Abandoned Greek islands
Abandoned Greek islands are islands left to wind and sea, where empty stone houses crumble above quiet coves, where overgrown terraces, rusted chapels and forgotten harbours sit undisturbed, and where you can walk for hours hearing only gulls and waves with no other footprints in sight.
They are islands where history feels close and melancholy, with sun-bleached ruins, wildflowers reclaiming courtyards, crystal water lapping at deserted piers, and that rare, haunting feeling of stepping onto a place time forgot, beautiful, silent and entirely your own for a moment.
| Island | Description |
|---|---|
| Alimia | Greek island 7.4 sq km between Rhodes and Halki, had small population until WWII and in recent decades has remained uninhabited — uninhabited utopic island included in Natura 2000, with abandoned settlement, church, and medieval castle ruins to explore. |
| Spinalonga | Now-uninhabited fortress island in Elounda Gulf, uninhabited since 1962, former leper colony 1904-1957, ghost town with turreted walls. |
| Delos | Completely uninhabited sacred archaeological island, birthplace of Apollo, abandoned ancient city. |
| Keros | Uninhabited Cycladic island with Early Cycladic settlement, now preserve. |
| Despotiko | Uninhabited islet with sanctuary excavation and abandoned shepherd structures. |
| Polyaigos | Largest uninhabited island in Cyclades, abandoned monastery. |
| Rineia | Large uninhabited island near Delos, burial ground, abandoned farms. |
| Saria | Off Karpathos, uninhabited with abandoned village Palatia. |
| Gyaros | Former prison island, now completely abandoned and off-limits. |
| Kinaros | Remote Dodecanese with one resident, effectively abandoned. |
| Levitha | Tiny island with only one tavern family, abandoned stone houses elsewhere. |
| Antikythera | Nearly abandoned, under 50 residents, vast empty plateaus. |
| Atokos | Private Ionian uninhabited except goats and pigs at One House Bay. |
| Moni | Uninhabited islet near Aegina with deer and peacocks only. |
| Nea Kameni | Volcanic Santorini islets uninhabited with sulfur vents. |
| Palea Kameni | Volcanic Santorini islets uninhabited with sulfur vents. |
| Chrissi | South of Crete, uninhabited cedar forest and abandoned chapel. |
| Antimilos | Uninhabited west of Milos, wild goats. |
| Kato Koufonisi | Uninhabited with abandoned houses and empty beaches. |
| Makronisos | Former prison island abandoned with ruined barracks. |
| Strongyli | Tiny islet off Kastellorizo, uninhabited. |
| Ro | Tiny island with lighthouse keeper only, mostly abandoned. |
| Paximadia | Two uninhabited islets south of Crete, abandoned shepherd huts. |
| Diaporos | Sithonia islet uninhabited, seasonal use only. |
| Anydros | Uninhabited between Amorgos and Santorini. |
| Pacheia | Uninhabited near Nisyros. |
| Arkoi | Small cluster mostly abandoned, few fishermen. |
| Agios Georgios | Many small namesake islets abandoned. |
Who it suits and why
Best for travellers fascinated by places time forgot. These islands suit explorers who love ruins, wild swimming and a sense of being alone – headed by Delos, Polyaigos, Antimilos, Despotiko, Gyaros, Alimia, Antipsara, Kato Koufonisi and the islets around Fourni which are officially uninhabited. Ideal if you want ancient temples with no ticket queues, goat-filled hillsides, and coves you can only reach by private boat.
Less suited to those who want hotels, tavernas and ease. If you want a bed, a bar, WiFi, shops and organised tours every day, abandoned islands will feel too exposed, too empty and too difficult, as most have no water, power or shelter at all.
What to keep in mind
Abandoned does not mean free to camp or build. Many are archaeological zones or Natura 2000 wildlife reserves, like Delos which is a UNESCO site with access only by 30-minute licensed boat from Mykonos and no overnight stays allowed, and Gyaros, Alimia and Polyaigos which have protected monk seals and birds. You need permission for drone use, fishing and diving, and overnighting is often prohibited.
On the ground go prepared and leave no trace. There are no ports, tavernas, water sources or medical help, so you need a licensed skipper, fuel, water, sun cover and a VHF radio, and you must take all rubbish away. Day trips run May to October when seas are calmer, but trips are cancelled in high winds and most islets have no pier so you land by small tender or swim.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alimia — Had small population until WWII, in recent decades remained uninhabited.
- https://www.tripadvisor.ie/AttractionProductReview-g189449-d15766406-Private_Day_Trip_from_Rhodes_to_Alimia_Island-Rhodes_Dodecanese_South_Aegean.html — Uninhabited utopic island Alimia Rhodes Chalki Natura 2000.
- https://www.viator.com/en-HK/tours/Rhodes/Shared-Day-Trip-from-Rhodes-to-Alimia-island/d4272-109143P248 — Small uninhabited Alimia explore abandoned settlement church medieval castle.
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinalonga — Uninhabited since 1962.
- https://www.viator.com/en-MY/Greece/d53/3 — Now-uninhabited island Spinalonga.
- https://www.getyourguide.com/kamiros-skala-l189522/alimia-visit-an-uninhabited-island-with-pristine-waters-t469970/ — Alimia Island uninhabited gem.
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Last Updated on August 16, 2026 by admin