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Azure waters, bombshell beaches, charming fishing villages, and traditional tavernas.
We’re talking, of course, about Greece, the holiday hotspot blessed with a Mediterranean climate and over 250 days of sunshine a year.
The European country, which boasts around 6,000 islands, has long been a top summer destination for British holidaymakers. In 2024, Greece welcomed 4.5 million visitors from the UK, with many flocking to popular choices such as Santorini and Mykonos.
However, both islands have recently been feeling the effects of overtourism. In 2024, a new tourist tax was introduced for cruise ship passengers, charging a levy of €20 (£16.88) each for disembarking during peak summer. The money is invested back into local infrastructure.
Last year, the mayor of Santorini, Nikos Zorzos, warned that high tourist numbers coupled with a construction boom could ‘destroy’ the island. This is on top of the recent earthquakes that saw thousands evacuate over safety concerns.
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To promote sustainable tourism, we asked Metro readers to tell us about their favourite Greek islands that aren’t the old reliables. Who doesn’t love to broaden their travel horizons, anyway?
Metro readers have their say
Pauline Johnson Wallis shared fond memories of Agistri, an island about an hour by boat from the Greek capital Athens.
Known for world-class beaches and water sports, it’s been described as one of Greece’s last hidden paradises.
Pauline wrote: ‘I used to go every year back in the 90s. Still remember that amazing feeling of arriving at this tiny island early morning, bags were put in the back of a trunk. Accommodation was basic but clean, locals were brilliant and there was nothing to do but eat, drink and enjoy.’
Elsewhere, Antoaneta Pateva’s recent trip to Thassos, the northernmost major Greek island in the Aegean Sea, made a lasting impression.
She raved about the ‘green, golden, and marble beaches,’ as well as mountainous areas lush with olive trees.
‘Simple, beautiful and not overcrowded, and extremely fresh air,’ she wrote.
For Paul Bassett, Carole Willans, and plenty of others, Skiathos was a winner. Susan Buckland also enjoyed her time there, but described the landing as ‘hair-raising.’
This writer can confirm the latter to be true, but at the same time, it’s a truly incredible descent.
The tiny airport sits in the middle of the Aegean Ocean, with unspoiled views of the Sporades islands as you land.
In July 2024, I flew to Skiathos on the way to Skopelos. I remember seeing a mixture of tiny fishing boats and luxury yachts bobbing up and down on the water, sometimes getting so close that you could see people popping champagne on the deck.
Speaking of Skopelos, many don’t realise that the craggy island served as the filming location of Mamma Mia!, the 2008 musical rom-com based on the songs of ABBA.
Its beautiful neighbour, Skiathos – which is also grappling with the effects of overtourism – often mistakenly gets the recognition instead.
However, Skopelos is a 37sqm patch of paradise, with verdant hills, turquoise water and ancient history. Embroidered with golden beaches, traditional domed churches and whitewashed villages, it still feels like a land that time forgot.
The ‘Greek Caribbean’ island with a tragic past
Metro’s Alice Murphy is a regular on the island of Lefkada, which she describes as ‘Greece’s best-kept secret.’
Alice writes: ‘Nicknamed the ‘Greek Caribbean’ for its iridescent ocean and superstar beaches, Lefkada’s mythic past tells of tragic figures throughout the ages who threw themselves from the rugged heights to the depths of the sea.
‘These tales have been rejected by historians, but their romantic allure still adds mystique to the lush green hills and lunar white sands that make Lefkada the most unique – and perhaps most unspoiled – of the seven jewels known as the Ionian islands.’
Meanwhile, Deborah Shepherd described Kefalonia and Corfu as ‘beautiful,’ while Kate Johnson agreed, revealing that she’s been to the former over 25 times.
Jim Bischoff favoured Euboea (Evia), Greece’s second largest island but one that’s not widely known. Tracy Robinson declared Faliraki a ‘beautiful place.’
Rhodes, Hydra and Crete, Greece’s largest island, were other locations that got plenty of mentions.
Jim Turburfield said you ‘only have to go to Crete once to fall in love,’ while Sharon Woodward praised the Platenes area.
She said: ‘It’s lovely. Not far from Rethymnon which has a great amount of shops and restaurants. Amazing beach.’
Granted, Crete is one of the most popular islands next to Santorini and Mykonos, but its size allows it to cope with the influx of visitors it receives.
Greek island 'better than Corfu'
Earlier this month, Metro’s Eleanor Noyce reported that Jet2 had launched numerous UK routes to the underrated island of Samos.
She writes: ‘Inundated with golden sands, ancient ruins and fine wine, the little-known Greek island of Samos might not be as popular as Mykonos or Crete – but it’s certainly considerably quieter.’
Read Eleanor’s deep dive into Samos and how to get there here.
What to do in Crete
From experience, I can also vouch for Crete. An Instagrammer’s dream, everywhere you turn, you’re met with breathtaking landscapes. Balos lagoon is a gem that’s well worth visiting.
Lying on the western coast, the beach is famed for turquoise waters, wild natural beauty, and exotic scenery.
It’s common to see sheep roaming the beach, migrating down from the surrounding mountains.
For the ‘world’s best beach,’ head to Elafonissi on the southwestern side of the island.
In 2025, Tripadvisor’s annual Traveller’s Choice Awards gave the beach this title thanks to its unique pink sands and crystal-clear waters.
A word of warning: The Greek government declared the area a nature reserve and prohibited pocketing any of the sand as a keepsake.
Finally, if you’ve ever listened to Joni Mitchell’s Carey, from the classic 1971 album Blue, chances are, you’ll have wondered where the ‘Matala moon’ is.
Back in the 1960s when the hippy era was in full swing, a heartbroken Joni travelled to Greece with her friend, Penelope.
There she found a community of backpacking hippies who had settled in the sleepy fishing village of Matala, claiming the ancient man-made caves surrounding the beach as their home. The caves are well preserved today, as is the Bohemian, free-spirited lifestyle.
What to do in Hydra
Hydra is a beautiful Greek island known for its creative community. Back in the 60s, it attracted an artistic crowd including Leonard Cohen and his muse, Marianne Ihlen.
One of the Saronic Islands, Hydra is known for tranquillity by day and a thriving party scene by night.
The port is brimming with bars, restaurants and traditional tavernas, while the car-free town makes it easy to stroll around.
For those into history, there’s the Lazaros Koundouriotis Mansion, which showcases the life of a wealthy Greek shipping magnate who supported the Greek Revolution.
For adrenaline junkies, Hydra has plenty of perfect hiking trails, including a popular route to Profitis Ilias Monastery. And for sun worshippers, there are immaculate beaches such as Saint Nicholas, Avlaki, and Kaminia.
What to do in Evia
All cultured out after a trip to Greece’s capital, Athens? A visit to the island of Evia is the perfect way to wind down. There are two ways to reach Evia from Athens: by car, which takes just under two hours, or by ferry. The latter journey takes one hour from either Rafina Port or Agios Konstantinos Port.
Once you arrive, explore ancient ruins, wander through the historic city of Chalkida, or relax in the natural Thermal Springs of Edipsos, known for their healing properties.
Because it’s Greece, expect paradise beaches, too. Popular hotspots, where you can swim in the clear waters and lounge on the sandy beaches, include Chiliadou, Kalamos, Thapsa and Pefki.
During the evenings, hit up one of the many tavernas and indulge in classic Greek cuisine. Devour everything from aromatic local greens, fresh fish, gyros or lamb kleftiko, while sipping on a carafe – or two – of wine. Dreamy.
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