Every summer, millions of UK travellers descend on the sun-drenched shores of Mallorca to lay their towels on the sands of popular hotspots like Palma and Alcudia.
But overtourism in the Balearics has sparked fierce backlash. Locals and environmental groups have called for a reduction in visitor numbers, and Palma city council recently slapped curbs on tour group sizes.
In one protest, Mallorcans occupied the Calo des Moro beach; on the streets, activists have chanted ‘tourists go home’ and ‘foreigners out’.
Earlier this week, hundreds of holidaymakers were stranded at Palma airport after flights were cancelled due to air traffic restrictions.
It’s not exactly giving ‘rest and relaxation’, and the chaotic situation in Spain’s top tourist destinations has led many to look elsewhere.
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And, according to experts, Lassithi, a mythical region on Crete’s eastern coast, is the perfect switch for anyone who loves Mallorca.
This Greek island is, of course, iconic. But this part is unlikely to be be on your radar just yet.
Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital and engagement at eurochange, says your money will go further here, too.
‘If you’re looking to escape the crowds this summer, Lassithi is a fantastic holiday spot,’ she tells Metro. ‘ It’s a peaceful, authentic Greek experience, with very reasonable prices.
Laura says Lassithi’s coastline is less developed and more secluded than Mallorca, so you won’t need to scramble for a sunbed or fight your way to the bar.
‘This region is a must visit for foodies; some of the best Greek produce is made here including olive oil and honey,’ she adds.
Sound tempting? Here’s everything you need to know.
Things to do in Lassithi
Stretching along Crete’s eastern shore, Lassithi – or Lasithi, in Greek – is steeped in history and natural beauty.
Home to the only palm tree forest in Europe, the region boasts spectacular white sand beaches and an attractive climate, with temperatures reaching 23.5°C right through to October.
Perched 800m above sea level, the Lassithi Plateau has 18 villages embroidered across verdant hills. Folklore museums devoted to Greek myths can be found here, as well as a cave said to be the birthplace of Zeus himself.
A day trip to Lassithi offers not only jaw-dropping landscapes, but a rare peek into rural Cretan life.
The capital, Agios Nikolaos, and areas such as Elounda, Chrissi, and Myrtos serve as the main bases for tourists.
Some five million tourists landed on Crete in 2024, but typically, only a fraction go as far as Lassithi.
Lassithi is home to Minoan ruins, from the ancient city of Lato to the Palace of Zakros. Both are worth a visit, as is the former Venetian fortress and leper colony of Spinalonga, which was catapulted into popular culture by Victoria Hislop’s 2005 bestselling novel, The Island.
Take a boat trip from the nightlife hub of Lerapetra to the idyllic island of Chrissi, or spend the day exploring the charming Kato Zakros village.
See how settlers in 1,000 BC lived with a tour of Praisos, or go to one of Lassithi’s many olive oil farms to really immerse yourself in some authentic Greek culture.
In terms of nature, the Dikti Mountain Range is popular with hikers, while there are a range of caves around the coast to explore. Just make sure to ask a local guide before you go to ensure you stay safe.
Prices in Lassithi
As of 2024, the average price of a pint is €3, or £2.33. This is around €1.50 less than you’d pay in Palma (according to Numbeo), and a whopping three times cheaper than in London.
For a meal out, you’re looking at €21 (£16.32). And, depending on when you travel, three-star hotels can be booked for as little as £43 a night.
Metro found Airbnbs available in July, starting from £74 per night. However plummet if you push your visit back to shoulder season, from the end of September on.
What holidaymakers say
On Tripadvisor, reviewer Erez called the Glika Nera Beach,’ a paradise for peace and quiet,’ while Soner203 said of Lake Voulismeni in Agios Nikolaos: ‘Lovely setting, natural beauty, serene and peaceful yet full of life.’
Another, Dave S, described Lassithi’s Vai Beach as ‘gorgeous,’ adding: ‘What a place this is. Well worth the visit.’
Greeka reviewer agelikoni echoed his sentiments, writing: ‘Vai beach is exactly how I was told. So beautiful and so exotic! For the time being there, you almost forget you are in Greece, seems more like a beach in the Caribbean, I guess. Must see!’
On the same site, georgia22 commented: ‘Lassithi is the most quiet and relaxing area of Crete. While the rest of the prefectures are too crowded for me, Lassithi has exactly those features to make my holidays special.’
How to get to Lassithi
Direct return flights to Heraklion in Crete are available from airports around the UK, starting from £232 in July.
From Heraklion Airport, it’s roughly a 50-minute drive to Agios Nikolaos, or just over an hour to Elounda.
This article was originally published on 13 August 2024 and has been updated.
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