The Best Greek Islands to Visit Are These 5 You've Never Heard of

Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, Crete: with their mix of beaches, history, ideal weather, and one-of-a-kind cuisine, they are some of the best Greek islands to visit, and surely all worthy travel destinations. But if you've already been to one of these popular spots, or if you're looking to get off the beaten path while island hopping, there are lots—seriously, there are literally thousands of Greek islands—of other options dotting the Mediterranean that are just as beautiful and awe-inspiring. You might not have even known these Greek isles existed, but after reading about them and some of their top activities, you'll want to add them to your travel bucket list.

Symi

Visit the waterfront monastery and museums.

If the stark white-and-blue houses dotting the hills of Santorini are the stuff of your travel dreams, you'll love Symi island, too. The jewel of this island is the harbor town Ano Symi, where buildings painted in warm yellows, deep reds, and bright blues dot the rocky slopes leading to the water. At the waterfront monastery in Panormitis, you'll find its two museums full of ancient artifacts, along with the building's arches, tiled rooms, and technicolor bell tower (the tallest baroque bell tower in the world), which serve as exhibits in their own right. Beyond Symi's architectural beauty, you'll also find some of the best beaches in Greece, some with fine white sand, others with smooth pebbles, and all practically no outsiders know about.

Monemvasia

Hike to the island's peak to see the Agia Sophia church.

Monemvasia straddles the line between "really big rock" and "island." Hidden on the southeastern coast of the Peloponnese peninsula, Monemvasia is tiny—as in 1-mile-long tiny—but its small size is only part of its charm. Its single town, walled in on the island's southeast coast, used to be an imposing fortress overlooking the sea. If you're visiting, the only way in is on foot and by passing under a stone arch in the city wall. A maze of tiny cobblestone streets taken straight from a postcard awaits on the other side. After a hike to the top of the island, you'll be greeted by the Agia Sophia church, as well as incredible views of the town and sea below. The trek back down is just as breathtaking, putting you through twisting pathways and staircases that look lifted from an M.C. Escher painting.

Folegandros

Take a boat tour around the island, and sign up for a scuba trip.

Though surrounded by more popular Greek islands, such as Ios, Naxos, and Santorini, Folegandros gives visitors a perfect taste of traditional Greek-island life unspoiled by tourists. A single paved road carves through the rocky island to connect its trio of towns, the "biggest" of which, Chora, sits on a sheer cliff hundreds of feet above the Aegean shore below. Doing a boat tour will help you see as much of the island's jagged coastline—which is dotted with pristine beaches and mysterious caves—as possible, and following it up with a scuba session lets you explore the caves' sea anemones, fish, and coral.

Syros

Get a taste of classic Greek theater.

Unlike some of its more popular island brethren, Syros's visiting season goes on throughout the year, making it easier to immerse yourself in everything the island has to offer, including the massive neoclassical mansions in the town of Ermoupoli and the island's signature Greek food, kaparosalata (caper salad). When you're done checking out Ermoupoli's mansions, visit its Apollo Theater, a small venue modeled after Milan's world-famous La Scala. This tiny landmark's box seats make you feel like you're floating above the stage, which hosts plays, concerts, and other cultural events, including the Festival of the Aegean. Afterward, stroll along the marble-paved streets surrounding nearby Miaouli Square before stopping in one of the many traditional tavernas in the area.

Skopelos

Pick up some Greek food made by monks.

If you're thinking the terracotta-topped, white-washed buildings lining the hilly coast of Skopelos town (the island's biggest settlement) look familiar, you're right: it's where scenes from the musical Mamma Mia! were filmed. Those streets are intentionally charming, too. Since the town is considered a Traditional Settlement of Outstanding Beauty by the Greek government, its buildings must meet specific architectural standards, such as wood-only balconies and heights of only a couple stories. Venture into the middle of the island to check out one of the handful of monasteries there, Agios Riginos Monastery. After touring the serene grounds, snap up bottles of honey and olive oil made by the monks who live there.

Still Can't Decide Which One to Visit?

Take this short quiz to find out which of the Greek islands you're meant to see.