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Daily Mirror
22-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Brits ditch Spain for European hotspot with £1 pints and beautiful beaches
Spain has long been the favourite holiday hotspot for Brits. But with rising prices and furious anti-tourism protests, sunseekers are taking their suitcases elsewhere For decades, Brits have been flocking to Spain in search of sun and sangria - but there's been a notable shift in recent times that's driven beach lovers elsewhere. Overtourism protesters have been taking to the streets in Barcelona and the island of Majorca recently, brandishing water pistols against holidaymakers. Spain has been at the forefront of the anti-tourism protests currently sweeping Southern Europe. Campaigners are calling upon local and central governments to adequately regulate the industry. They have also taken issue with firms such as Airbnb, which they claim are pushing up rents. Meanwhile, rising costs and packed beaches have been driving British travellers away from popular Spanish resorts, in search of affordable tranquillity elsewhere. Back in 2024, Spain hosted a record 84 million international visitors, compared with 83 million in 2019, but it's expected this could well change this summer, with sunseekers instead making a beeline for a lesser-known hotspot with plenty to offer. Greek travel experts at Ionian Island Holidays have now revealed that more Brits are opting to travel to Greek islands such as Thassos, Lefkada and Agistri, the Daily Star reports. Here, they can relax for less while enjoying all the authentic local charm these picturesque islands have to offer. With scenic beaches and unique cultural gems, you can be assured of a memorable stay. Best of all, this little slice of paradise won't cost you the earth, and you could well find yourself gazing out across the ocean with a £1 or £2 pint in hand. According to a spokesperson for Ionian Island Holidays: "British holidaymakers are craving a slower pace and better value. Greece's smaller islands offer both—plus hospitality and scenery that rivals any postcard." The travel company has noted a significant upturn in bookings for these destinations, particularly during shoulder seasons such as May, June and September. Travellers can enjoy evenings out at family-run establishments where they can expect a warm welcome, and likely a complimentary glass of ouzo. The spokesperson revealed: "Many of these tavernas have been in families for generations. They care more about welcoming guests than maximising profit." Thrifty foodies will be in their element, on the islands of Kalymnos and Agistri, where it's not unusual to order Meze dishes of grilled vegetables, fried cheese or seafood for under €5 (£4.30), washed down with a 500ml draught beer or a carafe of house within the region €1.50 and €2.50 (£1.30 to £2.10). You can also enjoy classic Greek mains such as moussaka or souvlaki for €6 to €9 (£5 to £8), with many tavernas focusing on fresh, quality local ingredients. Expect fish caught in the nearby harbour, homegrown herbs, and locally pressed olive oil. Ionian Island Holidays shared: "It's not just cheap—it's authentic. These aren't tourist menus; they're cooking for neighbours, too." For just £25 to £35 per night, you can book yourself a double room at a guesthouse on Thassos or Lefkada. However, the focus here is on a community feel, which locals and visitors alike hope to protect. Ionian Island Holidays continued: "Visitors often say they feel like they're in a real community, not a tourist zone. That authenticity is priceless."
Scottish Sun
11-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
Brits are swapping busy Spain for these three quiet Greek hotspots with £1 pints and secret beaches
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. 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). 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). 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). 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. 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 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. 9 The shoulder months including May, June and September, are also becoming more favourable as well Credit: Alamy "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.
The Irish Sun
11-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
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 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
The Sun
11-06-2025
- The Sun
Brits are swapping busy Spain for these three quiet Greek hotspots with £1 pints and secret beaches
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. 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). 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). 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). 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. 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 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. 9 The shoulder months including May, June and September, are also becoming more favourable as well Credit: Alamy "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.
Daily Mirror
09-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Brit tourists urged to ditch Euros for two travel cards with £0 withdrawal fees
Sick of being stung by sneaky ATM charges while on holiday? Travel experts have urged Brits to check out two specific bank cards that might save you a small fortune thanks to their £0 withdrawal fees UK holidaymakers have been warned over steep ATM fees in Europe which can wreak havoc on your finances. Gone are the days when Brits would head over to their local travel agent to buy a whole week's worth of Euros for their holiday. Nowadays, most go away with their bank card - and a pocket full of loose change. However, many high-street banks still charge customers for using their debit cards abroad on non-sterling transaction fees. This can either be as a one-off charge per transaction, or a percentage of the amount you're withdrawing. While a £2 fee, for example, might not sound like a lot - it can soon add up, especially if you're only comfortably withdrawing small amounts of cash each time. Travel experts over at Ionian Island Holidays have therefore urged Brits to dodge the cost with two specific bank cards. The pros spoke with Laura Bennet, a 34-year-old from Bristol who spent two weeks travelling across the Greek hotspot of Crete and the Cyclades islands. "I used to accept those small £2–£3 ATM fees as normal, but when they started happening regularly, I realised how much I was losing," she said, in a statement sent to the Mirror. "This year, I came prepared with the right cards and some basic know-how. I kept my Starling card for cash withdrawals and used Monzo for purchases — both worked really well and showed transactions instantly in the app." Ionian Island Holidays branded cards like Starling and Monzo as 'game-changers' for travellers, adding: "They're widely accepted in Greece and don't penalise you for accessing your money. [It's] something many visitors still don't realise." While Monzo and Starling both offer free withdrawals on overseas ATMs, both still come with restrictions. For example, Starling only allows customers to withdraw a maximum of £300 a day, with a cap of six withdrawals per day. If Monzo is your main account, you can make unlimited fee-free cash withdrawals within the European Economic Area (EEA). Outside of the EEA, customers will be limited to withdrawing £200 every 30 days. After these limits, a three per cent fee applies. Even if your bank card isn't charging you for overseas activity, many ATMs in popular tourist areas will charge for withdrawals. Laura sought out machines operated by local banks such as Alpha Bank, Piraeus Bank, and Eurobank in Greece, which she says have clearer fee structures and better security. "I avoided the flashy machines near tourist shops and instead used ATMs located at actual bank branches," she added. "They felt more trustworthy and usually displayed fees upfront." Remember, if you're using your card abroad - you should always withdraw in the local currency - and not in GBP. As previously reported, this applies even if an ATM is advertising '0 per cent commission'.
