Travel + Leisure: How to have the perfect island vacation in Greece - top destinations

Four lesser-known Greek islands in the Aegean are recommended by Travel+ Leisure for this summer. 

The leading American magazine notes that "the aegean island of the moment seems to change every summer. We’ve uncovered this year’s must-know isles—along with how to get there, where to stay, and, of course, what to Instagram."

Sími

The ongoing search for quiet hangouts has led intellectuals and history buffs to Sími, where there's been an uptick in colorful hotels.

Getting There

Fly in to Rhodes (there are nonstop flights from multiple European cities), then take a one-hour express ferry.

Home Base

The atmospheric Old Markets hotel (doubles from $942) is a registered national monument with 10 antique-filled suites.

Photo Op

Travel specialist Elena Papanicolaou of Fly Me to the Moon recommends hiking up to the top of the old town of Horio to see the crumbling remnants of a castle built by the Knights of St. John.

Hydra

The bohemian and fashion sets (Leonard Cohen, Chloë Sevigny) have alighted here, joining forces to create a happening art scene.

Getting There

Take a two-hour hydrofoil from Piraeus, which is only a 20-minute drive from Athens.

Home Base

Hydra is either about simple, charming guesthouses like Orloff (doubles from $160) and Cotommatae Hydra 1810 (doubles from $181) or villa rentals. Five Star Greece can help.

Photo Op

The Deste Foundation, a cutting-edge gallery in a former slaughterhouse, is a must-visit.

Páros

Despite its great beaches, easy access, and a variety of watersports, Páros remains off the radar—which is why families head here to avoid the crowds.

Getting There

Take a 40-minute flight from Athens or a three- to four-hour boat ride from Piraeus.

Home Base

Páros has plenty of hotels, but big broods are better off spreading out in a villa. White Key Villas offers all types of rentals, including the brand-new, five-bedroom Villa Iro (groups of 10 from $15,146 per week).

Photo Op

Look out for the weathered blue furniture spilling from low-key tavernas to the water’s edge in the harbor.

Folegandros

Thanks to an increase in nonstop flights to neighboring Santorini, this unsung Cycladic island is on the verge of wider discovery.

Getting There

Fly to Santorini, then take a 90-minute ferry (between May and October); or take a four-hour ferry (year-round) from Piraeus.

Home Base

The simple but lovely Anemomilos apartments (doubles from $281) have sensational views thanks to their cliff-clinging setting.

Photo Op

Local fashion designer Christina Economou suggests hiking up to the church of Panagia. It’s the island’s biggest religious building, and it looks out across the archipelago.

Read more here.

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