Brits are swapping busy Spain for these three quiet Greek hotspots with £1 pints and secret beaches
Growing costs and overcrowding in Spain are pushing holidaymakers to alternative destinations, like Thassos, Lefkada and Agistri, according to Greek travel experts
Advertisement
9
Growing costs and overcrowding in Spain are pushing holidaymakers to alternative destinations
Credit: Alamy
9
Greek destinations like Thassos, Lefkada and Agistri are becoming great alternatives
Credit: Alamy
9
The islands are known for being great value for money
Credit: Alamy
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).
Advertisement
Read more on Greece
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.
Advertisement
Most read in News Travel
For example, in Thassos, Marble Beach has white-pebble shores and clear water.
Alternatively, in Lefkada, down cascading
steps
is
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.
Advertisement
"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).
Advertisement
9
In Greece, the food is fresh, local and often low cost
Credit: Alamy
9
Drinks can be found in local tavernas for as low as £1, too
Credit: Alamy
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).
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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.
9
Double rooms in local guesthouses on Thassos or Lefkada cost around £25–£35 per night
Credit: Alamy
9
Transport tends to be cheap too with short inter-island ferries costing under €10 (£8.47)
Credit: Alamy
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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.
9
The shoulder months including May, June and September, are also becoming more favourable as well
Credit: Alamy
"That authenticity is priceless."
Advertisement
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
Advertisement
Plus,
9
Greece also has less overcrowding than Spain
Credit: Alamy
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
O2 hands out FREE speed upgrade in 22 locations across UK & it's already live in four holiday hotspots
The full list reveals every site getting the upgrade SPEEDING ALONG O2 hands out FREE speed upgrade in 22 locations across UK & it's already live in four holiday hotspots HOLIDAYING O2 customers will be able to bag a free speed upgrade at 22 locations across the UK. They're all holiday hotspots – and four of the speed boosts have already gone live. 2 O2 is dishing out major signal upgrades across the UK Credit: Alamy O2 has vowed to upgrade 22 Haven holiday sites across the UK. Advertisement It's part of what the network is calling its "Mobile Transformation Plan", promising better signal in "high-demand areas". Four sites already have O2's "improved 5G", including Thornwick Bay Holiday Park in Yorkshire and Skegness Holiday Park in Lincolnshire. And O2 says that more sites will be upgraded "this summer and early next year". "With more people choosing to holiday in the UK, we are working to improve our mobile network in some of the most popular staycation destinations," said O2's mobile access director, Dr Robert Joyce. Advertisement "This work with Haven is a great example of our Mobile Transformation Plan in action. "Bringing more reliable connectivity to the places people need it most. "So whether our customers are off to Skegness, Berwick, or Cleethorpes, they can stay connected this summer." O2 is working with network giant Freshwave to upgrade the sites. Advertisement Network bosses have vowed to pour £700 million into infrastructure this year to boost connectivity. Sun's tech editor shows NEW 4mm thin folding Samsung – & teases 'flip iPhone' too And O2 is upgrading Haven holiday parks due to higher demand. "Our guests and owners expect to stay connected," said Haven tech boss James Bromley. "Whether it's sharing memories, streaming entertainment, or working remotely. "I'm delighted that our investment in our parks has attracted O2 to ensure we're delivering the best possible experience to families choosing to holiday or own at our parks." Advertisement WHAT'S KILLING YOUR SIGNAL? Here's what Ofcom says will affect your mobile reception... The power of your local mast, and how close you are to it Hills, buildings, and trees, between you and the mobile mast The capacity of the local mast and congestion in the network, particularly at peak times Which materials were used to make the building or vehicle you're in Bad weather The quality of antenna in your phone Picture Credit: Alamy Haven has 38 holiday parks across the UK, but not all of them are being upgraded – only 22 sites are getting the speed boost. Here's the full list, as sent to The Sun: Haggerston Castle Berwick Primrose Valley Blue Dolphin Thornwick Skegness Seashore Orchards Golden Sands Seton Sands Hopton Combe Haven Allhallows Thorpe Park Cleethorpes Reighton Sands Hafan y Mor Rockley Park Marton Mere Burnham Perran Sands Craig Tara Devon Cliffs Littlesea The upgrade comes just days after Vodafone and Three confirmed that they had jointly upgraded over 600 mast sites across the UK. And earlier this year, EE upgraded its speeds across 50 towns and cities. 2 As many as 22 sites are being upgraded with improved signal, O2 says Credit: Getty Advertisement O2 merged with Virgin Media back in 2021, absorbing its Virgin Mobile customers. And O2 also secured a deal with Vodafone to acquire a large 78.8MHz chunk of spectrum. That means the company holds just under a third of UK mobile spectrum, making it one of the nation's biggest network providers.
