Fourni - Φούρνοι

Fourni (also known as Fournoi Korseon) is a mesmerizing mini-archipelago of tiny islands tucked quietly between Samos and Ikaria. During the Middle Ages, its heavily indented coastline, dramatic fjords, and hidden sea passages made it a legendary sanctuary and base of operations for corsairs, earning it the historic nickname of the "Pirate Islands". Today, the waters surrounding this remote paradise have captured international scientific fame as the ancient shipwreck capital of the world. Because treacherous winds and high velocity currents squeeze through the narrow straits, underwater archaeologists have uncovered more than 60 ancient and medieval shipwrecks packed with trade amphorae from across the Mediterranean, making its seabed one of the most significant marine graveyards on earth.

On land, Fourni remains a wonderfully understated time capsule of traditional Aegean life that is completely untouched by mass tourism. The main harbor village features quaint whitewashed houses, stone-paved alleys shaded by blooming mulberry trees, and a remarkably laid-back atmosphere. Because the island is home to an exceptionally large fishing fleet relative to its small population, it is a premier culinary destination for food lovers, where local tavernas serve legendary, affordable plates of fresh Mediterranean lobster and daily catches right by the water's edge. Whether you are sunbathing on the smooth pebbles of Petrokopio beach next to an ancient marble quarry, hiking the rugged ridges to catch panoramic views of neighboring islets, or tasting the island’s exceptionally fragrant wild thyme honey, Fourni provides the ultimate off-the-radar sanctuary for the soul.

Ikaria - Ικαρία

Ikaria is a fascinating, mountainous island in the North Aegean that has captured global attention as one of the world's rare "Blue Zones," where people routinely live past the age of 100. This extraordinary longevity is deeply rooted in the island’s famously stress-free lifestyle, pure Mediterranean diet, and the joyful panigiria—vibrant, overnight village festivals filled with traditional Ikariotikos dancing, local red wine, and wild goat dishes. The island’s topography is incredibly diverse and dramatic, featuring rugged granite cliffs, hidden pine forests, and magnificent, exotic coastlines like Seychelles Beach, which boasts bright turquoise waters and smooth white limestone formations.

Beyond its slow-paced coastal villages, Ikaria is rich in therapeutic natural wonders and deep-rooted mythology. Named after Icarus, who tragically fell into the surrounding sea after flying too close to the sun, the island features unique historic highlights like the ancient Temple of Artemis at Nas and mysterious, giant megalithic house-tombs called Pirgi. It is also a premier destination for natural wellness, celebrated since antiquity for its highly radioactive thermal hot springs in Therma, which naturally ease joint and respiratory ailments. Whether hiking through the lush Halari Gorge or sipping organic herbal teas in the laid-back village of Christos Raches—where shops operate on "Ikarian time" and only open after sunset—the island offers a profound escape from modern chaos.

Samos - Σάμος

Samos is a lush, emerald gem in the North Aegean that seamlessly pairs jaw-dropping natural beauty with groundbreaking historical marvels. It is renowned worldwide as the birthplace of the legendary mathematician Pythagoras and for producing a famously sweet, aromatic Muscat wine that has been prized since antiquity. Beyond its sun-drenched vineyards, the island boasts one of the most astonishing engineering feats of the ancient world: the Efpalinio Origma (Tunnel of Eupalinos). Carved through the solid bedrock of Mount Kastro in the 6th century BC to serve as a hidden aqueduct, this UNESCO-listed tunnel was excavated simultaneously from both ends, meeting in the middle with mind-boggling mathematical precision.

Away from the ancient ruins, the island’s rich landscape transitions into a paradise for outdoor adventurers and history buffs alike. In the village of Mytilinioi, the fascinating Paleontology Museum (Natural History Museum of the Aegean) showcases a priceless collection of 8-to-10-million-year-old animal fossils, including rhinos, hyenas, and the prehistoric "Samothirio" beast that once roamed the area. For a refreshing change of pace, you can head to the northwest coast near Karlovasi to discover the enchanting Potami waterfalls. A fairytale trail winds through a dense forest of plane trees and ferns, leading to deep, rocky canyons where adventurous travelers can wade and swim through chilly, crystalline pools to reach the hidden cascades.

