Greek islands in August - which are the least busy??

[Minitoots]

We're thinking of going to Greece in August after having braved 40 degree heat in Montenegro last year. Would it be hotter than that?

I've been to Thassoss and Andros years and years ago but would like any suggestions for less touristy islands, if there is such a thing in August! We would want to be able to swim off rocks or jetties or ideally find somewhere with a quiet beach.

We'd prefer not to have a long ferry crossing, either!!

I've had a very quick look at a couple of online articles about quieter islands, and wondered if any of these might be what we are after...

Meganisi

Alonnisos, Sporades

Kastelorizo, Dodecanese

Milos, Cyclades

Syros, Cyclades

Ikaria, eastern Aegean

Ithaca, Ionian

Paxos, Ionian

Tilos, Dodecanese

Hydra (too busy?? Sounds quite convenient for getting to....

[Norfolkvillas]

The only one I've been to from your list is Ithaca which is just stunning and totally unspoilt. The water is some of the most crystalline and mesmerizing I've encountered this side of the Maldives. In high season you can fly direct to Kefalonia and then it's a short drive across to the ferry port Sami and then onto Ithaca. There's one ferry route which is the shortest possible and takes about 15 mins but goes less frequently. The other goes directly into Vathy, Ithaca's main "town" (more like a very picturesque large fishing village in what I think is the world's only bay within a bay) and takes 1 hr something.

Haven't been in Aug, I bet it gets busy with Greek families, but doubt very sincerely that it is overrun with holiday makers of the non-Greek variety.

Disclaimer - this was about 5 years ago, so you'd need to double check the times etc as I might not be remembering 100% accurately.

Other good things about the Ionian Islands apart from the amazing, amazing water, and unspoiltness, are that the Ionians aren't as far south as say the Cyclades, and so not as hot, and also as they're on the west side of Greece, they're a shorter flight time from the UK.

Hope this helps!

[Minitoots]

Wow Norfolkvillas, that is really great info! thanks a lot.

[alieh]

Would you consider the Pelopponese, staying on the mainland? We went to the Northern bit that was an easy 2 hour transfer from Athens. The Western bit is supposed to be great but more like 3-4 hour transfer. There were some amazing hotels on the I-escape website. We rented an amazing villa through Pretty Greek Villas in a completely off the beaten track location where barely anyone spoke English.

[ClareC]

I've been to Meganisi, Ithaca and Paxos - all lovely! Off to Hydra this year.

Quiet Greek islands are a true gem, just a stones throw away. If you can sail I would recommend a sailing holiday island hopping! Can't do that myself at the moment ( two small children) but have done so in the past and loved it!

May and September ideal - good weather in the day, not too hot at night to sleep.

Edited to add; the harder an island is to get too the less crowded it is in my experience.

Avoid islands with airports!

[LauraHW]

I was going to ask (and sorry to slightly hijack the thread) for similar suggestions for Greek islands in September. We're looking for a really easy holiday with a 3 yo and a 3 month old. Baby friendly boltholes have some villas in Crete.

[Giacomelli]

We went to Ithaca in October - it was empty! I am told it's a bit busier in August, but at least all the good restaurants were open then... our only option was goat stew. It is a really lovely island and we had such a relaxing time. The rocky beaches will always be less busy, so bring a strong pair of flip flops. I really recommend doing the walking tour of Odysseus Palace. You need to like cats though... they are everywhere!