Off the beaten path: Hidden gems of Greece

Tourism was back this summer, and Greece was a sought-after destination. In August, a million travelers arrived per week, according to authorities. Popular places included islands like Mykonos, Rhodes, and Crete and Santorini (pictured), which was fully booked in August. Yet, Greece has plenty of less-internationally touted spots, from charming villages to internationally less-renowned islands.

Just two hours South of Athens via the port of Rafina, this Cycladic island is often overlooked — a mistake, as Andros is a gem that has both lush green landscapes with waterfalls and small rivers, hundreds of kilometres of hiking trails and charming towns such as Batsi (pictured). Andros also has a number of stunning beaches, among them Zorkas and Vori.

Perched high above the Aegean, the stone village of Vathia is a stunning example of the unique architecture and dramatic villages found on Mani peninsula, a prong on the southern part of mainland Greece, the Peloponnese. Pretty coastal villages of Kardamyli and Stoupa are true gems, while the caves of Diros, one of Greece's true natural wonders, can be explored with a boat tour.

The biggest Cycladic island, Naxos, is family-friendly and has lots to offer tourists. Renting a car and driving to some of its picturesque villages, including Aprianthos and Filoti, while trying local cheeses is a must. Nature lovers can trek to the cave of Zas where the Greek God Zeus is said to have spend his childhood. Those who prefer the beach have plenty space on sandy Plaka beach.

The history of this Medieval town dates back to the 6th century when inhabitants settled on a rock that had been split from the mainland by an earthquake in 375 AD. It's one of the most charming places to explore in the region of Laconia in the Peloponnese, which is also famed for its jaw-dropping blue waters.

Just a short drive from the town of Chania in western Crete is the small, yet impressive beach of Seitan Limania, on the Akrotiri Peninsula. A winding rock formation leads to a small beach with azure blue waters. The path to get there can be a bit tricky so watch your step! You won't find sunbeds here but you may find goats wandering about.

Halki, which is sometimes written as Chalki, is a small island in the Dodecanese island group popular for day trips from the larger island of Rhodes. For a truly relaxing experience, spend a night or two in its charming port town Nimborio — the only inhabited settlement on the island. What the rocky island lacks in foliage it makes up for in crystal blue waters.

According to Greek mythology, the island was created when Poseidon struck Corfu with his trident so he and his lover could get some rest. If you're looking for a laid-back island with nice beaches and few tourists, than Paxos is a good choice. The Venetian-style town of Gaios has plenty of bars and cafes in which to whittle away the hours. Don't miss watching the sunset at Erimitis Beach.

Pelion is a mountainous peninsula on the mainland with a host of charming villages set in forests — many, like Makrinitsa (pictured) have breathtaking views of the Aegean. The traditional stone architecture and winding paths through the forest lend the villages an almost fairytale-like element. There are also nice beaches and excellent hiking trails that link many of the settlements.

While many tourists will get off at the popular island of Hydra, once the home of singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen and other bohemian elite in the 1960s, Spetses is a less-hyped Saronic island worth a visit. Spend a day at the secluded Agia Paraskevi beach (pictured) or drinking freddo espresso, a favorite type of Greek coffee, in charming Spetses Town.