I often dream of white buildings against blue seas and ancient ruins full of history. I finally decided to plan my journey to the land of myths to see if the magic is real. I found that many people worry about the cost of a trip to this beautiful place. Therefore, I want to share my personal guide on the greece travel budget per day to help you plan a perfect trip.
You might wonder how much to budget for greece trip when prices seem to change every year. I discovered that a week in Greece usually costs between $1,400 and $3,400 per person. This total includes your flights, a place to stay, food, and fun activities. If you travel as a couple, you should plan for a total of $2,800 to $6,800 for one week. Greece is relatively affordable compared to other countries in the European Union. I will break down the numbers so you know exactly how much spending money for greece you need to carry.
First of all, I need to talk about the different ways to travel based on your wallet size.
The Daily Wallet: Three Ways to See Greece
I learned that your Greece Travel Budget Per Day depends mostly on your style of travel. I saw three main groups of travelers during my time there.
- Budget Travelers: I met people who spent about $175 to $255 per day. These travelers stay in hostels or 1-star guesthouses and eat a lot of street food. They use the public bus system and walk a lot to save cash.
- Mid-Range Travelers: I fell into this group most of the time with a daily spend of $265 to $455. This budget allows for nice 3-star boutique hotels and seated meals at local tavernas. I also joined a few guided tours without feeling guilty.
- Luxury Travelers: I saw visitors spending $490 to over $1,080 per day. These travelers stay in 5-star resorts with private pools and hire personal guides for every site.
The costs for these profiles have gone up recently because of new laws and higher service industry wages. I noticed that the greece per month salary for locals has a nominal impact on how much we pay for services like dining and tours. Additionally, the difference between a cheap trip and a luxury one is huge, especially on islands like Santorini.
A Roof Over Your Head: Accommodation Costs
I found that where I slept was one of my biggest expenses. Prices for a bed change a lot based on the city and the time of year.
- Hostels: I saw dorm beds for €15 to €25 per night.
- Budget Hotels: A simple room usually costs between €40 and €80.
- Mid-Range Hotels: I paid about €80 to €150 per night for comfortable 3-star spots.
- Luxury Stays: A fancy resort can start at €200 and go way past €500 per night.
However, I must warn you about a new fee that started in 2024. It is called the Climate Crisis Resilience Fee. You must pay this tax directly to the hotel, usually at check-in or check-out. The amount depends on the hotel stars and the season.
During the peak season from April to October, you will pay:
- 1-2 Star Hotels/Apartments: €2.00 per night.
- 3-Star Hotels: €5.00 per night.
- 4-Star Hotels: €10.00 per night.
- 5-Star Hotels: €15.00 per night.
At that time in the low season from November to March, the fees are much lower. You only pay €0.50 for basic rooms and up to €4.00 for 5-star hotels. I suggest you add this to your greece travel budget early so it does not catch you off guard.
The Joy of Eating: Food and Dining Prices
I think the best part of Greece is the food. I was happy to find that eating here is relatively cheap compared to other spots when I asked how much should i budget for a trip to europe. You can choose to be very cheap or very indulgent.
- Street Food: I grabbed a gyro or souvlaki for only €3 to €6. These are great for a quick lunch while you explore.
- Casual Tavernas: I spent about €15 to €25 per person for a full meal with a main dish and a salad. I loved that olives and bread are often free gifts from the family running the place.
- Mid-Range Dining: A nice sit-down dinner with wine usually costs €30 to €50 per person.
- Fine Dining: If you want a luxury multi-course meal, be ready to pay €60 to over €150.
I found that a daily food budget of $30 to $40 is enough if you like street food and bakeries. On the contrary, if you want a nice restaurant every night, you should plan for $50 to $80 per day. I suggest you look for where the locals eat because that is where you find the best prices and authentic flavors.
Moving Around: Transportation Logistics
I had to choose between speed and cost when I traveled between cities and islands.
- In the City: I used the Athens Metro, which is fantastic and easy to use. A single ticket for 90 minutes costs about €1.20 to €1.50. I bought a 5-day tourist ticket for only €9, which was a great deal.
- KTEL Buses: I used these buses for travel on the mainland because they are reliable and reach every corner. A trip from Athens to Kalamata costs about €22 to €35.
- Ferries: I loved island hopping, but ferry prices went up by 15% recently. A short trip costs $20 to $40, but long high-speed routes can be $60 to $100.
- Car Rentals: I paid about $33 to $66 per day for a small car in the high season. Be careful because gas is expensive, costing around $2.34 per liter.
Additionally, I found that domestic flights are sometimes cheaper than fast ferries if I book them 90 days in advance. You should compare both options to see what fits your greece travel budget best.
Ancient Wonders: Sightseeing and Activities
I was surprised by the big changes to ticket prices in 2025. The Greek Ministry of Culture changed how they charge for museums and ancient sites.
- The Acropolis: The price is now a flat €30 year-round. I learned that the old winter discount of 50% no longer exists for this site.
- Other Sites: Sites like Knossos or the National Archaeological Museum cost €15 to €20. Smaller sites with fewer visitors only cost €5 to €10.