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
One of the UK's most beautiful train journeys runs right across the beach and it costs less than £20
ONE of the UK's most scenic railway routes costs less than £20 to travel on all day. The Cambrian Coast Railway has previously been named one of the world's most beautiful train journeys. 4 One of the UK's most scenic train routes goes directly across a beach Credit: Alamy 4 The route runs from Aberystwyth to Pwllheli with a change at Machynlleth Credit: Alamy The line runs from Aberystwyth to Pwllheli (with a change at Machynlleth) and often running along the coastline. One of the most beautiful journeys is via Barmouth, where it runs along a bridge that goes directly over the beach or the ocean, depending on the tides. Also called the Mawddach Viaduct, it is the longest viaduct in Wales made from wood, and one of the oldest that is still in use. You can even walk across the bridge, although you will need to ask to get off at Morfa Mawffach. Barmouth is worth a visit itself, as it was named an up-and-coming seaside town. National Geographic said: "This is the sort of town that's full of visitors-turned-residents and it's that sense of pride and community that's powering its revival." It even has a secret beach that can only be visited by tunnel - here is how to find it. Other fun stops along the way include Pwllheli, where you can access popular surfing spots, as well as Fairbourne for sandy beaches. Otherwise popular attractions include the National Library of Wales, in Aberystwyth, or the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum in Tywyn. Make sure to stay on the train in the evenings as well, as it has some of the best sunsets too. I took a 1920s themed train journey with flapper-style singers and luxury dining Visit Wales writer Karen Willans said: "The train ride itself can be a day out, but there's also loads to do along the way. "There's plenty of wildlife to see as well – sea birds (including cormorants), dolphins, porpoises and various birds of prey live in the area." Tickets cost £9.50 for kids or £19 for adults, which includes unlimited travel for the entire day. These can be used after 9:30am in the week, and all day at weekends and Bank Holidays. Railcard discount cards can also be used, and tickets are accepted on some bus services as well. 4 Trains run as much as 12 times a day Credit: Alamy Around five trains run each way in the week between Machynlleth and Pwllheli, with 12 trains each way between Shrewsbury and Aberystwyth. These run every one or two hours. There are fewer trains on Sunday, with just three between the May and September season, or one out of this season. Here's the train journey which has been called the most beautiful in the UK. And there is a £5 scenic train journey where waves even crash again the windows.
The Irish Sun
8 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Why British behaviour in Spain is getting locals backs up – even if you think you're being polite
Ordering drinks can result in some Brits sounding like Shakespeare SPAIN PAIN Why British behaviour in Spain is getting locals backs up – even if you think you're being polite WHILE little can go wrong with a friendly "¡Hola!" to a waiter or "mañana" to a maid in Spain some Brit tourists are making paella of a mess of the Spanish language. That's according to a language expert who has revealed his golden rules to spare the blushes of Brits abroad. 1 Don't try to be too polite or too posh when talking to the locals, says a language expert Though most tourists from the UK think themselves the epitome of politeness on holiday their well-intentioned manners could well backfire on them. Advertisement One of the biggest blunders is Brits trying to sound too polite – or too posh. Language guru James Smith has spent more than a decade teaching Spanish and living across Spain, Argentina and Costa Rica. He said the issue stems from a fundamental cultural misunderstanding. 'British tourists think they're being respectful by using elaborate politeness, but Spanish culture values directness,' he said. Advertisement 'What we consider courteous can actually make Spanish speakers uncomfortable because it sounds unnatural and forced.' Here are James' golden rules for getting along with the locals: Politeness doesn't translate Never say "I'm terribly sorry to bother you" – it's too abstract in Spanish. Be direct. 'I've watched British tourists tie themselves in knots trying to be polite, and the Spanish person just looks bewildered,' said James. Advertisement 'They're wondering why this person is apologising so much for a simple request.' Brits vow to defy anti-tourism zealots after 1000s of sunbeds across Majorca were scrapped Don't sound like Shakespeare Too often people try to sound posh. Don't. 'The phrase 'would you mind' doesn't really exist in Spanish the way we use it," said James, of Learn Spanish with James. 'You end up with these clunky translations that make you sound like you're performing Shakespeare in a café.' With these points in mind, here are some everyday phrases James suggested Brits can try out on the streets of Spain. Advertisement Ordering a drink British way: 'Would it be possible to have a coffee, if that's not too much trouble?' Spanish way: 'Un café, por favour' (A coffee, please) Getting someone's attention British way: 'Excuse me, I'm terribly sorry to interrupt…' Spanish way: 'Disculpe' (Excuse me) Making requests in shops British way: 'Would you mind if I had a look at that, please?' Spanish way: 'Ese, por favour' (That one, please) - while pointing to the item. 'Even asking 'Can I see that?' sounds overly formal in Spanish,' James explained. 'Just point to what you want and say 'that one, please' - it's perfectly polite and completely natural.' 'The beauty of Spanish communication is its simplicity,' James added. 'You're not being rude by being direct. You're being clear. That's actually more respectful than making someone decode your overly complex politeness.'
