A little-known Greek island is the same size as Lanzarote and yet it doesn’t have the crowds of tourists – not to mention it’s a must-visit in September thanks to its hot and sunny weather
An underrated Greek island boasts ridiculously pretty beaches, brilliant tavernas and 27C weather in September, without the tourist crowds you might find on the likes of Mykonos or Rhodes.
Instead you’ll find charming medieval villages, near-empty coastal spots and heaps of impressive castles and ruins that are sure to be a hit with any history buff.
Chios is by no means a tiny, hidden island, but it’s often overlooked by tourists because it doesn’t have the party scene or bustling resorts that can be found across other holiday hotspots.
It’s home to some breathtaking Medieval villages including Olympi boasting picture-perfect stone buildings and cobbled streets), Volissos with its impressive castle, and Pyrgi which is a hit with the social media crowd thanks to the incredible buildings with intricate paintings.
The island itself is steeped in history from its claims of being the birthplace of the ancient poet Homer, to links to Saracene pirates and the plethora of stone houses, arched streets and Medieval fortresses that are nestled amongst the sun-soaked landscape.
It’s also home to some beautiful beaches, although take note that its shores tend to be pebbled rather than sandy. Still, highlights include the likes of Mavra Volia with its black sands (its top-rated beach on Tripadvisor), Agia Dinami Beach with turquoise waters and a remote location that offers up unparalleled views of the island, or for those who do prefer golden sands for a beach day then Karfas beach is well worth having on the itinerary!
The team at BookRetreats have named it one of Europe’s least-crowded destinations, after research from their team found that Chios may be roughly the same size as Lanzarote but sees 21,000 fewer tourist nights per km².
Looking as to why the island has escaped mass tourism, they explained: “Chios has long sustained itself through local industries, especially the cultivation of mastic; a plant resin that grows almost exclusively on the island. Without the economic push to scale up tourism, Chios has opted for a slower, more intentional path.
“Instead of resorts or cruise terminals, visitors stay in family-run guesthouses and restored stone homes. The island’s medieval villages, like Pyrgi and Mesta, remain remarkably well-preserved. Beaches are quiet, landscapes rugged, and the overall pace feels rooted in everyday life rather than the demands of high-season crowds.”
The good news is that you don’t need to break the bank if you want to visit. One of the easiest ways to get to Chios from the UK is to fly via Athens, and get a connecting flight onwards to the island. Skyscanner found return flights from £103 based on September and October departures, but you can find returns under £200 per person into spring 2026 too. Meanwhile accommodation won’t need to take up a chunk of your budget either, with plenty of affordable hotels on the island. For example, you can find stays from £40 a night with Kayak.
Have you got a holiday story you want to share with us? Email the team at [email protected].