Inousses - Οινούσσες

Inousses (also known as Oinousses) is a dazzling micro-archipelago in the North Aegean, celebrated globally as the birthplace of Greece's most powerful shipowners and naval captains. This prosperous maritime legacy is immediately visible in its main amphitheater-style settlement, characterized by majestic neoclassical mansions, stone-paved streets, and the impressive Maritime Museum, which houses intricate models of historical vessels. Travelers enjoy a peaceful and exclusive atmosphere completely free from mass tourism, where life revolves around the picturesque harbor front. On its pier stands the famous bronze statue of a crowned mermaid, welcoming sailors and honoring the island’s unbreakable seafaring spirit.

Beyond its rich nautical history, the archipelago offers a pristine natural environment surrounded by incredibly calm, crystal-clear waters. Its secluded coastlines shelter protected bays and beautiful, crowd-free beaches like Zepagas, Bilali, and Kastro, which are ideal for relaxed swimming and snorkeling. Visitors can also explore scenic rural paths leading to serene spots like the Monastery of Evangelismos, famous for its stunning religious frescoes. At night, traditional seaside tavernas come alive serving exceptionally fresh seafood, grilled octopus, and sea urchins, paired seamlessly with the excellent local wine that, according to mythology, gave the archipelago its name.

Psara - Ψαρά

Psara is a small, sun-drenched island in the North Aegean that stands as a monumental symbol of heroism, raw natural beauty, and ultimate tranquility. In the early 19th century, this tiny rock was the third most powerful naval force in Greece, boasting a legendary fleet of shipowners and sea captains who fiercely resisted foreign rule. The defining, most sacred chapter of its history took place on the rugged, towering peninsula of Mavri Rachi (also known as the Black Ridge or Palaiokastro). The peak of Mavri Rachi today holds a striking commemorative monument and stands as the most breathtaking spot on the island to watch the sunset melt into the Aegean Sea.

Today, Psara remains entirely untouched by mass tourism, offering a deeply authentic sanctuary for slow-paced travelers and nature lovers. The island's single, picturesque harbor settlement features charming white-washed houses with vibrant red-tiled roofs, winding narrow alleys, and a remarkably peaceful atmosphere. Life here revolves lazily around the waterfront, where a handful of traditional seaside tavernas serve exceptionally fresh seafood, including the island’s famous Psarian lobsters, paired seamlessly with local thyme honey. You can explore rugged, crowd-free beaches like Paralia Lazareta or take a small boat to the uninhabited sister islet of Antipsara to experience some of the most pristine, crystal-clear swimming waters in Greece.

Chios - Χίος

Chios is the fifth-largest Greek island, legendary as a land of wealthy shipowners and sea captains, and famously revered as the possible birthplace of the epic poet Homer. It is an incredibly versatile destination that offers a vast variety of year-round attractions, anchored by an agricultural miracle found nowhere else on earth: the unique mastic tree resin. In the south, this lucrative trade funded heavily fortified medieval "mastic villages" like Mesta and Olympi, which feature labyrinthine, pirate-proof layouts. The region also boasts Pyrgi, celebrated for its striking geometric xysta wall paintings, while the grand Genoese mansions and high-walled citrus orchards of Kampos showcase the island's aristocratic merchant history.

Venturing beyond the southern plains reveals a rugged terrain steeped in dramatic history and spectacular natural beauty. You can hike up to the imposing medieval Castle of Volissos in the northwest or step back in time among the haunting stone ruins of Avgonyma and Anavatos, an abandoned cliffside Byzantine ghost town. The coastline is equally magnificent, headlined by Mavra Volia beach, where smooth, ink-black volcanic pebbles contrast sharply with the crystal-clear Aegean Sea Discover Greece. Travelers should note that the waters along the west beaches remain incredibly cold even in the peak heat of August. Furthermore, those visiting during Orthodox Easter should expect a wild spectacle in the town of Vrondados, where two rival parishes engage in a centuries-old "rocket war," firing thousands of homemade flares across the night sky Rouketopolemos.

