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Metro
6 days ago
- Metro
This mythical destination is a perfect Mallorca alternative — without the crowds
Every summer, millions of UK travellers descend on the sun-drenched shores of Mallorca to lay their towels on the sands of popular hotspots like Palma and Alcudia. But overtourism in the Balearics has sparked fierce backlash. Locals and environmental groups have called for a reduction in visitor numbers, and Palma city council recently slapped curbs on tour group sizes. In one protest, Mallorcans occupied the Calo des Moro beach; on the streets, activists have chanted 'tourists go home' and 'foreigners out'. Earlier this week, hundreds of holidaymakers were stranded at Palma airport after flights were cancelled due to air traffic restrictions. It's not exactly giving 'rest and relaxation', and the chaotic situation in Spain's top tourist destinations has led many to look elsewhere. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. And, according to experts, Lassithi, a mythical region on Crete's eastern coast, is the perfect switch for anyone who loves Mallorca. This Greek island is, of course, iconic. But this part is unlikely to be be on your radar just yet. Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital and engagement at eurochange, says your money will go further here, too. 'If you're looking to escape the crowds this summer, Lassithi is a fantastic holiday spot,' she tells Metro. ' It's a peaceful, authentic Greek experience, with very reasonable prices. Laura says Lassithi's coastline is less developed and more secluded than Mallorca, so you won't need to scramble for a sunbed or fight your way to the bar. 'This region is a must visit for foodies; some of the best Greek produce is made here including olive oil and honey,' she adds. Sound tempting? Here's everything you need to know. Stretching along Crete's eastern shore, Lassithi – or Lasithi, in Greek – is steeped in history and natural beauty. Home to the only palm tree forest in Europe, the region boasts spectacular white sand beaches and an attractive climate, with temperatures reaching 23.5°C right through to October. Perched 800m above sea level, the Lassithi Plateau has 18 villages embroidered across verdant hills. Folklore museums devoted to Greek myths can be found here, as well as a cave said to be the birthplace of Zeus himself. A day trip to Lassithi offers not only jaw-dropping landscapes, but a rare peek into rural Cretan life. The capital, Agios Nikolaos, and areas such as Elounda, Chrissi, and Myrtos serve as the main bases for tourists. Some five million tourists landed on Crete in 2024, but typically, only a fraction go as far as Lassithi. Lassithi is home to Minoan ruins, from the ancient city of Lato to the Palace of Zakros. Both are worth a visit, as is the former Venetian fortress and leper colony of Spinalonga, which was catapulted into popular culture by Victoria Hislop's 2005 bestselling novel, The Island. Take a boat trip from the nightlife hub of Lerapetra to the idyllic island of Chrissi, or spend the day exploring the charming Kato Zakros village. See how settlers in 1,000 BC lived with a tour of Praisos, or go to one of Lassithi's many olive oil farms to really immerse yourself in some authentic Greek culture. In terms of nature, the Dikti Mountain Range is popular with hikers, while there are a range of caves around the coast to explore. Just make sure to ask a local guide before you go to ensure you stay safe. As of 2024, the average price of a pint is €3, or £2.33. This is around €1.50 less than you'd pay in Palma (according to Numbeo), and a whopping three times cheaper than in London. For a meal out, you're looking at €21 (£16.32). And, depending on when you travel, three-star hotels can be booked for as little as £43 a night. Metro found Airbnbs available in July, starting from £74 per night. However plummet if you push your visit back to shoulder season, from the end of September on. On Tripadvisor, reviewer Erez called the Glika Nera Beach,' a paradise for peace and quiet,' while Soner203 said of Lake Voulismeni in Agios Nikolaos: 'Lovely setting, natural beauty, serene and peaceful yet full of life.' Another, Dave S, described Lassithi's Vai Beach as 'gorgeous,' adding: 'What a place this is. Well worth the visit.' Greeka reviewer agelikoni echoed his sentiments, writing: 