The lush islands offering a taste of Greece before mass tourism

The strikingly austere charm of Santorini and Mykonos undoubtedly holds allure; however, perhaps this summer offers an opportunity to discover their more verdant aspects instead. Greek islands A journey to the Sporades – comprising Skiathos , Skopelos, Alonissos, and Skyros, along with several uninhabited islands—means wandering through aromatic pine groves, meandering around mountain-top villages, swimming in some of Greece’s crystal-clear waters, and even spotting rare fauna and historic shipwrecks.

Thanks to direct flights offered by easyJet and Jet2 from the UK to Skiathos starting in May, exploring the Sporades islands has become more convenient than ever, with each island boasting its own unique appeal.

Skiathos

Boasting vibrant energy yet offering tranquil spots for relaxation along the clear blue Aegean Sea, Skiathos attracts tourists with over 60 unspoiled beaches, nearly 200 kilometers of hiking paths, historic sites, and lively Skiathos Town which also features some night entertainment options.

Do

No holiday in Skiathos is complete without a walk along the sands at Koukounaries – a sweeping golden crescent backed by pine forests, its name derived from the Greek word “koukounari”, meaning pinecone. Anyone wanting a history fix will enjoy exploring the remains of the Venetian Bourtzi fortress or hiking to Kastro, the ancient fortified capital of Skiathos, while the house-museum dedicated to celebrated author Alexandros Papadiamantis offers an introduction to one of the island’s most famous residents and a Greek literary great. End your day with a glass of the island’s finest at the Parissis Winery.

Eat and drink

Enjoy a sophisticated twist on traditional dishes at Paraxenos in Skiathos Town, or savor dinner accompanied by stunning sunset vistas at Platanos. If you're looking for breakfast or an evening cocktail, visit the bar at Bourtzi. Meanwhile, stopping for coffee amidst the garden setting at Athos café, located beside the monastery in Moni Evaggelistrias village, offers a pleasant respite.

Stay

For those who want to be right in the middle of all the excitement in Skiathos Town, consider staying at Skiathos Senses, where double rooms start at £125 per night. Elivi Skiathos Located near Koukounaries, this place offers a more upscale experience with room rates starting at £210.

Skopelos

Referred to as the genuine "Mamma Mia Island" — although some parts of the movie were filmed on Skiathos too — Skopelos maintains its relaxed ambiance and original charm even after gaining fame from the successful film. Over fifty percent of the island is blanketed by untouched pine forests, where the terrain provides an abundance of olives, plums, almonds, and pine honey.

Do

Stroll through the winding lanes of Skopelos Town and visit the 13th-century Venetian stronghold, then ascend to the magnificent Agios Ioannis chapel — perched at an impressive height of 100 meters over the sea — which served as the backdrop for the nuptial scenes in "Mamma Mia!" After your trekking adventure, unwind among the quaint houses in the tranquil upland village of Glossa, followed by relaxing on Milia Beach, considered one of the loveliest spots on the island.

Eat and drink

Try kolokithokeftedes (courgette fritters) and stuffed squid at Stou Dimitraki in Skopelos Town, followed by an after-dinner drink at Vrachos Cocktail Bar. For a taste of village life, order the catch of the day at Flisvos in Loutraki, or hearty souvlaki pita wraps at To Louki in Glossa.

Stay

Doubles at Natura Boutique Luxury Hotel In charming Loutraki, you can begin at £135. If you prefer a resort atmosphere with convenient access to Skopelos Town, choose instead. Skopelos Village Hotel , which has rooms from £115.

Alonissos

Alonissos may be just 14km long and 4km wide, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in secluded coves, a postcard-perfect Old Town, and a fascinating range of marine life – good things come in small packages, as they say. Beloved for its friendly feel and gentle pace, Alonissos is the living embodiment of “siga siga” (“slowly slowly”): a local expression which espouses a lack of hurry and an altogether gentler approach to life.

Do

Take a dip at the distinctive crescent-shaped Agios Dimitrios Beach, explore sandy shallows at Chrisi Milia, and enjoy an afternoon resting beneath the olive trees at Megalos Mourtias. Together with six nearby isles, this island is part of the National Marine Park of Alonissos — Europe’s biggest marine sanctuary, which shelters the endangered Mediterranean monk seal.

Inland, you'll find the Mediterranean Seal Information Center located in Patitiri, managed by The Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal, commonly referred to as MOm. Meanwhile, underwater enthusiasts can explore an ancient shipwreck near the island of Peristera; this archaeological site dates from approximately 425 BCE. As night approaches, meander through the charming old town (known locally as Chora) or enjoy leisurely conversations along the waterfront promenade at the harbor of Patitiri.

Eat and drink

If you haven't dined among the vineyards at the Old Town's Astrofegia, then you've missed out on experiencing this location fully. Meanwhile, Thea provides stunning vistas along with innovative twists on classic Greek dishes such as savory feta and manouri "cheesecakes," alongside Alonissos tuna paired with linguine, zucchini, and capers. To enjoy a drink before or after your meal, head over to Hayati for some tsipouro accompanied by live Greek tunes, or unwind with cocktails in the courtyard at Piperi.

Stay

You'll discover stylish accommodations featuring direct pool access and vistas of the Aegean in the heart of the Old Town. Aletri Swim Up Hotel , with doubles starting at £130. For an eco-friendly option, consider staying at the Ikion Eco Boutique Hotel, located just a brief stroll from the Port of Patitiri, offering accommodations for as low as £89.

Skyros

Although Skyros is the biggest member of its island group, it receives the fewest visitors — which makes this southern outpost perhaps the most untouched. Pine forests cover the north part of the island, whereas the south showcases a more rugged and untamed charm. This varied terrain forms an impressive setting behind the white cube-shaped houses of Chora, serving as a natural haven for Skyros’s cutest residents: small Skyrian horses, akin to Greek versions of Shetland ponies.

Do

Spend a day relaxing on the beaches of Magazia or Molos, then delve into some local history with visits to the Byzantine fortress or the Bronze Age settlement at the Palamari archaeological site, or explore folk traditions at the Faltaits Museum. For animal enthusiasts, plan a visit to Mouries Farm. Those seeking tranquility and insight into Greek Orthodoxy can find both by ascending to the Agios Georgios Monastery.

Eat and drink

Enjoy the ladopita pie filled with regional cheese and Skyrian goat in lemon sauce at Taverna Agios Petros, or choose fresh seafood at Asimenos instead. If you're looking for a freddo espresso or an evening beer, head over to Rodon, which is a popular spot among locals.

Stay

Combine whitewashed architecture and private plunge pools at ALERÓ Seaside Skyros , where you can get rooms for £80 double occupancy including breakfast, or opt for self-catering options Anemonisia Deluxe Apartments from £65.

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