The Best Greek Islands for Privacy in 2023
With incredible beaches and abundant history, the islands of Greece can get crowded in warmer months.
For a more relaxing Hellenic adventure, choose a quieter island - of which there are many to consider.
From car-free islands where sea taxis and donkeys are the only modes of transport, to islands with stunning, uncrowded volcanic beaches - here are some of the best Greek islands to visit if you’re seeking peace, quiet and privacy…
Piraeus Port, Athens: Jump-off point for the Greek islands
The Greek capital is likely to be your starting point for exploring the country's islands.
From the city's Piraeus Port you can take a regular car ferry, or pay a little more for a catamaran - offering more speed and comfort. 
Serifos
- Beautiful, secluded beaches
- More affordable than more famous Greek islands
- Perfect for a quiet, romantic getaway
Rugged Serifos is a wild, untamed version of more famous islands in the Cyclades archipelago.
Steep, rocky mountains drop down into gas-blue bays, and little whitewashed villages dot the windswept interior.
If you're looking for peaceful places in Greece to visit, Serifos is a rewarding choice: outside the hilltop capital Chora (Hora) and the dusty port of Livadi, the island has a semi-deserted feel.
The best way to explore is on a rental scooter or by car.
Hotel rooms and suites range from £50-200 per night in peak season, and often include things like outdoor pools and beach access.
Many suites boast kitchen facilities, meaning you can cook and dine in private.
Beach lovers are spoilt for choice on Serifos. Psili Ammos beach, for example, is much loved for its fine, golden sand and ultramarine waters, edged by shady trees. Two tavernas offer refreshments and respite from the Greek sun.
For a super-quiet beach experience, head to Sikamia, which is extremely secluded (but has no facilities whatsoever!).
Serifos is just a 6-hour ferry trip from Athens.
Saronic Gulf Islands
The three main islands in the Saronic Gulf are Hydra, Aegina, and Poros. Each offers their own dreamy charm and a wide choice of secluded beaches that are perfect for a quiet Greek island escape.
These islands are often visited together as part of a Saronic Gulf cruise.
Hydra
- No cars
- Get around by donkey or sea taxi
- Very quiet away from the port area
Famous hangout of Leonard Cohen and his muse Marianne, Hydra is a great choice for a peaceful holiday.
Indeed, no cars or any form of wheeled transport are allowed on the island (save for a few refuse trucks) - which means you have to get between beaches and towns on foot, by sea taxi, or by beach boat.
You can also get from A to B on a donkey or horse - you'll find plenty of these by the port.
A government decree in the 1950s banned wheeled transport in an effort to preserve Hydra's character - and it's been extremely successful.
While the port itself can be busy - largely due to day trippers from the mainland or other islands - it doesn't take long to find a quiet, people-free track.
Easily one of the best Greek islands to visit if you love tranquillity (or donkeys!).
Aegina
- Just 1 hour from Athens
- Temple of Aphaia
- Byzantine ruins
More stunning beaches await you on Aegina, as well as a number of ancient sites, including the 5th century Temple of Aphaia and the fabulous Byzantine Paleochora ruins.
It can get a little busier on weekends when the Athenians arrive (the capital's Piraeus port is just 27 km away from the capital), creating an interesting mix of city dweller and laid-back islander.
Pistachios are one of the island's chief exports, so you'll see these delicious green nuts in everything from cakes to liquors!
Poros
- Great snorkelling
- Forest walks
- Historic ruins
Idyllic beaches, a lush forested interior and a series of walkable hills are the main draws of Poros, which is another favourite among Athenian weekenders.
Alongside watersports, swimming and sunbathing, there's diving to be enjoyed in the island's crystal-clear waters.
The Poros Archaeological Museum is a must for history buffs. Among the many artefacts are a pedestal of a bust of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, and a 480 BC decree on the Persian invasion.
The Temple of Poseidon is also an interesting day out, although there isn’t much left to see!
The ruins of an old Russian naval base are also worth visiting.
Milos
- Incredible volcanic coastal formations
- Dazzling beaches and azure-blue water
- Many relaxing, uncrowded spots
If you're staying on one of the headline Greek islands such as Santorini or Mykonos and the crowds are getting to you, why not hop on a ferry to peaceful Milos?
Formed of a central caldera edged by volcanic arches, the coast of Milos is an ongoing source of visual pleasure. Colourful rock formations of red, pink and white make it one of the most Instagrammable Greek islands.
Best of all, perhaps, is the lack of crowds; the island is big enough to find your own peaceful spot, whether by the sea, or inland - where innumerable picturesque villages await discovery.
The world-famous Venus de Milo statue was found here in 1820, and while that artefact is housed in the Louvre, it's a reminder of the island's rich historical past.
But the real draw of Milos is the beaches. Among the finest are Tsigrado, Fyriplaka and Sarakiniko - combining to make Milos one of the most rewarding and relaxing places in Greece to visit.
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