'Vai beach is exactly how I was told. So beautiful and so exotic! For the time being there, you almost forget you are in Greece, seems more like a beach in the Caribbean, I guess. Must see!' More Trending On the same site, georgia22 commented: 'Lassithi is the most quiet and relaxing area of Crete. While the rest of the prefectures are too crowded for me, Lassithi has exactly those features to make my holidays special.' Direct return flights to Heraklion in Crete are available from airports around the UK, starting from £232 in July. From Heraklion Airport, it's roughly a 50-minute drive to Agios Nikolaos, or just over an hour to Elounda. This article was originally published on 13 August 2024 and has been updated. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Italy's 'village of villages' contest has revealed its 5 must-visit hidden gems MORE: Your favourite places to eat in Europe that aren't the usual tourist traps MORE: Gorgeous town in Portugal is a foodie paradise with flights from £27
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Daily Mail
The gorgeous city crowned cheapest for Aperol Spritz in Europe - and where to find the famous 84p drink
Nothing screams summer quite like sipping a citrusy Aperol Spritz under the sun - and new research reveals exactly where in Europe you can enjoy as many as you want without burning a hole in your wallet. Dubbed the 'sunset cocktail' for its vibrant orange hue, the drink has seen global sales quintuple since 2015. In the UK, it's now officially the nation's favourite cocktail, with over 183,000 monthly Google searches and over 1.4 billion views on TikTok 's #aperolspritz hashtag. Meanwhile in Veneto, Italy - the home country of the beloved cocktail - nearly 300,000 Spritzes are consumed in a single day alone. Luckily, for superfans keen to sip without the splurge this summer, the best and cheapest Aperol Spritz across 39 of Europe's most popular holiday hotspots have been revealed. And it's Naples that has been named the best-value European city for an Aperol, with the average price coming in at just £1.54 (€2.00). It's a fitting honour for the southern Italian city, considering Italy is the birthplace of the popular drink. At Cammarota Spritz, a no-frills Aperol haven, fans can order one for as little as €1 - the equivalent of 84p - while Spritzerò, another Naples hotspot, keeps it at a modest €2.00. Close behind is Palermo, where you can grab a Spritz for just €3.86 (£2.81) on average. According to the experts at eurochange, visitors should head to the bustling Ballarò Market, where they'll find takeaway versions for even less, at just €3. And it's not just southern Italy offering value, as Bulgaria, one of Europe's rising holiday hotspots, also made the top ten list. With the pound holding strong against the Bulgarian lev, cities like Varna and Burgas offer Spritzes for around £3.39 and £3.50, respectively. Meanwhile, in Greece, often associated with high-end tourism, hidden gems like Kefalonia deliver surprising value, with a Spritz costing just €7.16 (£5.49) on average. On the flip side, the most expensive Spritz in Europe isn't in Paris or Zurich - but in Milan, where it averages a staggering €16.66 (£12.81). At the famous Aperol Terrazza, which overlooks the city's iconic Duomo, one cocktail will set you back €20.00 (£15.65), while the price for a Spritz in Rome hovers around €13.83 (£9.99). Montenegro, despite its growing popularity among British holidaymakers, also ranked higher in price. In Budva, a Spritz costs around €8.16 (£6.27) - placing it 19th out of the 39 destinations surveyed. Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital & engagement at eurochange said: 'The Aperol Spritz has become one of the most popular holiday cocktails in recent years, but all too often holiday-goers can be stung by sky-high drinks prices when they're away. 'That's why we wanted to help travellers by researching where you can find some of the best and cheapest Aperol Spritz. You might be surprised that many of them are in the home country of the drink itself!' Colin McKenzie, drinks expert at Gradient Experience explained why the Aperol Spritz has become so popular in recent years. He said: 'It's the perfect storm of timing, taste, and Instagram. People aren't just buying a drink; they're buying a feeling, a moment in the sun. It's holiday mode in liquid form.'
