Kythira tops the list of 7 island destinations for quality relaxation holidays in Greece, in a feature on the website. travel.gr.
We read in the article entitled «No beach bars, crowds, or pretentiousness: 7 Greek islands for a quality relaxing vacation»:
These days, social media and lifestyle news outlets are increasingly filled with images from Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, and other world-famous popular destinations. This is due to their natural beauty, cosmopolitan character, and truly endless entertainment options.
But there are other places in Greece. For those who prefer to vacation without crowds, without noisy beach bars, without bringing their urban daily life and habits to their vacation destination. There are still Greek islands where you can have a truly relaxing vacation, without sunbeds, without queues at taverns and restaurants, without having to worry about finding a spot on the beach. Here are 7 options that are perfect for travelers who see their vacation as a chance to «detox.».
Bakeries of Ikaria
One of the few places in Greece where you can still get a real sense of an unexplored destination. From the picturesque cafes in the main square to the beautiful beaches, many of which can be reached on foot, local delicacies such as orange juice produced in a workshop on the island or thyme honey, and the exceptional kindness of the locals, everything in Fournoi acts as an escape valve from the stressful daily routine of big cities.
In Furnaces, i.e. the island of the same name and the even smaller Thymaina with 150 permanent residents, you will not come so much to see the sights as to experience the illusion of being a local. But also to taste. It is the Greek destination where you can enjoy high-quality fish and seafood such as lobsters and shrimp at incredibly good prices.
Lipsos
Here you will not find beach bars or sun loungers. You can take your car, but you will find that it is probably unnecessary. A short while ago, the municipality of Lipsi, which is a pioneer in the «sun lounger-free» travel experience, released videos highlighting the island's beauty and encouraging visitors to enjoy their holidays by taking a break from their excessive dependence on technology, with their swimsuits, a towel, and a book.
On the beaches of Lipsi, you will usually find space to set up your umbrella or a tree for natural shade. In the taverns and ouzo bars of the picturesque harbor, you will enjoy top-quality food. There are more than a few spots for wonderful Instagram-worthy sunsets without having to jostle for position to photograph them. The only small exceptions to this wonderful slow living experience are the festival at Panagia tou Harou on August 23 and the wine festival in the same month.
Skyros
The southernmost and largest island of the Sporades is an excellent destination for those seeking tranquility. In Skyros, you will have a different perception of the island's natural landscape depending on where you stay. The northern part, like the rest of the Sporades, is «green.» With pine forests and dense vegetation. The south is more reminiscent of the Cycladic «xeraila.» In Skyros You will swim at exceptional beaches, which are usually unorganized. You will enjoy fish and seafood at affordable prices. You will see the great archaeological site at Palamari -less than fifty years ago, a prehistoric settlement dating back 4,500 years was discovered there.
You will visit one of the farms where they live, are protected, and reproduce. Skian horses, a rare breed of small horses. Above all, you will enjoy a quality vacation and peaceful days in a place where you forget that it is less than 4 hours by car and ferry from Attica.
Kimolos
Her choice seems incongruous in a tribute to this theme, as the Cycladic island, which is very close to the larger and more popular Milos, is now a well-known destination. However, this does not mean that it is not the right place for a relaxing vacation. Tourism here is geared towards couples and families, its beaches are just as beautiful as those of Milos but less crowded, and the nightlife in Chora emphasizes relaxation and quality rather than noise and commotion.
In addition, the day trip by boat to Polyaigos, the largest uninhabited island in the Cyclades, where you can swim in unique waters, is one of the top experiences in the Aegean Sea. If you have previously had a more «intense» vacation on another Cycladic island, Kimolos is the ideal place to «unwind» before returning home.
Kythera
‘One of the most beautiful islands in Greece has been firmly established on the tourist map for several years now. But that doesn't mean that, due to the island's large size, you won't find places here where you can isolate yourself on an island reminiscent of the Cyclades, the Ionian Islands, and mainland Greece all at once. The leisurely travel experience begins with the boat that will take you to the island from Neapolis. It sails very slowly, putting you in a relaxed mood from the start. In Kythira, you will eat excellent food. You will see places of incredible natural beauty, such as the Fonissa waterfall in Mylopotamos, a place with natural shade from plane trees, colorful dragonflies, and icy waters, which does not discourage many from diving in. You will enjoy your coffee or drink in the mountain village of Potamos, where there is a bazaar every Sunday.
You will swim at beautiful beaches, both organized and unorganized. Here, a necessary clarification is needed. Many of the island's beautiful shores, such as Melidoni or the Kaladi They are accessed via a difficult dirt road. It is advisable to rent a car if you do not want to damage your own. Those who love true isolation may choose to spend a few days in Antikythira, the island located halfway between Kythira and Crete. However, if you choose Kythira for your vacation, be sure to set aside a day for an excursion to Pot. The islet near the port of Kapsali with the sea cave where seals find refuge.
Old Trikeri
Pelion is not only known for its beautiful beaches and lush greenery. It also has an island that most people are unaware of. Paleo Trikeri is located in the southern part of Pelion, a short distance from the shores of the Pagasetic Gulf. The island, which was used as a place of exile for women during the civil war and until 1953, offers the ultimate experience of isolation. Of course, there are no sunbeds on its beaches, but there is plenty of shade from the olive trees. At its ouzo bars, you can order «tsipouro and meze» and enjoy delicious seafood and tsitsirayla, the greens served as appetizers in the tsipouro taverns of Volos.
There are no cars in Old Trikeri, but you can walk around the entire village in 2-3 hours. There are some rooms to rent, as well as a unique accommodation option. The Monastery of Evangelistria, where you must inform them in advance that you are interested in staying (telephone 24230-55207). It is located at the highest point of the island, on a flat area like Old Trikeri translates to an altitude of only 129 meters. If you choose this particular destination, it is worth bringing plenty of books with you to read in the shade of the olive trees. And, of course, don't choose it if you have the slightest doubt that such a «low-key» destination is right for you.
Lemnos
Η Lemnos It is an island that is ideal for travelers of all types, except party animals. You will come here for the beautiful coastline that combines small coves and sandy beaches. To do or learn water sports, as people from all over the world do. To admire the unique architecture of the island's settlements, with their beautiful stone buildings.
To see the famous sand dunes of Limnos up close. An extremely rare and otherworldly place covering an area of 70 hectares reminiscent of the Sahara. To enjoy the products of Lemnos' land and gastronomy Among them are Lemnos PDO cheese, basketι, pasta, rusks, and above all wine whose reputation has spread beyond Greece's borders. Above all, to vacation in a place that manages to resist the siren call of mass tourism.
