Whitewashed villages clinging to steep cliffsides, stone-paved pathways that result in blue dome church buildings, and naturally, seashore golf equipment galore:
There’s many a motive why you’d wish to be a part of the lots in Santorini this summer time, and hey, we get it: overtourism apart, it actually is gorgeous, so if that is one thing you’ve received your coronary heart set on, by all means, go for it.
That being mentioned, we’re right here to deal with these of you who dream of an idyllic trip as an alternative, and who aren’t precisely eager on spending hundreds of {dollars} an evening on a cave suite in Oia.
Maybe you suppose much less is extra, and also you don’t precisely thoughts opting as an alternative for the lesser-known various.
In that case, you’ll wish to think about these:
Zakynthos
According to a brand new report by ResidenceToGo, there are 4 Greek islands which might be on the radar of Americans this yr, and shock, shock, Santorini is nowhere to be discovered on the record.
On the opposite hand, the much-more offbeat Zakynthos is featured, with a 175% year-on-year improve in searches by U.S. vacationers, and it’s possible you’ll be questioning why, significantly if the identify does not precisely ring a bell.
Well, in case you did not know, Zakynthos is residence to essentially the most iconic seashore in all of Greece, Navagio, the place a 1980 shipwreck, flanked by towering cliffs, rusts away within the pearly-white sand, only some meters from essentially the most turquoise seas you’ve got ever seen.
The seashore itself can solely be accessed by boat, often from Zakynthos Town, however often, vacationers want admiring from above, on the Navagio Viewpoint.
Zakynthos is primarily someplace you go for unwinding and beating Greece’s normal surging crowds, and in the event you’re principally drawn to pristine nature, you are spoiled for alternative right here:
There’s the Blue Caves, a snorkeling hotspot recognized for its glistening waters; Gerakas, a lot sought-after by guests for sea turtle nesting; and a vigorous Banana Beach, a strip of golden sand dotted with sunbeds and backed by a variety of facilities.
Zakynthos can also be one of the vital reasonably priced Greek island getaways, with in a single day stays in Zakynthos Town, the principle settlement, ranging from $82 for two adults, or $41 per particular person (take a look at Lofos Strani) and meals in native taverns averaging $10–$16.
Lefkada
Famous for its dramatic coastal cliffs, which tower over unspoiled white sands and teal-colored seas, laid-back seashore cities, and vibrant capital, Lefkada is a gem that in all probability will not keep hidden for lengthy:
It’s already up 189% in searches.
Though lots about Lefkada will hold seashore bums and tradition fans entertained for days on finish, a widespread consensus is that no journey right here is full with no cease in Porto Katsiki, probably Greece’s second-most photographed seashore after Navagio.
If you are pondering of spending the day right here, nonetheless, we would advise you to come back early, as there is not quite a lot of room within the cliff-squished sand strip, and you will wish to be sure to’ve secured a spot on the western facet of the seashore, because the cliffs solid shadows on the japanese finish.
There are numerous extra secluded paradisaical websites in Lefkada, from Egremni Beach, dubbed the ‘Greek Caribbean’ for its superb, white sands and turquoise seas, or Kathisma, nice for sundown dinners and a few early-evening clubbing.
2 of the perfect bases for exploring Lefkada are Lefkada City, the buzzing capital, the place a few of the finest eating places are concentrated—no matter you do, do not depart with out making an attempt Antivaro‘s smoked mackerel—or Nydri, a peaceable resort city on the East Coast.
Only a couple of steps from the Nydri waterfront, you may get a Deluxe Studio for $105 as a pair ($52.50 per particular person), whereas the centrally-located Ionion Star Hotel, in Lefkada Town, will set you again by $84-a-night ($42 when splitting).
Naxos
With a 327% uptick in searches this yr, Naxos is the Santorini look-alike you in all probability weren’t even conscious existed:
The largest landmass within the Cyclades, it presents historical, chalk-white cities hugged by azure seas, a mountainous hinterland dotted with remoted villages the place time has stood nonetheless for hundreds of years, and a wealthy heritage, spanning from Ancient Times to Venetian rule.
