3 Under-the-Radar Greek Islands for a Quiet Summer Escape

A travel writer recommends three lesser-known Greek islands for summer 2025: Astypalaia, Ithaca, and Syros. Astypalaia, known as the "Butterfly of the Aegean," offers arid terrain, rocky coves, and a quiet atmosphere with local bouzouki concerts and treacherous mountain paths. Ithaca, in the Ionian Sea, is famous as the destination in The Odyssey and is reachable only by boat from the mainland or neighboring islands, with pebbled coves and historic sites like the Monastery of Panagia Kathariotissa. Syros, the capital of the Cyclades, is more cosmopolitan with a year-round population, a strong music and film scene, and festivals. The writer provides accommodation tips: a home opposite the castle entrance in Astypalaia's Chora, Villa Galazio in Vathy on Ithaca, and Bougainvillea's Little Balcony in Ano Syros on Syros. Dining recommendations include Kafeneio Karai and Apanemia on Astypalaia, O Kalioras for onion pie on Ithaca, and Elliniko Kafeneio for portokalopita on Syros.