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Grace Marie

10 Hidden Gems of the Aegean Islands

Updated: Apr 9, 2021

We're back to elaborate and highlight different aspects of Greece's beauty with some mesmerizing hidden gems of the Aegean islands. These places will leave one feeling in awe and inspired with its natural beauty that has kept under wrapped.

What comes to mind when one thinks of Greece; the infamous Athens and Santorini. While these two locations have their own charm, there is so much more to the Aegean Islands that will reveal a whole new perspective for many.

An island that needs little description or no introduction is Santorini. One of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea, Santorini is one of the top destinations visited by couples on their honeymoon or rejuvenation for a romantic getaway. All it takes is a 20-minute high speed ferry from Athens and arrive in the breathtaking island of Santorini.


Some of the best places to stay while visiting Santorini would be in the picturesque cliff top villages of Oia and Fira. While both villages offer scenic views, Oia is more laid back and romantic whereas Fira boasts of nightlife and exuberant restaurants. Naturally, Santorini is a perfect setting to relax and soak up an unforgettable vacation.


Rhodes, an island part of the Dodecanese island group stands fourth in the largest Greek island list. Due to its strategic location, Rhodes has been known to be pertinent since ancient times. However, it was not until 1948 that Rhodes officially became part of Greece. Pre-covid, Rhodes is a highly frequented location particularly in the summer with the perfect blend of antiquity, vibrant culture and nightlife.

Love exploring food and exuberant nightlife but want to experience it in a different setting? Mykonos is the island where the nightlife is populous among locals and tourists alike. Moreover, Mykonos is home to a wide variety of Greek and European restaurants which will leave one feeling spoilt for choice. Other than that, some of the famous places one will see in Mykonos include Little Venice - filled with restaurants and trendy clubs that exude vibes as if one is in Venice; additionally, the16 iconic Mykonos windmills which are situated on the hill of Chora - once used for wheat milling.

Familiar for its turquoise waters and remarkable landscape, the beaches are without a doubt worth a visit. Situated in the Sporades islands, Skyros is an underrated location which offers a variation of delightful attractions for nature lovers and thrill-seekers. Some of the best things to do are to explore the town of Hora, go on a sailing trip, hike up to the Monastery of Agios Giorgios, pose with Skyrian horses or venture into scuba diving.


Northwest of the Aegean Sea and part of the Sporades archipelago is Skiathos island. Although Skiathos sees an immense amount of tourist each year, the island has not lost any of its natural beauty. With over 60 jaw-dropping beaches and hiking trails to choose from that lead through rolling pine forests, Skiathos is a nature lover’s paradise. Besides the islands’ natural beauty, Skiathos Town has a romantic charm that brings in tourist from all over the world. Dine in one of the many restaurants that extend out onto the streets where you can sit and while the time away with ease.


One of the most family-friendly islands in Greece would have to be Naxos. Located in the South Aegean, Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades island group. Its fertile landscape spans mountain villages, ancient ruins and long stretches of beach that allow one to spend the entire day there. As Naxos sees fewer tourists compared to the other islands, it has an authentic and untouched feel to it.


Paros is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea best known for its beaches and traditional villages. Paros has two charming towns; Naoussa, known for its fishing village and Parikia, the bay side capital, is a boating and transportation hub for the Cyclades region. Whichever town one chooses to explore, will be left with good memories.


A small Greek island in the Aegean Sea famous for its traditional Cycladic architecture is Folegrandos. The villages are made up of whitewashed houses, narrow alleys and colorful windows. Stroll along the picturesque streets of Chora Village and walk up the hill where one can be marveled with its’ romantic sunset. Ferries will depart from Mykonos and Santorini daily as a mean of transport to Folegrandos. The most beautiful and famous Church of Panagia sits on the rock hill that overlooks the magnificent Aegean Sea.


Corfu is an island located off the northwest coast of Greece in the Ionian Sea. Famous for its rich cultural heritage, rugged mountains and some of the best beaches surrounded by lush greenery in Greece; it is no surprise Corfu receives an immense amount of tourist and is one of the most popular places to visit in Greece. Corfu has a rich history and its numerous influences; French, Venetians, Russian and English left their mark and made the island what it is today.


Not known to many, Crete is the largest Greek island. From captivating beaches to alluring villages that hold so much history; be mesmerized as you stroll through the old town, see churches with amazing Byzantine murals. Similar to most of the other Greek islands; there is something for everyone from tantalizing food and drink, ancient sites and museums for historians and riveting outdoor adventures for thrill-seekers.


Have we stirred up your wanderlust to travel to Europe? Then check in with Sedunia Travel to see what kind of packages they have, cruising around Greece and the rest of Europe.

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