When contemplating a peaceful escape to the Cyclades islands in Greece this August, three lesser-known gems stand out for travellers seeking to avoid the tourist throngs: Donoussa, Amorgos, and Koufonissi. Each offers its own distinct character, walking opportunities, and authentic Greek island experience. Let's explore these hidden treasures to help you decide which might best suit your quest for tranquility and memorable rambles during the peak summer season.
The allure of lesser-known cyclades
While Santorini and Mykonos might grab the headlines with their iconic landscapes and buzzing nightlife, the Cyclades archipelago harbours several quieter islands that maintain that authentic Greek charm without the crowds. Donoussa, Amorgos, and Koufonissi represent this unspoilt side of Greece, where traditional island life continues at its own unhurried pace. Right then, for those seeking genuine experiences away from commercialised tourism, these islands offer something truly special.
What makes these three islands special
What sets these islands apart is their commitment to preserving their natural beauty and cultural heritage. Unlike their more famous neighbours, they've resisted overdevelopment, maintaining traditional architecture, family-run tavernas, and unspoilt landscapes. The absence of airports on these islands means they're accessed only by ferry, naturally filtering out the casual day-trippers and maintaining their exclusive feel. For walkers, this preservation translates to authentic pathways that have served islanders for generations, now offering visitors stunning vistas without the parade of fellow tourists.
Understanding the August holiday landscape in Greece
August represents the pinnacle of Greece's tourist season, with domestic and international visitors flocking to the islands. Even these quieter gems see increased visitor numbers during this period, particularly around the August 15th Assumption holiday, when many Greeks traditionally holiday. Water conservation becomes important as the islands can experience limited resources during this dry period. The heat also peaks in late August, with temperatures regularly climbing above 30°C, making early morning or late afternoon the optimal times for walking excursions.
Donoussa: the hidden gem
Donoussa remains perhaps the least discovered of our trio, a tiny island of just 13.75 square kilometres with fewer than 200 permanent residents. This miniature paradise offers a back-to-basics holiday experience where simplicity becomes the ultimate luxury. The island's diminutive size makes it perfect for comprehensive exploration on foot, with virtually no vehicle traffic to disturb the peace. Its small harbour village of Stavros welcomes visitors with a handful of tavernas and rooms to let, setting the tone for an unhurried holiday.
Walking routes and natural highlights
Despite its small size, Donoussa offers several well-marked walking paths connecting its four tiny settlements and numerous beaches. The island's highest point, Papas, stands at a modest 385 metres but rewards hikers with panoramic views across to neighbouring islands. The walk from Stavros to Kalotaritissa beach represents one of the most satisfying routes, taking about two hours and passing through stark landscapes dotted with wild herbs and the occasional grazing goat. The relative lack of shade means carrying ample water is essential, particularly during August heat.
Accommodation and local atmosphere
Accommodation on Donoussa remains refreshingly simple, with family-run rooms and a handful of small hotels rather than resort complexes. Electricity arrived relatively recently to the island, and this late development has preserved its authentic character. Evening entertainment centres around a few tavernas in Stavros, where locally caught fish and island-grown vegetables form the core of the menu. The pace of life here embodies the concept of 'siga-siga' (slowly-slowly), making it ideal for those seeking to disconnect completely.
Amorgos: rugged beauty and spiritual trails
Amorgos, made famous by Luc Besson's film 'The Big Blue', offers a more substantial island experience with dramatic landscapes and well-established walking routes. The island stretches approximately 33 kilometres in length but remains narrow, creating a spine of mountains that provides challenging but rewarding hiking. Its eastern coast features towering cliffs dropping dramatically to the Aegean, while the western side offers gentler terrain. The island supports two main settlements – Chora, the capital, and Aegiali, a port town with a stunning bay.
Signature hikes and ancient paths
Amorgos boasts some of the most well-developed walking infrastructure in the Cyclades, with ancient stone-paved paths (kalderimia) connecting villages and important sites. The signature walk takes pilgrims from Chora to the breathtaking 11th-century Monastery of Hozoviotissa, which clings dramatically to a cliff face 300 metres above the sea. Another remarkable route follows the spine of the island from Chora to Aegiali, passing through abandoned settlements and offering views across to neighbouring islands. The well-marked trails often feature sections of shade and natural springs, making August hiking more manageable.
