Holidays
  • HOLIDAYS
    • View Holidays Homepage
    • Beach Holidays
      • Adults Only Holidays
      • All Inclusive
      • Beach
      • Family Holidays
      • Long-Haul Holidays
      • Luxury Holidays
      • Nightlife
      • Spa Holidays
      • Sports and Activity
      • View all beach holidays
    • Multi Destination
    • Tours
    • City Breaks
    • Ski
    • Lakes and Mountains
    • Lapland
    • Villas
    • Weddings
    • Accessible Holidays
  • Cruises
  • CRUISES
    • Marella Cruises
      • View Marella Cruises Homepage
      • Cruise Deals
      • Cruise Ships
      • Cruise Types
        • Cruise From the UK
        • Cruise Only
        • Cruise and Stay
        • Themed Cruises
        • Repositional and Transatlantic
      • Destinations
        • Caribbean
        • Western Mediterranean
        • Canary Islands and Atlantic
        • Eastern Mediterranean
        • North Africa And Middle East
        • Asia
        • Central America
        • View All Cruise Destinations
      • Useful Information
        • Cruise Calendar
        • Top Ports Of Call
        • On Board Experience
        • Why cruise with Marella Cruises?
    • TUI River Cruises
      • View TUI River Cruises Homepage
      • European River Cruises
      • River Cruise Ships
      • River Cruise Only
      • Rivers
        • Danube
        • Dutch & Belgian Waterways
        • Main
        • Moselle
        • Rhine
      • Destinations
        • Austria
        • Belgium
        • Croatia
        • Germany
        • Hungary
        • Netherlands
        • Serbia
        • Slovakia
        • Switzerland
      • Useful Information
        • Why cruise with TUI River Cruises?
  • Flights
  • FLIGHTS
    • View Flights Homepage
    • Cheap Flights
    • Our Destinations
      • Where we fly
      • Popular routes
    • Flight Timetable
    • Arrivals and Departures
    • Useful Information
      • Flying with us
      • Before you fly
      • Our fleet
      • Frequently Asked Questions
  • hotel only
  • HOTEL ONLY
  • Deals
  • DEALS
    • View Deals Homepage
    • Summer Holiday Deals
      • Summer Holidays 2021
      • Summer Holidays 2022
      • School Holiday Deals
      • View All Summer Holiday Deals
    • Winter Holiday Deals
      • Winter Holidays 2020
      • Winter Holidays 2021
      • Christmas Holiday Deals
      • Easter Holiday Deals
      • View All Winter Holiday Deals
    • Last Minute Deals
    • Free Kids Place Finder
    • Destination Deals
      • Spain Holiday Deals
      • Greece Holiday Deals
      • Mexico Holiday Deals
      • View All Destination Deals
    • Holiday Type Deals
      • All Inclusive Holiday Deals
      • Luxury Holiday Deals
      • Family Holiday Deals
      • View All Holiday Deals
    • Discount Deals
  • Destinations
  • DESTINATIONS
    • View Destinations Homepage
    • Europe
      • Albania
      • Austria
      • Bulgaria
      • Croatia
      • Cyprus
      • Czech Republic
      • Germany
      • Greece
      • Iceland
      • Italy
      • Lapland
      • Malta
      • Montenegro
      • Portugal
      • Slovenia
      • Spain
      • Switzerland
      • Turkey
      • View All Europe Destinations
    • Central America
      • Costa Rica
      • Mexico
      • View All Central America Destinations
    • Africa
      • Cape Verde
      • Egypt
      • Gambia
      • Kenya
      • Mauritius
      • Morocco
      • Seychelles
      • Tanzania
      • Tunisia
      • View All Africa Destinations
    • Caribbean
      • Antigua
      • Aruba
      • Barbados
      • Cuba
      • Dominican Republic
      • Grenada
      • Jamaica
      • St Lucia
      • Trinidad And Tobago
      • View All Caribbean Destinations
    • North America
      • United States Of America
      • View All North America Destinations
    • Asia
      • China
      • India
      • Indonesia
      • Israel
      • Japan
      • Jordan
      • Malaysia
      • Maldives
      • Oman
      • Sri Lanka
      • Thailand
      • United Arab Emirates
      • Uzbekistan
      • Vietnam
      • View All Asia Destinations
    • Where’s hot when?
    • Quarantine Free Holidays
    • Popular Destinations
      • Algarve
      • Benidorm
      • Cancun
      • Crete
      • Dubai
      • Florida
      • Fuertaventura
      • Gran Canaria
      • Lanzarote
      • Madeira
      • Majorca
      • Tenerife
  • Extras
  • EXTRAS
  • TravelInformation
  • Travel Information
  • AccountAndBooking
logo
Shortlisted holidays
  • Shortlist( )
  • Travel Information
  • Account & Booking
  • HOLIDAYS
  • CRUISES
  • FLIGHTS
  • HOTEL ONLY
  • DEALS
  • DESTINATIONS
  • EXTRAS

Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. To find out more, please read our Cookie Notice. Close

List
    See all destinations
    See departure airports for
    See what dates we fly to this route
    see what dates this destination is available
    Flexible by +/-3 days
    7 nights
    Clear search
    Child ages (on return date) Edit ages
    • Latest
    • Video
    • Active
    • Culture
    • Family
    • Food
    • Style
    Map pinpointing Naxos

    "Take the path less travelled"

    Add these gems to your island-hopping list

    6 below-the-radar Greek islands

    From above, the Greek Islands are scattered like dabs of green paint on a blue canvas, off the coast of the mainland. And close-up, they're no less picture-perfect. It's no wonder that they've been turning heads for decades. We’re guessing you’ve heard of the big names, like Crete, Santorini and Mykonos . But there are plenty more pocket-sized islands to discover, where you can enjoy the beaches, villages and countryside, minus the crowds. Here are six off-the-grid islands that most tourists miss...

    Once you've had a look, check out our best Greece deals.

    SAMOS

    Fishing villages, mountain trails and vineyards reign supreme on the island of Samos. Its biggest claim to fame is probably mathematician Pythagoras, who was born here thousands of years ago. You can even stay in a town named after him. That said, the island's got a lot more going for it. Nature trails lead up into the mountains, ticking off forests and sleepy villages on the way. One such mountain, Mount Ambelos, is the guardian of the island’s terraced vineyards, which produce sweet wines, like Muscat. Wine tasting aside, there are two UNESCO-rated sites to explore. The Efpalinio Tunnel is one of the oldest manmade aqueducts in the world. Then there’s the Temple of Hera – the ruins of a huge collection of ancient temples. As for beaches, most of them come equipped with a small dose of cafés or tavernas. For something completely secluded, flag down one of the local fishermen and ask them to take you to Samiopoula. It’s about an hour’s boat ride from Samos, and makes for an off-the-beaten-track beach day. The talc-white sands are accessorised with umbrellas, a tiny taverna, and little else, so make sure you bring all the essentials with you.

    Find out more about our holidays to Samos

    THASSOS

    As one of Greece’s greenest islands, Thassos is perfect for hiking and biking. Vineyards and olive groves decorate its interior, along with a whole load of nature trails. One of the best places to take in cloud-high views of the green-blanketed isle is from the top of Mount Ipsarion. Along the way, you’ll pass charming villages like Potamia and Panagia, where the houses conform to the traditional Greek colour-scheme of white and blue. And sea and beach views from the summit make the four-hour hike all worth it. The clifftop Archangelos Monastery also has a prime viewing position. The beaches are pretty to boot – Marble Beach is one of our faves. Here, bright-white pebbles act as sand substitutes, giving the sea its cyan-blue appearance. Then there’s one dubbed Paradise Beach for its Caribbean-like sands and waters. Snorkelers and daredevil cliff divers will love the Giola. Hand-painted signs lead you along a dirt track to this natural rock pool, which is set into a rocky amphitheatre overlooking the Aegean Sea. History fans, meanwhile, can turn their attention to capital, Thassos Town. This port town has stayed true to its roots, blending modern shops and bars with a Roman amphitheatre and ancient acropolis. Unlike the Athens and Rhodes equivalents, you won’t have to battle for elbow room to check out the well-preserved ruins.

    Find out more about our holidays to Thassos

    NAXOS

    Despite sitting near to both Santorini and Mykonos, go-slow Naxos feels a world away from its lively neighbours. You won’t hear much chart music around here, instead it’s replaced with traditional Greek singing and dancing. Locals believe they were born dancing, so it’s not unusual to see people of all ages dressed in traditional attire and giving live shows at traditional tavernas. Plus, there are regular events at the Venetian Museum in capital, Naxos Town. Sunset concerts, guitar recitals and jazz evenings all top the bill. Alternatively, spend the evening wandering the city’s cobbled streets. Along the waterfront, you’ll find a good round-up of swish bars and eateries, while the old town is characterised by tucked-away tavernas serving classics like moussaka. The grand Venetian castle watches over everything from its hilltop postcode. Just 10 miles south, you’ll find a collection of some of Greece’s best beaches. The bottle-green cedar forest of Alyko gives way to a clutch of small, gorgeous coves. Not only are they near-deserted, but the water ranges from light mint to deep emerald in colour. Venture inland, on the other hand, and things really go back to basics. Ramble past rivers, waterfalls and flower-filled meadows and through mountainside villages like Halki and Apiranthos. The former is packed full of historic villas and tower houses, while the latter is nicknamed ‘the marble village’ for its marble-paved streets, squares and cafés. Because it’s the most fertile of the Cyclades island group, olives, grapes, figs and citrus fruit are all in good supply, too.