Lesvos - Λέσβος

Lesvos (also known as Mytilini - its capital name) is the third-largest island in Greece, blending rich cultural heritage, dramatic volcanic history, and a lack of mass tourism. It is celebrated globally as the birthplace of the ancient lyric poet Sappho and the philosopher Theophrastus. One of its most astonishing features is the Lesvos Petrified Forest located at Sigri, a UNESCO Global Geopark where 20-million-year-old tree trunks were perfectly fossilized by prehistoric volcanic ash. Visitors can explore striking stone-built mountain villages, marvel at the imposing medieval Molyvos Castle overlooking the sea, and unwind in natural thermal hot springs scattered across the island. Don't miss the breathtaken sunset at Petra.

Beyond its dramatic geography, Lesvos is a paradise for food lovers and is widely recognized as the spiritual home of Greek ouzo, particularly from the coastal town of Plomari. The island's rich ecosystem includes millions of olive trees that produce world-class oil, which pairs beautifully with local ladotyri cheese. Traditional coastal tavernas serve up the island's legendary papalina sardines, harvested fresh from the Gulf of Kalloni and often cured in salt just hours before serving. From the cobblestone alleys of Agiassos to the lively waterfronts, Lesvos offers an authentic taste of traditional Greek life that remains beautifully unchanged.

Agios Efstratios - Άγιος Ευστράτιος (Αη Στράτης)

Agios Efstratios (or Ai Stratis) is one of the most isolated inhabited islands in the Aegean, making it the ultimate destination for travelers seeking raw, untouched nature and pure tranquility. With a permanent population of fewer than 300 residents and no heavy vehicular traffic, this eco-conscious haven is paving the way forward as Greece's first energy-autonomous island powered entirely by renewable energy. The island's geography was fundamentally transformed on February 20, 1968, when a devastating 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck, completely leveling the historic hillside settlement and forcing residents to rebuild their lives in the fertile valley below. Today, its protected volcanic terrain features striking black sand beaches, sea caves that serve as a breeding refuge for rare Mediterranean monk seals, and one of the largest oak forests in the Aegean region.

The island also carries a deeply moving history, having served for decades as a place of exile for political dissidents, including renowned artists and poets. Visitors can immerse themselves in this sobering past at the Museum of Democracy, which is beautifully housed in a restored pre-earthquake school building that miraculously survived the 1968 disaster. When you are ready to unwind, take a peaceful stroll down to the single harbor settlement to swim at the pristine Agios Antonios beach. Conclude your evening at a seaside taverna alongside local fishermen, sampling the island's famous fresh lobster, handmade flomaria pasta, and traditional organic cheeses Agios Efstratios Island.

Lemnos - Λήμνος

Lemnos (or Limnos) is a tranquil hidden gem in the North Aegean, offering a perfect escape from the crowds with its wild, volcanic landscapes and authentic Greek charm. According to ancient mythology, it was the island retreat of Hephaestus (Vulcan), the god of fire and metalworking and has some of his mystery. Today, visitors can explore a striking mix of golden sandy beaches, unique inland sand dunes at Ammothines, and crystal-clear waters. It's all sandy with long beaches and very few trees. A few ghost villages, some mineral springs, dune, and two beautiful lakes.

Beyond its scenic shores, Lemnos boasts a rich, fascinating history and an incredible food scene (chech seafood at Moudros). You can wander the cobblestone alleys of the capital, Myrina, hike up to the impressive Byzantine Castle where local deer roam freely, or step back in time at Poliochni, widely considered Europe's oldest Bronze Age settlement. After a day of exploring ancient ruins and spectacular coastlines, you can relax at a seaside taverna to taste the island's famous kalathaki cheese, fresh seafood, and sweet local Muscat wine.

