Considering Greece for summer 2026? Don’t wait—these quiet Greek islands book up fast

The hustle and bustle of Santorini and Mykonos isn’t for everyone; these days, many vacationers prefer taking ferries to more quiet Greek islands. However, with authenticity comes exclusivity, and some of the more prized spots for adventurous tourists book up well before the summer season. If you’d like to visit Anafi, Amorgos, Skopelos or Sifnos this summer, we recommend you reserve your accommodation (and ferries!) as soon as possible.

Here, we’ll cover what makes each island so special, recommend some accomodation options, and give you tips on booking the perfect ferries. Enjoy your scroll of these quiet Greek islands to visit in summer of 2026.

A stroll and a sip in Sifnos

Sifnos is something of folk fairytale. Source: iStock

Sifnos is one of the sleepier Cycladic islands that maintains a rustic feel, but still has elements of luxury to it. It boasts a reputation as one of Greece’s great culinary islands, shaped by local recipes that reward patience and simplicity, like chickpea revithada baked slowly in a clay pot. It’s no surprise that legendary Greek chef Nikolaos Tselementes was raised here. Between meals, the island is made for exploring on foot: a network of old stone trails threads through terraces, olive groves, and low hills, linking villages like Apollonia and Artemonas with coastal views and small, white chapels perched above the sea. Wander up to Kastro for its sea-facing drama and tight lanes, then head down toward the water for a swim, a long lunch, and the kind of startling natural beauty that stays with you long after you’ve left.

Where to stay in Sifnos

Despite being one of the smaller cycladic islands, Sifnos has a wide range of accommodation options, all the way from seaside camping grounds to 5-star resorts. The island is small enough that you can probably see all of it regardless of where you stay. If you want a high-end base, you’ll find stylish resorts and boutique properties like Elies Resorts in Vathi, NOS Hotel & Villas in Faros, and refined suites such as Verina Astra near Artemonas, eclectic options like Windmill Bella Vista. For something more mid-range, there are comfortable hotels and guesthouses in Kamares and around Apollonia, including reliable picks like Hotel Boulis, Sifnaika Konakia, and Petali Village Hotel, along with plenty of easy studio rentals near Platis Gialos and Faros. Budget travelers can keep it simple with family-run rooms and studios in Kamares, Apollonia, or quieter Artemonas, while anyone going full outdoors can stay at Camping Sifnos near Kamares, close to the port and the beach.

How to take a ferry to Sifnos

Most international travelers arrive to Sifnos the same way the locals do: from Piraeus port, in Athens. From here, the ferry ride is only ~4 hours, one of the shorter durations for visiting the Cyclades. The main operator with trips from Piraeus to Sifnos is Fast Ferries, who actually operate all year long. Seajets is a popular option for travelers who prefer high-speed ferries and want to arrive sooner, in about ~2 hours. Keep in mind that the high-speed ferries are smaller, and therefore the seats book up earlier. If you’re interested in adding on some other islands to your trip, you can browse routes and dates right here on Ferryscanner! Our customer support team is available in the chat window to help answer any question you may have about booking in advance.

Take in the wonders of Amorgos

Imagine a slow cooked dish and a cold glass of wine here after your morning swim. Source: iStock

If you ask a Greek person what their favorite island is, you’ll likely hear of Amorgos. That’s high praise! And small wonder: Amorgos has it all. Sky-high cliffs overlooking pure blue seas, every kind of beach terrain you can imagine, incredible rustic tavernas, and even a healthy nightlife scene in the high-season. It’s not developed enough to host the bustling crowds of nearby Santorini, which, while helping it maintain its authenticity, also means that the places to stay on the island book up pretty earlier in the year.

Where to stay in Amorgos

Amorgos has accommodation for every travel style. Where you stay depends, of course, on the kind of trip you want. Chora is the prettiest and most atmospheric base, with whitewashed lanes, sunset views, and tavernas that make evenings feel effortless, while still keeping you within reach of beaches by bus or scooter. If you want to be close to the sea, Aegiali is the most convenient choice, with a beach, lots of rooms and studios, and easy access to boat trips and nearby hiking routes. Katapola is another smart option, especially if you want a quieter harbor town feel and an easy arrival from the ferry, plus quick links to Chora and sightseeing across the island. For a slower, more secluded stay, smaller areas around the coast offer simple rentals and a peaceful pace, but you’ll want your transport sorted since distances add up fast on the island. For Amorgos, we recommend booking your accommodation at least 3 months in advance of your trip.

How to take a ferry to Amorgos

Ferries to Amorgos depart from Piraeus. There are two popular options for this route: the first is the standard ferry operated by Blue Star. It’s slower, averaging 7-9 hours, but it’s a much larger vessel, which guarantees a smoother ride with plenty of outdoor space to unwind on. It may seem like a long trip, but the onboard shopping options, comfortable seats, and enormous sun-filled balconies for pets and humans alike to explore make the time pass easily. It’s also the more affordable option. Blue Star ferries routes typically go live in the early spring. (Want to be notified as soon as they are? Subscribe to the Ferryscanner Newsletter for helpful updates like this.)

