our favorite Alternative Greek Islands

We get asked all the time for Greek island recommendations. There are thousands of islands, hundreds you can travel to, and yet, many opt for Mykonos os Santorini. No shade there, as these locations are iconic for a reason. Mykonos and Santorini are the two most world-famous Greek islands, and in our era of low attention span, Instagram-driven life, they deliver. They’ve become emblematic, on a global scale, with Greece itself, right alongside images of the Parthenon. Of course, those islands have their charm and are stunningly beautiful, but when it comes to natural beauty, authentic culture, and, dare we say it, places that feel like Greece rather than Disney World, these are our choices. At Yia Mas, we’re more interested in places that favor a slower pace and remind us of ‘old” Greece before mass tourism.

Below are a few spots to consider adding to your itinerary;

Alonissos ~ Alonissos is the third and most remote island of the Northern Sporades, along with Skiathos and Skopelos. It was also one of the first inhabited islands in the Aegean Sea, human presence having been detected there as early as the 9th century BC. Its unique attractions include Gioura, an abandoned island to the north of Alonissos which sheltered Homer’s Cyclops, and the National Marine Park of the Northern Sporades, at which dolphins, seals and seabirds find their home.

Paxos/Antipaxos ~ Despite being a stone’s throw from Corfu, these Ionian gems have their own distinct feel. The world-famous beaches, many of which are only accessible or best experienced by boat, are the main attraction; outside the Caribbean, you’ll be hard-pressed to find the sea’s crystalline blue. ✅

Amorgos ~ Amorgos’ main claim to faim is that the 1988 film ‘Le Grand Bleu’ was filmed there, though nowadays, its vibe is far from commercial. The easternmost island in the Cyclades, Amorgos is unique to the others in the group. As it has been untouched by mass tourism until recent years, it feels, on docking in Katapola, almost as though you are stepping back in time. During your stay, be sure to visit the Monastery of Hozoviotissa, which is the second oldest monastery in Greece and is spectacularly built into the cliffs facing the Aegean Sea.

Donoussa ~ Part of the Mikres Kyklades or “Small Cyclades” complex near Naxos. Some say Donoussa is what Koufonisia used to be like before “everyone” discovered it. It’s laid back, charming, and oh so chill. It’s a great island to tack onto a greater tour of the Small Cyclades.

Serifos

the spectacular view from Serifos’ chora is one of the most underrated in the Cyclades

Koufonisia ~ It’s funny, because Koufonisia is still considered relatively undiscovered by many diaspora Greeks, but for those who know, it’s already almost over; the island now knows a certain level of Instagram fame and is already well-known to the hippie-chic crowd. Don’t let that put you off, though! Koufonisia is a firm favourite of ours and we consider it a must-visit for those who haven’t yet. If you want a truly off-the-beaten-track experience, camp out on Kato Koufonisi, where there are no permanent residents and there is far less built-up infrastructure than Ano Koufonisi.

Symi ~ Symi’s picturesque, unique, neoclassical architecture has garnered it some attention over the years; you may even recognise the view of its port, Yialos, from Instagram. A historically prosperous island as a result of its sponge trade, it’s also one of the easternmost Greek islands and is most accessible by ferry from Rhodes.