Which of the many Greek islands should you choose for a relaxing vacation? The concept of relaxation is not the same for everyone. Some dream of a deckchair in the shade with the sound of the waves as a backdrop, some of a nice cold beer in a scenic bar, some of a long swim in a crystal-clear sea, and some of a barefoot walk on the beach. Some relax by stargazing, others by listening to cicadas, and others by fishing. Here we will try to suggest Greek islands suitable for relaxation, those less frequented, with a slow pace but offering at least a minimum of services and comforts. You can also check out the blog articles "Which Greek Islands to Explore on Foot?" and "Less Touristic, Tranquil, Lesser-Known Greek Islands".
Amorgos is not a fashionable island nor particularly suitable for swimming. Here, tourists come to experience authentic Greece, far from the chaos. The island has beautiful cliffs and excellent trekking routes among the mountains or towards various bays.
In Anafi, you can breathe simplicity and serenity. It is primarily an island for relaxing, swimming, and walking. Having a boat is very useful for accessing the entire coast, which is not always reachable by land.
Antiparos offers a vacation for families looking for tranquility and a beautiful sea, although it livens up in the evening, and there are plenty of opportunities for fun and sports. For nudism enthusiasts, it is the right place, as it is well tolerated.
Folegandros has no historical or archaeological sites, but its capital is one of the most beautiful villages in the Cyclades: very well-kept, flowery, and rich in refined details.
The Small Cyclades (Donoussa, Iraklia, Koufonissi, Schinoussa) are tranquil islets, still not very touristy, to be explored on foot at a leisurely pace and enjoyed at any time of day.
Tinos is known primarily as a religious destination but should not be overlooked for a peaceful beach vacation. Its villages are very beautiful, it is green, rich in water, and has several beaches, both secluded and equipped.
The main charm of Astypalea comes from its natural beauties like the large Maltezana bay with its rocks and islets and the spectacle of blooming in spring. The island is not on the main tourist routes, so you can still find Greek traditions that have been lost in other places.
Kalymnos does not attract hordes of tourists because there are few antiquities to see and few entertainment options, but nature offers beautiful landscapes and a very transparent sea.
The main charm of Lipsi comes from its crystal-clear sea and the genuine and still truly Greek atmosphere. The island is very small, so it is more suited for pleasant walks to the preferred beaches than for visiting museums or archaeological sites. In the evening, don't miss the calm atmosphere of the port.
Leros is also a little-touristy, quiet island, rich in the true atmosphere of old Greece. It is ideal for a restful vacation in contact with nature and traditions.
Tranquil Kythira is worth visiting mainly for its wild nature, Venetian castles, Byzantine churches, and picturesque villages.
Ithaca, the least frequented of the Ionian islands, is often visited in search of Homeric tradition and places that recall Ulysses. However, the variety of its beautiful landscapes should not be overlooked.
Chios is large but not yet overrun by tourism. It offers beautiful beaches, fascinating medieval villages with towers, walls, crenellated houses, and many Byzantine monuments.
Ikaria, unknown to mass tourism, offers beautiful green nature and picturesque villages. It is ideal for those seeking absolute peace and tranquility.
You can choose to vacation in Lemnos attracted by its rich sea, beautiful beaches, tranquility, archaeology, and the great variety of its landscape.
On the other hand, Samothrace is usually approached knowing that you will find lush and wild nature, in an absolutely relaxing setting with the possibility of visiting a beautiful archaeological area.
In general, people choose to visit Alonissos, much less touristy than Skiathos and Skopelos, not so much for its terrestrial beauties, such as monasteries and villages, or for entertainment opportunities, but for its marine beauties: shallows, fish-rich seabeds, and underwater archaeological finds. The island is within an important natural park that includes the surrounding islets, home to the rare monk seal species.
Skyros is also little frequented by mass tourism. It is a beautiful, quiet island with wild nature, characteristic villages, a population that still lives by old traditions, and a beautiful sea.
Apart from the large Salamina, which, being very close to Piraeus, is very popular with Athenians, all the other islands of the archipelago (Angistri, Aegina, Hydra, Poros, and Spetses) are perfect for a relaxing vacation.