- Combo Tickets: I was sad to learn that the official Athens “Unified Ticket” was discontinued in April 2025. Now you must buy a separate ticket for every site like the Ancient Agora or the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
This change means a full cultural tour of Athens now costs about €62 instead of the old €30 price. However, you can still save money by visiting on free admission days. These are usually the first and third Sundays of the month during the winter from November to March.
The New Cruise Tax: What You Need to Know
I noticed a lot of talk about overtourism in places like Santorini and Mykonos. To fix this, Greece started a new Cruise Passenger Fee in July 2025. You must pay this fee every time you get off the ship at a Greek port.
The rates depend on the season and the island:
- Santorini & Mykonos (June-Sept): €20 per person per port.
- Santorini & Mykonos (Shoulder): €12 per person.
- Other Greek Ports (Peak): €5 per person.
- Winter Rates: These drop to only €4 for the big islands and €1 for others.
Most cruise lines like MSC and Royal Caribbean add this to your onboard account automatically. If you stay on the ship and do not go ashore, they will not charge you. I calculated that a family of four on a summer cruise could pay an extra €180 just for these port fees.
Timing Your Trip: Seasonality and Savings
I found that when you go is just as important as where you go.
- High Season (June-August): This is the warmest time with the most crowds. Everything is at the highest price, and you must book months in advance.
- Shoulder Season (April-May & Sept-Oct): I think this is the best time to visit. The weather is pleasant, and you can get 20% to 30% discounts on hotels.
- Low Season (November-March): This is the most budget-friendly time with up to 50% discounts on rooms.
Though some island shops close in winter, the mainland stays open and active. I realized that visiting in the shoulder season helped me answer how much spending money to travel europe because I saved so much on lodging.
Personal Budgeting Tips for Your Journey
I want to give you a few final tips to make your money go further.
- Eat Like a Local: I skipped the tourist restaurants with big pictures on the menu. I went to local tavernas and ate what was grown in their own garden.
- Use Public Transit: I saved a lot of money by taking the KTEL buses instead of taxis.
- Drink House Wine: I found that a half-liter of “house wine” at a taverna is only about €5 to €8.
- Get an E-SIM: I bought a local data plan for about $9 to $25 instead of using my expensive home plan.
- Plan for the Resilience Fee: I kept some extra cash to pay the hotel tax at the end of my stay.
Finally, I suggest you prioritize the sites you really want to see. Since the combo tickets are gone, picking two or three “must-see” spots will save you a lot of money.
Is a Trip to Greece Worth the Cost?
I say yes, a thousand times over! Greece offers incredible value for the memories you make. Even with new taxes and higher ticket prices, it remains one of the best places to see in the world. I felt that every euro I spent on a fresh Greek salad or a sunset view in Santorini was worth it.
Gradually, you will learn how to balance your spending between fancy nights and cheap street food. Therefore, do not let the numbers scare you away from your dream vacation. Use this greece travel budget guide to plan your dates and pick your islands. I hope you enjoy the olives, the ancient stones, and the blue sea as much as I did. Safe travels to you on your Greek adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do you need in Greece per day?
Budget travelers usually spend about $175 to $255 each day for simple stays and street food. Mid-range visitors often pay between $265 and $455 for comfortable hotels and taverna meals. Luxury seekers frequently go above $1,080 for premium resorts and private tours. A tight budget? Possible with careful planning.
How much is a trip to Greece for 2 people?
A one-week vacation for two people typically costs between $2,800 and $6,800. This total includes a hotel room, daily meals, and local transportation.
Is 1000 euros enough in Greece?
It is enough for a strict five-day trip for one person. A full week on this amount is a challenge. A standard budget for seven days starts closer to $1,225 for solo travelers.
How much money do I need for 3 days in Athens?
You should plan for about $600 to $1,000 for a short city break. This covers basic meals, a simple hotel, and entry to the ancient ruins.
How expensive is a 7 day trip to Greece?
Expect to pay between $1,400 and $3,400 per person for a one-week stay. Your final bill depends on the season and your choice of activities.
Do I need a visa to visit Greece?
United States citizens do not need a visa if they visit for less than 90 days. A valid passport is all you need to enter the country.
Is Greece cheap or expensive?
Greece is quite affordable compared to other countries in the European Union. Is it pricey? Not if you are smart. It remains a moderately priced destination for most visitors.
Is 7 days in Greece enough?
Yes, seven days allows you to visit the capital and at least one or two beautiful islands. It is a great way to see the main highlights of the country.
What is the cheapest month to visit Greece?
The months from November to March offer the lowest prices for rooms and flights. You can save up to 50% on accommodation during this low season.
What currency is used in Greece?
The country uses the Euro as its official money. Credit cards work in many places, but you should keep cash for small shops.
Concluding words
Greece offers an incredible experience for every wallet. You can enjoy local tavernas, ancient ruins, and blue seas while staying within your budget. New rules like the Climate Crisis Resilience Fee and the Cruise Passenger Fee are now standard. However, the memories remain priceless. Plan ahead to save on ferries and hotels. Your Greek adventure is waiting for you!
