exploring. Thrill-seekers will have a field day hiking up its unchartered mountains, forests, and more. Of course, you can't forget its pristine beaches too! With very few tourists in your way, you can practically claim any of these shorelines as your own!
Source: Flickr.com/ sk
Kastelorizo
Despite how well-developed it is, Kastelorizo is more of the rural Greek Islands out there. The lifestyle here remains as local as ever, so much so that you're better off
learning Greek in Athens first before you sail on over here. Even from a mile away, you'll instantly notice its neoclassical buildings. They're a refreshing contrast to the whitewashed towns on the other Greek Islands. Not to mention perfect for when you want to post about unique spots on your
travel inspo Instagram account. One look and your followers will instantly drown in curiosity about the place!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Schoinousa
Last but not the least, there's Schoinousa. Also known as the “Island of The Sun.” A small Cyclades island located south of Naxos, it's a scenic escape with a slow-paced way of life. There are a few towns here and there, but for the most part, you're all on your own. Even getting from one town to the next might take you a whole day or two. That's why Schoinousa is perfect for campers. Those who want to sleep under the starry Mediterranean sky every night will feel right at home on this rural Greek Island.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Dbebaw
Escape to these rural Greek Islands and fall in love with the Greek countryside. Some of these amazing destinations have remained the same since the dawn of time. They're the epitome of natural beauty!
