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 beaches, Milos averages maximum temperatures of 27.1, 28.1 and 27.
6 degrees Celsius in June, July and August, making it the perfect sunbathing spot. It’s also cheaper than Santorini, so if you’re looking to save the pennies, this underrated destination is one for you. Things to do in Milos Hailed as a picturesque ‘fisherman’s village,’ Klima is a must-see spot on the island.
A small settlement constructed right in front of the sea, this area is still inhabited by the local fishermen, populated with traditional houses called syrmata. Some of them are even available to rent out. Milos is such one of my favorite greek island.
The beaches and fisherman villages are out of this world. If you have a rental car its fairly easy to see all of the sites in 2 days, but it can easily be extended if you want to take things slower! #greece #travellife #traveldestinations #travelinspiration #travelinspo #milos #europeansummer #milostravel #milostravelguide #milostraveltips Carved directly into the rocks, they’re known for their colourful doors and balconies. Forget Cottagecore – anyone for a bit of Fishermancore? Beachgoers mustn’t miss Sarakiniko – a spot with volcanic origins, white sands and glittering turquoise waters that put the UK to shame.
And Plaka, the capital of Milos, is a gorgeous village characterised by typical Cycladic architecture that dates back to the 1800s. Here, alongside the white houses and narrow streets you’ll also find in Santorini, you can visit the Sand Museum or the Archaeological Museum. The latter has a replica of one of the world’s most famous statues: Venus de Milo, the original of which is now exhibited at the Louvre in Paris.
How to get to Milos Despite its beauty, you can’t fly direct to Milos from London – which perhaps attests to its more undiscovered character compared with Santorini. To reach this gorgeous gem, you’ll need to fly to Athens International Airport and change for a 40-minute flight to Milo s. You can also catch a ferry from Athens, which takes around 4 hours and 16 minutes.
When to visit Milos As with any of the Greek Islands, it’s recommended to visit between May and October. More Trending The UK town that 'oozes class' and has a beach that's like 'heaven on Earth' Travel warnings for UK holidaymakers as deadly wildfires grip Greece and Spain This is the 'most beautiful' café in the world — but there's one issue 'Goat plague' with 70% mortality rate spreading in animals across Greece If you’re wanting heat, the hottest months are July and August, but these will no doubt be the busiest. For better prices and fewer people, May, June, September and October are advisable months to visit, when the maximum temperatures average 22.
8, 27.1, 25.2 and 21.
3 degrees Celsius. Happy holiday planning! Daily horoscope today: August 7, 2024 astrological predictions for your star sign This article was first published on March 18, 2024. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.
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