Greece’s Best Kept Secrets
Discover Greece’s most exclusive and luxurious hidden gems, handpicked for travelers who crave authenticity with a touch of indulgence beyond Santorini.
Greece is no stranger to the global travel spotlight. The whitewashed villages of Santorini, the party beaches of Mykonos, and the ancient wonders of Athens dominate bucket lists—and for good reason. But what if you could experience Greece without the crowds? What if there were secret islands, untouched villages, and intimate experiences that reveal the soul of this magical country?
Well, there are. And as a European luxury travel expert who’s explored Greece by yacht, foot, and jeep, we are here to lift the curtain on the places you won’t find in the brochures. If you’re looking for the kind of Greece that even the Greeks keep to themselves, here are the best off-the-beaten-path destinations and luxurious experiences that define Greek island travel.
1. Folegandros – The Untouched Sister of Santorini
Just a short ferry ride from Santorini, Folegandros is everything its famous sister island once was—before the influencers arrived. Expect dramatic cliffs, sugar-cube villages, and tiny boutique hotels that overlook endless blue.
Why it’s a hidden gem:
Fewer than 800 residents live here year-round, and luxury is subtle and unpretentious. Spend the day cliffside at, with a private pool and views that rival Oia, minus the selfie sticks.
Must-do experience:
Hike to the Church of Panagia at sunset—arguably the most romantic golden hour in all of Greece.
2. Kythira – Where the Aegean Meets the Ionian
Located between the Peloponnese and Crete, Kythira feels like an island suspended in time. Known for its waterfalls, castles, and quiet beaches, it’s the place Athenians go when they want to unplug.
Luxury tip:
Stay at Xenonas Fos ke Choros, a boutique guesthouse built into a hillside with panoramic views of the Ionian Sea. Request a private wine tasting with local varietals like Kythirian red and rare honey-based liquors.
Secret spot:
Don’t miss the Neraida Waterfall in Mylopotamos—a lush oasis surrounded by fig trees and ancient stone bridges.
3. Syros – Sophistication Without the Hype
The capital of the Cyclades, Syros is quietly confident. Think neoclassical mansions, opera houses, and fine dining—with zero pretense. Hermoupolis, its main town, is a pastel-colored dreamscape of marble squares and waterfront cafés.
Why luxury travelers love it:
It blends culture and leisure seamlessly. Think Venetian grandeur mixed with Greek island charm. Book a suite at Hotel Ploes, set in a 19th-century mansion overlooking the Aegean.
Exclusive experience:
Attend a performance at the Apollon Theater, modeled after Milan’s La Scala, or book a private cooking class with a Syros local inside a restored neoclassical home.
4. Ikaria – The Island of Longevity
National Geographic calls it one of the world’s Blue Zones—where people live significantly longer, healthier lives. But Ikaria isn’t just about wellness; it’s about joyful slowness. No strict itineraries here—just mineral springs, coastal hikes, and endless, unfussy feasts.
Luxury, redefined:
Check into Thea’s Inn for boutique accommodations with heart, or rent a private villa in Armenistis for ultimate seclusion. Indulge in wild herbal infusions and ancient thermal spa rituals.
Must-experience:
Join a village panigiri (festival) with local music, dancing, and endless Ikarian wine. Luxury is sometimes best experienced barefoot, under the stars.
5. Tinos – The Artisan’s Island
Just 30 minutes from Mykonos, Tinos is its antithesis: calm, authentic, and deeply spiritual. It’s famous among Greeks for its miraculous church and marble-carving heritage, but tourists often overlook it.
Why go:
It’s a haven for creatives. Artists, architects, and foodies flock here for the slow pace, design-forward hotels, and avant-garde cuisine. Stay at Under the Sun or Living Theros, minimalist suites built into the hills.
Hidden treasure:
Visit the village of Pyrgos, Greece’s marble-sculpting capital. Arrange a private tour of a working marble atelier followed by a farm-to-table lunch under the plane trees.
6. Meteora – Monasteries in the Sky
Not an island, but a jaw-dropping mainland detour you can’t miss. Meteora is a UNESCO World Heritage site of Byzantine monasteries perched atop giant stone pillars. The landscape feels more like fantasy fiction than real life.
Why it’s luxury-worthy:
Helicopter charters from Athens are available for those seeking a dramatic entrance. Pair with a stay at Meteora Hotel at Kastraki for panoramic sunrise views and a bespoke spiritual guide.
Elevated experience:
Book a private sunset tour with a local historian and picnic among the rocks—complete with local cheeses and rare Thessalian wines.
7. Astypalea – The Butterfly Island That Flies Under the Radar
Shaped like a butterfly, Astypalea belongs to the Dodecanese but feels Cycladic. The chora (main village) is achingly beautiful—whitewashed houses stacked around a Venetian castle.
What makes it special:
The island is leading Greece’s green tourism initiative, meaning eco-luxury here is the future. Rent an e-bike, book a Tesla from the island’s car-sharing program, and stay at Infinity Blue Suites for cliffside serenity.
Unique luxury:
Charter a traditional wooden boat to swim in sea caves and dine on grilled octopus with no one else in sight.
Curated Tips for Luxury Travelers Seeking Greece’s Hidden Gems
Use private yacht charters to hop between lesser-known islands without relying on public ferries.
Book boutique over big-brand—smaller hotels in Greece often offer more bespoke service and authenticity.
Travel shoulder season (late May or September) to enjoy quiet beaches, ideal temperatures, and better availability.
Hire a local expert for immersive activities like olive oil tastings, mythology walks, or artisan-led workshops.
Final Thoughts: The Real Greece Is Waiting—Quietly
While the world flocks to Santorini sunsets and Mykonos beach clubs, a quieter, more soulful Greece awaits the traveler willing to veer off the obvious path. These hidden destinations offer a kind of luxury that’s more than 5-star—it’s the luxury of space, silence, connection, discovery, relaxation, authenticity, wonder, and freedom.
Whether it’s sipping wine in a mountain village, skinny dipping in a secret cove, or watching the stars from a monastery terrace, the real magic of Greece isn’t found in the places everyone talks about—it’s in the ones they don’t.