Daily Mirror
20-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Brits heading to Spain should make four checks now after Airbnb crackdown
In recent months, tens of thousands of Spaniards have taken to the streets protesting rising housing and rental costs, which many say have been driven up by holiday rentals on platforms like Airbnb that have proliferated in cities like Madrid and Barcelona and many other popular tourist destinations Holidaymakers heading to Spain should "act immediately" if they're concerned they might be impacted by a major Airbnb ban. This week, authorities in Spain announced a major crackdown on Airbnb, demanding the removal of over 65,000 listings from the platform for flouting regulations. The Consumer Rights Ministry highlighted that a significant number of the 65,935 Airbnb properties ordered to be delisted lacked proper licensing information or failed to clarify if the listing was managed by an individual or a company, with some using incorrect license numbers. The country is facing a severe housing affordability crisis, prompting authorities to take a stand against short-term rental firms like Airbnb. Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@ While many Brits may sympathise with those in Spain feeling the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and high rents generally, they may still worry about whether or not their holidays will go ahead as planned this summer. Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital and engagement at travel money firm eurochange, spoke to the Mirror about the likely impact of the ban and what holidaymakers should do. 'This announcement is likely to impact the number of accommodation options in tourist hotspots like Barcelona, Madrid, Mallorca and the Canary Islands. It will likely also mean higher prices will be introduced for remaining short-term rentals, whilst demand is high," Laura predicted. 'It's also very likely to impact hotel bookings, potentially raising prices during peak seasons, and it could be much more difficult to get a last-minute room. Travellers will need to book hotel rooms much further in advance, especially during peak summer months." Laura's advice for anyone travelling to Spain in the near future is to act swiftly and check four things. 'If you're planning a trip to Spain, I'd recommend checking if your accommodation has proper licensing and booking well in advance if you can," she said. 'If you're worried your Airbnb booking might be affected, contact your host immediately to confirm if they have been impacted and get their perspective on the situation. It's also worth checking with Airbnb directly about their refund policy for regulatory cancellations. Typically, they will offer full refunds when bookings are cancelled due to regulatory changes. 'Start looking for alternative accommodation as soon as possible, especially if travelling during peak season. Hotels or hostels are likely to be your best option. Many coastal areas still have traditional tourist apartments that operate with proper licenses too. If you're struggling to get a refund and you've already paid the full amount, make sure you document all communications and contact your credit card company to discuss getting your money back. 'Make sure you also check your travel insurance to see if it covers accommodation cancellations due to regulatory changes. It's definitely worth bearing this in mind for future trips too.' Public discontent over escalating housing and rental prices, exacerbated by the surge in holiday lets offered on platforms such as Airbnb, has led to widespread protests across Spain, including major cities like Madrid and Barcelona. "Enough already with protecting those who make a business out of the right to housing," declared Consumer Minister Pablo Bustinduy during a press briefing on Monday. In response to the government's order, Airbnb has vowed to challenge the decision, arguing through a spokesperson that the ministry lacks jurisdiction over short-term rentals and accusing it of employing "an indiscriminate methodology" that wrongly targets Airbnb listings not requiring a license. Barcelona took a bold step last year, unveiling a strategy to phase out all 10,000 apartments registered for short-term rentals by 2028, aiming to preserve residential housing for locals. The ministry revealed that Airbnb had been informed about the noncompliant listings months ago, but the company had challenged the decision in court.
Scottish Sun
20-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Europe's cheapest destinations for an Aperol Spritz – and where to find one for 84p