For a typical Cycladic expertise, begin with Chora, the principle port, a labyrinthine capital stuffed with cubic homes, on the foot of an imposing citadel (Kastro):
Soak up the traditional environment, get some freshly-caught fish from a neighborhood tavern (To Elliniko‘s the perfect one for regional delicacies at affordable costs), or browse the retailers lining the stone-paved important avenue for souvenirs.
Away from Chora, there’s the scenic Temple of Apollo, the remnants of a Greek temple, or extra particularly, its marble doorway, primarily appearing as a window to the sunset-tinged coast.
Inland, you possibly can go to Mount Zeus, the very best peak within the Cyclades, rising about 3,290 ft above sea degree, and be sure to do not miss out on the cave the place Zeus was allegedly raised.
Whilst you are at it, take a drive as much as Aspiranthos, a type of many picture-perfect, stone-built villages which have largely been shielded from the spoils of mass tourism:
Expect marble pavements, cozy cafe terraces shaded by leafy lemon bushes, and an all-around genuine really feel.
For a seashore day, Agios Prokopios has golden sands, clear waters, and a handful of well-reputed beachfront taverns serving scrumptious meals and refreshing drinks.
By the best way, renting a sunbed right here prices solely $15 for the day.
Considering Naxos’ proximity to Santorini, you’d anticipate it to be so much pricier than what it truly is, however in actuality, funds resorts like Adonis right here begin from a shockingly-cheap $53-a-night for two adults (or solely $26 every), and important dishes in Greek-frequented eateries vary from $11–$17.
Crete
The Queen of Greek Islands, and the biggest of all of them, at that, Crete is the primary most-searched trip within the Southeastern European nation, with a whopping 390% rise in demand year-on-year, and it isn’t exhausting to see why.
You might spend your holidays in Crete yr after yr, after yr, and nonetheless fail to notice all that it has to supply, and it is an island of countless potentialities in the event you’re both a nature lover or a historical past buff.
Its bustling port capital, Heraklion, has all the gorgeous chaos Greek metropolises are recognized for: image the standard mess of hectic site visitors, pedestrianized procuring streets with their normal rows of memento retailers and alfresco eateries, and a palm-lined, trendy promenade.
Near Heraklion, the Palace of Knossos is likely one of the best-preserved historical monuments in Greece. Dating again to the Minoan period, it’s a ruined temple, however in contrast to different ruined temples, components of its once-brightly painted exterior have survived.
Over in Elafonissi Beach, there are pinkish sands straddling a crystalline Aegean Sea, and if lengthy trousers do not often put you off, you may wish to do the 10-mile Samaria Gorge stroll, taking you to the guts of a surprising canyon.
For a Cretan metropolis that feels significantly extra ‘chill’ than Heraklion, think about including the colourful Chania to your itinerary: criss-crossed by slender alleys, and encroaching on an Instagrammable Venetian-built harbor, it’s positive to go away a long-lasting impression.
We imply, its mouth-watering bougatsa will.
As a big island with an enormous vary of vacationer lodging, Crete might be among the many most budget-friendly locations in Greece this summer time:
Downtown rooms in Heraklion value from as little as $53 per evening (as a touring couple, that is $26.50 every), and consuming native is mostly cheap.
For occasion, getting a takeout souvlaki gyros on the Heraklion port space often comes as much as about $3.37, and as for a sit-down meal in Chania, Tamam Restaurant is a classy Greek-Middle Eastern fusion serving sizable meals for roughly $10–15 (do attempt their hen with honey and mustard!)
Heading to Greece this summer time?
Discover different unbelievable, unheard-of islands with smaller (or no) crowds and cheaper costs right here.
Ready For Your Trip? Check The Latest Entry Requirements For Your Destination Here
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No advertisements, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where vacationers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even discover like-minded journey buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accepted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the publish.