Ferryhopper tells all: The 4 Greek islands to avoid, unless…
Because not every island is your idea of paradise
Ah, the Greek islands: sun-soaked beaches, postcard-perfect villages and a dreamy Mediterranean atmosphere. But hold on, not every island is the same! Some get crowded and some too sleepy, while others may not be what you are looking for in a Greek island escape.
So, before you find yourself trapped in a 24/7 party island or endless queues under the scortching sun, here are the 4 Greek islands you should avoid (unless, of course, they are exactly what you are after):
Santorini, where reality and Instagram collide
Santorini regularly tops the lists of best Greek islands, so would you not want to visit it? After all, the whitewashed houses, caldera views, and sunsets that look like they were designed by the gods can’t be that bad, right? They can, when it’s packed. Like, elbowing-your-way-through-the-streets packed.
If you are looking to snap that iconic view from Oia, you better be prepared to stand around in line and snap quickly to avoid the inevitable photobombing from honeymooning couples. To actually relax during sunset in a striking Aegean setting, try visiting Milos or Amorgos instead.
Good luck being in the right place, at the right time!
Mykonos is where your wallet goes to die
Mykonos is truly a stunning island, there’s no argument there. But if you’re on a budget, you are in for quite the ride. A cocktail on the island can cost more than the ferry ticket to get there, and good luck finding a place to stay in the summer that won’t break the bank.
Even if you manage to look past the cost, though, you still have to contend with hordes of influencers striking poses on every conceivable nook and cranny. Unless you’re ready to splurge or love the jet-set vibes, consider Serifos or Koufonisia for a more low-key and laid-back experience.
Of course this humble table in the alleys of Chora with a view-to-die-for is reserved
Ios, the island of hangovers
Few Cycladic islands have as strong a youthful energy as Ios does over the summer. By day, it’s all about the gorgeous sandy beaches and stretching out under the sun. By night, though, it’s an entirely different story, as this charming Cycladic island transforms into a booze-fueled festival of questionable dancing decisions.
If you don’t mind flip-flops getting lost nightly and drinks being double the size of your head, then Ios is for you. Otherwise, you will get a more peaceful experience at Sikinos or Folegandros instead.
You could always be sensible and relax on beaches like Manganari in Ios
Rhodes and the thorny subject of heat
Rhodes is an absolute gem, with a stunning medieval Old Town, incredible beaches, and a fascinating storied history. But visit in August, and you might question every life choice that led you here. The combination of relentless summer heat, jam-packed streets, and cruise ship tourists moving in slow motion makes exploring the Islands of the Knights an arduous and sweaty experience.
If Rhodes is on your bucket list (and it should be), try to aim for a visit in spring or early autumn, when the weather and crowds are more manageable. Otherwise, you will get a stress-free Dodecanesian fix in Kasos or Tilos.
The shade is your best friend in the Old Town of Rhodes
So, should you really avoid these islands?
Absolutely not! These islands are popular for a reason, but they may not be for everyone - at least not in every season. So, if you like partying, head to Ios; if you want to see and be seen, Mykonos awaits. Want to spend a romantic evening stargazing in Oia? Sure, Santorini is calling and you should pick up.
But, if you are after something a bit low-key, authentic and genuinely relaxing, Greece has literally hundreds of islands. Whether you are looking for a true hidden gem or craving an island-hopping adventure across the Aegean, you are bound to find the perfect one. All you have to do is figure out what sort of experience you are after, and you can start planning your Greek island escape on Ferryhopper in no time!
