Guardian: Mykonos and Santorini among 10 classic European islands on a budget

Guardian included Mykonos and Santorini in a recent article about 10 classic European islands on a budget.

The article describes the two iconic Greek destinations as follows:

Santorini, Greece

Even the epic photos don’t quite prepare you for Santorini, with its encircling black cliffs. The island was formed by an enormous volcanic eruption in 1600 BC, and the subsequently collapsing caldera formed these sheer faces. Its extraordinary landscapes justly attract hordes of visitors and, unsurprisingly, Santorini, or Thira in Greek, is one of the pricier Greek isles.

Stay The island’s volcanic soil produces renowned wine, and at Caveland caves dug from the volcanic pumice to be used as wine cellars now provide fun and stylish accommodation. Dorm beds cost from €23, doubles (book ahead: they sell out quickly) from €70.

Hang out Atlantis in the north-western town of Oia may just be the best bookshop on the planet; it certainly has one of the best settings, overlooking the sea in this whitewashed old town. Born through passion, and a bit of whimsy, it now runs food, film and literary festivals through the year.

Eat Naoussa calls itself a traditional taverna, although its prices are a little high. The food is good, though, and factor in the location (its terrace is a good place to watch the sun set over the caldera) and it’s a bargain (main courses from €10.50).

Day trip Boat trips run to Thirasia, another sliver of the island before its eruption, on the other side of the caldera. If you can, bring a moped, stay the night and explore what Santorini must have been like 30 years ago (there are a few old-style rooms to let from €40 for a double).

Way to go There is an airport (served by easyJet and Norwegian from Gatwick), but though it’s a longish ferry trip from Athens (6-9 hours, greeceferries.com, from €40), nothing beats entering the caldera by sea. It does leave you with the problem of making your way up the cliffs on the switchback road. A donkey ride is traditional, if not exactly comfortable.

Mykonos, Greece

Most people, if asked to imagine a Greek island, will probably picture Mykonos – all whitewashed houses and sparkling turquoise seas (although the island’s vibrant nightlife is renowned, too). Its fame, and the famous people who visit, mean prices can be eye-popping. But it is possible to enjoy Mykonos on a budget, especially outside of August.

Stay A basic double room in Hora, the main town, can cost €150-200, even in June. There are lower prices out of town and under canvas. On the south coast 6km away, Paraga Beach, says it welcomes “young people of all ages” and has comfortable “prefab” tents in a gorgeous spot right by the sea for €40 a night in June (€30 all summer for those with their own tent).

Hang out Mykonos nightlife can be hectic; a more peaceful option is Cine Manto , an outdoor cinema in a lovely oasis of a garden with a cafe/restaurant and screenings (adult €9) at 9pm and 11pm in summer.

Eat Finding cheap, but good, food is always possible in Greece. A gyros pitta (traditionally pork, chicken, or lamb) for a few euros may be reminiscent of a kebab back home, but done well they’re sublime. Try one with a glass of wine in nice surroundings at Pepper in Mykonos town.

Day trip It’s a 30-minute ferry ride to the Sanctuary of Apollo on the sacred isle of Delos (€20 return plus €12 entry). Pack a picnic and drink in the atmosphere.

Way to go The cheapest and best way to approach a Greek island is as Odysseus did – by sea. A ferry from either Athens port takes around four hours and costs €29. AB