The lesser-known Greek destination is a great alternative to Majorca
With its beautiful coastline and exciting food and drink scene, it’s no surprise that Majorca continues to be a popular holiday destination. The Instagrammable Spanish island welcomed 3.7 UK tourists in 2023 alone, with Palma, Alcudia and Arenal among the busiest spots.
However, like other holiday and city break hotspots including Venice, Santorini and Barcelona, overtourism is becoming a point of contention on the Balearic island. Majorcan locals have protested against tourists, chanting things like “tourists go home” and “foreigners out”.
Luckily, you don’t need to go to Majorca for beautiful views and turquoise waters. Lassithi in the Greek island of Crete is the perfect destination dupe.
While Crete has long been a popular destination for UK tourists looking for a Mediterranean getaway, Lassithi is a lesser-known gem. Agios Nikolaos is the region’s capital, but Lassithi is home to several other tourist-friendly areas, including Elounda, Chrissi and Myrtos.
While in Lassithi, the Minoan ruins are a must-see. The region is home to a number of historical sites, with the Palace of Zakros and the ancient city of Lato known to be particular highlights for sightseers.
There’s also plenty to do even if history isn’t your thing. If you like to stay active on holiday, the Dikti mountain range is popular with hikers and the coastline is home to a range of caves – although it’s strongly advised that you enquire with a local guide before exploring to ensure you stay safe during your visit.
Other things to do include boat trips to nearby islands and visits to one of Lassithi’s many olive oil farms. Sun-seekers will be pleased to learn that there are also plenty of beaches to choose from, with the popular Vai Beach offering golden sands, serene blue waters and tropical palms.
According to research by eurochange, the average price of a pint in Lassithi is €3.00, or £2.53, with a meal out coming to €21.00 (£17.69), making it a very affordable option when compared to other European destinations. Prices for three-star accommodation start from £40 a night, although this depends on the time of year.
With direct return flights to Heraklion, Crete, available from many airports around the UK, getting to Lassithi is fairly straightforward. From Heraklion Airport, it’s a 50-minute drive to Agios Nikolaos, or just over an hour to Elounda.
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