Greek islands to Avoid

There are some Greek islands that should be avoided- Not necessarily because of any one issue, but because of serious access problems, legal issues, protection status and the conditions on the islands.

Island to Avoid — Reason
Keros Archaeologically protected, largely inaccessible, uninhabited, and not a functional tourism island despite enormous historical importance in Cycladic civilization.
Polyaigos — Spectacular visually, but effectively a remote uninhabited boat-excursion destination rather than a practical island to visit independently or stay on.
Nea Kameni — A volcanic excursion site rather than a true travel island; barren, hot, exposed, and visited almost entirely via short tours from Santorini.
Palea Kameni — Similar logic to Nea Kameni: geothermal stopover rather than inhabitable or destination-style island experience.
Gyaros — Historically associated with prison camps and political exile, environmentally protected, largely inaccessible, and lacking tourism infrastructure entirely.
Makronisos — Historically important but associated with military and exile-camp history; not a recreational or practical tourism island.
Aspronisi — Essentially a barren volcanic rock near Santorini with no meaningful tourism or settlement function.
Saliagos — Archaeologically significant tiny islet between Paros and Antiparos, but not a destination island in any practical sense.
Strongyli — Extremely remote, tiny, strategically peripheral, and not meaningfully integrated into mainstream Greek-island travel.

When and Why?

They’re best suited to niche users—researchers, experienced sailors, or highly self-sufficient travellers—rather than typical visitors. There’s no accommodation, no services, and often no reliable access, so they’re not viable for holidays or living. In practical terms, they function more as visual or exploratory targets rather than destinations. For almost all travellers, they’re exclusion zones in decision-making, not realistic options to consider.

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Last Updated on May 25, 2026 by admin