Hidden Cyclades Islands 2026: 7 Escapes Most Tourists Never Find
2026: The Year Smart Travelers Skip the Postcards
Peak Cyclades tourism is noisier than ever. Santorini cruise ships unload 15,000 passengers on a sunny day. Mykonos August gridlocks its two-lane road daily. The Instagram crowd has done what Instagram does.
Meanwhile, seven Cyclades islands keep their low profile, their food serious, and their coastlines quiet. This guide is the insider's map to hidden Cyclades — where to go, how to get there, and what makes each worth the effort.
Planning your trip? Book ferry tickets early (some of these have limited sailings). Rent a car (on bigger islands) or bring your scooter license. Pair with a Mykonos.Luxury or Athina Luxury Suites week-end to contrast the ends of the Cyclades spectrum.
TL;DR — The 7 Hidden Islands
- Folegandros — The clifftop Chora everyone photographs once they find it
- Sikinos — The quietest Cycladic island with inhabitants
- Donoussa — The hike-and-swim paradise
- Kimolos — Milos's cheaper, calmer neighbor
- Anafi — The last island before Crete, volcanic and wild
- Iraklia & Schinoussa — Small Cyclades swim-and-eat escapes
- Serifos — Low-profile, traditional, fantastic food
1. Folegandros: The Clifftop Secret
Vibe: Chora 200m above the sea, dramatic clifftop sunset bars, hiking paths to secret coves. Best for: Honeymoons (quiet version), couples, return visitors. Getting there: Ferry Piraeus → Folegandros 4h 30min, €55–80. Also via Santorini (1h) or Milos (1h 20min). Where to stay: Anemomilos, Blue Sand Beach Hotel, Folegandros Apartments (€100–300/night). Don't miss: Sunset in Chora, Katergo Beach hike, dinner at Pounta or Chic Hotel restaurant. See also: Folegandros guide.
2. Sikinos: The Quietest
Vibe: 240 inhabitants, zero beach clubs, one beach road, ancient temples converted into churches. Best for: Writers, introverts, people hiding from the world. Getting there: Ferry Piraeus → Sikinos 7–8h. Easier via Santorini or Folegandros. Where to stay: Porto Sikinos (€90–170/night), traditional rooms in Chora (€60–100). Don't miss: Episkopi church (5th century), Maltas Beach, tavernas in Kastro. See also: Sikinos guide.
3. Donoussa: The Hiker's Paradise
Vibe: 200 inhabitants, 4 accessible beaches, a walking path network, Kedros beach for skinny-dipping, Saturday-night single taverna fills with everyone. Best for: Slow travelers, solo writers, couples with days for hiking. Getting there: Ferry via Naxos (1h 30min). Where to stay: Simple guesthouses €50–100/night. Don't miss: Walk Stavros → Kedros → Livadi, octopus at Captain Yiorgos taverna. See also: Donoussa guide.
4. Kimolos: Milos's Hidden Side
Vibe: Volcanic geology like Milos but half the tourists, Prassa beach turquoise, Chorio old town unchanged. Best for: Milos lovers who want quieter, geology enthusiasts. Getting there: Ferry Adamas Milos → Kimolos 30 min, €6–10. Where to stay: Aegeon Apartments (€80–140/night), village rooms (€50–90). Don't miss: Prassa Beach, Polyaigos boat day, Chorio at dusk. See also: Kimolos guide.
5. Anafi: Volcanic and Wild
Vibe: Last Cyclades island before Crete. Monstrous volcanic rock (Kalamos — second largest in Europe after Gibraltar). Beaches wild, empty, and raw. Best for: Trekkers, photographers, Santorini haters. Getting there: Ferry Piraeus → Anafi 8–9h, via Santorini (1h 15min) easier. Where to stay: Margarita's Rooms, Villa Apollon (€70–160/night). Don't miss: Kalamos hike, Roukounas Beach camping, Monastery of Panagia Kalamiotissa. See also: Anafi guide.
6. Iraklia & Schinoussa: Small Cyclades Twins
Vibe: 150 inhabitants each, fishing villages, turquoise swimming bays. Best for: Swimmers who want coves no one else will find. Getting there: Ferry Naxos → Iraklia/Schinoussa 1h, €10–15. Connected to Koufonisia/Donoussa via small ferry. Where to stay: Simple rooms €50–90/night. Don't miss: Livadi Beach on Iraklia, Tsigouri on Schinoussa, the single taverna/bakery that's everyone's social center. See also: Iraklia guide and Schinoussa guide.
