5 eco-friendly Greek islands
"Green" islands in the Aegean Sea
In recent years, several Greek destinations have turned towards sustainable tourism. They implement environmentally friendly policies to reduce energy consumption and the ecological footprint of both locals and travelers.
On Ferryhopper, you can find more information about eco-friendly islands in Greece that you should visit this summer.
A beach clean-up activity on a Greek island
5 Greek islands for sustainable holidays
Here are 5 Greek islands that are eco-friendly based on their sustainability activities, such as reduction of plastic usage or energy footprint:
- Tilos
- Alonissos
- Sikinos
- Donousa
- Agios Efstratios
Choose your favorite island and book your ferry tickets online on Ferryhopper easily and quickly.
Tilos, the first "green" island in the Mediterranean
The island of Tilos used to depend on electricity transferred via an underwater cable from the nearby island of Kos. Thanks to an EU-funded project, the island is now powered by wind and solar energy. This project has turned Tilos into the ultimate eco-friendly destination in the Dodecanese, enhancing eco-tourism in an already impressive natural habitat.
Tip: get your map from the offices of the association "Park of Tilos" and explore the most popular trails of the island.
The beautiful beach of Eristos in Tilos
Alonissos, the Monachus monachus shelter
Alonissos is known as the shelter of the Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus. The island is part of an important Mediterranean ecosystem and it's home to many endemic species.
The municipality of Alonissos has implemented a program to eliminate the use of plastic bags on the island. Residents and tourists are provided with paper bags in shops, while there is also a campaign to hand out cotton and reusable bags to customers for free.
Tip 1: visit Mom (the Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal) to learn more about the protection of Monachus monachus seals in the area.
Tip 2: find the best ideas about sustainable activities in the Greek islands, including Alonissos, and plan your holiday in Greece in the most eco-friendly way.
The picturesque port of Patitiri in Alonissos
Sikinos: #plastic_straw_free
The beautiful island of Sikinos is the first island in Greece that has stopped using plastic straws. The Municipality of Sikinos along with local businesses has committed to replacing plastic straws with reusable or biodegradable ones. The small island has been a leading example in reducing environmental pollution in the Cyclades.
Tip: check out more reasons to visit Sikinos this summer here!
A traditional Greek chapel in Sikinos, overlooking the Aegean Sea
Donousa, the next plastic-free destination
Following the example of Sikinos, Donousa has been making important efforts in reducing disposable plastics. In this direction, local associations have been collaborating with the successful project “SeaChange Greek Islands”. The program aims at the gradual reduction and abolition of plastics to protect the sea and marine environment.
Tip: the Makares islets off the coast have been included in the Natura 2000 network thanks to their welcoming environment for migratory birds. Check out more Nature 2000 Greek islands here!
Hiking trails in Donousa
Agios Efstratios and its low energy footprint
Agios Efstratios has been chosen to become one of the few energy-autonomous islands in the Mediterranean. With 85% of the energy coming from wind turbines and photovoltaics, Ai-Stratis will be supplied for the most part by renewable energy sources, which officially leads to the conversion of Ai-Stratis into a "green" island.
Tip: check out our guide for more off-the-beaten-track Greek islands.
Fishing boats at the colorful port of Agios Efstratios
The "SeaChange Greek islands" eco program
The "Sea Change Greek Islands" program aims to effectively intervene in the protection of the marine environment of the Cyclades with educational and practical activities. It is designed by the charitable foundation Athanasios K. Laskaridis. Through informational and awareness activities, it contributes to the change of mentality and habits of both residents and travelers.
It is worth noting that apart from Sikinos and Donoussa, this innovative program also organizes activities on the following islands:
- Amorgos
- Anafi
- Iraklia
- Kimolos
- Koufonisia
- Serifos
- Schinoussa
- Folegandros
Tip: wherever you travel, remember to make environmentally friendly choices when it comes to your transportation, accommodation and shopping.
Cycling with a view
Choose your favorite "green" island, check all the ferry routes on our Map of Ferries and book ferry tickets online on Ferryhopper without any hidden fees.
Reminder: there are many ways to make your holiday more eco-friendly. Small steps make a big difference, such as traveling by ferry. Check out why ferry travel is eco-friendly and the perfect starting point for your sustainable holidays in Greece!
