2 Greek Islands – off the radar and so affordable!

Greek islands are on everyone’s wish-list – until they discover the price of accommodation, the cost of dining out, and the charge for a sun umbrella on the beach. With Mykonos sun loungers and some shade costing up to 24 Euro (around $40 NZ) a day, a slice of pizza commanding a similar price, and a night in a hotel starting at $400, dreams quickly evaporate. However, other islands are more accessible in every way – and not only are they easy to reach, they are 100% more authentic than the big-name destinations, and the only tourists you’re like to meet there are the Greeks themselves. The islands of Elaphonisos and Evia are both off-the-tourist-radar destinations, and considering the shoulder season is coming up, why not book them right now!

Elaphonisos

One of the least-known Greek islands is Elafonisos and, believe it or not, it’s just an 8 minute, 11 Euro ($18 NZ) ferry ride from the mainland. Secluded and sheltered between the two eastern fingers of the Peloponnese, its crystal clear, turquoise waters owe their intensity of colour to their shallowness at the point where the island was once connected to the mainland. This island is true white sand country and boasts one of the longest stretches of beach in the country. Relax in an affordable lounger, swim in the warmest of waters, enjoy people-watching as the odd luxury yacht anchors offshore to allow its mega-rich occupants to experience the beach, and buy yourself an affordable snack at a beach café.

At night, meander into the sweet, whitewashed port township for a traditional fish meal (the bigger the fish the higher the price per kilo, but order delicious yavros – crispy-fried whole sardines – and a Greek salad, and you’ll be laughing at the bill! Accommodation on the island is very affordable with sea view apartments for 2 available for $70 a night.

Tips: avoid weekends (when the Greeks arrive from Athens to dine at the island’s fish restaurants), take your hire car with you to the island, stay several days (because you’ll fall in love with the place), and day-trip to the pretty and historic mainland destinations of Monemvasia and Gythio.

Evia

It seems that the closer to the mainland an island is, the more it’s likely to be overlooked – and nothing could be truer when it comes to Evia (also known as Euboea) This large, traditional island, littered with gorgeous beaches, is just 1.5hrs north of Athens and accessible by train, bus or a budget hire car picked up from the airport. A haven for local tourists, you’ll be hard-pressed to spot a non-Greek unless you look in the mirror!

Stay in the island’s main town of Chalkida (also known as Chalkis) for as little as $30 a night double for a comfortable apartment half a minute from the beach. Stroll along the promenade in the evening, and call into any one of dozens of affordable waterfront restaurants and cafés. Shop like a local in back streets where bakeries serve oily, feta-stuffed spinach pies, and little one-man markets set up on the pavement selling figs and nuts.

Tips: At night, hang out close to the little bridge that spans the tiny stretch of water between the island and mainland sections of Chalkida. The bridge opens around 10 pm to allow boats to pass through the dramatically swirling waters, and anchor hard up against the nearby harbour wall. For the best beaches, think like a local and head away from the main centre of town. On weekends, aim to be at the beach by mid-morning to secure your lounger. Be sure to take a tiki tour around the rest of the island – local buses are available but a hire car is recommended if you want to explore the many tiny coves and traditional villages this stunning destination has to offer.