The under the radar Greek Islands worth going to in 2025.
Forget the glossy postcards of blue-domed chapels and labyrinthine lanes flooded with cruise-goers. If you’re planning to explore the Greek islands in 2025, skip the clichés and sail toward the undiscovered, especially given the high cost of living right now.
These lesser-known havens serve up serenity without sacrificing style — and in some cases, with Michelin-worthy menus, designer suites, and just enough mythological mystique to make you believe in magic.
These islands aren’t where you go to be seen — they’re where you disappear, exquisitely. Whether you’re drawn by a six-table restaurant tucked into a cliffside farm or a villa wrapped in olive trees, Greece’s lesser-known islands promise a new kind of luxury: one where nature, history, and hospitality do the heavy lifting.
Here’s where the smart set is headed next summer.
Andros: A Wild Island with a Whisper of Refinement
With its elegant stone mansions and British-inspired past, Andros once catered to aristocrats — but it’s nature, not nobility, that now defines its appeal. Just a short ferry ride from Athens, the island unfurls into waterfalls, mountain trails, and remote beaches that feel like well-kept secrets.
Tucked into a lush riverside valley, Onar Andros offers barefoot elegance for those craving space to disconnect. Each handcrafted cottage blends into the landscape, where the loudest sound is the rustle of leaves or a distant goat bell.
The retreat’s rhythm? Morning swims in translucent coves, afternoons foraging or helping on the organic farm, and evenings wrapped in wool blankets under the stars.
Naxos: Mythical Majesty Meets Low-Key Luxury
Naxos doesn’t need to shout to impress. Its towering peaks, ancient sanctuaries, and empty stretches of coastline speak volumes. As the mythic birthplace of Zeus and a former Venetian stronghold, the island combines drama and depth in equal measure.
High in the hills above olive groves and marble ruins lies Ayiopetra Exclusive Getaways. With just five suites and an amphitheatre view over the Aegean, it’s a sanctuary of restrained elegance. Meals here are gathered from nearby gardens, paired with local wines, and served beside a fire pit that turns dinner into a sacred ritual. The luxury isn’t ostentatious — it’s elemental.
Syros: A Sophisticated Splash of Something Different
While neighboring islands lean into postcard aesthetics, Syros goes off-script. The port capital of Hermoupolis is all faded grandeur — pastel mansions, ornate opera houses, and a Mediterranean flair more Marseille than Mykonos.
Aristide Hotel captures the island’s unexpected glamour with velvet lounges, in-room galleries, and a rooftop restaurant that could easily double as a fashion shoot location. The hotel’s curated art program and rooftop cinema speak to a crowd that wants their sea views served with a side of culture.
Sifnos: A Gastronomic Gem with Cliffside Cool
For food lovers, Sifnos is Greece’s best-kept secret. The island has long been a cradle of traditional cooking, where ancient clay pot recipes are still used, and modern chefs reinterpret them with flair.
For a taste of understated indulgence, Verina Astra pairs panoramic views with culinary brilliance. Its signature restaurant, Bostani, sources ingredients from the hills surrounding the hotel — think sun-warmed figs, sea fennel, and free-range lamb — all prepared with the care of a family feast elevated to fine dining. Lounge by the infinity pool, and let the scent of wild oregano drift you into a siesta.
Tinos: A Marble-Carved Masterpiece
Tinos has a quiet gravitas. You’ll feel it in its mountain villages etched from white marble, and in the way its dovecotes and chapels seem to emerge naturally from the land. Craftsmanship here isn’t just heritage — it’s the heartbeat of the island.
At Pnoēs Tinos, authenticity is paired with thoughtful design. Every detail — from locally woven textiles to handmade tiles — tells a story. Each of the three private villas features a secluded pool, gardens humming with bees, and open-air kitchens perfect for preparing sun-ripened tomatoes with sea salt. It’s a place to unplug, unscroll, and rediscover pleasure in simplicity.
Hydra: Where Time Slows to a Gentle Stroll
There’s no traffic here, because there are no cars. On Hydra, the only sounds are waves lapping against the quay and donkeys clip-clopping through the cobblestone alleys. The island has long attracted artists, writers, and quietly influential guests seeking peace without pomp.
To embrace this timeless rhythm, check into Mandraki Beach Resort, a former naval station reimagined as a stylish hideaway. Set just above the bay, it offers sun-drenched suites mere steps from the shore, with a sushi bar and spa menu that rival any city hotel. The vibe? Understated luxury with literary soul.
Astypalaia: The Butterfly Island Spreads Its Wings
With its twin bays creating a butterfly-like silhouette, Astypalaia feels more like a dream than a destination. Its whitewashed hilltop village, crowned by a crumbling castle, glows gold at sunset, while hidden coves and fossil-strewn cliffs wait to be explored.
Saluti da Stampalia is the island’s most intimate address, offering modern design, curated artwork, and breakfasts made with ingredients from local gardens. Guests come to slow down, sip mountain herb tea on their balcony, and wander through alleys scented with jasmine. In a word: bliss.