And where to find the cheapest wine and beer in Europe too DRINK UP Europe's cheapest destinations for an Aperol Spritz – and where to find one for 84p WHILE cheap beer and wine on holiday are easy to find, a cocktail can often be more expensive. So the experts have scoured Europe to find where the cheapest Aperol Spritzes can be found. Advertisement 4 Here are the cheapest spots in Europe for an Aperol Spritz this summer Credit: Alamy 4 Italy has some of the cheapest Aperol Spritzes Credit: Facebook / Spritzerò - Napoli The popular alcohol traces back to 1805, although is said to have been invented in 1919 in Italy. It was sold to women in the 1920s and 1930s as a slimline drink option, only to become even more popular in the 2000s So travel experts at eurochange researched 39 of the most popular holiday destination in Europe in search of the most orange drink. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the two cheapest destinations were in Europe, where the humble Aperol Spritz was created. Advertisement Naples was the cheapest, with the average cost being €2 (£1.54) followed by Palermo, for €3.66 (£2.81). Yet Naples has one spot where you can find it even cheaper. At Cammarota Spritz, the Aperol-themed bar sells them for just €1 (£84p). Similarly, Palermo's Ballaro Market has a takeaway Aperol Spritzes for €3 (£2.52). Advertisement Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital & engagement at eurochange comments: 'The Aperol Spritz has become one of the most popular holiday cocktails in recent years, but all too often holiday-goers can be stung by sky-high drinks prices when they're away. 'That's why we wanted to help travellers by researching where you can find some of the best and cheapest Aperol Spritz. I tested all the supermarket Aperol knock-offs and the best was a THIRD of the price of real thing 4 Cammarota Spritz sells them for just 84p Credit: Facebook / Cammarota Spritz You might be surprised that many of them are in the home country of the drink itself!' Advertisement Other cheap destination on the list include Varna, Bulgaria (£3.39) Marmaris, Turkey (£3.91) Saranda, Albania (£5.07) Fethiye, Turkey, (£5.16) Kefalonia, Greece, £5.49) Zadar, Croatia (£5.59) Gran Canaria, Spain (£5.59) They also revealed the destinations with some of the most expensive Aperol Spritzes which might not come as a surprise. Milan came out as the most expensive, with the average cost being £12.81. This was followed by Rome (£9.99) and Ibiza (£9.71). Advertisement Nice, Athens, Palma and Bodrum were all over £7.50 a glass as well. Colin McKenzie, drinks expert at Gradient Experience explains why the Aperol Spritz has become so popular in recent years: "Aperol Spritz managed to bottle the essence of European summers—effortlessly chic, brilliantly orange, and refreshingly bitter. 'People aren't just buying a drink; they're buying a feeling, a moment in the sun. It's holiday mode in liquid form.' If you want cheap wine, traveller Andrew Eames visited Europe's cheapest wine destination with glasses for £2. Advertisement 4 Try Naples and Palermo for the cheapest spritzes Credit: Alamy And we've found the cheapest place in the world for beer. In the mean time, here is the new Sainsbury's Peach Spritz which has got people excited.
The Sun
20-05-2025
- The Sun
Europe's cheapest destinations for an Aperol Spritz – and where to find one for 84p
WHILE cheap beer and wine on holiday are easy to find, a cocktail can often be more expensive. So the experts have scoured Europe to find where the cheapest Aperol Spritzes can be found. 4 4 The popular alcohol traces back to 1805, although is said to have been invented in 1919 in Italy. It was sold to women in the 1920s and 1930s as a slimline drink option, only to become even more popular in the 2000s So travel experts at eurochange researched 39 of the most popular holiday destination in Europe in search of the most orange drink. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the two cheapest destinations were in Europe, where the humble Aperol Spritz was created. Naples was the cheapest, with the average cost being €2 (£1.54) followed by Palermo, for €3.66 (£2.81). Yet Naples has one spot where you can find it even cheaper. At Cammarota Spritz, the Aperol-themed bar sells them for just €1 (£84p). Similarly, Palermo's Ballaro Market has a takeaway Aperol Spritzes for €3 (£2.52). Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital & engagement at eurochange comments: 'The Aperol Spritz has become one of the most popular holiday cocktails in recent years, but all too often holiday-goers can be stung by sky-high drinks prices when they're away. 'That's why we wanted to help travellers by researching where you can find some of the best and cheapest Aperol Spritz. I tested all the supermarket Aperol knock-offs and the best was a THIRD of the price of real thing 4 You might be surprised that many of them are in the home country of the drink itself!' Other cheap destination on the list include Varna, Bulgaria (£3.39) Marmaris, Turkey (£3.91) Saranda, Albania (£5.07) Fethiye, Turkey, (£5.16) Kefalonia, Greece, £5.49) Zadar, Croatia (£5.59) Gran Canaria, Spain (£5.59) They also revealed the destinations with some of the most expensive Aperol Spritzes which might not come as a surprise. Milan came out as the most expensive, with the average cost being £12.81. This was followed by Rome (£9.99) and Ibiza (£9.71). Nice, Athens, Palma and Bodrum were all over £7.50 a glass as well. Colin McKenzie, drinks expert at Gradient Experience explains why the Aperol Spritz has become so popular in recent years: "Aperol Spritz managed to bottle the essence of European summers—effortlessly chic, brilliantly orange, and refreshingly bitter. 'People aren't just buying a drink; they're buying a feeling, a moment in the sun. It's holiday mode in liquid form.' 4 In the mean time, here is the new Sainsbury's Peach Spritz which has got people excited.
