A little-known island tucked between stunning natural landscapes has been named the cheapest holiday destination in Europe. Kalymnos, a picturesque Greek island near Kos has bagged the top spot in a survey that analysed over 4,500 package holidays in 15 European countries. 

Consumer watchdog Which? compared prices during the first week of August to find the cheapest package holiday deal.

The beautiful Greek island has the cheapest package holidays in Europe, concluded the consumer watchdog.

Belonging to the Dodecanese Island group, this small island boasts secluded beaches and pristine waters.

Pothia, serving as the island’s capital, offers the most affordable resort option, with holiday packages priced at £794 per person during the first week of August.

On the other hand, Massouri, the island’s premier beach resort, features the highest-priced holiday packages on Kalymnos, with week-long stays priced at £856 per person. The island that hardly witnesses any tourists has several interesting things to offer. 

Kalymnos is renowned as one of the top rock-climbing destinations in the world. The island offers a wide variety of climbing routes suitable for climbers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. 

Climbing areas such as Grande Grotta and Panorama offer breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. Other tourist attractions include museums, churches, and archaeological sites such as the Castle of Chora and the Archaeological Museum of Kalymnos.

There are plenty of things to do on the island, including 15 beaches to choose from. Popular beaches include Massouri Beach, Myrties Beach, and Kantouni Beach, all of which offer clear waters and stunning views.

Tourists can also visit the Sponge Factory, which pays homage to the island’s history of Sponge Fishing. Among the list of many museums located in the island, one that really stands out is the Sea World Museum.

The museum has a private collection of marine memorabilia like shells, sponges, and corals. Other museums on the island include the Archeological Museum, the Folklore Museum, and the Maritime Museum.

There’s also the Castle of Chryssocheria, the Church of the Christ and Kefala cave.

Flights directly connect Athens to Kalymnos. Alternatively, British holidaymakers can opt to fly to Kos and then take a ferry to reach the island.

Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said: “Travelling in the summer holidays is notoriously expensive, and demand is again high this year – but our latest price analysis shows that by being flexible on your destination, you can potentially save hundreds of pounds.

“Many of the locations we found aren’t those you’d necessarily assume would be the cheapest – but from tiny, traditional Greek islands to the glitzy Amalfi coast, there are bargains to be found this summer.”

Those who have been to the undiscovered island were left mesmerised by its beauty. 

One user wrote on TripAdvisor: “Kalymnos village is a wonderful place, it’s located along a natural harbor, in a valley between hills. 

“It’s the typical image for a dream place in the Aegean/Mediterranean Sea. If you really want to enjoy it, go and walk the narrow streets and make a stop at one of the many tavernas of the port.”

A second user said: “Always a joy to come back here. One of the true authentic Dodecanese Greek islands in the East where you will find friendly people (go visit Stukas Taverna in Pothia!) and you feel like you want to come back! Go!”

A third user said: “Great place lovely churches and cheap shops to buy all advice you bring cash as it is a small island only one or two shops take card. Great people nice sideline to the beach so you can walk in the water across the sand.”

1. Kalymnos

2. Thassos

3. Lefkada

4. Costa Brava

5. The Venetian Riviera (Lido di Jesolo)

6. Amalfi Coast

7. Skopelos

8. Costa de Luz

9. Campania

10. Malta