How to explore Greece’s lesser-known islands like an area

A perennial favorite amongst holidaymakers, Greece consistently ranks among the many top 10 holiday destinations in Europe.

But now he wants tourists to explore lesser-known places across the country 1000’s of vast islands.

“We transcend the ocean and the sun. We wish to extend the tourist season each in time and in space,” Olympia Anastasopoulou, secretary general for tourism policy and development on the Greek Ministry of Tourism, told CNBC Travel.

To this end, the country is investing in its more distant locations, including Syros, Amorgos and Milos, as a part of the “All you wish is Greece” campaign.

To mitigate over-tourism, popular destinations equivalent to Mykonos and Santorini are being modified to seasonal destinations.

“Our goal is to make these islands develop more seasonally. We would love to see tourism expanded in other months,” said Eleni Mitraki, director of tourism promotion at Greece’s National Tourism Organization, noting that the season could run from March to November.

The plans coincide with the expansion of direct flights from the United States to Greece in March 2023.

Currently, Germany and the UK represent the most important markets for inbound tourism to Greece by way of revenue, followed by the US, France and Italy. However, Anastasopoulou said further growth was expected from other markets, particularly Canada and India.

Here are CNBC Travel’s best picks to get you off the beaten track in Greece.

A paradise for climbers

Located within the Greek island chain of the Dodecanese within the southeastern Aegean Sea, Kalymnos is legendary for sponge diving – underwater diving to gather natural sponges from the seabed – which brought the island considerable wealth and recognition within the previous century.

Recently, the island has change into a world famous destination climberswith greater than 3000 climbing routes encompassing the many bluffs, caves and overhangs of its rugged landscape.

The peak of the tourist season in Kalymnos is in autumn with the Kalymnos Climbing Festival which takes place most years. But adventure lovers can rejoice all yr round, with plenty to do other activities including diving, climbing and boating.

How to get there: Kalymnos is definitely reached by boat from nearby Kos, taking 45 minutes by ferry and 25 minutes by speedboat. It can also be accessible by plane from Athens.

A paradise for history lovers

Ios, also referred to as Io or Nio, is situated between Santorini and Naxos and was once seen solely as a celebration destination. But the island of the Cyclades has modified its image in recent times to embrace it historical and natural values.

Home to certainly one of the oldest archaeological settlements in Greece, the Skarkos Monument, Ios also boasts a powerful connection to the Greek epic poet, Homer, who is alleged to have favored the island and certain ended his days there.

In addition to the history, visitors to Ios also can explore the numerous beaches and climbing and snorkeling spots before sampling the local cheeses for which the island is legendary.

How to get there: There is not any airport on Ios. The island could be reached by ferry or speedboat each from Athens and other Cycladic islands. It will also be reached by helicopter from Santorini.

The joy of movie lovers

Skopelos became famous because the filming location for the hit musical comedy “Mamma Mia” and has since change into a preferred destination for weddings, honeymooners and film trips.

Part of the Skopelos archipelago within the northwestern Aegean Sea, the island connects wonderful beaches and picturesque villages with a number of diving, sailing and cycling routes.

Legend has it that the island was founded by the son of the Greek god of wine. And although many vineyards were destroyed by pests within the Nineteen Forties, small-scale domestic production continues to today. Meanwhile, native plums, almonds, chestnuts, figs, citrus fruits, olives adorn the local cuisine.

How to get there: Skopelos could be reached by ferry or speedboat from the port city of Volos on the Greek mainland. Services are provided all yr round, with additional routes from other islands being added through the season.

Walking retreat

One of the most important islands of the Cyclades and just two hours from the Greek mainland, mountainous Andros has varied landscape forests, waterfalls, beaches and native vegetation, making it the right place for an out of doors getaway.

Visitors can explore the island through its large network of climbing trailsor try your hand at windsurfing or scuba diving before sampling the local cuisine.

Art and culture lovers can try Andros’ collection of monasteries, galleries and museums, including the Andros Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

How to get there: There is not any airport in Andros. The island could be reached by ferry from Rafina Port on the outskirts of Athens.

The island of innovation

Astypalea, certainly one of the Dodecanese islands, has a wealthy ancient history. But it’s firmly positioned within the twenty first century with the goal of becoming the primary a sustainable and smart island Mediterranean.

As a part of the agreement with the Greek government i Volkswagen, Astypalea plans to implement zero-emission mobility across the island by 2030, with traditional vehicle sharing replaced by electric cars, e-scooters and e-bikes. Charging points and renewable energy sources may even appear elsewhere.

Tourists arriving on the Butterfly Island it may well also enjoy a natural landscape, home to beautiful beaches, rocky slopes and diverse natural world, in addition to picturesque villages with white houses covered with bougainvillea.

How to get there: Astypalea is accessible from Athens by each ferry and plane.

Island hopping

Surrounded by a necklace of 24 islets with dozens of blue-green beaches, Lipsi within the Dodecanese is taken into account Aegean Polynesia and an eco-paradise.

With wealthy momentum Flora and fauna protected by the European Union, the island is home to a wide range of wildlife, including monk seals and sea turtles. Dolphins are also common in the realm and latest Aegean marine life reserve for dolphins is on account of open on the island soon.

Vacationers can spend just a few days boating, snorkeling, beach living and climbing before sampling seafood dishes and experiencing local festivals equivalent to the August Wine Festival.

How to get there: Lipsi can only be reached by ferry or speedboat with regular services from Athens and Leros.

The joy of divers

Alonissos, a part of the Sporades group of islands, is a diving paradise and destination first underwater museum. Featuring the “Parthenon of Shipwrecks”, certainly one of the most important classical-era shipwrecks, dating to 425 BC, it offers recreational divers a novel insight into the region’s history.

The island can also be home to National Marine Park of Alonissos and the Northern Sporadesnow the most important marine protected area in Europe, giving visitors the chance to see a wide selection of plants and animals.

Canoeing, climbing and cycling are amongst others classes available on the island, and museums and an area theater group showcase the island’s art and culture.

How to get there: Alonissos could be reached by plane or ferry from the ports of Volos, Agios Konstantinos and Kimi.