It’s not necessary to travel to Asia or South
America to experience beautiful islands at an affordable
price.
The following inexpensive vacation spots in Mediterranean
destinations are not necessarily the cheapest but
they are very affordable compared to the rest of the
continent.
Obviously to keep prices down most of the following
islands are not over run with tourists.
1. Paxos, Greece
One of the Ionian Islands, Paxos is small quaint
and quiet.
Scattered with whitewashed Greek villages this is
a great island for long walks through abundant olive
groves which, incidentally are used to make what locals
claim is the best olive oil in the region.
Beaches are pebbly rather than sandy but over great
snorkeling in crystal clear waters. The only down
side to this island really is an influx of tourists
over the weekend but this is not over powering and
as long as you’re not looking for a great variety
of things to do and see, you can’t really go
wrong on this peaceful little island
2. Losinj, Croatia
Losinj is one of the more popular Croatian islands
due to its lush green vegetation and a harbor reputed
to me the most beautiful in the Adriatic.
Losinj draws also include good beaches and, for the
more active among you, some great windsurfing. A nice
daytrip away is to the nearby island of Susok. Susak
is a tiny island and has a population of only 200
with their own dialect and distinct dress.
3. Buyukada, Turkey
Just a ferry ride from Istanbul but a world away.
This is an island where time really does seem to
have stood still and where nothing happens quickly.
Perhaps its most interesting feature is the fact that
no cars are allowed on the island and all transportation
is by horse and carriage, called Phaeton in the local
language.
As would be expected from a Turkish island, seafood
is good and fresh. A nice expedition is to an ancient
hilltop monastery and its accompanying views. Ask
for directions to Aytous Nikolas, Buyukada’s
sandy beaches, pine tree forests and elegant 19th
century houses make it a popular escape for the wealthy
of Istanbul
4. Madeira, Portugal
Obviously most famous for its wine, Madeira (often
known as the pearl of the Atlantic) with its mountainous
interior and rugged coast is also great for those
looking for a warm sunny climate (obv season dependant),
good walking, fantastic views along with camping and
fishing opportunities.
The beaches, while not sandy, are also plentiful.
A ‘Levada walk” takes you along paths
originally running besides the canals that used to
provide the transport round the island. Now, they
provide great walking through vineyards and sugar
cane plantations whilst offering great views of the
surrounding countryside.
This island is slightly more pricy than the rest
in the list but shouldn’t break the bank
5. Mallorca, Spain
The largest of the Balearic Islands, you might be
surprised to see it listed under inexpensive vacation
spots in the Mediterranean due to its high profile
tourist industry.
However staying away from the north and east coasts
where most of the tourist resorts are and instead
focusing on the interior and the northwest coast puts
you on a different island-- one of fantastic natural
beauty, olive groves, pine forests, small villages
and a stunning, rugged coastline. It’s a world
away from the hedonistic tourist lifestyle that you
might expect from Mallorca.
