I'm a Greek Expert and These Underrated Destinations Are Greece’s Best-Kept Secrets

• The Greece specialist and base manager from Sunsail has shared her top six favorite hidden treasures.
• EXPLORE FURTHER: The globe's top 50 stunning beaches unveiled - what do you think of this ranking?

Greece is one of Europe's leading tourist destinations with more than 35 million travellers holidaying there in 2024.

This indicates that its more renowned areas, like Santorini and Mykonos, often become somewhat crowded.

However, with more than 6,000 islands in Greece, the nation offers plenty of spots for you to find seclusion away from the masses.

And should you seek inspiration, the Greece specialist and base manager Sunsail , Claire Shields, has revealed her six favorite lesser-known treasures.

Lefkas

Claire characterizes the island of Lefkas as one of Greece’s ‘finest undiscovered treasures’ boasting ‘breathtaking natural allure’ along with ‘amazing shorelines’.

She shares: "The Lefkas Island boasts some of the planet's finest beaches, such as Porto Katsiki, Egremni, and Kathisma. Additionally, the quaint hillside villages provide spectacular vistas during sunset."

Lefkas is linked to the Greek mainland, making it just about an hour's drive from Preveza Airport.

Claire mentions: "For travelers interested in venturing out more broadly, Lefkas offers an excellent base since numerous tiny islands nearby are easily accessible for exploration."

Meganisi

Claire mentions that Meganisi, an island featuring hidden coves and sea caves, is ideal for those interested in sailing, enjoying fresh seafood, and snorkeling.

She clarifies: "This island stands out among the Ionian islands because it has largely escaped being overrun by mainstream tourism, making it quite an underappreciated secret paradise."

It offers a relaxed, genuine Greek atmosphere featuring fishing villages, family-operated traditional eateries, and hidden cave systems to discover.

The travel expert recommends visiting Papanikolis Cave, which is only accessible by boat.

Atokos

According to Claire, this 'unpopulated tiny island' is an essential place to visit.

She comments, "Unspoiled natural beauty and limestone cliffs render it an incredible destination for a visit and perfect for unwinding."

'East of the island lies One House Bay, home to wild pigs wandering about.'

Claire says that Atokos is an 'ideal' spot if you 'seek a greater connection with nature.'

Kalamos and Kastos

According to Claire, these two peaceful and small islands stand out as some of Greece's finest lesser-known treasures.

She states: "Kalamos boasts several ideal natural harbors that remain tranquil and sheltered. Exploring Kalamos involves finding peaceful shores, hidden sea caves, and enjoying swims where you won’t encounter another soul."

At the same time, visitors to Kastos can look forward to discovering 'untouched beaches featuring crystal-clear turquoise waters'.

Claire explains: 'Home to less than 100 permanent residents, Kastos feels like a floating village. With only one small harbour, a cluster of stone houses and a few tavernas, time seems to slow down here.'

Paxos

Claire says: 'One of the least commercial Greek islands set in the Ionian Sea, this island is truly beautiful with scenery that makes it an artist's paradise.

'The crystal-clear turquoise waters and pebbled shores here have to be witnessed to be fully appreciated.'

The travel expert describes Paxos as the ideal spot for relaxation since "everything moves at a slow pace here."

She recommends stopping for an iced coffee at one of the coastal cafés on the island and observing a local fisherman as he brings in his daily haul.

Agia Efimia

The beautiful fishing village located on the eastern side of Kefalonia makes for an ideal vacation spot if one seeks a more relaxed lifestyle, according to Claire.

She recommends that visitors dedicate their day to observing lovely vessels as they enter and depart from the marina.

Claire mentions: "There are two cave systems—the Drogarti inland caves and the Melisani caves—which can be accessed via a boatman."

Many people say this feels like descending into Hades itself. The water appears dark and inky with spots of turquoise where sunlight penetrates.

If you’re searching for additional stunning vacation spots in Greece, consider what else is out there? take a look at the stunning location that has been dubbed the 'Maldives of Europe' .

The Elafonissi Beach located on the island of Crete is renowned globally for its rosy-hued sands and pristine waters.

The pale pink sand obtains its coloration from Foraminifera, small marine organisms that produce red-pigmented shells.

Gradually, the shells disintegrate and blend with the sand, lending it its appealing pink hue.

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