Discover six under-the-radar Greek islands to book for 2026, from Koufonisia and Ikaria to Ithaca and Fournoi, for a quieter summer in Greece.

Right now, people are deep in planning their summer in Greece, and the conversation has shifted slightly. It’s less about the obvious islands and more about finding places where you don’t need to rush. Not necessarily remote or unknown, but somewhere that hasn’t been completely shaped around demand.

Travellers seem to want a different kind of trip this year and it doesn’t include making a lot of reservations in advance, or a pressure to “do” everything, instead there is an interest in islands where you can still find a good taverna without much searching, be able to swim at a quiet beach, and move through a place without feeling like you’re following a schedule.

The six islands below sit comfortably in that space. Koufonisia, Amorgos, Ikaria, Karpathos, Fournoi and Ithaca all have their own following, but they haven’t tipped into something predictable. Yes, they take a little more effort to get to, but that tends to shape the experience in the best way. What you get in return is a side of Greece that feels more authentic.

Koufonisia

A short ferry from Naxos, this is one of those places where everything feels close from the moment you arrive. The main village sits right on the water, and from there a coastal path runs east, linking a string of beautiful beaches including Pori, Fanos and Italida, each one easy to reach on foot and edged by the kind of clear, shallow water that keeps people here most of the day.

There’s very little structure to how time is spent. You swim, you stop, you eat, and then you move on again. Lunch tends to mean grilled fish or octopus at places like Laska, Aneplora or Neo Remezo, where the menu follows what’s come in that morning. Evenings gather around the harbour and into Chora without much planning, with a small rotation of bars and tavernas carrying things through. For drinks, stop by TZET, an all-day restaurant and bar known for its cocktails, strong wine list and aperitif selection.

Amorgos

Further out in the Cyclades, getting here already sets a different tone. The coastline is steeper, more exposed, and the water shifts into a deeper blue. Beaches like Agia Anna and Mouros are less about the sunbeds and beach bars and more about the swim itself, the clarity, and the sense of space around you.

The Hozoviotissa Monastery remains the island’s defining landmark, set directly into the rock face, it definitely deserves a visit either early morning or in the afternoon. A late lunch might mean slow-cooked goat or local cheeses at To Limani tis Kyra Katinas or a longer evening meal at Apospero. Afterwards, Pegalidi is a good place to settle in for a quiet drink as Chora carries on at its usual unhurried pace.

Ikaria

Reaching Ikaria takes a bit more effort, and that distance shows in how the island operates. It’s large, mountainous, and spread out, with villages that feel self-contained and a coastline that changes character as you move around it. Armenistis and Evdilos are the easiest bases, while places like the Therma Springs and the small coastal village of Gialiskari give a better sense of the island beyond its better-known spots. Although Ikaria has become increasingly popular because of its Blue Zone status, it still doesn’t feel like a touristy island.

What defines Ikaria is how social it is. The panigiria, village festivals with music, food and wine, are part of everyday life and often run well into the early hours. Meals tend to be shared and unstructured, built around local wine, legumes, greens and fresh vegetables, with little sense of time shaping the evening. Thea’s Inn in Nas is known for fresh local cooking, while Artemis is a good spot to end the day over food and wine at sunset. For a great day of wine tasting and local produce visit Karimalis Estate.

Karpathos

Set between Crete and Rhodes, this is where the Aegean starts to feel less familiar. The coastline moves between open stretches and enclosed bays like Apella and Kyra Panagia, where the water is strikingly clear and backed by steep hills. Getting there takes a bit of commitment, with winding roads and long descents shaping the journey as much as the beaches themselves.

In the north, Olympos still holds onto its own way of doing things, shaped by years of isolation. You’ll notice it in the architecture, in the language, and in the food. Dishes like makarounes, handmade pasta with caramelised onion and cheese, appear alongside slow-cooked meats and local produce, with tavernas across the island keeping things rooted in what’s been done here for years. Places we return to include Athera Meze, Folia, Taverna Akropolis and Stefana Café and Restaurant for traditional dishes with views over the sea.

Fournoi

Tucked quietly between Samos and Ikaria, Fournoi remains one of the lesser-known islands in the eastern Aegean. Most people arrive by ferry, often on their way somewhere else, but many end up staying longer than planned. Life centres around the harbour, where fishing boats come and go throughout the day and a handful of tavernas line the waterfront.

The coastline is scattered with quiet coves and beaches reached by short drives or on foot, where most days are spent between the sea and long lunches by the water. Food is a big part of why people return. At Restaurant Nikos, seafood arrives straight from the boats moored nearby, while Miltos takes a slightly more modern approach to Greek cooking without losing the simplicity the island does so well.

Ithaca

Just off Kefalonia, the landscape shifts almost immediately, becoming greener, softer and more enclosed. The island is shaped by small bays and coves, with Vathy at its centre, wrapping around the harbour. From there, Kioni and Frikes offer smaller pockets of activity, each with a handful of tavernas and easy access to the water.

Known as the homeland of Odysseus, Ithaca has a slower, more understated feel than many of its Ionian neighbours. Most days are built around swimming off rocks or heading to places like Gidaki Beach, followed by long lunches that carry on without much interruption. Taverna To Steki keeps the focus on fresh fish and simple dishes, while Dona Lefki is worth arriving at just before sunset.

Book your ferry tickets for the Greek islands here. 

Main Image by Averta 

 

All brands are carefully handpicked by our editors. We may earn a commission if you purchase through affiliate links on our site.