7. Serifos: Traditional Quiet
Vibe: Chora tumbling down a hill from an Orthodox Virgin. Livadi Bay for ferry arrivals, Psili Ammos for swimming, food scene genuinely impressive. Best for: Return Cyclades travelers, food-focused, anyone wanting "real Greek island" atmosphere. Getting there: Ferry Piraeus → Serifos 2h 30min fast, €40–60. Where to stay: Coco Mat, Myli Hotel Chora (€130–350/night). Don't miss: Chora sunset panorama, Psili Ammos swimming, Stou Stratou bakery. See also: Serifos guide.
The Best Hidden-Island Itineraries
7-Day Quiet Hop
Nights 1–2: Milos (via flight to Milos or ferry) Nights 3–5: Folegandros Nights 6–7: Sikinos Return: Via Santorini, fly out
10-Day Deep Hidden
Nights 1–2: Serifos Nights 3–4: Sifnos Nights 5–6: Milos Nights 7–8: Kimolos Nights 9–10: Folegandros
Contrast Route (Hidden + Famous)
Nights 1–2: Anafi (quiet) Nights 3–5: Santorini at Athina Luxury Suites (famous) Nights 6–8: Folegandros (quiet) Nights 9–10: Mykonos at Mykonos.Luxury or The ACE VIP (famous)
Getting There: The Ferry Reality
Ferry frequency drops fast for hidden islands:
- Summer (July–August): Most have 3–6 connections/week
- Shoulder (May, October): 2–4 per week
- Winter: 1–2 per week
Always book return + buffer — being stuck with no ferry is a real risk.
Book your ferry 4–8 weeks out.
When to Go
June: The Start
- Warm enough to swim, hidden islands at their emptiest.
September: The Sweet Spot
- Sea at warmest, crowds (such as they were) thinned.
October First 2 Weeks: Golden Hour
- 30% discount, ferries still running.
AVOID Winter
- Most accommodations close, food limited, weather unpredictable.
Budget (2 Adults, 7 Nights, 2026)
Backpacker: €900–1,200
Mid-range: €1,800–2,800
Boutique: €3,200–5,000
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these islands really hidden?
Relatively. In July/August some get locally busy but still far below Santorini/Mykonos.
Is there nightlife?
Minimal. Tavernas, a bar or two. Not the point.
English spoken?
Yes — lower fluency than Mykonos but good.
Is food good?
Excellent. Fewer tourists = menus not dumbed down.
Can I rent a car?
Yes on larger (Folegandros, Serifos, Kimolos). Scooter best on smaller.
Helicopter access?
Limited, mostly for medical emergencies.
Wedding venues?
Folegandros and Sikinos very scenic, limited logistics support.
Safety?
Very safe. Communities small.
Wi-Fi reliable?
Mostly yes in guesthouses. Remote work possible.
Can I combine with Mykonos/Santorini?
Yes — use Santorini as transit hub (Anafi, Folegandros, Sikinos all close).
Which is easiest for a first hidden-island trip?
Folegandros. Closest to Santorini, most developed.
Which feels most remote?
Sikinos or Donoussa.
Family-friendly?
Kimolos, Serifos good. Folegandros has steep Chora — okay for older kids.
Fitness level needed?
Folegandros/Anafi need walking fitness. Small Cyclades totally flat.
Can I work remotely?
Yes. Folegandros, Serifos have reliable 4G. Smaller patchier.
Is October too late?
First 2 weeks excellent. After mid-October thins fast.
Travel insurance?
Essential.
Best photography island?
Folegandros (Chora cliff), Anafi (volcanic landscapes).
The Insider's Final Word
Hidden Cyclades in 2026 is where Greece still feels like Greece. Pair these islands with one famous-island bookend at Mykonos.Luxury, The ACE VIP, or Athina Luxury Suites to get both sides of the Cyclades spectrum.
Booking order:
- Ferry tickets early — frequencies are low
- Guesthouses direct (most aren't on OTAs)
- Car/scooter rental where available
- Flexible return plans (weather contingency)
