Greek Islands Guide: Tourist Traps vs. Tranquil Paradises

Greece: 4 Overrated Islands and 4 Hidden Gems to Discover in 2025

With more than 6,000 islands dotting the Aegean and Ionian seas, Greece is a dream destination for every type of traveler. But the truth is, not every island is the tranquil paradise you imagine. Some are bursting at the seams with tourists, sky-high prices, and lost charm—while others are quietly waiting to be discovered, offering the true essence of Greek island life.

Here are 4 Greek islands to avoid—and 4 incredible hidden gems that deserve a top spot on your travel list.

1. Santorini – The Caldera Queen Gone Commercial

Santorini is famous for its cliffside villages, whitewashed buildings, and jaw-dropping sunsets. It’s the postcard-perfect image of Greece—and it’s exactly that popularity that has caused its downfall.

⛔ What’s the Catch?
Santorini now feels like a beautiful museum you can’t enjoy. Around 15,000 residents live here, but the island welcomes up to 2 million tourists a year, mostly from cruise ships. Infrastructure hasn’t kept up. You’ll deal with traffic jams, overflowing trash bins, and eye-watering prices for everything from sunbeds to souvlaki. The charm is still there—but buried beneath layers of commercialization and endless crowds.

‍2. Mykonos – From Traditional Charm to VIP Excess

Mykonos used to be a quaint and charming Cycladic island, famous for its whitewashed homes, iconic windmills, and traditional tavernas. But the sparkle of its nightlife and celebrity buzz has transformed it into something very different.

🚫 Glam Overload, Culture on Hold
The island has gone from authentic to extravagant. Prices are astronomical—from sunbeds to cocktails—and many beaches are now privately run by elite beach clubs charging steep fees. The narrow streets of Mykonos Town are overwhelmed with tourists, and local culture has taken a back seat to luxury branding and all-night parties. It’s lost the Greek heart that once made it so special.

3. Kos – Party Island with Faded Allure

Kos, part of the Dodecanese island group, is known for its sunny climate, sandy beaches, and lively atmosphere. But over the years, it’s become more of a party zone than a relaxing getaway.

😵 When the Party Goes Too Far
Kos has developed a reputation for wild nightlife, especially among young British tourists in towns like Kardamena and Tigaki. These areas don’t wake up until after midnight, and the party vibe dominates the experience. Outside of summer, many businesses shut down completely, leaving ghost-town vibes. For those seeking culture or peace, Kos can feel loud, chaotic, and disappointing.

4. Rhodes – A Treasure That’s Too Crowded to Enjoy

Rhodes boasts an extraordinary combination of medieval history, beach resorts, and natural beauty. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town is one of the most enchanting in Europe. But with fame comes friction.

👎 History Meets Hustle and Bustle
Rhodes is a victim of its own popularity. During the summer months, prices skyrocket and crowds swell. Many travelers get funneled into massive resorts and barely experience the island’s true flavor. Tourist-packed beaches, long lines at historic sites, and a sense of over-commercialization make Rhodes feel more like a tourist machine than a cultural gem. There’s magic here—but it takes effort to find it.

5. Sifnos – A Foodie's Dream in the Cyclades

Sifnos, a small island in the western Cyclades, may not be a household name—but for those who know it, it’s a culinary and cultural treasure. With stunning landscapes and a strong local identity, it’s the perfect off-the-radar destination.

🍴 Why It Tastes Better Off the Beaten Path
Nicknamed “Greece’s gastronomy island,” Sifnos offers an unforgettable food scene rooted in tradition—like chickpea stews slow-cooked in clay pots and honey-soaked pastries. The island also features well-maintained hiking trails with sea views, calm beaches, and peaceful whitewashed villages. Despite being only 2.5 hours from Athens by ferry, it remains untouched by mass tourism, offering peace, flavor, and authentic Greek island life.

6. Crete – A Whole Country in One Island

Crete, Greece’s largest island, is so diverse and full of character that it often feels like its own country. From rugged mountains to ancient ruins, there’s something for every kind of traveler.

🌄 Big Island Energy, Small Island Soul
Crete offers nearly endless variety: remote beaches, the stunning Samaria Gorge, archaeological sites, and charming villages untouched by time. Even in high season, it’s easy to escape the crowds—many of the best spots are only accessible by boat or winding inland roads. With accommodations ranging from family-run guesthouses to luxury hotels, Crete offers depth, variety, and space to explore without the tourist overwhelm.

7. Alonissos – A Quiet Marine Wonderland

Part of the Northern Sporades, Alonissos is a green, tranquil island known for its marine park and pristine waters. It’s perfect for travelers seeking connection with nature and a slow-paced lifestyle.

🌊 Where Nature Writes the Itinerary
Alonissos is home to the largest marine park in Europe and is a sanctuary for dolphins, monk seals, and underwater explorers. Here, you can dive among ancient shipwrecks, kayak along quiet shores, and hike through pine forests. The island also hosts vibrant local traditions, like the August “Greek wedding” celebration. It’s authentic, eco-conscious, and blissfully free from the overdevelopment found elsewhere in Greece.

8. Kythira – Greece's Best-Kept Romantic Secret

Located between the Peloponnese and Crete, Kythira is a mystical, lesser-known island long associated with the goddess Aphrodite. Its landscape is as romantic as its mythology.

💘 For Lovers of Solitude and Myth
Kythira enchants with its waterfalls, medieval castles, mountain villages, and hidden beaches. It’s an ideal place for hikers, artists, and anyone seeking space and serenity. Despite being just a one-hour flight from Athens, it’s far off the tourist trail. Kythira feels untouched, soulful, and deeply peaceful—like stepping into a dream of Greece before mass tourism arrived.

Go Beyond the Obvious

Greece’s islands offer something for everyone—but only if you know where to look. Santorini and Mykonos might light up your Instagram feed, but they often fall short when it comes to peace, authenticity, and local charm. The same goes for party-centric Kos and overcrowded Rhodes.

Instead, set your compass toward the hidden treasures: Sifnos, Crete, Alonissos, and Kythira. These islands are where Greece reveals its soul—through quiet trails, local festivals, home-cooked meals, and empty beaches just waiting to be discovered.