Quieter spots away from the main harbour
While Amorgos attracts more visitors than Donoussa, its larger size means finding tranquility remains relatively easy. The inland villages of Langada, Tholaria, and Potamos offer authentic accommodation options away from the main ports. These settlements, connected by ancient walking paths, provide an atmospheric base for explorations. The southern part of the island, around Arkesini, tends to see fewer visitors, with peaceful beaches like Mouros and Agia Pavlos offering respite from the August heat after a morning's walk.
Koufonissi: pristine beaches and coastal walks
Koufonissi (specifically Ano Koufonissi, the inhabited 'upper' island) has gained popularity in recent years for its extraordinary beaches with Caribbean-like waters. At just 5.5 square kilometres, it's even smaller than Donoussa but has developed a reputation for combining natural beauty with a touch of sophisticated island style. The main settlement offers an array of dining options and some stylish accommodation, yet the island retains its car-free charm with most exploration done on foot.
Easy strolls and swimming opportunities
Walking on Koufonissi primarily involves coastal paths linking its succession of stunning beaches rather than challenging hikes. The eastern coast path from the main settlement past Finikas, Fanos, and ultimately to Pori beach represents the classic Koufonissi walk, taking approximately 90 minutes at a leisurely pace. The relatively flat terrain makes these walks accessible to most fitness levels, while the proximity to swimming spots offers frequent opportunities to cool off during August heat. The island's small size means walks can easily be tailored to different abilities without requiring extensive planning.
Island lifestyle and evening ambiance
Koufonissi has developed a distinct character that balances traditional Cycladic elements with contemporary touches. The main settlement offers more dining and evening options than either Donoussa or parts of Amorgos, with some stylish bars and restaurants catering to a somewhat younger crowd. This creates a livelier evening atmosphere while still maintaining a world away from the club scenes of Mykonos or Ios. Accommodation ranges from simple rooms to boutique hotels, with prices reflecting the island's growing popularity. During August, advance booking becomes essential as this tiny island has limited capacity.
Making your choice: practical considerations for island hoppers
Right then, if you're aiming to escape the crowds this August in the Greek Cyclades, you've got your eye on some proper gems. Donoussa, Amorgos and Koufonissi each offer something special for those seeking peace and quiet with quality walking opportunities. These islands might be close geographically, but they each have distinct characters that might make one more suitable than others depending on what you're after, mate.
Accessibility and getting around without a fuss
When it comes to reaching these islands, there's a bit to consider. Amorgos is the largest and most connected, with more frequent ferry services from Athens (about 6-9 hours depending on the type of ferry). Once there, the island has a bus service connecting the main villages, though it's not comprehensive. If you're looking at Koufonissi, you're dealing with a smaller island with fewer ferry connections – typically 4-5 hours from Naxos. The upside? It's so compact you can walk just about everywhere. Donoussa is the most remote of the three, with limited ferry services (sometimes just 2-3 weekly in high season), making it brilliant for peace but requiring more planning. There's nowt in the way of public transport here – it's all on foot, which might be exactly what you're after for a proper walking holiday. If you're island hopping, bear in mind that connections between these islands can be infrequent, so you'll want to plan your itinerary carefully.
Packing essentials for walking in late summer heat
Let's be straight – August in the Cyclades is proper hot. Daytime temperatures regularly hit 30°C+, so your packing needs to reflect this reality. Start with a good sun hat with a wide brim – those cheap caps won't cut it when you're on exposed paths. High-factor sun cream is essential, and you'll need to reapply it regularly, especially after sweating on those uphill sections. A hydration system that carries at least 2 litres of water is non-negotiable – there's nowt worse than running dry halfway through a walk. Consider moisture-wicking clothing rather than cotton, which becomes uncomfortable when wet with sweat. Lightweight trousers might seem counterintuitive in the heat, but they'll protect your legs from both sun and scratchy Mediterranean vegetation. For footwear, breathable trail shoes with good grip are ideal for these islands' terrain – no need for heavy boots unless you're tackling Amorgos's more challenging paths. Don't forget a small first aid kit with blister plasters – breaking in new shoes on holiday is asking for trouble, mate. Finally, a lightweight packable towel is brilliant for a quick dip in the sea when you find those secluded coves that make these islands so special.
