Readers' tips: Greece holidays beyond the beaten path
Guardian Travel readers share their favourite Greek holiday experiences, highlighting lesser-known islands and unique adventures from Milos to the Vikos Gorge.
Milos – an unforgettable island
Chris Rimell recommends Milos, a relatively unknown gem and the true home of the Venus de Milo. The northern coast, shaped by volcanic activity, is particularly scenic, and Sarakiniko beach with its white rocks is a perfect photo stop.
Pelion peninsula – waterfalls and tradition
Layla Astley describes a trip to the Pelion peninsula, staying in Damouchari. She swam in the harbour, snorkelled, and took a hot walk to Fakistra beach, where she cooled off under a waterfall. Evening meals at tiny roadside restaurants and strong coffee under a 1,000-year-old plane tree made for a slow, memorable trip.
Symi – a hidden gem in the Dodecanese
Steve took a ferry from Rhodes to Symi, a small island off Turkey. Each day brought a different boat trip to a new beach, like Marathounda Bay with free-roaming goats. The real highlights were the shaded tavernas by the shore, offering seafood, salad, and cold Mythos beer.
Syros – Venetian palazzos and cave sunsets
Rosie visited Syros, the administrative capital of the Cyclades. She strolled around Venetian palazzos, swam off the rocks in Ermoupoli, then hiked to Agios Stefanos – a chapel in a cave – to watch a magical sunset.
Hydra – a healing island
After her mother's death, Dawn chose Hydra, a small car-free island in the Saronic Gulf. The family spent time swimming in the clearest seas she had ever seen, reading, eating, and slowly healing.
Archaeological gem near Preveza
Gerald Willmore visited the ancient site of Kassopi near Preveza, enjoying the ruins and 3rd-century BC theatre with an azure sea backdrop. Later, he went dolphin-watching in the Ambracian Gulf and dined on Preveza prawns.
Antiparos – a step back in time
Alice recommends staying several days on Antiparos rather than a day trip. The island’s modest beauty and peaceful aura offer a taste of less-touristed Greece. Morning dips in the turquoise waters of Panagia beach and exploring Antiparos Town and Sifneiko bay completed the experience.
Amorgos – as epic as in The Big Blue
Ed Simpson found Amorgos unforgettable, especially the 11th-century Hozoviotissa monastery rising from the rock face, accompanied by the film's soundtrack in his mind.
A true adventure on Kefalonia and Ithaca
Dan Law-Jones recalls hiring a motorboat with his father in Kefalonia and racing to Ithaca. They ran out of fuel and needed rescue, but it remains a cherished memory after his father's passing.
Winning tip: wildlife in the Vikos Gorge
Beatrice describes a road trip in northern Greece, highlighting the Vikos Gorge – the deepest gorge in Europe by depth-to-width ratio. Hikers saw tortoises, a horned viper, and signs of bears, wolves, and vultures. The Voidomatis Springs, a crystal-clear pool at 4–7°C, provided a refreshing dip.
