Marathi (Marathos) - Μαράθι (Μάραθος)

Marathi (also known as Marathos) is an incredibly tiny, drop-shaped islet located east of Patmos in the Dodecanese archipelago, offering the closest thing to a true Robinson Crusoe escape. Spanning just over 35 hectares, this sun-drenched haven has no roads, no cars, no shops, and no supermarkets. In fact, it is famous for being one of Greece's least populated islands, with its year-round population traditionally dropping to just a single-digit number of permanent residents—who happen to run the island's few businesses. Life here is beautifully reduced to a radius of about 50 meters, concentrated entirely around a pristine, horseshoe-shaped bay protected from the Aegean winds.The entire Marathi experience revolves around slow living, pure relaxation, and simple culinary pleasures. 

Visitors spend their hours sunbathing on the soft sand of its singular beach, swimming out to the nearby rocky islet of Spalathronisi, or hiking up a quiet hill path to see the small, white-washed church of Agios Nikolaos. Without the distraction of urban light pollution, evening activities involve sitting directly on the water at one of the island's two legendary family-run tavernas. There, you can dine on freshly caught baked bream, lobster pasta, and local goat dishes while watching the sunset melt into the horizon.

Amorgos - Αμοργός

Amorgos is the dramatic, untamed easternmost island of the Cyclades, globally celebrated for its majestic mountainous ridges, deep cultural traditions, and incredibly deep blue waters that inspired Luc Besson's iconic 1988 film, The Big Blue. The island’s striking topography features massive limestone cliffs that plunge vertically into the Aegean Sea, creating a sense of raw, monumental isolation. Perched high in the island's interior is Chora, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and atmospheric villages in Greece. This pedestrian-only labyrinth of blindingly white alleyways, hidden squares, and historic windmills is crowned by a 13th-century Venetian castle rock, offering a quiet, sophisticated charm where the air is scented with wild sage and boiling psimeni raki (the island's signature spiced honey liquor).

The defining masterpiece of Amorgos is the breathtaking Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa, an architectural wonder built directly into the face of a sheer, sparkling white cliff 300 meters (1,000 feet) above the sea. Visiting this 11th-century sanctuary requires climbing a steep stone staircase, rewarding travelers with dramatic coastal views and a traditional welcome of sweet loukoumi and raki from the resident monks. For outdoor adventurers and beach lovers, Amorgos is a paradise traversed by ancient, stone-paved footpaths that wind across the island's spine to hidden valleys and pristine bays. Sun-seekers can dive into the impossibly clear, deep waters of Agia Anna—the famous rocky cove from The Big Blue—or explore the soft sands of Aegiali and the dramatic, shipwreck-framed shores of Kalotaritissa beach. Savoring a slow-cooked plate of patatato (goat and potato stew) at a traditional taverna under the stars brings a perfect end to an unforgettable, spiritually moving Cycladic journey.

Donousa - Δονούσα

Donousa is the wild, windswept northeastern outpost of the Small Cyclades, offering a blissful retreat for travelers seeking raw natural beauty and a completely unpretentious, bohemian atmosphere. Long a legendary haven for free campers and slow-travel enthusiasts, the island immediately sets a tranquil tone at its main port village, Stavros. Here, a gorgeous sandy beach sits directly parallel to the harbor, flanked by classic whitewashed houses and relaxed seaside tavernas where time seems to stand still. Donousa’s mountainous, rugged terrain is carved by steep ravines and dramatic cliffs that drop into some of the most luminous, crystalline waters in the entire Aegean Sea, making it feel wonderfully isolated from the rest of the world.

The true magic of Donousa lies in its exceptional network of old stone footpaths and its collection of pristine, untamed beaches. A series of marked hiking trails connects Stavros to tiny, remote hillside hamlets like Mersini and Kalotaritissa, passing through landscapes fragrant with wild sage and thyme. Along the southern coast, a coastal path leads to the soft, golden sands of Kedros Beach—famed for the submerged wreck of a World War II German ship visible to snorkelers—and the deeply secluded, double-bay sands of Livadi Beach. There are no organized rows of commercial sunbeds or loud beach bars on Donousa; instead, the soundtrack of your day is simply the rhythmic crashing of waves and the rustle of the summer wind. Evenings naturally congregate back in Stavros or the clifftop tavernas of Mersini, where travelers gather over slow-cooked local goat (patatato), fresh seafood, and a glass of crisp wine under a spectacular, unpolluted canopy of stars.

Iraklia - Ηρακλειά

Iraklia is the largest yet most wonderfully tranquil island in the Small Cyclades group, offering a raw, untouched refuge for travelers seeking pure solitude and slow travel. Entering the quiet harbor village of Agios Georgios feels like stepping into a bygone era of Greece; there are no traffic jams, flashing neon signs, or luxury boutiques, only a handful of whitewashed houses, a single main road, and a peaceful waterfront lined with traditional fishing boats. The island’s small population is split between the port and Panagia, a tiny, sleepy hillside village nestled further inland amidst a landscape of rugged hills, wild thyme, and stone-walled valleys. This slow, unhurried pace of life makes Iraklia a paradise for hikers, birdwatchers, and anyone looking to completely disconnect from the digital world and immerse themselves in the quiet rhythms of nature.

