When people think of the Greek islands, Santorini and Mykonos often steal all the attention. But did you know… Greece is home to over 200 inhabited islands, each with its own unique charm, history, and—most importantly—delicious food? You know there’s nothing quite like exploring a place through its delicious local dishes. If you’re a food lover like me, come along as we explore three hidden gem Greek islands for food lovers, where you’ll find traditional recipes, fresh ingredients, and the kind of warm hospitality that makes for an unforgettable culinary adventure.
Here are 3 Greek Islands for Food Lovers (That Are Not Santorini or Mykonos).
Naxos – Otherwise known as The Island of Cheese and Potatoes
The first time I went to Naxos, I was completely amazed by its beautiful landscapes and delicious food choices. This island is truly a food lover’s dream, famous for its amazing dairy products, fresh fruits and veggies, and meats sourced right from local farms.
Delicious Foods You Have to Try in Naxos:
Graviera Naxou – A semi-hard cheese with a sweet, nutty taste, perfect for pairing with local honey.
Arseniko Cheese – A rare, strong-flavoured aged cheese made in small quantities.
Naxian Potatoes – So famous that they have their own festival! These potatoes are buttery, rich, and found in many local dishes.
Kalogeros – A hearty dish made with slow-cooked beef, tomatoes, and layers of cheese, baked to perfection.
👉 Where to Eat: Visit Axiotissa for farm-to-table dishes or try a traditional taverna in the mountain villages like Apeiranthos.
Chios – The Mastiha Island
Chios is famous for one thing: mastiha—a resin collected from the mastic trees that grow only on this island. Along with its famous ingredient, Chios also has amazing citrus fruits, fresh seafood, and delightful pastries that are truly one-of-a-kind.
Must-Try Foods in Chios:
Mastiha Liqueur & Sweets – This aromatic ingredient is used in desserts, drinks, and even savoury dishes.
Kordelia – A fragrant beef stew cooked with wine, cinnamon, and mastiha.
Mandarin Oranges – Chios’ citrus groves produce some of the most fragrant mandarins in Greece.
Sfougato – A fluffy omelette with zucchini and local cheese, often enjoyed for breakfast.
👉 Where to Eat: Try Hotzas for traditional Chian cuisine or Perleas Estate for a farm-to-table citrus experience.
Crete – The Birthplace of the Mediterranean Diet
When you think of authentic Greek food, Crete is the island that really stands out. The Cretan diet is a wonderful mix of all the food we love in life: extra virgin olive oil, fresh herbs, mountain cheeses, and slow-cooked meats, making it both tasty AND good for you. The locals really cherish their homegrown ingredients and age-old traditional cooking methods.
Must-Try Foods in Crete:
Dakos – A Cretan bruschetta with barley rusk, tomatoes, mizithra cheese, and olive oil.
Sfakianopita – A thin cheese pie drizzled with thyme honey.
Antikristo – Traditional lamb roasted on an open fire.
Chochlioi Boubouristi – Snails sautéed in olive oil and rosemary, a true Cretan delicacy.
👉 Where to Eat: Ntounias in the mountains of Crete offers truly authentic, slow-cooked meals, while Peskesi in Heraklion serves traditional dishes with a modern twist.
Discover Greece Like a Local
These islands show us that Greek cuisine has so much more to offer than just gyros and souvlaki. Every place has its own special flavour of tradition, crafted from local ingredients and recipes passed down through the ages. If you’re in the mood for some genuine Greek cuisine, why not steer clear of the typical tourist traps and dive into the delicious flavours of Naxos, Chios, and Crete? You won’t regret it!
Have you visited any of these islands? We’d love to hear from you! And if you’re in Athens, why not start your culinary journey with one of our bespoke food tours?
Further Reading
The Epiphany in Greece – A Celebration of Faith, Water, and Tradition
