Where to go instead of Santorini: tourists named the best alternative

If you want to enjoy the Greek islands, but the crowds and queues on Santorini don't appeal to you, you should pay attention to a more affordable but no less beautiful alternative. Recently, the Internet has reported that during the peak holiday season, more than 10 thousand tourists arrive in Santorini every day.

Tourism experts are now advising travelers to choose a vacation in the beautiful seaside village of Loutro as an alternative. Located in the quiet southwestern corner of Crete, this hilltop village offers an idyllic place to enjoy the summer.

Loutro or Lutron is a village in Greece in the south of the island of Crete, on the coast of the Libyan Sea. It is located 7 kilometers west of Hora Sfakion and 16 kilometers east of Agia Roumeli.

You can get to this place only by sea from Hora Sfakion, or walk 5 kilometers from the village of Anapolis.

Given that the routes are not easy, few tourists dare to make this journey. The inaccessibility of the village and the lack of vehicles make it a real gem of the coast. The climate here is extremely attractive – the harbor is protected from the winds, so the sea is almost always clean and calm.

Previously, the city of Finik was located here, which served as a harbor for Anopolis and Aradena. In ancient times, this area was prosperous. Later, it was occupied by Saracen pirates and slave traders. When the Venetians arrived in Crete, they drove out the pirates and built a fortress, so history buffs can explore the ancient ruins.

When Loutro was captured by the Ottoman Empire, a fort was built over the village. Loutro was then used as a harbor for the transportation and mailing of ammunition and food.

Nowadays, the locals are engaged in fishing and live mainly from irregular tourism. There are taverns and several hotels.

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