In a summer marked by changes in travel habits in Europe, protests against excessive tourism and rise in price in Mallorca are leading more and more visitors to change the Spanish island for Lassithi, on the Greek island of Crete, a destination where prices are not so high. According to the Daily Express newspaper, from the 3.6 million British tourists who visited the Balearic Islands in 2024, only 64% chose the largest island in the archipelago, revealing a clear softening of demand.
Search for alternative destinations
According to expert Laura Evans-Fisk of Eurochange Currency Consultant, many travelers are now opting for alternative destinations that offer similar experiences to Majorca, but without multitudes or anti-tastism environment. “Majorca was historically one of the most popular destinations in Europe, but we are watching a growing demand for alternatives,” he said, cited by the same source.
The official stresses that, when choosing other destinations, tourists avoid aggravating the problem of excess visitors, while discovering equally appealing places, with natural beauty and historical wealth.
Lassithhi, on the island of Creta, among the suggestions
One of the recommended options is Lassithi, in the east of the Greek island of Crete. Evans-Fisk describes her as a “authentic, quiet and very reasonable prices” destination. The coast is less developed and, therefore, easier to find isolated beaches to enjoy the sun.
In addition to the landscapes, the region is known for the production of olive oil and high quality honey. “It is worth visiting one of the many farms of olive oil to dive into the local culture,” adds the expert.
Affordable vacation
According to the newspaper, a beer in this tourist destination costs about 3.98 pounds (approximately 4.70 euros) and an average meal around 8.76 pounds (about 10 euros). The accommodation is also competitive: there are options in Airbnb from 32 pounds per night (less than 40 euros).
For many visitors, the combination of affordable prices, preserved landscapes and less tourist pressure makes Lassithi a tempting alternative to Majorca, especially at a time when the debate on the impact of mass tourism gains strength in various regions of Europe.
Travel Since Portugal
Currently, there are no direct flights between Portugal and the island of Crete, so the trip requires at least one scale, usually in cities like Athens or Madrid. This particularity has not removed the Portuguese travelers, who continue to include Lassithhi on the summer destinations list, taking advantage of the available aerial connections and combining, in some cases, the visit with other points of Greece.
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