North Agean - Βόρειο Αιγαίο

Most of them big islands, away from the shore and not very close to each other. The bigger ones have a wide variety of nature, the smaller have significantly less plantation. Each of them unique in its own way.

Lemnos - Λήμνος
Agios Efstratios - Άγιος Ευστράτιος (Αη Στράτης)
Lesvos - Λέσβος
Chios - Χίος
Psara - Ψαρά
Inousses - Οινούσσες
Samos - Σάμος
Ikaria - Ικαρία
Fourni - Φούρνοι
Thimena
Agios Minas

Hydra - Ύδρα

Hydra is a glamorous, car-free jewel of the Saronic Gulf that feels like a living painting stepping straight out of the 19th century. Just a short ferry ride from Athens, this unique island bans all motor vehicles, meaning there are no cars, scooters, or honking horns—only the gentle clip-clop of donkeys and water taxis to transport you around. Its majestic crescent-shaped harbor is lined with grand stone mansions built by wealthy 18th-century ship captains, framing an ultra-chic waterfront packed with bustling cafes, elegant boutiques, and pristine yachting docks.

The island’s irresistible blend of dramatic rocky coastlines and artistic heritage has long made it a sanctuary for international writers, musicians, and painters, most famously singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen. You can spend your days wandering the steep, whitewashed stone alleys, swimming off the smooth rocks at Hydronetta, or hiking along coastal paths to secluded pebbled bays like Bisti and Mandraki. As the sun sets, the harbor glows in a golden light, providing the ultimate romantic backdrop for enjoying fresh seafood and fine wine right at the water's edge. Its style is nostalgic and cosmopolitan. An all-year round destination.

Spetses - Σπέτσες

Spetses is a beautiful small Greek island very close to shore of Costa, that you can reach by taxi boats! Cars are not allowed in the main town, so people move around by walking, riding bicycles, or taking horse carriages. It has beautiful pine trees, clear blue water, and pretty old houses.

This island is famous for its long history with ships and traditional sea battles. Today, it is a very relaxing place to visit, with nice restaurants by the water, small shops, and lovely beaches.

Argo-saronic gulf- Αργοσαρωνικός

All of them close to the shore, some of them very close to Athens, some of them with great modern history, a couple of them car-free!

Angistri
Aegina
Poros
Salamina
Spetses - Σπέτσες
Hydra - Ύδρα

Evia (Euboea) - Εύβοια

Evia (also spelled Euboea) is Greece’s second-largest island, yet it remains one of the country’s best-kept secrets. Connected to the mainland by a bridge at the bustling capital city of Chalkida, this massive destination feels like an entire continent in miniature. It seamlessly blends dramatic alpine landscapes—like the pine forests of Mount Dirfys—with more than 110 pristine beaches. Because it mostly hosts vacationing Athenians rather than international tour groups, it offers an exceptionally authentic and affordable slice of local Greek culture.

The island is divided into three distinct regions, each boasting its own unique rhythm and wonders. In the green north, you can soak in the natural, ancient thermal healing springs of Edipsos or hunt for waterfalls hidden in lush woods. Central Evia serves as a playground for hikers and wine enthusiasts, while the windswept south features the dramatic Dimosaris Gorge, the ancient ruins of Eretria, and the mysterious stone "Dragon Houses" of Mount Ochi. Whether you are windsurfing on the coast of Marmari or enjoying local chylopites pasta at a mountain taverna, Evia delivers an off-the-beaten-path adventure hidden in plain sight.

Can also be reached by ferry from several mainland small ports. Provides a variety of landscapes, northern part reminds the Sporades whilst southern part reminds the Cyclades. One of the many highlights is the extraordinary tide of Euripus strait, the "crazy waters".

