Little-known Greek island where the locals go on holiday to avoid the crowds

A LITTLE-KNOWN Greek island has received glowing praise for its “emerald-blue” seas and its lack of crowds.

Places like Santorini and Mykonos have become popular spots with tourists, but both can be expensive and overcrowded as a result.

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However, not far from Santorini is a lesser-known spot that boasts similar architecture and natural beauty, while remaining “untouched” by tourists.

The island of Folegandros sits near Paros as well as Santorini, but is much less visited than Greece’s more well-known isles.

According to the Times the “Greeks don’t go to Mykonos, Rhodes or Corfu,” but they go to the Folegandros which has ” largely evaded international tourism”.

And CNN listed it in their top seven most beautiful villages in Europe, writing: “Santorini’s streets sag with admirers.

“But on Folegandros, a nearby island, you’ll find similar architecture—streets paved in slate, whitewashed buildings decorated with colourful flowers, the occasional Greek Orthodox church with a bright blue dome—without the crowds.

“For a secluded swim, trek to Katergo, a sheltered stretch of beach where gentle, emerald-blue waves lap the pebbly shore.”

Greek travel agency Greeka added: “Relatively untouched by international tourists, Folegandros island still manages to keep its unspoiled charm.”

They explained similarities between the island and its more highly-regarded neighbours, saying it has “traditional Cycladic architecture”.

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The continued: “That means that its village, Chora, is made up of tiny whitewashed houses, narrow alleys, colourful windows and doors and blue-domed churches.”

One reason perhaps people don’t visit it as much as the other islands is the fact it doesn’t have its own airport.

However, it is easily reached by ferry from Athens, with daily departures and arrivals, or a boat from Santorini or Piraeus.

On the island are three villages, with the man being Chora which overlooks the ocean.

Karavostasi Beach and Angali Beach are some of the popular stretches of sand which are connected to the village by road.

Visitors can stay in those houses, overlooking the sea, from as little as £25.50pp per night.

If you want some luxury, you can stay at he Aspalathras White Hotel, a 4* resort which starts from just £86 or you can splash out for the 5* ANEMI Hotel and Spa from £163 a night.

If you want to eat like the locals, you should try the “matsáta,” which are handmade noodles with chicken while drinking “rakómelo,” a warm raki with honey.

If you don’t want to go this far, then a beautiful UK seaside town has been compared to a Greek island.

And another seaside town in the UK is also home to dolphins, whales and puffins, as well as amazing castles.

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