Get Lost in Lesvos

There’s a reason why millions flock to the picturesque crystal waters and white washed hillside villages of the Greek Islands. Quite simply it is heaven on earth. But too many discerning travellers are becoming disillusioned by the hordes of travellers that smother the charm of this stunning locale.

woman with drive has found some of Greece’s hidden gems so that you won’t have to share your souvlaki.

Lesvos

Greece’s third largest island, Lesvos has a colourful, rich history, and incomparable beauty. The lush, natural environment makes for the perfect backdrop against the sapphire blue water. Beautiful beaches, archeological museums, fossilised forests, and energising hot springs, there is endless choice as to how you spend your time on Lesvos. If secluded island life is the escape you crave, perhaps a private island might be your style? Villa Faros on the island of Lesvos is an island property that can be rented out for the perfect private holiday.

Crete

Legendary birthplace of Zeus, modern day Crete can thank the gods for blessing it as an epicenter of good food, good wine and good company. An ideal destination to experience true Greek culture with all the luxuries of an island getaway, Crete sees its fair share of tourists. However, the largest of the Greek islands is truly a hidden gem in plain sight, with such diversity and space that anyone can find their perfect getaway. Shop markets, dine on fresh seafood, hike Europe’s largest gorge, ride through pine forests, or lie on pristine white sand beaches. Life is good.

Symi

A well kept secret of the glamorous and wealthy, sparkling jewel Symi can be found just off the coast of Turkey and is a favourite among yachters and highflying jetsetters. The main bay of Yalos could be mistaken for a painting with hills decorated in stunning Neo-classical architecture and warm hues of indigo, terracotta and ochre. The island is home to stunning beaches, most only accessible by boat so you can be guaranteed to find a little bit of paradise all to yourself.

Ikaria

Greek island life is known for running on an entirely different time schedule to the rest of the world. Specific times are unheard of and ‘soon’ could mean any time from now. But there is ‘Greek time’ and then there is Ikarian time. The island of Ikaria is a peaceful little bubble where the locals move at their own pace. The day begins at midday but stores are open until the early hours of the morning, accommodating the local’s fondness for throwing huge parties in the town square. It’s worth visiting Ikaria just to experience this extreme deviation from life’s regular routine, but make sure you’re in no hurry.

Paros

Paros has all the beauty of Santorini’s white washed walls and Mykonos’s crystal clear waters, with just the right smattering of bars and its share of Byzantine history – all made the more alluring by the lack of tourist hordes. The charming seaside village of Parikia is built around the ruins of a medieval castle and stretches along the pebbled coast. Spend your days exploring the rugged landscape dotted with historical relics or lunching in one of the beach side cafes with crystal waters lapping at your feet. For a truly magical experience, take a tour to the small island of Antiparos and go snorkeling along sheer white limestone cliffs in the most unbelievably ice blue water.

If the Greek Islands are your ultimate destination then you may even want to consider investing in your very own. You can purchase an uninhabited island to turn into your own private oasis through an agent such as Private Islands Online, or book an amazing hotel stay with Mrs and Mrs Smith.

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