Aquamarine waters, delicious cuisine, white-sand beaches and a rich history: Greece has long been a dream holiday destination. As the summer months inch closer, many of us turn to social media for travel inspiration, poring over perfectly posed pictures in the country’s most famous spots, with stock image-esque backdrops of Santorini’s whitewashed houses, the Mykonos windmills or the ancient Parthenon.
But we’ve all seen the “Instagram vs reality” videos: the pink and orange hues of a Santorini sunset over Oia’s blue domes giving way to a camera panning round to reveal thousands of tourists, all jostling to get the same shot. What these more revealing videos also fail to mention is the sky-high costs incurred while holidaying in many of these bucket-list spots.
Fear not: avoiding the crowds – and not forking out €20 on a Greek salad – is entirely possible, without compromising on beauty or experience. Here’s some inspiration on the swaps that could make your next Greek holiday truly unforgettable – not to mention lighter on your wallet.
Swap Santorini for Folegandros
The “must do” Greek stop on many European sojourns, Santorini is renowned for its picture-perfect sugar cube buildings, spectacular sunsets, and volcanic landscape. However, its popularity comes at a price, both literal and metaphorical.
For a Cycladic escape minus the crowds – plus a dose of traditional charm, often absent on more touristy islands – head to the lesser-known nearby island of Folegandros. Accessible via ferry from Santorini or Athens, 12-square-mile Folegandros is a living embodiment of the widely held truth that good things come in small packages. Wander through the narrow streets of Chora for your fix of whitewashed architecture, before cooling off in the pristine Aegean waters at the beaches of Katergo and Livadaki. Finish the day by ambling up to the Church of Panagia for a Santorini-esque sunset viewpoint minus the masses.
Read more: After a lifetime search for the perfect Greek island, I think I’ve finally found it
Swap Mykonos for Ios
Known as the Ibiza of Greece, Mykonos has long been synonymous with lavish beach clubs and wild parties. While the island remains a favourite…
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