From dramatic cliffscapes to sugar-cube villages, Santorini and Paros are often celebrated for their iconic beauty; but beyond the postcards lies a more intimate story. One of sun-drenched chapels without crowds, secret beaches you can still have to yourself, and quiet tavernas where everyone still knows your name.
In this guide, we uncover the hidden gems of Santorini and hidden gems of Paros have to offer: the local favourites that reveal the soul of these Cycladic islands.

Hidden Gems in Santorini You Should Not Miss

Santorini Island is known the world over for its dramatic sunsets and caldera views, but its quieter corners tell a different story. Here, you’ll find coastal trails without footprints, villages where the rhythm of life moves unhurried, and landscapes shaped more by tradition than tourism. These are the hidden gems in Santorini that reveal the island’s deeper soul; authentic, warm, and waiting to be explored.

1. Mesa Gonia: Santorini Before the Crowds

Once the heart of island wine production, this inland village offers a rare look into pre-tourism Santorini. Stroll its quiet lanes, admire restored stone homes, and visit the atmospheric Panagia Episkopi church, one of the island’s oldest.

Travel Tip: Visit in the early evening when the golden light paints the alleys and cats laze in doorways.

2. Vlychada Beach: Lunar Landscapes & Secluded Swims

Often overshadowed by the Red and Black beaches, Vlychada feels like another planet. Sculpted cliffs tower over its dark sand shore, offering a dramatic yet peaceful spot for a swim or a sunset walk.

Travel Tip: The nearby Tomato Industrial Museum is a quirky cultural stop worth exploring.

3. Pyrgos Kallistis: A Timeless Hilltop Haven

The highest village on Santorini, Pyrgos is a labyrinth of winding alleys, white churches, and local life. Unlike the bustling caldera towns, it feels like it still retains its authentic charm and locals going about their day, stopping by at the bakeries, kafeneia (traditional coffee shops), and to take in the panoramic views from the old Kasteli.

Travel Tip: Don’t miss Pyrgos during Greek Easter, when lantern-lit cans line the streets for Good Friday.

4. Exo Gonia: Art, Architecture & Quiet Beauty

Tucked into the slopes of southeast Santorini, Exo Gonia is a tranquil village of narrow lanes, centuries-old churches, and traditional homes. It’s also home to Art Space, a former winery turned gallery nestled within cave chambers - where local heritage meets contemporary creativity.

Travel Tip: Visit during golden hour for serene views across the vineyards and valley.

5. Profitis Ilias Monastery: A Spiritual Summit

Perched on the island’s highest point, this 18th-century monastery offers sweeping views and monastic peace. Explore its courtyard and small shop selling honey, wine, and handmade goods by the resident monks.

Travel Tip: Pair your visit with a hike up from Pyrgos for a rewarding morning climb.

Hidden Gems in Paros Worth Discovering

Paros Island rewards those who slow down. While the port towns buzz in summer, the real charm lies in the corners where time stretches and crowds fade. These handpicked hidden gems in Paros invite you to experience the island like a seasoned traveler or a trusted local, through whitewashed hamlets, forgotten trails, secret beaches, and quiet chapels steeped in story. 

1. Lefkes Village: A Cycladic Dream Without the Fuss

Built amphitheatrically on a hill, Lefkes is a former capital full of neoclassical mansions, quiet corners, and local pride. Its marble-paved lanes and sleepy charm offer an authentic pause from the island’s beach buzz.
Travel Tip: Walk the Byzantine Trail from Lefkes to Prodromos—an ancient stone path between olive groves.

2. Kalogeros Beach: Natural Clay Meets Crystal Sea

Near Molos, this remote beach is famous for its natural clay deposits—locals mix them with seawater for a DIY spa treatment. It’s wild, unorganised, and blissfully uncrowded.
Travel Tip: Bring everything you need—no facilities here, just nature at her finest.

3. Butterfly Valley (Petaloudes): A Seasonal Surprise

Open in summer months, this shaded nature reserve near Psychopiana village is home to hundreds of Jersey Tiger moths. Stone paths wind through cool glades, offering a serene contrast to the island’s heat.
Travel Tip: Visit in late June or July for the best chance to see the butterflies in full flutter.

4. Agios Antonios Monastery, Kefalos Hill: Sacred Views

Above the village of Marpissa sits a fortified 17th-century monastery with commanding views over Paros and beyond. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and often overlooked.
Travel Tip: Walk the path up in the late afternoon for stunning light and fewer visitors.

5. Piso Livadi & Logaras: Coastal Life, Unfiltered

Tucked on Paros’ east coast, Piso Livadi is a working port with laid-back charm. Fishermen untangle their nets beside seaside cafés. Just around the corner, Logaras Beach offers an unspoiled stretch of sand with local tavernas steps from the sea.
Travel Tip: Visit for lunch and enjoy fresh grilled octopus at a waterside table.

Wander Further, Feel More

Hidden gems aren’t just places, they’re feelings—moments that stay with you long after your holiday ends. To explore the hidden gems of Santorini and hidden gems of Paros offer is to go beyond the expected. It’s about slowing down, asking a local, taking the long way back. 

And when you stay with Andronis, you’re already closer to the heart of the islands. We believe in sharing their stories. Whether in Santorini or Paros, our teams know the trails, the tavernas, and the turns worth taking, always ready to guide you toward the authentic, the meaningful, and the quietly extraordinary.
Let the secrets of the Cyclades become the stories you treasure most.