    Find out more about our holidays to Naxos

    SKOPELOS

    This North Aegean island might be unknown to most, but it’s no stranger to the silver screen. The rugged landscapes and people-free beaches provided the backdrop for Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan in musical, Mamma Mia!. While the beans have been spilled for white-sand stretches like Kastani Beach, there are still plenty of hidden spots, if you’re willing to hire a boat out. Head north from Panormos and you’ll hit picture-perfect coves all the way up. Hovolo, Ftelia and Neraki are some of the highlights – the water here gives a whole new meaning to ‘crystal-clear’. We’re betting it was the chapel of Agios Ioannis that really won the Hollywood directors over, though. The whitewashed church perches on top of a 100-metre-high rocky headland, and it made quite the romantic location for the film’s spur-of-the-moment wedding. Time your visit for early evening for the best chance of having it all to yourself. The island’s also recognisable for its pine trees – in fact, 80% of it is cloaked in forest. So, it’s easy to find your own secluded hideaway among the vineyards, olive groves and plum orchards. Things get a little more urban as you head into the biggest resort, Skopelos Town. But it’s still traditional down to a T – the hillside is peppered with white houses and chapels, as well as a crowning Venetian fortress.

    Find out more about our holidays to Skopelos

    MEGANISSI

    Meganissi majors in desert island-style beaches, which is hardly surprising considering that the island has just three villages. At 20 square kilometres in size, you can even walk between the villages on a cool day, if you don’t mind sharing the path with the odd goat or two. Beach days are a real adventure here – you’ll need to head out on foot or by boat to reach most of them. The plus side? It means they’re usually blissfully empty. Even if you’re not the first to arrive, you’ll be pushed to find a beach with more than a dozen or so sunbathers in Meganissi. Just make sure you bring lunch and any essentials you might need, as most of them come with a simple backdrop of trees and shrubbery. When you need to venture into town, you’ll find all the usual tourism marks missing. In Vathi, you can forget high-rise hotels, souvenir shops and bars – it’s more about the stunning chapels and family-run tavernas. What it lacks in nightlife, it more than makes up for with some of Greece’s best cuisine. You don’t get much more authentic than the beef stifado, meatballs and moussaka cooked up in these harbourfront eateries. Spartochori, too, is pretty-as-a-picture, with its whitewashed homes decorated with pink-purple bougainvillea.

    Find out more about our holidays to Meganissi

    LEFKAS

    Lefkas – aka Lefkada – is technically linked to the mainland by a bridge, but that doesn’t seem to impact its peaceful, island vibe. The island's east coast is slowly coming around to the idea of tourism. Sailboats are popping up in the harbours of traditional fishing villages, on top of a handful of family-friendly restaurants. The traditional tavernas, however, still serve local specialities like Bourdeto – fish cooked in a tomato sauce. Over on the west coast, things take a rustic turn. It’s here you’ll find some of the island’s best beaches – think electric blue waters and soaring white cliffs. Some of the best stretches aren’t easy to reach, hence the lack of sunbathers. Take Egremni – it’s now only accessible by boat, while 100 steps lead down to the swathe known as Porto Katsiki. But one glance at what awaits you will reassure you that it was worth breaking a sweat for. Inland, the island flaunts more postcard-worthy scenes, thanks to a medley of waterfalls, forests and limestone mountains.

    Find out more about our holidays to Lefkas

    Tempted by Greece?

    Find your perfect deal.
    Then, check out our guide to Greek Island food, or discover which Greek island is for you. Also, have a browse at our full range of Greece holidays.


    Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.
     

    Author: Annabel Langley

     

    Published: 24.07.2020.

    Tags: latest

    Destinations: Greece

    SHARE

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  

      DISCOVER MORE

    • TUI SENSATORI Resort Rhodes by Atlantica

      TUI SENSATORI Atlantica Dreams Resort and Spa

      With highly polished interiors and a Blue Flag beachfront location, the TUI SENSATORI Atlantica Dreams Resort and Spa adds a splash of luxury to an under-the-radar corner of Rhodes.

    • TUI BLUE Atlantica Nissaki Beach

      TUI BLUE Atlantica Nissaki Beach

      Location is key at this hotel – it's a secluded adults-only retreat, edged by vast olive groves and the Ionian Sea.

