Last year, 3.7 million UK travellers headed to sun-drenched Majorca for their summer holidays, with hotspots like Palma, Arenal and Alcudia proving most popular. But overtourism in the Balearic island has been a hot button issue this season, prompting major backlash from locals.
In one protest, Majorcans ‘occupied’ the Calo des Moro beach , while another saw activists chanting ‘tourists go home’ and ‘foreigners out’. Measures to save water have been put in place in other regions of the island, while a crackdown on drunken Brits is underway in the ‘party’ capital of Magaluf. With that in mind, you might be looking for an alternative destination that’s slightly more welcoming to visitors – both for your own enjoyment, and to avoid annoying the residents.
According to the travel experts at eurochange , Lassithi in Crete is the perfect switch for Majorca. While you’ve definitely heard of the Greek island – and may have holidayed there – this off-the-beaten-track location probably isn’t on your radar yet. However, alongside offering the sun and sea you expect from a Mediterranean getaway, the fact Lassithi largely unheard of among tourists means you’ll get more bang for your buck compared to elsewhere.
Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital and engagement at eurochange comments: ‘If you’re looking to escape the crowds this summer, then Lassithi is a fantastic holiday spot, offering a peaceful, authentic Greek experience, with very reasonable prices too.