Five incredible off-the-beaten-track Greek isles to jet to – Metro.co.uk

Posted On: September 4, 2020

Thanks to their unspoilt nature, sensational views, idyllic houses and magnificent beaches, the Cyclades are among Greece’s most popular islands.

The group of 33 isles spread across the Greek Aegean sea offer must-visit holiday destinations, surrounded by azure waters.

While Mykonos and Santorini may be the most famous, all the postcard-pretty islands have their own character and charm – as well as paradise-like beaches all vying to be explored.

It’s not hard to see why the Cyclades are among Greece’s most popular islands (pictured: Andros)

Here’s why Andros, Tinos, Paros, Sifnos and Serifos should top your list for an unforgettable off-the-beaten-track Greek getaway.

Amazing Andros

The paradisiacal island of Andros – at just a two-hour ferry ride from Athens – is a walker’s paradise with scenic mountain trails taking in bubbling springs and glittering streams.

The greenest of the Cyclades, Andros, also has a rich naval history, as well as beautiful beaches, magnificent monuments, and an incredible gastronomical scene.

Hikers can choose from 25 jaw-dropping trails – recognised by the European Ramblers’ Association.

Have your camera ready as you pass waterfalls, springs, monasteries, archaeological sites, lush vegetation, picturesque villages, Byzantine forts, stone bridges, and chestnut forests.

Enchanting capital Andros Town, known as Hora, which perches on a rocky peninsula, is where you can stroll narrow cobblestone alleyways and learn about its past as a wealthy port town.

Explore the 13th-century Kato Kastro castle – one of three on the island – and see the stone arched bridge that connects it to the mainland, then head to Panagia Thalassini Church – a tiny chapel built on a rock in the water.

Make time to visit its museums, including the famous Museum of Contemporary Art that hosts world-class exhibitions, and the important Archaeological Museum of Andros.

With 110 miles of coastline, Andros is also famous for its incredible sweeping stretches of sand – with more than 30 to choose from; including organised, natural and secret coves.

With 100 miles of coastline, Andros is also famous for its incredible sweeping stretches of sand

Idyllic Piso Gialia is a picturesque stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear waters, Kypri and Neimporio are great for families, Paraporti’s long coastline is a scenic wild wonder.

The beautiful Tis Grias to Pidima beach is much-loved thanks to its pristine sand, turquoise waters and its characteristic rock that gave the spot its name.

Outside the capital, pretty porting village Gavrio is where to find Chrissi Ammos, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, with golden sands, turquoise waters and mountainous views – as well as plenty of authentic tavernas.

No trip to Andros would be complete without visiting the 65ft high Hellenistic Tower of Agios Petros which was built around 400BC and overlooks the bay of Gavrio. And adventurers must explore the 5,400sqft Foros Cave with diverse and colourful stalactites and stalagmites.

Tempting Tinos

Just a 20-minute boat ride from Mykonos, Tinos, or the ‘holy island’, is an untouched gem with mountainous terrain, religious treasures and more than 50 traditional villages to explore.

Tinos Town – next to the port – will be your first stop, and as you arrive, you’ll see clusters of pretty whitewashed buildings with blue domed roofs.

The Church of Panagia Megalochari, perched on a hill, is an important religious site that thousands of pilgrims visit each year, making the journey by crawling on their knees.

The traditional village of Pyrgos, with its mountainous landscape, is made largely from marble – from fountains and churches to cobbled streets and even the bus stop!

Tinos is the ideal island for those looking for pristine beaches with turquoise waters

Here, you can find historic monuments, a superb arts centre, offering carving workshops, as well as plenty of cafes and tavernas serving local delights.

A holiday to Tinos isn’t complete without a trip to Costas Tsoclis Museum in Kambos.

The former school displays unique work from the contemporary Greek artist, and the courtyard sculpture of St George slaying a dragon is one not to miss.

Tinos is the ideal island for those looking for pristine beaches with turquoise waters.

Panormos, a port lined with tavernas selling fresh fish and Tino’s traditional Kopanisti cheese, is where to find Rochari beach – a sweeping stretch of golden sands, as well as a beach bar.

Agios Ioannis Porto beach – one of the most popular – is surrounded by lush greenery, as well as a tiny chapel on a nearby hill.

There are two beaches at Kolimpithra – the larger one offers perfect conditions for surfing, while the small one is organised with sunloungers and umbrellas. It’s the perfect place to chill out!

The traditional village of Pyrgos, with its mountainous landscape, is made largely from marble (Photo credit: Municipality of Tinos)

Traditional villages and towns are dotted across the entirety of Tinos

Take a morning to wander the marble-paved lanes of pretty Ysternia – just 12 miles from Tinos main town.

Built on the slopes of Mount Meroviglia, the village was the birthplace of many famous Greek sculptures, so check out the museum celebrating their works – as well as the wonderful 18th-century windmills.

Foodies will love Tinos – and the Food Paths, which started in 2015, promote the island’s local eateries with a gastronomic festival taking place every May.

