Any recommended 'hidden gems' in the Greek Isles?

[PowerthruIT]

Hi all,

We have been going to the Greek Island of Thassos for about 10 years and have always found it pleasant in the summer months, when it was busy but not manic; however, we have noticed it has become considerably busier over the past 2 years. This year, if you weren't in a restaurant by around 7 p.m., then you would be lucky to get a table until later, around 09.30, which is not ideal when you have a 4-year-old. Beaches the same, not there by say 10 am, lucky to get a sunbed!

So, I'm looking for any recommendations that are less manic in the summer months. I appreciate most will be busy, but I am sure there must be some hidden gems out there that still offer plenty but are less popular—well, I hope so anyway!

Thanks

Kefalonia

Skopelos! It can be fairly busy in August, but as long as you avoid Kastani, Agios Ioannis and Stafylos beaches at the peak of the day (they get extremely busy because of Mamma Mia fame for the first two and proximity to Skopelos town for Stafylos, but are beautiful if you go in the early morning or early evening) there is always space to not feel crowded. Similarly, whilst Skopelos town is busy it never feels packed. It’s nowhere near how busy Skiathos is though, as far as I can tell!
If you want a quiet holiday then the north end of the island is perfect - Glossa is a beautiful smaller town and there are plenty of very nice beaches which are less busy.
There's no airport on the island, so your best bet is to fly into the nearby island of Skiathos and then take a 30 min ferry ride.

I was also going to say Skopolos, I didn't know it was where they made Mama Mia because we went 40 years ago. It has no airport so that keeps the hoards down.

Islands of alonissos and skopelos . Skiathos if you want something more touristy and busier. All within an hour or two boat ride from each other.

Panos, it’s a slice of heaven

Sorry, Paxos

We went on a day cruise to Symi from Marmaris. It’s a fabulous place. We had lunch overlooking the very pretty harbour. It’s quite the prettiest place I’ve been to in Greece.

Struggling to understand why anyone who knows a hidden gem of a place that isn’t overrun by hoards of tourists would want to shout about it on a massive website 🫤

Alonnisos. Stay in the old town. Lovely restaurants and fantastic views. You'll need a car. The beaches were fine but not the best I've experienced in Greece.

Symi. Spectacular beaches reached by water taxi. Feels adult. Beautiful architecture and excellent restaurants.

Crete. We hire a car and stay in Vamos. Drive to the most beautiful beaches. Take a trip to Chania for an evening. Hike in the mountains.

Crete is my favourite. Huge mountains, beautiful beaches and just feels really authentic away from the beach resorts.

Greece is my happiness place. Olives, tzatziki and retsina. Bliss.