Despite its quiet demeanor, Iraklia packs an incredible punch for adventurers through its pristine, uncrowded coastline and fascinating subterranean wonders. A network of eight ancient, signposted hiking trails crisscrosses the island, with the most famous path leading trekkers to the spectacular Cave of Saint John (Agios Ioannis). This massive natural cavern is one of the largest in the Cyclades, requiring visitors to navigate its dramatic stalactite formations by flashlight before ending the journey with panoramic views over the Aegean Sea. For sun-seekers, the island boasts pristine beaches like Livadi, a wide expanse of golden sand and shallow, crystal-clear water, and Alimia, a secluded pebble bay famous among snorkelers for the sunken remains of a World War II German hydroplane visible just beneath the surface. Savoring fresh, locally caught seafood paired with a glass of house wine at a local taverna brings an effortlessly peaceful close to a day spent on this hidden Greek sanctuary.

Andros - Άνδρος

Andros is a captivating, aristocratic departure from the typical Cycladic blueprint, trading barren landscapes and whitewashed sugar-cube houses for lush, water-rich valleys and grand neoclassical architecture. As the northernmost and second-largest island in the chain, its unique identity was forged by its wealthy 19th-century ship-owning families and captains, who bypassed simple village styles to build elegant, red-roofed stone mansions. The island's cultural heart is Chora, a sophisticated capital perched on a narrow peninsula that juts dramatically into the Aegean Sea. Walking along its marble-paved pedestrian streets reveals grand squares, impressive museums of modern art, and the iconic, wind-swept ruins of a medieval Venetian castle connected to the mainland by an ancient, arched stone bridge.

Beyond its stately towns, Andros is an absolute paradise for hikers and eco-tourists, boasting an incredibly fertile interior fed by natural mountain springs, rushing rivers, and hidden waterfalls. The island features Europe's premier certified hiking network, known as Andros Routes, which spans over 100 kilometers of ancient, well-mapped stone pathways that wind through stone-arched bridges, lush orange groves, and historic watermills. For sun-seekers, the island’s expansive, rugged coastline offers an exceptional variety of uncrowded shores, ranging from the organized, golden sands of Chryssi Ammos and Batsi to the dramatic, wind-sculpted rock arch of Tis Grias to Pidima beach on the eastern coast. Dining at a local taverna on a hearty froutalia (a traditional, thick Parian-style omelet loaded with local potatoes and country sausage) brings a perfectly satisfying close to an active day spent exploring Greece's greenest island.

Thirasia - Θηρασιά

Thirasia is a captivating, time-capsule island that sits directly across the caldera from Santorini, offering a striking, slow-paced contrast to its glamorous and crowded neighbor. Once physically connected to Santorini, Thirasia was broken off during the catastrophic Minoan volcanic eruption of 1650 BC, leaving behind a quiet shard of land that has willfully resisted the pressures of modern mass tourism. Arriving at the small harbor of Korfos, visitors are greeted by a handful of traditional fish tavernas and a steep, winding zigzag stone staircase that climbs up the dramatic volcanic cliffside to Manolas, the island's main village. Walking through Manolas feels like stepping back fifty years into a peaceful, authentic Greece, defined by narrow cobblestone lanes, unpainted stone walls, blue-doored cave houses, and peaceful residential courtyards where the only sounds are the gentle rustle of dry summer winds and distant church bells.

Despite its quiet, rustic character, Thirasia provides some of the most spectacular, unobstructed panoramic views of the entire Santorinian caldera without any of the bustling crowds. Adventurous travelers can hike the scenic, unpaved paths that thread across the island's ridge to the historic Monastery of Koimisi Theotokou at the southernmost tip, or wander down to the sleepy, nearly abandoned settlement of Agrilia, famous for its unique rock-cut houses and the beautiful, colorful facade of the Church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary. The coastline features uncrowded, raw volcanic beaches like Riva and Santa Irene, where the water is exceptionally clear and tranquil. Spending an afternoon relaxing on these black-pebble shores, sampling traditional sun-dried yellow split peas (fava), and watching the sun illuminate the distant cliffs of Oia and Fira creates an incredibly peaceful, reflective, and unforgettable Cycladic experience.