    • TUI SENSATORI Resort Atlantica Crete

      TUI SENSATORI Atlantica Caldera Palace

      The TUI SENSATORI Atlantica Caldera Palace is well-versed in the art of indulgence. Everything from meals to spa treatments are served with a touch of classic, Greek style.

    Inspired? Discover more...

    Call us on: 0203 451 2688




    Some images shown throughout this website do not represent current operational guidelines or health and safety measures such as face masks and physical distancing requirements.
     
    To top

    Our top deals tailored to you, straight to your inbox Sign up for offers

    Shop Finder Ask a question? Contact us

    We're part of TUI Group - one of the world's leading travel companies. And all of our holidays are designed to help you Discover Your Smile.

    Registered address: Wigmore House, Wigmore Lane, Luton,Bedfordshire,United Kingdom, LU2 9TN

    . .
    • Holiday Types
    • Popular Destinations
    • Mid/Long haul
    • Short haul
    • Flights To
    • Cruise
    • Hotels

    Holiday Types

    Summer Holidays 2020 Summer Holidays 2021 Winter Holidays 2020 Winter Sun Holidays Cheap Holidays Luxury Holidays Family Holidays All inclusive holidays Package Holidays Beach holidays Discount Codes City Breaks Last minute Holidays Villa Holidays Short Breaks Accessible Holidays Multi-Destination Holidays Escorted Tours

    Popular Destinations

    Algarve holidaystest Benidorm holidays Canary Islands holidays Crete holidays Cyprus holidays Gran Canaria holidays Ibiza holidays Lanzarote holidays Las Vegas Holidays Majorca holidays Menorca holidays Mexico Holidays New York Holidays Tenerife holidays

    Mid/Long haul

    Aruba holidays Bali Holidays Vietnam Holidays Cape Verde holidays Caribbean Holidays Costa Rica Holidays Cuba Holidays Dubai Holidays Egypt holidays Florida holidays Jamaica Holidays Mauritius holidays Sri Lanka Holidays Thailand holidays Sharm El Sheikh Holidays Los Cabos Holidays

    Short Haul

    Benidorm Holidays Portugal holidays Spain holidays Turkey Holidays Zante holidays Morocco holidays Croatia holidays Greece holidays Malta holidays Bulgaria holidays Italy holidays Lapland holidays

    Flights To

    Cheap Flights Tenerife Flights Montego Bay Flights Mauritius Flights Thailand Flights Alicante Flights Lanzarote Flights Ibiza Flights Florida Flights Orlando Flights Spain Flights Cyprus Flights Malta Flights Portugal Flights Turkey Flights Goa Flights Cancun Flights Barbados Flights Popular Flight Routes

    Cruise

    Puerto Limon Caribbean Cruises Fjords Cruise Italian Cruises Mediterranean Cruises Canary Islands and Atlantic Central America Dubrovnik Barcelona All Inclusive Family Cruises Last Minute Cruises Cruises Cruise Deals Cruises from the UK Croatia Cruises from Southampton Summer Cruises 2020 River Cruise Deals

    Hotels

    Hotels in Tenerife Hotels in Gran Canaria Hotels in Lanzarote Hotels in Fuerteventura Hotels in Majorca Hotels in Menorca Hotels in Ibiza Hotels in Cancun Hotels in Riviera Maya Hotels in Playacar Hotels in Playa Del Carmen Hotels in Paphos Hotels in Protaras Hotels in Marmaris Hotels in Bodrum Hotels in Alanya Hotels in Kusadasi

    More from TUI

    About TUI MyTUI app Cookies Notice Manage Cookie Preferences Privacy Notice Terms & Conditions Credit card fees Media Centre Travel Jobs Affiliates Discover Lakes & Mountains Discover Weddings App Store for Ios Google Play Store Travel Money Holiday Budget Calculator TUI Group First Choice Holiday Brochures Travel After Brexit Holiday Weather

      • World of TUI

        Travel Aware – Staying Safe and Healthy Abroad

        The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and National Travel Health Network and Centre have up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad.

        See gov.uk/travelaware and follow @FCDOtravelGovUK on Twitter and Facebook.com/FCDOtravel - for the latest general FCDO travel advice, including coronavirus travel guidance, security and local laws, and passport and visa information.

        See gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice - for FCDO travel advice about individual destinations.

        See Travel Aware page - for travel advice from TUI.

        See travelhealthpro.org.uk - for current travel health news.

        The advice can change so check regularly for updates.

    All the flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Some of the flights on this website are also financially protected by the ATOL scheme, but ATOL protection does not apply to all flights. This website will provide you with information on the protection that applies in the case of each flight before you make your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.caa.co.uk. ATOL protection does not apply to the other holiday and travel services listed on this website.