Four Greek Islands to Avoid—and Four to Visit Instead

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Greece is home to over 6,000 islands, over 200 of which are inhabited. With so many choices, how do you decide which Greek islands to visit and which ones to avoid? While certain Greek islands have gained a well-deserved reputation for their natural beauty, rich history, and welcoming culture, others may disappoint with overcrowding and subpar infrastructure.

Unfortunately, some Greek islands have fallen victim to their own popularity, attracting throngs of tourists eager to recreate the iconic snapshots they’ve seen plastered across social media. In their wake, these destinations often bear the scars of overcrowding and are left littered with trash and inflated prices that undermine the authentic experience. 

If you’re hoping for a more relaxing and genuine vacation, plenty of under-the-radar destinations offer all of the charm and beauty of the Greek islands but haven’t become overwhelmed with tourists. These are the Greek islands you should avoid and the best Greek islands to visit.

The Four Greek Islands to Avoid

These Greek islands have become overwhelmed with visitors, and we recommend avoiding them on your next visit. 

Santorini

Santorini’s dramatic landscapes of craggy caldera, beautiful blue sea, and sandy beaches have made this island incredibly famous. While only around 15,000 people call this destination home year-round, it attracts a staggering two million visitors annually, primarily in the summer.

The island’s popularity as a cruise ship stopover exacerbates the issue, with as many as 8,000 cruise passengers disembarking daily for day trips—a figure that local authorities have capped in recent years to mitigate overcrowding.

Despite these efforts, Santorini’s infrastructure struggles to handle the sheer volume of visitors, resulting in traffic congestion, increased litter, and expensive prices. The overwhelming tide of visitors to Santorini has led to a clash between the island’s allure and its residents’ desire for privacy and tranquility. Exasperated by the relentless influx of tourists trespassing onto their properties in pursuit of the perfect Santorini sunset photo, locals have resorted to posting “no trespassing” signs to deter thoughtless visitors.

During the peak season, visitors can expect to encounter crowded beaches, where the pristine sand has been overrun with beach lounger rentals offered at exorbitant prices. The once-serene ambiance of Santorini’s beaches has given way to a sense of overcrowding and commercialization, which may disappoint visitors hoping for a peaceful vacation.

If You Go: Fira and Oia are two of the most popular towns in Santorini. To escape the crowds, head to the quieter eastern side of the island and stay in the more affordable towns of Perissa or Kamari.

Mykonos

Glitz and glamour have replaced local culture on Mykonos making it the most expensive Greek island to visit. The exorbitant prices don’t seem to deter tourists, as evidenced in this post showing five massive cruise ships simultaneously dropping off around 125,000 passengers to the island. Last year alone, nearly 900 cruise ships visited Mykonos, according to the Hellenic Ports Association.

Visitors lament the rampant commercialization that has gripped Mykonos, with businesses taking over once-public beaches and charging entry fees. Numerous tourists have reported being subjected to outlandish prices, with some restaurants shamelessly charging hundreds of dollars for a mere appetizer and a round of non-alcoholic drinks, capitalizing on the tourism surge.

If You Go: For those seeking a more authentic and peaceful experience, the solution lies in venturing beyond Mykonos Town, where the narrow streets are clogged with tourists. For a more peaceful trip, head to the north or the south of the island, where you’ll discover beautiful beaches and space to breathe. 

Kos

As one of the southernmost Greek islands, Kos enjoys warm temperatures and sunshine for most of the year, which is why it’s one of the most visited. The island also has gained a bit of a reputation for being a party destination, especially for British tourists who want to imbibe in the sunshine. Kos town, Kardamena, and Tigaki are the most notorious nightlife spots, and the party doesn’t really get going until 1 am, so pack earplugs if you want to get a good night’s sleep.

If You Go: It can be tempting to book an off-season trip to Kos to avoid the crowds but be warned that many restaurants and shops are closed outside of peak season, and activities like boat tours may not be running. Instead, stay in one of Kos’ quieter towns, like Kefalos in the south. 

