Choosing the perfect Greek island for your vacation can be a challenging decision, given the country's abundance of stunning destinations.

Travel expert Fatima Hawkins, Greece destination manager for British Airways Holidays, shares her top recommendations for lesser-known, less-crowded Greek islands.

Fatima fell in love with Greece when she first visited with her son to celebrate his first birthday. Since then, she has returned repeatedly and uncovered many of the country’s best-kept secrets, including islands ideal for vacations or day trips from the mainland.

With over 6,000 islands scattered along its coastline—227 of which are inhabited—most visitors only know the classics. Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes have gained immense popularity in recent years, along with Crete and Kos, making them expensive destinations.

However, Fatima emphasizes that by choosing lesser-known islands, travelers can enjoy the same stunning scenery and authentic experiences at a fraction of the cost.

Speaking to The Sun Travel, she explained: “Of course, Mykonos is one of the most expensive islands. Then you have places like Paros, Milos, and Naxos, which are slowly growing in popularity. But if you really want great value for money, go to islands most tourists have never heard of—like Sifnos, Syros, Pserimos, and Folegandros.

“In the Cyclades, the truly lesser-known islands are much more affordable—that’s where the locals go. They don’t vacation in Milos or Mykonos.”

Top Activities on Greece’s Lesser-Known, Tranquil Islands

Sifnos

Sifnos, one of the most picturesque islands in the Cyclades, offers the same whitewashed charm as Santorini—narrow alleyways, over 300 churches, and breathtaking landscapes.

Its capital, Apollonia, is surrounded by charming villages like Artemonas and Kastro, as well as beaches with crystal-clear waters.

Sifnos is also a culinary paradise. Must-try dishes include caper salad (kaparosalata), chickpea stew (revithada), and mastelo—a traditional slow-cooked goat or lamb dish with wine and dill.

Getting there: Ferries from Piraeus to Sifnos take between 2 hours 40 minutes and 5 hours, depending on the service.

While not the cheapest island, Sifnos remains significantly more affordable than heavily touristed destinations like Mykonos or Santorini.

Syros

Neighboring Sifnos, Syros is its “big sister” and the capital of the Cyclades.

At the heart of its main city, Ermoupoli, is lively Miaouli Square, filled with tavernas, cafés, and museums, serving as the cultural hub of the island.

The Vaporia district is the historic aristocratic area of Ermoupoli, boasting neoclassical mansions and the striking Church of Saint Nicholas, distinguished by its blue dome.

Syros is famous for two traditional sweets: loukoumi (a Greek version of Turkish delight) and chalvadopita (a soft nougat-filled pastry), available throughout the island in artisanal variations.

Getting there:

By air: Syros has an airport with direct flights from Athens, taking just 35 minutes.
By sea: Ferries from Piraeus take approximately 2–3 hours.

Syros offers a blend of history, culture, and tranquility without overwhelming crowds.

Folegandros

Located in the southern Cyclades between Paros and Santorini, Folegandros is considered a hidden gem.

Its main village, Chora, is one of the oldest in the island group. With its whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches, it resembles Santorini but exudes a quieter, more authentic charm.

Perched on a cliffside, Chora offers breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and dramatic coastlines.

A standout landmark is the Church of Panagia, perched atop a hill and accessible via a winding white footpath—an iconic image that lingers in visitors’ memories.

From the island’s port, daily ferry services to Mykonos and Santorini make Folegandros an excellent stop for island-hopping adventures.

Folegandros offers an authentic Cycladic experience without the crowds—perfect for those seeking romance, peace, and natural beauty.

Pserimos

Pserimos is the ultimate getaway for anyone in search of tranquility. Part of the Dodecanese, it has fewer than 40 permanent residents and spans just 15 square kilometers.