The Best Greek Island Villages We Can’t Get Enough Of

Greece’s islands are famed for their postcard-perfect villages, those dreamy whitewashed settlements draped in bougainvillea, built amphitheatrically on cliffs or tucked into olive-covered hills. While Santorini and Mykonos often steal the spotlight, the true heart of the Aegean and Ionian seas lies in the less-hyped island villages that are just as breathtaking, more serene, and wonderfully authentic.

Here are some of the most beautiful Greek island vilages that we can’t stop dreaming about, and maybe, neither will you.

Chora – Amorgos


@annakarin6.0

Mystical and minimal, Chora of Amorgos is a Cycladic masterpiece. Tucked inland and surrounded by windmills and rugged peaks, it feels like a walk back in time. Quiet streets, hidden tavernas, and a strong local character give it depth and allure.

Why it stands out: It's untouched, has zero glitz, and is full of hidden Byzantine chapels, stone archways, and incredible authenticity.

Olympos – Karpathos


@diokaminaris

This village on the island of Karpathos is unlike anywhere else in Greece. Perched high on the mountains, Olympos feels like an open-air folklore museum, where women still wear traditional dress and the dialect is ancient.

This is where time stands still, and every stone street seems carved from history and myth. Remote, wild, and soul-stirring.

Chora - Astypalaia

This butterfly-shaped island belongs to the Dodecanese, but its Chora is pure Cycladic fairytale: white houses cascading below a Venetian castle, blue domes popping out above rooftops, and windmills watching over the main square.

Top vibe: Romantic, peaceful, and unbelievably photogenic. The view of the Kastro (castle) at night is hauntingly beautiful.

Ano Syros – Syros


@i.tsimi

While Ermoupoli is the grand neoclassical capital of the Cyclades, Ano Syros is its medieval crown. Winding uphill streets lead you past Catholic monasteries, domed churches, and arched doorways.

Bonus points: It's the birthplace of Markos Vamvakaris, father of rebetiko music, and the view over Ermoupoli’s harbor is dreamy.

Chora - Serifos 


@elena_dim_

Built amphitheatrically up a rocky hill, Chora of Serifos offers dramatic views and classic island architecture. It’s quiet, rugged, and ideal for slow travelers. Once you hike up through its wind-swept alleys, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most panoramic sunset views in the Aegean.

Vibe: A little wild, a little romantic, and totally unforgettable.

Apeiranthos – Naxos

@kidsareatrip

While Naxos’ main Chora is also stunning, Apeiranthos is a marble village that feels like a Cycladic secret. Tower houses, Venetian architecture, and artisan shops nestled in stone-paved alleys offer a refreshing alternative to the classic white-and-blue palette.

Pro tip: Stay for lunch in one of the traditional kafeneia, it’s like eating inside a time capsule.

Chora – Kythira


@Teog79

Technically closer to the Peloponnese than the Aegean, Kythira’s Chora blends Ionian elegance with Cycladic charm. Topped by a Venetian castle, it overlooks the sea and the island’s wild cliffs, dotted with Byzantine chapels and hidden coves.

Best for: Romantics, road-trippers, and fans of moody beauty.