Rhodes

Rhodes, an island celebrated for its UNESCO World Heritage old town, charming cliff-side villages, and historic fortress, was recently ranked as the third-worst Greek island to visit in a survey by UK magazine Which. Despite its rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes, Rhodes has become a victim of its allure, overrun by crowds threatening to diminish the charm that draws visitors in the first place.

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Many travelers to Rhodes lament the unexpectedly high prices that greet them upon arrival. Accommodations, food, and drinks command a premium, especially during the peak summer months. Furthermore, Rhodes has established itself as a major destination for all-inclusive resorts, which may disappoint those seeking a more charming, boutique experience.

If You Go: The biggest crowds congregate in Rhodes’ old town, but if you’re willing to rent a car and go for a drive, you can easily seek out solitude. Opt to stay in the southwest of the island, which tends to be quieter. 

The Four Greek Islands to Visit Instead

The best Greek islands to visit are lesser-known gems that offer a more authentic and tranquil experience than Mykonos or Santorini. From the culinary delights of Sifnos to the rugged beauty of Kythira, these underrated paradises should be your next Greek vacation destination.

Sifnos

Sifnos, affectionately nicknamed the “Greek Island of Gastronomy,” is a veritable paradise for food lovers seeking to immerse themselves in the rich culinary traditions of the Cyclades. Here, the emphasis is on fresh, local ingredients, allowing visitors to savor the authentic flavors of traditional Sifnoit cuisine, meticulously prepared in terracotta casserole dishes that were also crafted on the island.

When the indulgence begins to catch up with you, Sifnos offers a perfect antidote—a network of hiking trails that wind along the breathtaking Aegean Sea, providing ample opportunity to work off the local delicacies. 

Despite its proximity to Athens, just a two-hour ferry ride away, this small island remains a relatively undiscovered gem among tourists, preserving its charm and authenticity for those seeking a true taste of the Greek islands.

Crete

Crete boasts an average of 300 days of sunshine each year, making it an irresistible choice for a beach vacation. Greece’s biggest island offers something for everyone, from sandy beaches with secluded coves in Sitia to epic hiking adventures in Samaria, home to Europe’s longest gorge. 

Despite its popularity, Crete remains a destination where solitude can be easily found for those willing to venture off the beaten path. Plenty of beaches are only accessible by boat, for example, where you might revel in the rare luxury of having an entire stretch of sand to yourself.

This large island also offers a diverse selection of accommodations, from large seaside resorts with family-friendly amenities to romantic boutique hideaways tailored for couples seeking a more intimate escape. 

Alonnisos

If you’re planning a Greek diving vacation, there’s no better island than Alonnisos. Located in the Northern Sporades island group, this tiny archipelagos is home to the National Marine Park of Northern Sporades, the largest marine park in Europe. This remote region was formerly a haven for pirates, and as a result, there are many shipwrecks beneath the waves for divers to explore. Above the water, you may spot seabirds, dolphins, and the Mediterranean monk seal. 

Immerse yourself in local culture by timing your trip around one of the many festivals, like the “traditional wedding” in mid-August or the harvest reenactment in July. 

Alonnisos has no airports, so you’ll need to fly to Skiathos and take a two-hour ferry to reach the small island.

Kythira

Kythira, the reported birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, lives up to its mythical origins. It seems inevitable that all who set foot on this enchanting island fall hopelessly in love with its charms. Kythira’s natural splendor easily ignites this love affair, from its cascading waterfalls to its lush forests, complemented by the man-made beauty of historic cliff-side castles.

For those seeking an active escape, Kythira is one of the best Greek islands for hiking. A vast network of trails winds down to secret beaches and up hills that offer breathtaking viewpoints, rewarding your efforts with beautiful views.

Despite its relatively small size, Kythira boasts its own airport, allowing for a seamless connection from Athens in just about an hour.

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