'Best value' European holiday hotspot has golden beaches and £3.50 pints

A stunning Greek island has been named one of the ‘best value’ destinations in the world with pints costing around £3.50.

The small island of Ikaria boasts 164km (102 miles) of coastline, but it has more to offer than just golden, sandy beaches and crystal clear blue waters - the island is famed for its wild Saint Days’ parties, known as Panagiria, and is the fabled birthplace of the Dionysus, the god of wine.

One of the most popular spots for tourists is the Messakti Beach or you can visit Seychelles Beach, which is named after the African island.

If you fancy a change from the beach, you can head into the villages where you’ll find plenty to eat and drink or take a tour of one of the many wineries on the island - it is the 'birthplace' of the god of wine, after all.

And not only that, but it’s pretty bloody cheap - Ikaria has been named in Lonely Planet’s best destinations in the ‘value’ category.

Summing up the beautiful island, Lonely Planet writes: “The Greek island of Ikaria seduces with aquamarine waters and wild terrain, plus an independent spirit and culture that rave-like panigyri festivals.

Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images

“Named after Icarus, who is said to have crashed here after flying too close to the sun, Ikaria is also honoured as the birthplace of Dionysos, god of wine. Use the paved coastal road to explore the island, to visit Ikarian villages brimming with food, wine and traditional dance.”

Sounds gorgeous, eh? So, how cheap is cheap?

Well, Lonely Planet reckons you’ll get the best deals if you travel outside of August, which is when the island is most popular.

If you avoid that peak time, you’re looking at as little as €35 (£30) for a basic room, or you can opt for a self-catering apartment for between €90-€200 (£78-£174).

Getty Stock Photo

Eating and drinking is equally as well-priced - with a pint costing just €4 (£3.50) and a meal for two for around €30-€50 (£26-£43), or if you’re after a lighter bite, you can grab a butty for €5 (£4.30). Sign me up.

To get to Ikaria you can hop on plane from Athens, or jump on a ferry - flights from the UK to Athens can be picked up from as low as £16.99 with Ryanair and then you’ll need to fork out another £44 to get a flight from the mainland.

Right, I’m off to dig out my passport and pack a bag.

Topics: Travel, Money

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]