25 Lesser-Known Greek Islands Linked To Ancient Mythical Stories

There’s more to Greece than the popular islands you see on every postcard. Located away in the Aegean and Ionian seas are little-known spots where ancient myths still hold court. So, here are 25 islands that might not make the tourist lists, but they’ve got stories that are as wild and mysterious as the gods themselves.

Naxos

Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades, is the mythical playground of Dionysus, the god of wine and festivity. According to legend, this island was where he first met Ariadne, weaving tales of romance and revelry. If you visit Naxos, immerse yourself in its culture, where ancient myth and modern life blend effortlessly.

Delos

Step onto Delos, the island of gods, where every corner seems to hum with divine history. This sacred land was the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, twins born to Zeus and Leto. Now acting as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this island is a maze of ruins.

Ios

If Ios could talk, it would tell you stories of love, loss, and poetry. Legends say it was Homer’s final resting place, though this remains unverified by the sources. Beyond its literary past, Ios is a vibrant mix of golden beaches and bustling nightlife.

Kea

Once home to Hermes, the trickster god, Kea is steeped in stories of wit and wisdom. This peaceful retreat is perfect for those wanting to step away from the crowds and connect with nature. So, stroll through charming villages and discover ancient ruins.

Leros

Leros, with its beauty, may not be the most famous of Greek islands, but it’s a gem filled with mythological magic. Tied to Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, the island’s waters echo her spirit. As you wander through the island’s towns, you might just feel like you’re walking in the footsteps of the goddess herself.

Amorgos

Known for its cliffs, Amorgos was the setting for the famous film “The Big Blue.” But beyond the film, it’s steeped in mythology—home to the temple of Apollo, where ancient rituals once took place. Hence, Amorgos feels timeless, like a place where myths still linger within the region.

Hydra

Hydra is infamous for the battle Hercules waged against the multi-headed Hydra monster. The island’s steep hills and picturesque harbors make it a popular destination, yet beneath its modern-day charm lies the legend of one of Hercules’ most dangerous foes.

Tilos

This quiet island has ties to the goddess of the hunt, Artemis, who, according to one tale, used Tilos as her sacred retreat. Today, it’s a haven for nature lovers, with serene beaches. It’s a place where you can unwind and let the myths of the past lead your journey.

Patmos

Patmos may be most famous for St. John’s Revelation, but ancient myths also breathe life into its rocky shores. Thought to be the home of the legendary poet and seer, Patmos was sacred to Apollo and Artemis. So, explore its monasteries and relive the island’s mythic past.

Kythira

Kythira, the mythical island of Aphrodite, is a blend of romance and mystery. This lush, green paradise was believed to be the birthplace of the goddess of love herself, and the island’s peaceful charm makes it easy to see why she’d choose it as her home.

Serifos

Serifos’s mythology ties directly to Perseus, the hero who slays Medusa. After his victory, Perseus landed on Serifos, where he faced more challenges. Today, visitors can hike to the island’s iconic castle and ponder how such legendary battles once took place on these very grounds.

Sifnos

It is said that Apollo was revered on Sifnos, where the island’s wealth honored him with a treasury at Delphi. Explore the island’s ancient temples and stone villages, and you might just find a bit of divine inspiration in its beauty.

Chios

This island, often linked to Homer’s epic tales, is where the poet’s legendary “Iliad” may have come to life. It’s also believed that Chios was the home of the mighty goddess Hera’s sanctuary, making it a divine destination.

Samos

Samos, the birthplace of Hera, is rich with mythological significance. As the queen of the gods, Hera’s presence is felt throughout the island. You’ll walk through ancient temples dedicated to her, immersing yourself in stories of love, betrayal, and power that stretch back millennia.

Rhodes

Once home to the legendary Colossus of Rhodes—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—this island is filled with ancient ruins that still carry the echoes of its past. According to myth, the sun god Helios claimed the island as his own, and his presence still seems to linger over the sunny shores.

Kos

Kos, associated with Hippocrates, the father of medicine, also holds ancient mythological stories. It is linked to the healing god Asclepius, whose sanctuary once stood here. So, visit Kos’s ancient ruins and reflect on how the gods of health and medicine shaped the island’s history.

Skyros

Skyros is where Achilles hid before the Trojan War, disguised as a woman to avoid the battle. Whether you’re hiking up to the ancient castle or relaxing on one of its pristine beaches, Skyros is a place where the echoes of ancient stories still feel alive in the wind and sea.

Lefkada

Lefkada is the island of epic drama and beauty, with stories that reach back to the gods themselves. It’s said that the tragic poet Sappho leaped to her death from the island’s cliffs, driven by a tale of unrequited love. Beyond the myths, Lefkada is a paradise of stunning beaches.

Cephalonia

Cephalonia’s ties to the myth of Odysseus make it a must-visit for those intrigued by Homer’s “Odyssey.” The island is thought to be Odysseus’ home, where he returned after his long travels. Discover its ancient ruins that mirror the epic tales of the hero.

Ikaria

Ikaria is where time slows down, but its mythological stories remain fast-paced and vivid. This island is named after Icarus, the famous figure from Greek mythology who flew close to the sun and fell into the sea. Today, Ikaria is famous for its long life expectancy and slow-paced lifestyle.

Nisyros

Known for its active volcano, Nisyros is a place where the gods themselves might have drawn inspiration. Legend has it that the mighty god Poseidon threw a chunk of the island into the sea to defeat the giant Polybotes. Plus, the smell of sulfur in the air only adds to the mythic feeling.

Kastellorizo

Kastellorizo, with its colorful harbor and quiet beauty, might be the most underrated island in Greece. It’s steeped in history, but it’s also linked to the myth of the sea god, Poseidon, who was said to have watched over its shores.

Skopelos

Skopelos is the island where ancient mythology and modern Hollywood collide. Known for being the filming location of “Mamma Mia!,” it also holds its own mythological magic. In Greek mythology, it’s said to be home to the Muses, who are the nine goddesses of the arts.

Symi

Symi is like a living myth, where colorful neoclassical houses rise from the sea like something straight out of a storybook. Linked to the mythical tales of Nereus, the sea god who blessed its shores, Symi offers ancient charm and natural beauty.

Alonissos

According to legend, Alonissos was home to the god of wine, Dionysus, who was said to have found solace in the island’s peaceful surroundings. Today, it’s a sanctuary for nature lovers, with its protected marine park and rare Mediterranean monk seals.