Hi all,
I’m so overwhelmed by the choices when it comes to Greek Island tours. I’ve heard good things about Mykonos and Santorini, however, I’d really like to visit islands that aren’t as popular with tourists and that offer more authentic experiences.
Should I bypass these two and focus more on other islands like Rhodes, Corfu and Paros, for example?
I’m in my 30’s, if that helps!
Looking forward to your replies, thank you!!
Hi traveller!
In my own travels I have tried to avoid the busy Greek islands too. More towards the North, there are three islands called the Northern Sporades. They are: Skiathos, Skopelos, and Alonnisos.
In my experience these islands are not as busy but still offer a fantastic Greek experience.
I would suggest flying to Skiathos, it has its own small airport. I took a flight from Vienna to Skiathos directly, there are only a couple of flights per week. Then the other two islands are reachable via ferry from Skiathos. But with tours that all depends where the operator starts.
Skopelos and Skiathos is also were they filmed the first Mamma Mia movie, so it is fun recognizing the locations as you explore the islands.
Hope this helps, let me know if you have more questions!
Oh wow! Thanks @roann 
I didn’t consider these other islands (goes to show I’ve been influenced by social media a little too much). I’ll definitely keep this in mind when planning my trip.
Not very easy to get to it, but if you can try to get to Milos. It is ridiculously beautiful
Woww @roann bookmarked all those cities. Can I ask how your experience was in terms of communicating with locals and even just ordering food?
@wander_tara the communication was no problem. The islands rely very much on tourism, so the locals speak very good English and are very friendly and helpful with any questions. 
Definitely try the lesser known islands! I did the Mykonos and Santorini thing in my 20s, and it was fun but very touristy.
Now I’m in my 30s, and other islands are just as beautiful (if not more) and have way less tourists and great locals!
@roann how were the ferries? I want to do the islands but get such mixed reviews about them
highly recommend doing a sailing trip. I can’t remember the names of the islands I went to because they were so small and it was a long time ago but we got to go to some cool spots because we were on a sailing tour. Some very unexpected surprises
The ferries were good. 
They are rather big and a smooth ride. You could drive a car onto the deck and above the car deck there was a lounge with a bar and shop to buy something to eat. We had plenty of space to sit and relax. You could also sit outside in the sun and catch some rays between ports.
I also get the urge to skip the touristy islands, but I really loved Santorini and think it is a must-see! But it also depends on when you’re planning on going. Santorini in the shoulder season it’s really not THAT busy. If anything, just stay there a couple of nights!
I have to second @BrokeSinceBangkok about Santorini being worth a visit (although it is the only Greek Island I have visited!). I went mid October - and yes, there were some cruise ship passengers going to Fira (the main tourist hub) and Oia for a day - but then they leave. Outside of those areas in the day it was actually very quiet, and the caldera views are stunning, it has some amazing history (Akrotiri - prehistoric village) and lovely beaches on the south side (that were good for swimming even in Oct!
I actually did not think I would like it that much, I went just because my flights were much cheaper leaving Santorini (even factoring in the ferry to Athens), but it really surprised me, I’ve never been anywhere like it! So don’t discount it if you go at the right time, there is a reason it is so popular!