Perfect Paros

Hop on a ferry from Mykonos, Santorini or Naxos for a short trip to Paros; it’s a picture-perfect getaway of blue-domed chapels, pristine beaches, colourful fishing ports and quintessential villages.

Capital Parikia is home to gems including the 4th-century ‘church with 100 doors’ Panagia Ekatontapiliani (only 99 have been found) as well as a beautifully intact Cycladic windmill.

Paros is a picture-perfect getaway of blue-domed chapels, pristine beaches, colourful fishing ports and quintessential villages

Spot the 13th-century Venetian castle in the distance, then visit the open cinema or stroll the picturesque old town for souvenirs.

Paros is great for watersports, too. Adrenaline seekers can enjoy windsurfing, kiteboarding and kayaking at Golden, New Golden and Santa Maria beaches.

Take a dip at beautiful Kolympithres beach in the bay of Naoussa – two stunning sandy beaches, divided by a unique rock formation.

Its huge blocks of granite have been formed over millions of years, and have been naturally sculpted by the sea and the weather into smooth shapes.

There’s also the protected seaside area of Paros Park, and its network of walking trails, rock formations, hidden coves, caves and beaches.

Head north for the old fishing town of Naoussa to stroll its traditional harbour and cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses and flower-adorned balconies.

Paros boasts a wealth of incredible beaches, perfect for water sports or just relaxing

Enjoy a homecooked meal in a waterfront taverna in front of the colourful fishing boats at sunset and enjoy a glass of Greek wine as the town comes alive during the evening.

Or head to Lefkes, the most famous mountainous village in Paros built under a pine-covered hill. It boasts quirky passages, charming architecture, local tavernas and a 19th-century windmill with outstanding views of the sea.

Stunning Sifnos

At just 9.3 miles long, Sifnos may be one of the smallest Greek islands, but its gastronomic offering is huge.

Known as the island of flavours, Sifnos’s food scene has flourished since local chef Nicholas Tselementes wrote the first Greek recipe book in 1910 – now every visitor is welcomed by aromas of almonds and orange.

Dig into traditional foods such as revithada (chickpea stew) or mastello (slow-cooked goat) as well as loukoumia (delights made of water, starch and sugar) at one of the many local cafes or tavernas. The Cycladic Gastronomy Festival, every September, is a must.

Hire a motorboat for the day from the pretty port town of Kamares

The island is well connected to Greece’s mainland, and boasts blue-topped churches, traditional pottery, intricate dovecotes and long stretches of golden beaches.

Located near to Milos and Serifos, Sifnos is ideal for adventurers; hire a motorboat for the day from the pretty port town of Kamares and head out to explore the beautiful Fakidia bay.

Or indulge in a spot of wild swimming; Chrisopigi offers smooth slabs of rock around a monastery, or walk down the stone steps to the stunning cove of Poulati – offering plenty of sunbathing spots, too.

Made up of more than 65 miles, the Sifnos Trails offers 19 scenic options for hikers, taking in dramatic views, traditional villages and historic monuments – as well as some of the island’s 366 churches.

While capital Apollania, built in the shape of an amphitheatre, and is home to a tree-shaped main square and scenic bars.

Sifnos also offers the perfect island retreat – with both secluded and popular golden sand beaches, offering watersports,

There are lots of beaches to sample turquoise waters and golden sands too. The picturesque fishing village of Herronissos offers fine sand as well as local tavernas.

At just 15 miles long, Sifnos may be one of the smallest Greek islands, but its gastronomic offering is huge

Platis Gialos is the island’s most popular beach – and for good reason. Relax on sunloungers, go for a stroll along the soft sand, splash around in the crystal-clear waters – or dine in the nearby beach bar.

While Tsopos and Lazarou offer small cove delights; perfect places to relax!

Sensational Serifos

Off-the-beaten-track Serifos is wild and rugged, charming and calm and filled with traditional Cycladic architecture and serene beaches.

Perched 27 miles above the Livadi port is the pretty Serifos capital Chora, with its beautiful churches Agios Konstantinos, Agios Athanasios and old-fashioned windmills.

Off-the-beaten-track Serifos is wild and rugged, charming and calm and filled with traditional Cycladic architecture and serene beaches

Choose from the many local tavernas to sample the local delights, including sweet-and-sour cheese xynomyzithra and Serifian wine.

Serifos is home to some 72 beautiful beaches – with Livadi the longest on the island at more than a mile of sweeping white sand and pebbles.

Choose from the many local tavernas to sample the local delights, including sweet-and-sour cheese xynomyzithra and Serifian wine

Cosmopolitan Livadakia is off the homonymous village of the same name, and due to its postcard-pretty image is amongst the most popular, with golden sand and trees for shade. You can also find watersports here.

The sweeping bay of Ganema is a picturesque cove of white sand and pebbles and turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and chilling out while soaking up the sun.

Then drive out to the Throne of the Cyclops at Cape Kyklopas for beautiful panoramic views, or visit the idyllic secluded beaches of Sikamia – you can access it via a pretty winding path from the mountainous Galini.

For a day trip to remember, venture outside Serifos and hire a boat to go island hopping and take in nearby Sifnos, Kythnos, and Milos.