Your second option to reach Amorgos is via high-speed ferry, which will get you there in 4-5 hours. Companies like Seajets and Hellenic Seaways offer this service. The high-speed ferries are more expensive, and can be a little bit more affected by weather, but they’re a great option for passengers who want to be on land as soon as possible. As of today, Seajets already has some routes live for Amorgos.

Live your myth in Anafi

Anafi has stolen the hearts of visitors for thousands of years. Source: iStock

Beautiful Anafi has caught quite a buzz for locals in the past few years, and, as a result, it books up very early in the year. As of writing this, a lot of the island’s accommodation options are already accounted for. So if you’re like a taste of the islands one-of-a-kind atmosphere, beauty, and vibe this summer, we recommend that you book your trip ASAP.

The magic of Anafi is difficult to describe. It has a particular energy that transcends its obvious highlights; the black sand beaches, the charming little towns, the electric nightlife options for young people. It’s this feeling that draws in artists, photographers and creative spirits from all over the world, who visit its shores each summer to deepen their bonds with their loved ones and exchange ideas with strangers under the hot Cycladic sun. If Anafi is calling you, we can’t recommend answering enough.

Where you can stay on Anafi

Anafi keeps accommodation simple. Most stays are small-scale and family-run, from no-frills rooms and studios in Chora to a handful of rentals closer to the beaches, where mornings start with the sea and not much else on the agenda. Chora is the best base if you want to be near tavernas, a little evening atmosphere, and the island’s classic Cycladic feel, while staying near the coast makes sense if your priority is swimming, quiet, and doing as little moving around as possible. There aren’t any big resorts, and availability can disappear quickly in summer, so it’s the kind of island where booking early pays off, especially if you want a place with a view, a terrace, or an easy walk to the water.

Reaching Anafi by ferry

Of all the islands we’re mentioned here, Anafi is the farthest from Athens. The standard trip is a Blue Star ferries vessel that takes ~8 hours. But! There’s another option: it’s only 2.5 hours from Crete, which has two international airports. Crete and Anafi pair excellently for a single vacation, especially if you have more than a week to get the full experience of both. Otherwise, fear not, the ferry from Piraeus is a very comfortable trip. As discussed above, there’s plenty of cozy seating, onboard shopping, outlets for electronics, tables to play cards on and outdoor spaces to stretch your legs. All ferry routes to Anafi from Piraeus and Crete should be live by early spring, but make sure you book your accommodation ASAP.

Catch some rays on Skopelos

Long summer days spent on Skopelos beaches can’t come soon enough. Source: iStock

Skopelos is this year’s standout pick from the Sporades, a group of islands known for the lush green of their pine forests. It had a surge of popularity in the early 2000’s when the producers of Mamma Mia! selected it for the filming location, but the hype has settled over the years, and Skopelos is now best known for its stunning Byzantine monasteries and ancient sanctuaries from the Greeks and Romans alike. In addition to its archeological significance, the island is also celebrated for its stunning white-sand beaches and hiking trails through the Mount Delfi forests.

Because Skopelos has ~5,000 year-round residents, you can find a lot of community-centered activities outside typical vacation experiences. There are walking groups, gallery openings, olive picking trips and more. It’s a nice island for those looking to not just relax on a beautiful beach, but also make meaningful memories with the locals and the land.

Accommodation on Skopelos

Skopelos has accommodation for every kind of stay, from smart hotels to quiet villas hidden in the pines. Skopelos Town is the best all-around base, especially if you want evening buzz, easy access to ferries, and a steady flow of tavernas, bars, and waterfront walks. If your priority is beaches, look toward Panormos and Agnontas for a relaxed seaside feel, or Stafylos when you want something close to town but still swim-first. For a slower, greener escape, Elios (Neo Klima) and Glossa put you closer to hiking routes, forested scenery, and some of the island’s most beautiful sunset views. Summer places do book up fast, so if you’re traveling in peak season, it’s worth locking in your stay early, especially if you want sea views, a pool, or a villa that isn’t a long drive from the coast.

How to take a ferry to Skopelos

International travelers may be surprised to find that the Sporades are closer to Thessaloniki than they are to Athens. Therefore, depending on where you’re flying from, landing directly in Thessaloniki might make more sense. From Thessaloniki’s port, the Seajets ferry will have you to Skopelos just shy of 4 hours. Alternatively, you can fly into Athens and then drive 1 hour and 45 minutes to Evia (Eubeoa), where ferries depart from Mantoudi. From Montoudi, the high-speed ferry (also offered by Seajets) arrives in only 1 hour. Whichever route you choose is your preference, of course; you can browse them all right here on the Ferryscanner search engine.

Good things come to those who…book in advance! Source: iStock

Don’t miss out on an amazing island for your summer trip

The quiet Greek islands we’ve assembled here are special. Part of what makes them special is that they’re smaller, more exclusive. Give yourself the gift of peace of mind over the next few months: book your summer 2026 ferries and accommodation soon. While supplies last. 😉