The 'hidden gem' Greek island just as beautiful as Mykonos but without the crowds

As crowds continue to flock to the likes of Mykonos and Santorini, these Greek islands have started to lose the very thing that made them special: a glimpse into life in Greece. It's no wonder, therefore, that growing numbers of holidaymakers are abandoning Greece's tourist hotspots for more undiscovered gems.

One perfect example is the relatively small, serene, and off-the-beaten-path island of Leros, located between Patmos and Kalymnos. Part of the Dodecanese archipelago in the southern Aegean Sea, it lies 197 miles (171 nautical miles) from Athens' port of Piraeus and just 20 miles from Turkey. Perfect for those looking to relax, Leros has plenty of bays and coves for those seeking complete isolation away from other holidaymakers, with breathtaking cliffs hanging over the sea.

The ancient capital of Leros, Platanos, is located in the hills, right next to the village of Agia Marina. It owes its name to an ancient plane tree dating back to 1765, once found there. Unfortunately, the tree dried up and was replaced by a new one that will take years to grow.

Among the must-see landmarks of Leros is the impressive Medieval Castle of Panteli, built during the 11th century. Be sure to also stop by the Turkish baths and the church of Agia Paraskevi, the ancient cathedral of the city.

Of particular note are the windmills dotted across the island, giving it that Mykonos vibe that many crave. Although their function today is not the same as when they were originally created, they are still characteristic constructions of Leros Island that attract visitors' attention. While some have been restored, others have been turned into unique guesthouses. The most picturesque site of old windmills on Leros is the windmills in Pandeli, on the way to the castle.

Among Leros's best beaches are Alinda beach, just two miles northwest of Platanos, boasting many tourist facilities and beach bars. For something more low-key, head to Vromolithos beach, just south of the capital, home to a sandy beach and several fish tavernas nearby. Finally, for total privacy, Dioliskaria beach is the ideal choice, as this secluded beach can only be reached via a trekking path from the main road, just over four miles from Platanos.

Over the last decade, the island has developed as a diving destination, attracting visitors eager to discover some of the many ancient shipwrecks found in the surrounding sea.

Leros can be accessed by tourists by a nine-hour ferry ride from the Piraeus port, or by a 45-minute flight from Athens. Its position in the Aegean also makes it a perfect destination for those wanting to discover more than one island at a time, as frequent ferry routes allow you not only to reach Patmos and Kalymnos, but also the tiny Lipsi, Kos, or Rhodes.

According to one visitor on Tripadvisor, "Leros has a charm of it's own and is far from the madding crowd of mass tourism [...] If you want an island that is big hotels with all the facilities eg big pools, AI and hundreds of rooms then Leros is not the place for you. I love the island because it just suits us and how we holiday. Laid back tavernas, cafes and kafenions, friendly locals, good connections to nearby islands."