Greece's least-visited island cheaper than Santorini with £1,70 beer and 20C in May

Strolling through the cobbled streets of , lined with whitewashed walls and vibrant blue doorways, is on almost every traveller's bucket list. Yet, as tourist numbers to see an unprecedented climb year-on-year, the struggle to intensifies.

Fortunately, there's , within the Cyclades archipelago, that retains just as much charm. Described by greeka.com as "one of the prettiest off-the-beaten-track destinations of the Aegean," this island has clung to its traditional vibe and shunned the excesses of tourist infrastructure.

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It's as close to an untouched pristine island as you can get. Serifos island, nestled in the western Cyclades, northwest of Sifnos and Paros, sits about 50 miles west of Mykonos. A three-hour ferry journey can get you there. The island spans approximately 29 square miles and had a population of barely 1,200 people as of 2021.

It's among the Greek islands less frequented by tourists and exudes a raw, rugged allure with its tan mountains that descend to meet the azure and turquoise mosaic of the sea.

In Greek mythology, Serifos is the island where the demigod hero Perseus and his mother, Danaë, were washed ashore after being set adrift in a wooden chest by his grandfather, who was foretold that his grandson would be his downfall. Upon returning to Serifos with Medusa's head, Perseus turned Polydektes - the island's king who had tried to forcibly marry his mother - into stone.

The island's capital, Hora (also known as Chora), perches atop a charming hilltop, hosting a few trendy bars but avoiding the tourist traps found on Greece's more frequented islands. Beyond the settlement, the island retains its wonderfully untamed nature, including its beaches.

Very few of the beaches are equipped with tourist facilities, providing the perfect setting for a peaceful day under the sun. Two of those beaches are Livadi and Livadakia, the former transforming into a bustling resort at night, replete with bars and traditional tavernas.

Agios Sostis beach, a mere four miles from Chora, is one of the most picturesque, boasting soft sand and turquoise waters. Adjacent to the beach stands a small chapel, characterised by its iconic blue roof and white walls.

Late spring and early autumn are the ideal times to visit Serifos. The warm yet comfortable temperatures make it perfect for hiking through the island's wilderness. In May, daytime temperatures usually hover around 20C. Plus, you can snag some great deals on accommodation during these periods.

Serifos is also much more affordable than its Cycladic counterparts. As per Lonely Planet, a basic room for two will set you back just €110 (£94.50), while a casual lunch costs around €7 (£6). Local beer is priced at just €2 (£1.72), making Serifos an excellent choice for those seeking a Greek holiday on a budget.

While Serifos doesn't have an airport, it's easily reachable from Piraeus's port in Athens. High-season ferry services include a one-hour-15-minute journey from Kythnos, which costs as little as €7.50 (£6.45). So the next time you're looking for a Greek holiday on untouched sands, Serifos is a great choice.