Travel Guide
Move Over Ibiza! Here’s 4 European Islands With Smaller Crowds & Cheaper Prices
May
The queen of European leisure islands, Ibiza is at the top of the bucket list for every partygoer and summer babe: beach clubs galore, picturesque calas bordered by turquoise seas, and that unbeatable youthful vibe—you just can’t go wrong with it.
Alas, like pretty much every other popular European sunny hotspot, it can get excessively crowded:
Try exploring Ibiza Town without wading through a nearly invisible mass of bodies in summer, or find yourself that perfect, shaded spot in Gracioneta Beach unless you’re setting out in the wee hours. Oh, and don’t get us started on the prices.
Lucky for the budget-conscious traveler who’s chasing down a good time, there are 5 other paradisaical spots across the pond that give off Ibiza vibes, minus the crowds and $200-a-night hotels:
Hvar
Dubbed the Croatian Ibiza, Hvar is a summer pit stop combining Old World charm and some classic weekend debauchery:
By day, you’re free to explore the highlights of its picture-perfect waterfront capital, topped with a medieval castle and criss-crossed with cobbled streets; by night, it’s all about thumping techno music at Hula Hula, and full moon parties hosted by up-and-coming DJs at Carpe Diem Beach.
Bit of a History buff yourself, too? Hvar’s not all about getting boozed up:
It is home to man-made wonders like the Stari Grad Plains, an agricultural landscape established by the Ancient Greeks in the 4th century BC and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the landmark Tvrdalj, an ancient castle dominating a sleepy Stari Grad town famous for its flooded inner courtyard.
Staying in Hvar Old Town, in the center of the action, and within walking distance to the historic sights and all the best bars, can cost as cheap as $68-a-night—check out Barko Rooms—while meals average $9-15, and entry fees for nighttime events $45.
Ios, Greece
If you’re thinking of a Greek equivalent to Ibiza, Mykonos is probably at the top of your head, but have you heard of its lesser-known, more laid-back cousin Ios?
In the heart of the crystal-clear Aegean Sea, Ios is packed with lively nightclubs that stay open until sunrise in the summer months, with the (in)famous Scorpion, Pathos Lounge, and FarOut Beach Club to name a few.
It’s primarily attended by 18 to 30-year-olds keen on beachfront parties, but it doesn’t disappoint on the culture front, either, with a whitewashed Chora, in classic Greek fashion, and a well-preserved Bronze Age settlement in Skarkos.
Oh, and if you’re wondering why European students love it, perhaps the local prices will give you an indication: a pint of beer is $3.20-5.20, depending on the bar, a gyros can cost as cheap as $5, and tent-style rooms at FarOut, right on Mylopotas Beach, will set you back by $39 per night.
Ayia Napa, Cyprus
A much-overlooked gem of the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus is home to Ayia Napa, a tried-and-true party hotspot for Brits and Germans that’s only recently getting discovered by their American counterparts.
It is known mostly for its Caribbean-like, white-sand beaches, which unfold for endless miles along teal seas, and the plethora of beach bars serving innovative cocktails for as cheap as $5.40.
Think Nissi Bay Beach Bar, on the well-frequented Nissi Beach, popular for its foam events and fresh piña coladas, or the buzzing Isola Beach Bar, straddling the more secluded Makronissos Beach, with Mediterranean servings and refreshing tropical drinks.
As far as affordable traveling goes, some eateries in Ayia Napa have main dishes for around $10-15, be it De Medici’s made-on-the-spot sourdough pizzas or Sage’s seafood, whereas overnight stays start from only $83 per adult at Summer’s Hotel Apartments.
Pag, Croatia
We’re back to Croatia for this one:
Even more offbeat than the aforementioned Hvar, Pag is a tiny island within easy reach of the historic port of Zadar, connected to the mainland via a bridge, and it’s one of Europe’s cheapest party hotspots yet to go mainstream.
If you think an island as idyllic as this wouldn’t have its fair share of venues, think again: located near Zrce Beach, Papaya and Kalypso are two of Croatia’s top nightclubs, attracting internationally recognized DJs and young crowds.
Entry fees are also inexpensive, ranging from $10 to $32 (depending on whether it’s a famous DJ set), and drinks are roughly $3.26-5.44.
Appealing as that might sound, go easy on the partying, not to miss out on Pag Town, a historic settlement boasting narrow alleys, charming piazzas, and a stunning, cut-stone cathedral dating back to medieval times.
If you’re looking for a cheap place to stay, there are privately-managed apartments and guesthouses from $74-a-night on Booking.com.
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