Trikeri - Τρίκερι

The island version of mount Pelio! A small green island, with few inhabitants, no cars and beautiful trails to follow, old Trikeri (Palaio Trikeri) is a hidden, paradise floating in the calm waters of the Pagasetic Gulf, just off the southern tip of the Pelion peninsula. Spanning just 2.5 square kilometers, this tiny, peaceful island is essentially a massive, floating olive grove boasting tens of thousands of ancient, sculptured olive trees that reach right down to the shoreline. With no vehicles or paved roads, the island feels entirely untouched by time, offering visitors a serene sanctuary of quiet, lace-like pebble beaches and crystal-clear waters perfect for peaceful swimming far away from Greece's typical tourist crowds.

The heartbeat of the island is its tiny, idyllic harbor, where you will find a small cluster of traditional houses, a quiet guesthouse, and a waterfront taverna serving up fresh seafood and local tsipouro. From the port, a network of dirt walking paths winds up through the green hillsides to the island's highest peak. Standing proudly at the top is the impressive 19th-century Monastery of Panagia Evangelistria, a beautifully preserved fortress-like monastery surrounded by orange trees that offers stunning panoramic views of the gulf. It is the ultimate off-the-grid destination for travelers seeking absolute silence, slow-paced hiking, and traditional Greek charm.

Peristera - Περιστέρα

Peristera is a virtually uninhabited, serene haven in the Northern Sporades, floating less than a nautical mile east of Alonnisos. Meaning "dove" in Greek, this 16-square-kilometer island features a gentle landscape on its western coast and rugged cliffs to the east. It is widely celebrated for its natural breakwaters, which shelter its pristine, crystal-clear beaches from rough summer winds. As a protected sanctuary within the National Marine Park of Alonnisos, its secluded caves offer a vital refuge for the rare Mediterranean monk seal, while its rocky hillsides are home only to local wildlife and a handful of seasonal shepherds.

The defining highlight of Peristera lies just off its coast, where history buffs can explore Greece’s very first underwater archaeological museum. Submerged under the turquoise waves is the famous Peristera Shipwreck, a massive 5th-century BC merchant vessel that sank with thousands of ancient wine amphoras still completely intact. On land, the natural harbors of Peristeri and Vasiliko provide spectacular anchorages for yachts and day-trippers coming from Alonnisos. It is the ultimate off-the-grid destination for travelers looking to sunbathe on empty beaches, snorkel over ancient history, and escape the crowds of the larger islands.

Kira Panagia - Κυρά Παναγιά

Kyra Panagia is a wild, uninhabited sanctuary in the Northern Sporades and the largest of the deserted islands within the National Marine Park of Alonnisos. Free from the footprint of modern tourism, this ruggedly beautiful island is a safe haven for the rare Mediterranean monk seal. Its pristine coastline is defined by dramatic rolling hills and two spectacular, deep-water natural bays, Agios Petros and Planitis, which have served as legendary shelters for sailors and pirates since ancient times.

The crown jewel of the island is the historic 16th-century Monastery of Kyra Panagia, which sits proudly on a hilltop overlooking the brilliant blue Aegean Sea. Maintained by a lone resident monk and a couple of farm workers, this secluded retreat features a beautiful whitewashed church, stunning frescoes, and centuries-old olive oil presses. Accessible only by private yacht or guided boat excursions from nearby Alonnisos, it offers travelers a rare chance to disconnect completely and experience a raw, untouched side of Greece.

Alonnisos - Αλόννησος

Alonnisos is a tranquil paradise in the Northern Sporades, celebrated for its untouched nature and peaceful atmosphere. It is home to Europe's largest marine park, where you can swim in exceptionally clear waters and glimpse the rare Mediterranean monk seal.

In the hilltop Old Town (Chora), you can wander through narrow stone alleys lined with traditional houses and view breathtaking sunsets over the Aegean Sea. Life here moves at a slower pace, making it ideal for hiking through green landscapes and dining on fresh seafood in sleepy fishing villages. Don't be surprised if one of the few monachus monachus come to town.

Skopelos - Σκόπελος

Skopelos is a breathtaking, green-and-blue paradise famous for its dense pine forests that flow right down to the turquoise shoreline. Film lovers will immediately recognize it as the main setting for the Mamma Mia! movie, but its true magic lies in its unspoiled, dramatic coastal landscapes like Kastani and Milia beaches.

