If you’re after the white-washed houses and blue-domed churches without the hordes of people, the lesser known Greek island of Folegandros is well-worth the detour. With imposing scarped cliffs and the same burnished palette, the humble little sister to Santorini is just as dramatic yet far less crowded (and expensive). And like Santorini, chalky towns chockfull of taverns and churches teeter on craggy cliff tops. But most impressive is the Church of Panagia, a white temple etched dramatically into the rocky ochre landscape. Walk its striking zig-zag pathway and soak up the spectacular views of the sea. Down below, make your way to one of its many pristine beaches and call it a night at the chic ANEMI Hotel & Spa.

When the water at the port is a shade of blue so brilliant it’s hard to believe, you know you’ve made it to paradise. With its 400-odd residents, this tiny, rugged lesser known Greek island is in fact made of two islets: Pano (Upper) and Kato (Lower) Koufonisi, the latter largely uninhabited. Ringed by iridescent turquoise coves and flecked with white cubed houses, Pano Koufonisi recalls a bygone Greece: the pace is slow, the beaches are bare and the food is local (and fantastic). But despite its laid-back approach, the island still has cool joints for both rest and play. Eros Keros is by far the chicest stay, four superbly stylish guest houses that face the sacred island of Keros. And look out for Captain Kostas Prasinos, a local maritime hero and the undisputed king of the Aegean Sea – in a red bandana and ‘90s sunnies, you certainly won’t miss him.

Given its close proximity to Athens, Andros is an island surprisingly overlooked by tourists, instead full of weary Athenians who journey there for the weekend. But with wild natural beauty, unspoilt coves and sense of grandeur, Andros should be on every visitor’s radar. Unlike the distinctly cubist architecture of the rest of the Cyclades, Andros’ Chora is full of majestic neoclassical mansions and glossy marbled streets. Following moussaka and flaky fennel pie at Ta Skalakia, wander its shiny alleys and pop into one of its many galleries. Or, live out all your foodie dreams at Melisses, an epicurean haven that offers stylish suites along with local feasts using fresh produce picked daily from the garden.

Known as the culinary capital of the Cyclades, the lesser known Greek island of Sifnos doesn’t just dish up deliciously good food, but also perfect beaches, pretty villages, history, hiking trails and a wonderfully atmospheric nightlife. Chickpeas and clay vessels are integral to the island’s foodie fabric, with revithia, a brothy chickpea stew cooked in earthenware, born here, along with fried chickpea balls, slow-cooked lamb, manoura cheese, honey pie, nougat wafers and soft almond sweets. Along with its gastronomic delights, Sifnos is renowned for ceramics, with studios and workshops scattered across the island from which local artisans use time-honoured traditions and Sifnian clay to produce Cycladic-style pottery. Verina Astra, a hip hotel that hovers above Poulatis beach, has added extra panache to the tiny isle and proves the perfect spot to rest after a long day of swimming and eating at one of the many seaside tavernas.

Given it’s the capital of the Cyclades, Syros’ status hasn’t afforded much tourism. But all for the better — the magnificent lesser known Greek island is a gem in the archipelago. A cosmopolitan island that remained largely neutral in wars and has both Catholic and Orthodox denominations, Syros’ rich history is worth a visit in itself. The historic capital Ermoupoli is a glorious jumble of beautifully coloured neoclassical buildings and Cycladic architecture that reflect its nuanced cultural identity. Admire its stately churches, jump off the bathing platforms at Asteria, and stay at Aristide Hotel, a stunning, art-inspired oasis that pays tribute to the island’s creative spirit.

About an hour from Rhodes, sailing into Symi’s pastel-hued harbour is magic. Widely considered the “jewel of the Dodecanese,” handsome neoclassical houses in lemon, ochre, taffy pink and pale blue tumble from its craggy hillside, hugging this tiny, lesser known Greek island’s harbour. Stay at 1900 Hotel, a seafront 19th-century mansion transformed by renowned Greek architect (and ultimate cool cat), Dimitris Zografos, into an impeccably stylish four-bedroom boutique hotel each with its own striking visual identity. If you’re in need of a miracle, head to the famous Panormitis Monastery, or for non-believers who worship the beach instead, jump on the water taxi. Beach hop to organised yet blissfully serene coves like Nanou and Agia Marina, or break at the breathtaking, but bare, Agios Georgios — just be sure to pack some cold water and spanakopita.

This far-flung speck in the Dodecanese may be tiny, but it’s picture-perfect. Life centres around the lesser known Kastellorizo’s colourful harbour as painted neoclassical houses and old tavernas cluster around a sparkling bay. With a lack of motor vehicles, life is slow here and that’s part of Kastellorizo’s charm. The ultimate salve to modern life, relax at the pleasantly eclectic Mediterraneo, or for a spot of adventure, head out to the Blue Cave, arguably the most spectacular grotto in all the Mediterranean.

While neighbouring Hydra has long stolen the spotlight in the Sporadic islands, the lesser known Greek island of Spetses is a destination worth stopping at. The quietly sophisticated island is full of majestic mansions, cobblestone streets and secluded swimming spots to while away the day — frappé in hand. Along with the landmark Poseidonion Grand Hotel, Yayaki is the perfect place to unwind: a hip, family-run hideaway that’s dedicated to preserving the quiet discretion of the island. And given Netflix’s cult ‘Knives Out’ was filmed here, you’d better (island) hop to it before everyone else does.

The home of Homer’s titular hero, Odysseus, there’s a reason the small and lesser known Ioanian island captured the Greek poet’s imagination. While larger islands like Corfu, Zakynthos and Kefalonia steal the glory, Ithaca’s irresistible charm will have you hook, line and sinker. Luxuriant and green, its Cypress tree-lined hills bear a vastly different aesthetic to the blue and white tourist ideal, but its impossibly clear blue-green waters, charming colourful towns and slow-living lifestyle tick all the holiday boxes. Stay in the main town of Vathi, or, for something more quaint, the picturesque fishing village of Kioni is the perfect spot to settle. Take a little boat out past the headland and dive into some of Greece’s most beautiful water.

Lying just south of its very famous sister island, Corfu, Paxos is often overlooked by holidaymakers. Fun fact: The island is actually the smallest of the islands in the Ionian group. This hidden Greek island is made up of two islands, Paxos and Antipaxos, with Paxos being the main island. Thankfully, getting between the two by boat is easy so you can see both when visiting. If it’s solitude and clear waters seek, Paxos is for you. Think small pebble beaches, tiny white-washed villages and authentic Greek cuisine served at taverns.

While this hidden Greek island is often listed as one of the seven main Ionian Islands, it is quite away from the main group and sits opposite the south-eastern top of the Peloponnese peninsula. The easiest way to get here is by ferry from the little southern port of Neapoli. It takes all of 1.5 hours. Kythira is the perfect island for nature lovers, with plenty of pristine beaches, waterfalls and gorges to be discovered on foot. Don’t expect to find fancy hotel chains here. Most places are small bed and breakfasts run by locals.

This relatively unknown island in the Cyclades group may not stay hidden for much longer. Kea Island will score a One&Only resort in June this year, which will attract well-heeled travellers to the remote island. Just a 90 minute ferry ride from Athens, Kea is the closest Cyclades island to mainland Greece. Here you’ll find stunning beaches and neoclassical houses with elegant architecture, painted in earthy colours.