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White -rocked villages that cling to steep cliffs, stone paved paths that lead to churches with blue dome, and of course, beach clubs in abundance:
There are many reasons why you want to join the masses in Santorini this summer, and hey, we get it: surpassing, it’s really beautiful, so if this is something, you have your heart up in all respects, go for it.
That said, we are here to address those of you who dream of one idyllic vacation Instead, and who don’t really like to spend thousands of dollars per night on a cave suite in Oia.
You may think that less is more, and you don’t think it is exactly to opt for the lesser -known alternative instead.
In that case you want to consider these:
Zakynthos
According to a new report from HomeTogoThere are 4 Greek islands that are on the radar of Americans this year, and surprise, surprise, Santorini is nowhere to be found on the list.
On the other hand, the much more unusual Zakynthos can be seen, with An increase of 175% on an annual basis of searches by American touristsAnd you may wonder why, especially if the name does not ring exactly a bell.
Well, in case you didn’t know, Zakynthos is the home of the most iconic beach in all of Greece, Navagio, where a shipwreck from 1980, flanked by towering cliffs, rusted away in the pearly white sand, just a few meters from the most turquoise seas you have ever seen.
The beach itself is only accessible by boat, usually from the city of Zakynthos, but usually tourists prefer admiration from above, at Navagio’s point of view.
Zakynthos is Mainly somewhere you go to relax And beating the usual rising crowds of Greece, and if you are usually attracted to a pristine nature, you are spoiled here:
There are the blue caves, a snorkeling hotspot known for its glittering waters; Gerakas, much to ask for visitors for sea turtle nest; And a lively banana beach, a strip of golden sand strewn with sun beds and supported by a wide range of facilities.
Zakynthos is also one of the most affordable Greek island outings, with overnight stays in the city of Zakynthos, the most important settlement, From $ 82 for 2 adultsor $ 41 per person (check out Lofos Strani) and meals in local taverns of an average of $ 10 – $ 16.
Lefkada
Famous for its dramatic cliffs of the coast, which towering over unspoilt white sand and green -blue colored seas, relaxed beach cities and lively capital, Lefkada is a gem that will probably not be hidden for long:
It’s already 189% more in searches.
Although a lot about Lefkada will keep beach bolts and culture lovers for days in a row, a widespread consensus that no trip is complete here without a stop in Porto Katsiki, possible, possible Greece’s second most photographed beach after Navagio.
However, if you are considering spending the day here, we would advise you to come early, because there is not much room in the sand strip begged by the cliff, and you want to be sure that you have a place on the western Side of the beach, while the cliffs cast shadows on the east side.
There are countless more remote Paradisaical locations in Lefkada, from the beach of Egrinni, called the ‘Greek Caribbean’ because of its fine, white sand and turquoise seas, or Kathisma, great for sunset dinners and some early and self-given bats.
2 of the best bases for exploring Lefkada are Lefkada City, the buzzing capital, where some of the best restaurants are concentrated – whatever you do, Don’t go away without trying it Antivarosmoked mackerel—Or Nydri, a peaceful seaside resort on the east coast.
Only a few steps from the NYDRI water side, you can have a Luxury studio for $ 105 as a pair ($ 52.50 per person), while the centrally located Ion Star HotelIn Lefkada Town, you will return by $ 84 a night ($ 42 when splitting).
Naxos
With an increase of 327% in searches this year, Naxos is the Santorini-look-alike that you probably didn’t even know that there was:
The largest land mass in the cyclades, it offers old ones chalk -white cities embraced by Azure SeasA mountainous hinterland strewn with isolated villages where time stands still for centuries, and a rich heritage, which extends from ancient times to Venetian rule.
Start for a typical Cycladic experience with Chora, the most important harbor, a labyrinth capital filled with cubic houses, at the foot of an impressive castle (Kastro):
Enjoy the old atmosphere, get some freshly caught fish from a local tavern (To EllinikoIt is the best for regional cuisine at reasonable prices), or browse through the stores along the Stone Main Street for Souvenirs.
Away from Chora there is the Scenic Temple of Apollo, the remains of a Greek temple, or more specifically, the marble doorway, essentially acting as a window to the sunset-tinted coast.
Domests, you can visit Mount Zeus, the highest peak in the Cyclades, which rises about 3,290 feet above sea level and ensure that you do not miss the cave where Zeus is said to be raised.
While you are busy, take a ride to Aspiranthos, one of that manY Picture-Perfect, Stones built villages which are largely protected against the loot of mass tourism:
Expect marble sidewalks, cozy café terraces shaded by leafy lemon trees and an all-round authentic feeling.
For a beach day, Agios Prokopios has golden sand, clear waters and a handful of well -repaired taverns on the beach that serve delicious food and refreshing drinks.
By the way, renting a sunbed here only costs $ 15 for the day.
Given the proximity of Naxos to Santorini, you would expect it to be a lot more expensive than what it actually is, but in reality budget hotels such as Adonis here start with A shockingly cheap $ 53 per night for 2 adults (or only $ 26 each), and main courses in Greek-lebreende eateries vary from $ 11- $ 17.
Crete
The queen of the Greek islands, and all of them all, at that time Crete is the number one most wanted holiday in the Southeast European country, with no less than 390% increase in demand Year-on-year, and it is not difficult to see why.
You could spend your vacation in Crete year after year, after year, and yet not seeing everything it has to offer, and it is an island of endless possibilities if you are a nature lover or a history lover.
The bustling harbor capital, Heraklion, has known all the beautiful chaos of Greek metropolises for: image the usual mess of hectic traffic, pedestrian street streets with their usual rows of souvenir shops and alfresco dinner facilities and a palm-filled, modern promenade.
Near Heraklion, the Knossos palace is one of the best preserved old monuments Greece. Dating from the Minoan era, it is a destroyed temple, but in contrast to other destroyed temples, parts of his once cleared painted The outside has survived.
On the beach of Elafonissi there are pink sand that weakens itself on a crystalline Aegean Sea, and if long pants usually do not drop you off, you want to do the 10-Mile Samaria Gorge Walk, which takes you to the heart of a beautiful gorge.
For a Cretan City that feels considerably more ‘Kierte’ than Heraklion, consider adding the colorful Chania to your travel schedule: crossed by narrow alleysAnd penetratingly on an Instagramable Venetian built harbor, it is certainly a long -term impression.
We mean, convince it Bougatsa shall.
As a large island with a wide range of tourist accommodations, Crete is probably one of the most budget -friendly destinations in Greece this summer:
Downtown Roman In Heraklion costs Of just $ 53 per night (As a traveling couple that is $ 26.50 each), and local food is generally cheap.
For example, get a pick -up meal souvlaki Gyros in the Heraklion-Haven area usually comes to around $ 3.37, and in terms of a sit-down meal in Chania, Tamam Restaurant is a trendy Greek-Midden Eastern merger that serves extensive meals for About $ 10-15 (Try their chicken with honey and mustard!)
Are you going to Greece this summer?
Discover other incredible, unhearded islands with smaller (or no) bustle and cheaper prices here.
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This article originally appeared on Traveloffpath.com
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