In Skopelos Town, you will find a picturesque harbor surrounded by whitewashed, red-tiled houses climbing up the hillside. The island is also dotted with hundreds of historic churches and monasteries, including the iconic Agios Ioannis chapel perched high on a sea cliff, offering incredible views and an authentic taste of traditional Greek island life. There are still a few quiet beaches, so this makes it something between cosmopolitan Skiathos and quiet Alonnisos.

Skiathos - Σκιάθος

Skiathos is a vibrant gem in the Northern Sporades, renowned for its lush pine forests and over 60 crystal-clear beaches. Whether you want to lounge on the famous golden sands of Koukounaries or take a boat tour to the striking white pebbles of Lalaria Beach, it is an absolute dream for seaside lovers.

Back in Skiathos Town, you can lose yourself in a maze of whitewashed houses, boutique shops, and blooming bougainvillea. It’s the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood at a waterfront taverna or catch an evening movie under the stars at the open-air cinema. You can still feel Papadiamanti's presence though.

North Sporades - Βόρειες Σποράδες

North sporades, located in north aegean sea, is a cluster of many small and a few bigger islands. They have enough plantation, mainly pine forests, and the nature is similar to the close by mount Pelio. Since they form many sea caves, they host some of the few left mediterenean seals "monachus monachus".

Skiathos - Σκιάθος
Skopelos - Σκόπελος
Alonissos - Αλόννησος
Kira Panagia - Κυρά Παναγιά
Peristera - Περιστέρα
Skyros - Σκύρος

Amouliani, Diaporos (Halkidiki's islands) - Αμμουλιανή, Διάπορος (τα νησιά της Χαλκιδικής)

Amouliani and Diaporos are two island in Halkidiki that offer sandy beaches with calm, shallow turquoise waters. Amouliani is the only permanently inhabited island in the region, featuring a charming fishing village, traditional tavernas, and easily accessible sandy shores like Alikes. Right across from the Sithonia peninsula lies Diaporos, an uninhabited, lush island paradise surrounded by a cluster of smaller islets. Diaporos is a haven for boat rentals, snorkeling, and camping, best known for its Blue Lagoon where the water is completely transparent. Together, these islands represent the ultimate peaceful escape for travelers looking to discover Greece's most pristine, untouched coastal nature.

Samothrace (Samothraki) - Σαμοθράκη

Samothrace is a wild and mysterious Greek island famous for its dramatic mountains, deep waterfalls, and ancient history. Unlike typical flat islands, it is dominated by Mount Saos, the highest peak in the Aegean Sea. Nature lovers come here to swim in the vathres, which are beautiful natural pools formed by mountain rivers and waterfalls. The island is also famous for its history, as it is the place where the legendary "Winged Victory of Samothrace" statue was found. It is the perfect destination for travelers who love hiking, raw nature, and peaceful places away from crowds.

An island full of mystery, it's a mountain in the middle of the sea! Full of plantation, springs - both cold and hot -, and waterfalls that form little pool-like lakes. The magic of the place is overwhelming.

Thassos - Θάσος

A green island, with countless beautiful beaches. Close to the mainland, is ideal for those who can't handle long boat trips. Although a summer destination, it has great potential for alternative activities such as trecking and mountain bike.

It is often called the "Emerald Isle" because it has many pine trees and forests. It is a perfect place to relax, swim in clean waters, and eat fresh seafood at local restaurants. You can visit quiet mountain villages with stone houses, see old historic ruins, or swim in Giola, a famous natural pool in the rocks. Thassos is easy to travel around and offers a relaxing, authentic taste of Greece without the big crowds.

Thracian sea - Θρακικό πέλαγος

The northmost of the aegean, thracian sea includes just two Greek islands. There aren't many similarities between them, but both have plenty of plantation and water. Both are relatively close to the shore.

Thassos - Θάσος

Samothrace (Samothraki) - Σαμοθράκη