YOU can explore a Santorini-like island with whitewashed villages for a fraction of the price of the real deal.
Folegandros is an island in the Cyclades known for both pretty beaches and cheaper hotels than its sister island.
Unlike its neighbours Mykonos and Santorini, Folegandros doesn’t have an airport or huge hotels – the island didn’t even have electricity until 1974.
It’s been dubbed an ‘under-the-radar Greek island’ seeing much fewer visitors.
Santorini gets around 3.4million visitors each year, meanwhile Folegandros gets 50,000.
There’s still lots to see and visitors will find most of the island’s life in the main town of Chora of which is perched on a cliff around 200 metres high.
It’s where most of the shops, restaurants, cafes and tavernas are found.
Make sure to try Matsata, which is a handmade fresh pasta, which looks similar to tagliatelle, that was founded on Folegandros.
Usually it’s served with cooked meats like rooster, rabbit, or goat in a rich tomato sauce and topped with grated cheese.
For those who want the best island view, take the steep, winding path up to the Church of Panagia.
CNN listed Chora 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.”
Being a Greek island in the Aegean Sea, Folegandros has plenty of beautiful beaches and has been praised for its “emerald-blue” waters.
Some of the island’s top ones include Katergo Beach which has white sands and blue waters.
Visitors have gone as far as to say it’s the “prettiest beach on Folegandros.”
Another is Livadaki Beach which most visitors access by boat rather than foot.
Its remote location means it is less busy than other beaches on the island and it’s said to be an ideal spot for snorkelling.
Agios Nikolaos Beach is family-friendly with a small bar and taverna on the shoreline.
Depending on the season, the average price of a hotel in Santorini varies but typically ranges from £143–£251 per night – but luxury stays can be as high as £1,000.
While Folegandros does have some luxe stays, there are some more affordable stays too.
The Beachfront Cycladic House can be booked from £74 per night on Booking.com.
The holiday home has a bedroom, a bathroom, a living room, a balcony and it’s just minutes’ walk away from multiple beaches.
Rooms at the Kallisti Hotel which is built in the style of a small village can be booked from £82 per night.
It has a swimming pool, bar, breakfast room and rooms with balconies with beautiful island views.
The easiest way for Brits to get to Folegandros is by a ferry from Athens which takes around four hours.
Brits can also fly from the UK to Athens in under four hours from as little as £22.
For more beautiful Greek islands, here are four better value islands where locals go on holiday with Santorini-like houses and secluded beaches.
And here are the alternative Greek islands that could save you £1,000 – including two spots everyone thinks are expensive.