UNLIKE the likes of Rhodes, Crete, Corfu – Fourni is a Greek island that has managed to stay a secret paradise.
It’s one that’s a favourite of Greek locals, and few Brits will have even heard of it.
Fourni is the main island in the Fournoi archipelago found in the Aegean Sea.
It’s only 12 square miles with just over a thousand residents.
The population tends to grow during the summer months – mostly by locals who live in Athens and surrounding towns.
With it being lesser-visited, it has even been called the “last true paradise of the Aegean.”
Getting to Fourni has to be by ferry which docks in the main port, which is also where the main town is.
The white-washed buildings are clustered around the water, with terracotta roof tiles and the classic bright blue doors and window frames.
These aren’t just houses, but winding cobbled streets filled with cafes and tavernas where you can get fresh seafood and meze.
Lots of visitors praise Nikos Taverna, O Miltos and O Ksenixtis.
As you’d expect, the island has beaches galore, its coastline is scattered with bright blue bays and hidden coves,
Some of the most popular include Psili Ammos Beach which is nearest to the main town.
Kassidi Beach is considered one of the best for swimming; Vlihada Beach is surrounded by high rocks and has lots of small coves for exploring.
One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “Petrokopio is one of the best beaches on the island. The beach has crystal clear waters, smooth pebbles, and stunning surrounding cliffs.”
There aren’t hotels per se on the island; instead, there are lots of guesthouses, rooms, and studios.
Sun Travel found one holiday home that for a three-night stay in May works out at £155, or £77.50pp.
It has incredible views over the main town and main beach from a private balcony as well as its own sitting room, kitchen and bathroom.
Temperatures sit between 24C-29C from May to June, and can be as high as 32C in August.
One reason why Fourni and its surrounding islands aren’t as visited as the others, is that they’re not easy to get to.
The only way to reach the island of Fourni is by ferry.
There are ferries from Piraeus, the main port of Athens, and other islands in the Aegean Sea.
The closest airports are on Samos and Ikaria, both of which are then connected to Fourni by ferry.
In April, Brits can fly to Athens from £17 with a ferry over to Fourni starting from £42.
Here’s more on the ‘world’s best island’ which is in Greece – and has restaurants right on the beach…
One writer visited Paros, which was voted the world’s best island for 2025 – and here’s what she made of it…
“It’s got everything you want from a Greek destination with white and grey-lined pavements, chalky houses with blue window frames, all adorned with pink bougainvillea flowers hanging across from verandas – so I’m inclined to say it’s a must-see
“Paros had never been on my radar up until this summer when it kept popping up on social media – and now it’s been dubbed the ‘best island in the world’ by Travel + Leisure.
“The island is known for having beautiful beaches, traditional villages and a buzzing nightlife. Inspired by Instagram, I booked the tickets, confirmed an Airbnb, and was on my way.
“The journey wasn’t an easy one I’ll admit, my friend, Phoenix and I flew to Athens before getting on a connecting ferry to Paros, which took five hours.
“I was ushered into a taxi by a very friendly local who drove for 20 minutes across the island to Naoussa where I found paradise.
“It was completely different to Parikia, the streets were quiet, there were incredible beaches and I could hear the chatter of stall owners at the local shops selling jewellery, linen dresses and souvenirs.
“The food on the island was delicious, particularly the seafood – there were lots of sushi and fish risottos.
“Some of our favourites were Almond, Tsachpinis-Ouzeri ton Nautikon and Fotis All Day Bar. Luaz was especially popular as you get to eat dinner right on the water’s edge which is particularly impressive during golden hour.”
For more on Greece, check out this smaller Greek island with 70 beaches that experts warn you should see before it gets too popular.
And Jet2 boss reveals the three cheap holiday destinations that Brits are booking over Spain this summer.