Claire Shields, Base Manager at Sunsail, has revealed her top six little-known hidden gems in Greece that she believes offer unspoiled nature and tranquillity in abundance.
Greece has long been one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations and welcomed 35.95 million travellers in 2024, a 9.8% increase on 2023. However, while Greece is set to continue to grow in popularity in 2025, people are now turning away from overpopulated, busy tourist areas, with online searches for ‘hidden Greece destinations’ and ‘lesser-known Greek islands’ rising by 50% and 29% over the last three months respectively.
Why do you think more people are moving away from popular tourist spots and looking for hidden gems?
There are many reasons for moving away from popular tourist spots and looking for hidden gems. The popular destinations have become overcrowded and noisy. People have started to look for hidden gems to enjoy the unspoiled nature and tranquillity that sailing can offer.
What are your top hidden gems in Greece?
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Lefkas
Lefkas is one of Greece’s best hidden gems because it offers stunning natural beauty, authentic Greek culture and incredible beaches without the overwhelming crowds of more famous Islands. The connection with the mainland and Preveza airport in short distance gives easy access to Lefkas Island. Lefkas Island has some of the best beaches in the world, like Porto Katsiki, Egremni and Kathisma. The small villages in the mountain also offer breathtaking sunset views.
For those wanting to explore further afield, Lefkas is a great location as there are many small islands within a short distance that you can visit and discover the crystal blue water in the small bays, caves without having to travel for long hours which makes it ideal for families. The Greek cuisine based on fresh local products and the friendly atmosphere in the small Ionian islands also makes this area unique and must visit.
A particularly wonderful spot hidden from the sea is Sivota. This small village and harbour are surrounded by olive tree-covered slopes and a few scattered villas, and is a literal hidden gem!
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Meganisi
Meganisi is a small island near Lefkas with hidden coves and sea caves, great for sailing, seafood and snorkelling. It is one of the few ionian islands that remain untouched by mass tourism which is why it’s such an underrated hidden gem. It has a laid-back, authentic Greek vibe with fishing villages, traditional family run tavernas and underground caves to explore.
The most famous cave is Papanikolis cave, once used as a hideout by submarines during WWII. It’s only accessible by boat so not everyone can reach it which makes it all the more special if you can, and has dramatic interiors lit by sunlight bouncing off the water.
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Atokos
This small uninhabited island between Lefkada and Ithaca is privately owned but open to visitors, and a must-visit destination. Untouched nature and limestone cliffs make it a stunning place to visit and ideal for relaxation. To the east of the island is One House Bay, where you will find wild pigs roaming around. It’s a unique place to explore and ideal if you want to feel closer to nature!
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Kalamos and Kastos
Two tiny islands off the coast of Lefkada, Kastos has only one village and Kalamos is covered in pine forests. They are ideal for nature lovers and those who are seeking complete tranquility.
Kalamos – The island has a few perfect natural harbors which are calm and protected. Sailing around Kalamos means discovering quiet beaches, sea caves, and perfect little swim with no one else around. It is also great for slow living. You will not find big beach bars or resorts, just local tavernas with fresh fish, homemade wine and homegrown vegetables.
Kastos – Home to less than 100 permanent residents, Kastos feels like a floating village. With only one small harbor, a cluster of stone houses and a few tavernas, time seems to slow down here. You’ll also find unspoiled beaches with clear turquoise water only reachable by boat or by foot.
Just above the port of Kastos you can enjoy sunset drinks at the Windmill Bar, with a panoramic view of the sea and the surrounding islands. There’s no better place in Greece to relax, unwind and switch off from the world.
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Paxos
One of the least commercial Greek Islands set in the Ionian Sea, this island is truly beautiful, with scenery that makes it an artist’s paradise. Its clear aquamarine sea and pebble beaches must be seen to be believed. The local people are so welcoming you feel at home straight away! It’s a perfect place to wind down; nothing is done quickly here. Sit and drink an iced coffee in one of the seafront cafes, watch a local fisherman bring his catch in to sell or queue in the local bakery for your fresh bread baked in a wood oven. This is the beauty of Paxos.
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Agia Efimia
A gorgeous fishing village on the east coast of Kefalonia, if you want a slower pace of life on holiday, this is the place to be. Spend your day watching beautiful boats entering and leaving the marina while you enjoy local delicacies from waterside cafes and bars.
Want to channel your inner adventurer? There’s still plenty to be explored here as there are two sets of caves, the Drogarti inland and the Melisani caves, which you can be taken in by a boatman. Many describe this as entering Hades itself. The water is dark and inky with turquoise patches where the sun hits, and the caves are linked to the Melisani Lake further inland by underwater passages.
Discounts & Offers
£500 Mediterranean Flight Credit Terms and Conditions
Sunsail’s new £500 Mediterranean flight credit offer gives you £500 flight credit on bookings confirmed between 1 and 30 April 2025. To qualify for the £500 flight credit, the minimum cost of yacht only (before any discount) must be £3000. It applies to charters of 7 days or more for Mediterranean destinations. The offer is valid only for Greece and Croatia. It can be combined with Sunsail’s Summer Sailing Special discount, but cannot be combined with any other promotions, including the loyalty discount. It is only available for bookings made over the phone. You can find full terms and conditions here.
