Brits are swapping busy Spain for these three quiet Greek hotspots with £1 pints and secret beaches

Scottish Sun

11-06-2025

Plus, one of the cheapest Greek islands that is set to be popular as TUI adds more hotels
ISLE GO Brits are swapping busy Spain for these three quiet Greek hotspots with £1 pints and secret beaches
AS parts of Spain become more crowded with tourists and prices are rising, Brits are ditching the country in favour of quieter Greek islands.
Growing costs and overcrowding in Spain are pushing holidaymakers to alternative destinations, like Thassos, Lefkada and Agistri, according to Greek travel experts Ionian Island Holidays.
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Growing costs and overcrowding in Spain are pushing holidaymakers to alternative destinations
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Greek destinations like Thassos, Lefkada and Agistri are becoming great alternatives
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The islands are known for being great value for money
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And these destinations don't break the bank.
Especially, when drinks can be found in local tavernas for as low as £1, for example.
Like on islands such as Kalymnos and Agistri, visitors can often find 500ml draught beer or a carafe of house wine priced between €1.50 and €2.50 (£1.30–£2.10).
Meze dishes featuring grilled vegetables, fried cheese or seafood can be found for under €5 (£4.24).
Places to eat and grab a drink are often family-run, which adds to their charm.
A spokesperson for Ionian Island Holidays said: "Many of these tavernas have been in families for generations,"
"They care more about welcoming guests than maximising profit."
Another reason why holidaymakers are heading to Greece over Spain, is for the peaceful coves and quiet beaches.
For example, in Thassos, Marble Beach has white-pebble shores and clear water.
Alternatively, in Lefkada, down cascading steps is Porto Katsiki - which is naturally calm.
The adult-only Greek hotel with laid-back DJs and hidden beach
In Agistri, Aponisos Beach has shallow water, perfect for families.
Whilst many of the beaches across Greece are only reachable via foot or local water taxis, this helps preserve their charm.
"You won't need to claim a sunbed at 7 a.m.—there's space for everyone," said an Ionian Island Holidays spokesperson.
Undeniably, when on holiday food is a top priority.
And in Greece, the food is fresh, local and often low cost.
Seafood dishes like sardines, grilled octopus or calamari can be found for €8–€12 (£7–£10).
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In Greece, the food is fresh, local and often low cost
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Drinks can be found in local tavernas for as low as £1, too
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Or hearty mains such as moussaka or souvlaki typically cost €6–€9 (£5–£8).
If you wanted to share, plates (meze) of fava, dolmades, tzatziki or fried courgette often start at just €3 (£2.50).
Most meals tend to be cooked from scratch using local ingredients.
Tavernas will grow their own herbs, source fish directly from nearby harbours and cook with olive oil processed locally.
Most meals are made from scratch using local ingredients—many tavernas grow their own herbs, source fish directly from nearby harbours and use olive oil pressed locally.
"It's not just cheap—it's authentic. These aren't tourist menus; they're cooking for neighbours, too," added the Ionian Island Holidays spokesperson.
Typically, Greece also offers better value accommodation and daily costs remain the cheapest in Europe, during off-peak months.
For example, double rooms in local guesthouses on Thassos or Lefkada cost around £25–£35 per night.
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Double rooms in local guesthouses on Thassos or Lefkada cost around £25–£35 per night
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Transport tends to be cheap too with short inter-island ferries costing under €10 (£8.47)
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Many properties have kitchenettes too, which is ideal for families wanting to cook their own food.
For transport, short inter-island ferries are typically under €10 (£8.47).
"Families and couples can enjoy an entire day out, meals included, for the price of a single tourist attraction in other destinations," said the Ionian Island Holidays spokesperson.
Unlike many parts of Spain, Greece has less overcrowding.
Travellers often report being welcomed into village festivals, outdoor cinemas and local cafés, as well as feeling like part of the community by the end of their stay.
"Visitors often say they feel like they're in a real community, not a tourist zone," commented the Ionian Island Holidays spokesperson.
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The shoulder months including May, June and September, are also becoming more favourable as well
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"That authenticity is priceless."
When it comes to what Brits are actually looking for, natural beauty, value for money and meaningful local experiences repeatedly crop up.
The shoulder months including May, June and September, are also becoming more favourable with couples, solo travellers and families seeking calm and affordability.
The Ionian Islands Holidays spokesperson said: "Our guests are looking for quality without excess… beautiful views, kind people and good food that doesn't cost a fortune."
There is also a smaller Greek island with 70 beaches that experts warn you should see before it gets too popular.
Plus, one of the cheapest Greek islands that is set to be popular as TUI adds more hotels.