Looking for a holiday island with party pools, club rhythms, and endless icy cocktails? You’re spectacularly in the wrong place. Welcome to Old Trikeri – a dazzling, almost secret Greek islet where time not only slows down, it might just take a nap. And here’s the jaw-dropper: you can eat, drink, and sleep here for less than €15 a day!
A Hidden Mediterranean Treasure (No Selfie Sticks, Please!)
Trikeri is no Mykonos wannabe. In fact, only a handful of lucky people ever visit this enchanting, raw little island in southern Pelion, Greece. Think hypnotic beauty and five-star holidays on a shoestring. As soon as you set eyes on Trikeri, you’ll understand: here, you pack only the essentials. Grab your swimsuit, a few everyday clothes, your better half (if you like sharing sunsets), and a good book. Seriously – that’s all you need.
Arriving: No Cars, No Chaos, Just Bliss
Forget about noisy engines or traffic jams: the only way to arrive is by water taxi. You won’t find a single car—the concept is laughable, considering you can walk the whole island, end to end, in just three hours. That means your soundtrack is cicadas and waves, not horns and exhaust pipes.
The island’s selection of beaches may be modest in number, but they are generous in every other way. The locals lovingly call them Afetka, Agia Sofia, and Prasini Ammos—all so close together, you might end up changing your favorite daily. Picture wild landscapes, turquoise waters so clear you’ll check your glasses twice, and cleanliness that’s downright mind-boggling. There’s a real risk you’ll never want to leave.
Eating, Drinking & Living Like a True Local
When you arrive, don’t expect a tourist swarm. Instead, you’ll meet just a handful of permanent residents whose lives revolve around their traditional tavernas, rental rooms, and cafés. Never sipped Greek coffee with a view like this? Then you can’t even imagine what you’ve been missing.
The best move is to let locals pile your table high with whatever delicious surprise they’ve whipped up that day. Trust them—they always know what’s worth devouring.
- Tavernas serving daily specialties
- Rooms to rent, often just steps from the sea
- Cafés with views you’ll wish you could photograph for your soul
Sleeping with History: The Monastery on the Hill
Wondering where to stay in Trikeri? How about saying « yes » to a night (or more!) at the Monastery of Panagia Evangelistria, perched high on the island’s hilltop? This breathtaking church started taking shape in 1825—courtesy of some pirates who began building after discovering the famous icon of the Panagia under a tree. Construction wrapped in 1837, but stories linger: the monastery once sheltered 5,000 left-wing women exiled here for their political beliefs during the civil war.
It sounds unusual, but wanderers who sleep in one of the 100 simple monastic cells rave about the experience: enchanting views, true isolation, fresh breakfast in a stone-paved courtyard, and the most absolute tranquility. And the best part? It’s a dream on a budget—a couple can bask in all this peace for under €15 a day.
So, forget the glitz and glam. If Trikeri calls, don’t resist. Sometimes, wild beaches, Greek coffee, and a monastery stay are all you need for the five-star holiday you never saw coming—and your wallet will definitely thank you.
John Smith is a culinary enthusiast and food blogger who discovered his love for Asian cuisine during his years living in Seoul and Tokyo. With a background in journalism, he brings a storytelling approach to exploring the cultural significance behind every dish. John is passionate about making Asian cooking accessible to home cooks and sharing the vibrant food scenes he encounters in his travels.