Thira (Santorini) - Θήρα (Σαντορίνη)

Santorini is the breathtaking, crown jewel of the Cyclades, globally famous for its dramatic volcanic cliffs, iconic blue-domed churches, and world-class luxury hospitality. The island’s unique crescent-shaped geography was carved out by one of the largest volcanic eruptions in human history, leaving behind a steep, water-filled crater known as the caldera. Perched precariously along the rim of these 300-meter cliffs are the spectacular, whitewashed villages of Fira, Imerovigli, and Oia. Oia, situated at the northernmost tip of the island, is a world-renowned sunset destination where crowds gather each evening to watch the sun dip below the Aegean Sea, illuminating the pastel cave houses and winding stone paths in a golden glow. This romantic atmosphere has made Santorini a premier global destination for honeymooners and luxury travelers seeking infinity pools that seamlessly merge with the sea below.

Beyond its postcard-perfect cliffside views, Santorini offers a fascinating landscape shaped by its deep history and unique volcanic terroir. Sun-seekers can explore distinct, multi-colored volcanic beaches, such as the dramatic red sands of Red Beach, the black volcanic pebbles of Kamari and Perissa, and the striking white cliffs of Vlychada. For history enthusiasts, the prehistoric archaeological site of Akrotiri—often referred to as the "Greek Pompeii"—preserves an ancient Minoan bronze-age city frozen in time by volcanic ash. The island's rich volcanic soil also gives rise to a world-class wine culture; local vineyards use a unique basket-weaving technique called kouloura to protect vines from intense Aegean winds, producing crisp, high-acid Assyrtiko white wines. Whether you spend your days sailing through the hot springs inside the caldera, dining on fresh seafood in Ammoudi Bay, or touring local clifftop wineries, Santorini delivers an unmatched and unforgettable Mediterranean experience.

Folegandros - Φολέγανδρος

Folegandros is a breathtakingly dramatic jewel of the Cyclades, renowned for its raw, untamed beauty and spectacular cliffside topography that rivals the views of Santorini without the overwhelming crowds. The heart of the island is Chora, arguably one of the most picturesque and architecturally intact medieval villages in Greece. Built directly on the edge of a sheer, 200-meter precipice, Chora is a pedestrian-only maze of interlocking plazas, whitewashed stone houses, and pristine churches shaded by leafy plane trees. The town's unique layout stems from its 13th-century Venetian Kastro, a fortified neighborhood where the outer walls of the houses originally served as the town's defensive barrier. Towering high above the village on a jagged hill sits the iconic, brilliant white Church of Panagia; a zigzagging stone pathway leads visitors up the mountain for a legendary, unobstructed sunset view over the endless blue expanse of the Aegean Sea.

Beyond the dramatic cliffs of Chora, Folegandros offers a tranquil, slow-paced escape centered around rugged hiking trails and pristine, uncrowded beaches. The island's spine is marked by the quiet rural settlement of Ano Meria, where traditional themonies (self-sufficient stone farmsteads) still dot the landscape, offering a window into a traditional agricultural way of life that has vanished elsewhere. Hikers can traverse ancient stone paths that snake across the arid hillsides, leading down to secluded coastal paradises like Angali, Katergo, or Livadaki beach—many of which are only accessible by foot or by small local taxi boats from the port of Karavostasi. After a day of exploring, evenings are spent back in Chora's lively squares, where travelers and locals sit side-by-side to enjoy local culinary specialties like matsata (fresh, hand-rolled pasta typically served with rooster or rabbit) paired with a glass of crisp local wine, completing a perfectly authentic Cycladic experience.

Sikinos - Σίκινος

Sikinos remains one of the most untouched and wonderfully secluded sanctuaries in the Cyclades, willfully resisting the rapid pace of modern tourism in favor of quiet, authentic island life. Home to just a few hundred residents, the island’s landscape is a striking tapestry of steep, arid cliffs and ancient stone-walled agricultural terraces that drop dramatically into the deep blue Aegean. Life here centers around the breathtaking settlement of Chora, which is split into two distinct neighborhoods: the fortified, medieval castle village of Kastro and the peaceful, winding alleys of Chorio. Wandering through Kastro reveals white-washed stone walls, pristine churches, and low arched entryways built centuries ago to deter pirates. Free from luxury mega-resorts and bustling crowds, Sikinos offers travelers a rare opportunity to disconnect, where the primary sounds are the rustle of dry summer winds and the gentle tolling of church bells.

Despite its tiny footprint, Sikinos possesses a remarkably rich historical legacy and a thriving, passionate local culture. Its crowning historical jewel is the Monastery of Episkopi, a captivating monument hidden deep in the island's interior that was originally built as a 3rd-century Roman mausoleum, converted into a Byzantine church, and recently restored to showcase centuries of layered history. After a day spent lounging on the uncrowded, pebble-strewn shores of Alopronoia or hiking the ancient stone footpaths, evening life naturally congregates on the western cliffs at Manalis Winery. Sitting on the winery's open-air terrace, visitors can sample organic, locally produced Cycladic wines while watching the sun plunge below the horizon. Combined with the warmth of local tavernas serving traditional stuffed goat (frikase) and local thyme honey, Sikinos delivers an unforgettable glimpse into the true, untamed heart of old-world Greece.

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.