3 Underrated Greek Islands for an Uncrowded Summer Vacation

The Greek Islands have attracted visitors for as long as humans have been traveling, but, in recent years, they’ve gotten quite a bit of publicity for overcrowding. It’s understandable, with amazing culture, incredible cuisine and stunning landscapes at every turn, the islands’ popularity is well-deserved. But no one particularly enjoys not being able to enjoy a vacation because a destination is practically too crowded to move.

Consider these three lesser-known islands equally deserving of some tourism love but just haven’t quite made it onto the mainstream tourist radar yet. These underrated gems will give you the quintessential Greek Island vacation you long for without the massive overcrowding of hot spots like Mykonos, Paros and Santorini.

Skyros
The island of Skyros is part of the island chain known as the Sporades, in the Northern Aegean. Here you’ll find the whitewashed buildings and cobblestone that help give the islands in the Aegean their characteristic charm, along with a variety of beautiful beaches, including the large sandy expanse of Molos Beach. The island is rich with mythological folklore (legend has it Achilles launched his journey to Troy from this island), and has plenty of archeological sites and natural wonders, like sea caves, to explore.

Leros
Located in the Dodecanesem, an island chain in the Southeastern Aegean close to the border of Turkey, Leros is also known for its strong ties to Greek mythology. Known for its patron goddess Artemis, the island is a great place to experience the beautiful beaches and laid-back villages of the Greek Islands while introducing the kids to the legends of Greek mythology by visiting the ruins of the Temple of Artemis in Partheni and archaeological museum in Agia Marina. Humans have inhabited the island since the Neolithic period, so there is also plenty of history to uncover, including the unique wartime museum located inside a renovated military tunnel.

Antipaxos
This small satellite island neighbors Paxos, one of the islands in the Ionian Island chain off Greece’s western coast. The chain is known for islands covered in lush greenery and beautiful beaches. If you want an island getaway that takes you away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, Antipaxos is a great choice. Like all Greek Islands, the food is fantastic and local culture is strong, albeit focused on peace and quiet.