Infamous for its blue-topped buildings and white stone walls, Santorini is an immensely popular destination for those looking to sample the Greek island life. But with more than 2.5 million visitors annually and only approximately 15,500 permanent residents (180 tourists to every local), this Greek gem is becoming increasingly busy – and expensive.
Santorini regularly features in lists of the top 10 most expensive holidays in Europe, with the average one-week break costing upwards of £1,200 per person . Though bargain accommodation is available, the cheaper options get snapped up quickly, and in some of the island’s five-star hotels, your costs can easily triple . That’s not all: the island is now looking to control over-tourism, with Santorini Mayor Nikos Zorzos proposing a cap on cruise ship passengers.
The measure has also been backed by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis – and could be introduced as early as 2025, as per his comments in Bloomberg. So, with all that in mind, we have the perfect destination dupe for you: the Greek island of Milos. Averaging 85,560 tourists each year, Milos has almost 2.
7 million fewer travellers landing here than Santorini. Just north of the Sea of Crete, Milos is the southwestern-most island in the Cyclades group. It’s known as the ‘Island of colours’ thanks to its vibrant waters and buildings painted in vivid primary tones.
Inundated with breathtaking photo opportunities and a coastline that boasts more than 40 exotic beach.