Pristine beaches, unhurried pace, authentic experiences. On these small islands, absolute relaxation is guaranteed.
If what you are looking for on your holidays is serenity and true relaxation, swims in pristine beaches and strolls through quiet settlements and little harbors, then these lesser-knownGreek islandsare ideal hideaways for you. Seven small paradises in the Ionian and Aegean, far from the crowds of popular tourist destinations, promise delightful and tranquil holidays.
Othonoi
The Diapontia Islands(Othonoi, Ereikoussa, Mathraki) lie at the country’s westernmost point, northwest of Corfu, and gather all the beauty of the Ionian Sea into their few square kilometers. This island cluster, unknown to most, is a little paradise where time seems to have stopped and life flows at a slow pace. Othonoi is the largest of the Diapontia Islandsand the westernmost tip of Greece. Ruins of Venetian castles, small settlements with lovely old houses, ancient olive trees, many trails and dreamy shores with turquoise waters create the perfect setting to switch off from it all. The little boat from Corfu will drop you off at Ammos, a small cove with a nice beach and a few shops. On Othonoi you will definitely swim at Aspri Ammos - one of the most beautiful beaches of the Ionian - and visit by small boat the impressive Calypso’s Cave. For swimming, the uniquely beautiful Fyki cove on the northern coastline also beckons. If you take the road to the east coast, you can visit Cape Kastri and the island’s lighthouse, which was built in 1872.
Kalamos
Kalamos is a small island that belongsadministratively to the Municipality of Lefkada and sits directly opposite the village of MytikasinAetolia-Acarnania, from where it is accessed. The island is mostly mountainous (the peak of the mountain dominating the island reaches 745 m.) and boasts distinctive nature, an old-world atmosphere and small beaches with white pebbles and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The scent of pine and sea salt hangs in the air everywhere. Take a stroll through the narrow alleys and strike up a conversation with the locals about life on the island. It’s worth walking as far as Episkopi through an untouched landscape. By bike you can visit the southern tip of the island, the abandoned settlement at Kefali. There you will see ruined houses, old olive presses, stone threshing floors and half-collapsed windmills still standing, as if time suddenly stood still.
Kastos
Kastos, thesmallest inhabited islet of the Ionian Islands, south of Kalamos, still keeps the pace of past decades. Like neighboring Kalamos, the island connects with the Aetolia-Acarnania coast by caiques, to and from the opposite village of Mytikas. The only settlement with its stone houses and little tavernas is built around the harbor. On Kastos you will enjoy nature walks, see pretty little churches, old olive presses and windmills, and dive into unspoiled beaches: Ampelakia, Fyki, Limni, Kamini, Vrisidi and Agios Emilianos are some of the best known. On Agios Emilianos beach lies one of the island’s main sights, Fokotrypa Cave, which has a small sandy beach inside.
Trizonia
Trizonia, Phocis is the largest and only inhabited island of the Corinthian Gulf. It hasan area of just 2.5 square kilometers and is part of a group that includes three smaller uninhabited islets: Agios Ioannis, Planemi and Prasoudi. The crossing to Trizonia takes not even five minutes from the shores of Phocis. Lush green and unknown to many, this little island is an ideal destination for those seekingpeace and absolute relaxation on their holidays. Trizonia has preserved its traditional localcolor, while the circulation of wheeled vehicles is forbidden (cars-motorbikes). Trizonia has three beaches. Thelargest, with its reddish sand, is at the spot Pounta 2 km. southeast of the port. Two more small beaches called Aspra Chalikia and Kapsales are located on the southern and western sides respectively of the island, opposite the Peloponnese.
Fournoi Korseon
Fournoi, Thymainaand a small cluster of uninhabited islets and rocks between Samos and Ikaria are the islands that make up Fournoi Korseon. The first image that greets the visitor, disembarking from the ferry at Fournoi and gazing at Chora, is white and blue blending with the green of the trees. Wander the picturesque lanes to savor the calm, sip your coffee at traditional kafeneia and taste fresh seafood. The island’s lace-like coastline creates many enchanting beaches. Easily accessible and on foot are Psili Ammos (next to Chora) and Kampi. By car or caique you can reach Agios Ioannis, while by caique you can also visit Petrokopio beach. Opposite Fournoi lies Thymaina, a small islet with few inhabitants. It’s worthvisiting itby caique, as it toohides several coves for unforgettable swims.
Lipsi
A picturesque, quiet little harbor and a handful of superb beaches are enough for an unforgettable holiday on the island of the goddess Calypso, a hidden Aegean gem easily reached from Patmos. Lipsi is one of those islands you can visit without a car. Distances are short and you can get around easily on foot. Here the days pass quietly, with swims in wonderful waters and walks along the island’s paths. Visit the Church of Panagia tou Harou (it celebrates on 23 August) and explore the ancient acropolis and the ancient settlement at the site of Kouselio. The beaches of Lientou, Kampos, Hohlakoura, Platys Gialos, Monodendri and Katsadia will treat you to endless hours of relaxation.
Pserimos
Between Kalymnos and Kos, the tiny Pserimos of 15 square kilometers is an ideal destination for a day trip from the surrounding islands or for peaceful holidays. Summer visitors come to enjoy the island’s pristine beaches and a landscape that truly soothes. Avlakia is the only village and the island’s port. There you will enjoy your swim at a very lovely, crystal-clear beach with shallow waters. There are no roads on Pserimos and no cars. If you follow the path leading out of the main settlement, you will find the island’s other beaches after 10 minutes up to an hour of walking.
