Best remote Greek islands

Best remote Greek islands

Best remote Greek islands are for when you want to properly disappear for a while, far from the usual ferry routes, trading busy ports and packed beaches for wild coastlines, tiny harbour villages, and slow days where not much happens beyond swimming, walking, and finding a quiet taverna in the evening.

Greek islands to avoid Mosquitos

This guide compares each island based on remoteness, accessibility, atmosphere, and seasonal conditions to find places that feel genuinely far-flung and still work for a proper stay, with enough places to stay and eat, rather than just being quiet for an afternoon.

IslandDescription
KastellorizoGreece’s easternmost inhabited island, lies 125 km east of Rhodes and just 2 km from Turkish coast, distance Athens-Kastellorizo 566 km, ferry from Athens 20-22 hours twice a week, most remote.
RoUninhabited islet west of Kastellorizo, zero residents, no ferry and no infrastructure, part of Kastellorizo complex 125 km east of Rhodes, elite remote.
StrongyliUninhabited volcanic islet east of Kastellorizo, easternmost Greek territory, zero access, most remote Greek point.
Gavdos150 residents, southernmost Europe, distance Athens-Gavdos 549 km, ferry only from Sfakia Crete, most remote southern.
Othonoi390 residents, westernmost Greece in Diapontia, dispersed settlement and limited ferry, remote Ionian frontier.
Antikythera40 residents, isolated between Kythira and Crete with weekly ferry, near-zero density and no nightlife, elite remote.
Anafi270 residents, eastern Cyclades isolation, very low density and one ferry per day, remote Cycladic outpost.
Donousa160 residents, Small Cyclades isolation, negligible traffic and limited ferry, remote Aegean.
Agathonisi200 residents, northern Dodecanese near Samos, tiny harbor and limited ferry, remote frontier near Turkey.
Levitha2 residents, private family islet between Amorgos and Leros with no public ferry, remote central Aegean.
Kinaros1 resident, tiny islet between Amorgos and Leros with no regular ferry, most remote uninhabited Aegean.
Tilos780 residents, very low density and no nightlife, rugged Dodecanese with limited ferry, remote but viable.
Chalki500 residents, low density and no nightlife, car-free sanctuary west of Rhodes, remote Dodecanese.
Kasos1,000 residents dispersed, remote Dodecanese between Karpathos and Crete with limited flights, elite remote.
Karpathos6,567 residents in 2021, isolated between Rhodes and Crete, traffic and seasonal bars but remote geography.
SariaZero residents, uninhabited islet north of Karpathos with no ferry, remote Dodecanese satellite.
Erikoussa230 residents, Diapontia islet north of Corfu with limited ferry, remote Ionian western edge.
Mathraki170 residents, tiny Diapontia islet with boat connection, negligible traffic, remote westernmost inhabited.
Agios Efstratios270 residents, remote North Aegean with limited ferry, minimal traffic and no nightlife, isolated.
Psara400 residents, remote North Aegean west of Chios with limited ferry, historic isolation.
Schinoussa260 residents, low density and no nightlife, Small Cyclades but more frequent ferry than Score 5, very remote.
Irakleia150 residents, minimal commercial activity and no nightlife, Small Cyclades isolation with daily ferry.
Sikinos270 residents, extremely low density and no nightlife, eastern Cyclades remote but more accessible than Anafi.

Who it suits and why

Best for travellers who want real disconnection. These islands suit those who are happy with one or two villages, a handful of tavernas, and days built around swimming, reading, and walking rather than sightseeing. You will be sharing beaches with locals rather than crowds.

Less suited to those who want choice and convenience. If you want luxury hotels, beach clubs, shopping, or a wide range of restaurants and boat trips on tap, a larger or more popular island will be a better fit.

What to keep in mind

Remote means more complicated logistics. Most of these islands have no airport and are served by only 2-4 ferries a week, often from Athens which is a 5 to 10 hour sailing. Connections can be delayed or cancelled in high winds, so you need buffer time.

Facilities on the ground are basic by design. Accommodation is often family-run rooms rather than hotels with reception and daily service, and the only ATM, petrol station and pharmacy may be in the port. You will almost always need a car or scooter, and beaches are usually completely unorganised with no sunbeds, shade, or water sports.

Sources

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Last Updated on August 4, 2026 by admin