Aegean
Fourni
A hidden archipelago of exceptional seafood and beaches that almost nobody visits.
Getting around
Scooter friendly
Cost
€€€
In peak season
Quiet
Best months
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
From Athens
Ferry only
In pictures
Fourni
Fourni is one of the best-kept secrets in the Aegean — an archipelago between Samos and Ikaria that receives almost no tourists but has some of the best seafood in Greece. The island's fishing fleet is one of the most active in the eastern Aegean, and the tavernas serve whatever came in that morning: fresh octopus, spiny lobster, sea urchin, fish grilled simply with olive oil and lemon and eaten at a harbour facing Turkey across a narrow channel. In 2015, a team of archaeologists and divers discovered the largest single collection of ancient shipwrecks in the Mediterranean in the waters around Fourni — 22 wrecks in the first survey, with more found in subsequent years. The island is still, quietly, digesting this discovery. The beaches are good, the people are excellent, and the silence in the afternoons is absolute.
How it scores
- Beaches
- Nightlife
- Food
- Culture
- Nature
- Family
- Accessibility
- Value for money
The catch
Genuinely difficult to reach — requires a ferry from Samos or Ikaria. Very limited accommodation.
Where it sits
Aegean, Greece
Fourni — frequently asked
- When is the best time to visit Fourni? +
- The best months to visit Fourni are May to October. It's very quiet, even in August, so even peak season is workable.
- How do you get to Fourni from Athens? +
- Fourni has no airport — you'll need to take a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina. Some travellers fly to a nearby island and ferry across.
- Is Fourni good for couples? +
- Fourni is a charming pick for couples, especially shoulder season.
- Is Fourni good for families with kids? +
- Fourni is a solid family option, though you'll want a car for the best beaches.
- Is Fourni expensive? +
- Fourni is one of the cheaper Greek islands — and it's one of the better-value picks in its tier.
- Do you need a car on Fourni? +
- A scooter or ATV is the easiest way to get around Fourni. Buses cover the main routes but a scooter unlocks the quiet beaches.
- What's the catch with Fourni? +
- Genuinely difficult to reach — requires a ferry from Samos or Ikaria. Very limited accommodation.