I have always dreamed of a perfect trip to the Greek Isles. Blue water. White houses. Amazing food. Budget travel Greece is a real possibility even if you do not have a massive pile of cash. Many people think that a trip to this Mediterranean heaven will break the bank. I used to believe that too. However, I have learned that you can see this beautiful country without spending all your savings. Greece is actually one of the best places in Europe to visit if you are short on cash.
Is it cheap to vacation in Greece? The answer is yes. It depends on how you travel and where you go. If you stay in fancy hotels and eat at high-end restaurants, you will spend a lot of money. On the contrary, if you eat like a local and stay in small guesthouses, it is very affordable. I found that a daily travel budget greece can range from €45 to €70 for a budget traveler. This includes a bed in a hostel or cheap room, local food, and some public transport. Plus, the quality of life is so high that even a cheap meal feels like a luxury.
I want to share my favorite spots with you. These are the 14 Best Budget Travel Greece locations that offer a great experience for a fair price.
The Colorful Capital of the Cyclades: Syros
I visited Syros and it was magical. It is the capital of the Cyclades island group. Even though it is the capital, it is surprisingly budget-friendly. I stayed in the main city called Ermoupoli. This city is full of marble-paved paths and neoclassical houses. It is much cheaper than nearby Mykonos.
Therefore, if you want to see the classic blue-dome churches without the crowds, come here. A budget greece trip is not complete without a stop in Ermoupoli. I found that I spent between €70 and €120 per day here. This covered my room, my food, and some drinks. For a place to sleep, I found small hotels for about €45 per night. Additionally, local meals like fava bean dip and tomato balls only cost about €5 to €10 a plate.
The Mighty Island of Crete
Crete is the largest island in Greece. It is also my favorite for saving money. I have found it to be the cheapest island by far. The island is so big that you can easily escape the crowds. First of all, the food is incredible. On top of that, the prices are very low compared to places like Santorini.
I stayed near Chania. A room in a smaller village can cost as little as €20 to €40 per night. However, if you want a mid-range hotel in the city, you might pay about €60. I ate at local tavernas where a hearty meal costs between €8 and €15. Later, I realized that the best way to see the island is to rent a car for about €20 to €30 a day. This allowed me to see the stunning Balos Beach without paying for an expensive tour.
The Picture-Perfect Island of Paros
Paros is a charming place with whitewashed villages and golden beaches. I think it is very underrated. I visited during the shoulder season, which is late September or early October. This is the best time for budget travel tips greece fall. The summer crowds are gone. The weather is still warm. The prices are much lower.
I stayed in a town called Naoussa. I spent around €80 per day for everything. My friend and I split a room that cost €50 per night, so I only paid €25. For food, a meal at a local taverna usually costs between €10 and €30. If you want to save more, use the local bus. A ticket only costs about €2 to €3. Gradually, you will see that you do not need much to be happy here.
The Agricultural Beauty of Naxos
Naxos is right next to Paros. It is a very large island. Because it grows a lot of its own food, restaurant prices stay low. It does not have to import everything by ship like smaller islands. I loved the beaches here. Similarly, the mountain villages offer a very authentic feel.
First of all, Naxos is great for families and seniors. I found rooms for about €50 to €90 per night. Also, you can find a good budget meal for about €22 to €32. I used the bus to get around, which kept my costs down. It is truly an excellent value for the money.
The Undiscovered Gem of Milos
Milos is a volcanic island with a real island vibe. It is becoming more popular but still offers good deals. I found it to be a quiet place to relax under the sun. Additionally, it has many picturesque villages to explore.
I saw guesthouses for about €25 to €50 per night. However, if you want a budget hotel, expect to pay around €40 to €80. I recommend looking for a room with a kitchenette. This way, you can buy fresh food at the market and cook for yourself. Finally, this strategy helps you save a lot on your total bill.
The Lush Forests of Thassos
Thassos is in the north of Greece. It is very green and full of trees. It does not have an airport. You must take a ferry from the mainland. This keeps the big crowds away. Therefore, the prices are excellent.
A budget hotel here costs only €35 to €65 per night. I ate roast goat, called katsikaki, in a mountain tavern for a great price. Also, a budget meal usually costs between €20 and €23. The beaches are beautiful and mostly free. Plus, you can visit the ancient acropolis in the capital city for free.
The Hiking Paradise of Andros
Andros is part of the Cyclades but is much quieter. It is perfect if you like to hike or snorkel. I found that many hotels and homestays cost between €40 and €70 per night. At that time, I was looking for a place away from the noise.
I found a lovely place to stay in a village called Batsi. The rooms had small kitchens and balconies with sea views. Therefore, I could make my own breakfast while looking at the water. Additionally, the island is close to Athens, so the ferry ride is not too long.
The Offbeat Treasure of Kythira
Kythira is located between the Ionian and Aegean seas. It is a bit hard to reach. Because of this, it has stayed very affordable. I found that the water here is some of the clearest in all of Greece. It is truly an “in-between” zone.
I found budget meals for about €22 to €33. Rooms at a budget hotel cost about €60 to €100. I visited the 13th-century Venetian fortress in the town of Chora. However, the best part was the free beaches like Kaladi. It is a high-value destination for anyone who wants to avoid tourists.
The Island of Long Life: Ikaria
Ikaria is famous for its people who live very long lives. It is a great choice for cheap travel greece. The island has hot springs and very beautiful beaches. I found that the accommodations and food are very reasonably priced.
A budget traveler can expect to spend about €30 to €50 per day on a room here. Also, food will cost you about €20 to €30. It is one of the more affordable options in the Aegean Sea. I suggest visiting if you want a slow pace of life.
The Culinary Capital: Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece. It has a young vibe and amazing food. It is often much cheaper than Athens. I spent a lot of time walking along the waterfront. First of all, the city is very compact and easy to walk.
I bought a 24-hour bus pass for about €4 to €5. This allowed me to see the whole city without paying for taxis. Additionally, I ate at the Kapani and Modiano markets. I found delicious street food for €2 to €4. A private room in a guesthouse can cost about €35 to €60 in the off-season. Therefore, it is a perfect city for a budget break.
The Historic Streets of Athens
Athens is the heart of ancient history. People think it is expensive, but it has many budget options. I found that while the Acropolis fee has gone up to €30, many other things are still cheap. Public transport and local food are very affordable.
I bought a 90-minute ticket for the metro for only €1.20. I also used the free sites. Philopappos Hill and Areopagus Hill have the best views of the city for zero cost. Additionally, a gyro pita costs about €3 to €5. For a room, I stayed in the Koukaki area, which is cheaper than the tourist center.
The Ancient Charm of Nafplio
Nafplio is on the mainland in a region called the Peloponnese. It is a very elegant and walkable city. I used it as a base to see the ruins of Mycenae and Epidaurus. First of all, it is only a short bus ride from Athens.
The bus from Athens costs about €15. I found that a two-bedroom apartment for rent here is about €860 a month. For a short visit, you can find a boutique hotel for about €70 to €140. However, there are also many cheaper pensions. Gradually, you will fall in love with its narrow streets and medieval towers.
The Oracle’s Home: Delphi
Delphi is a must-see for anyone who loves history. It sits on a mountain with a stunning view. I took the bus from Athens, which costs around €15 to €18. It is a very affordable way to see the mainland.
I found that the entrance fee for the site is reasonable. Additionally, there are small hotels in the town that are quite cheap. On the contrary, if you stay in a nearby resort, the price will go up. Therefore, stick to the local guesthouses. It is a great day trip or overnight stay.
The Bridge-Connected Beauty of Lefkada
Lefkada is unique because you can drive there from the mainland. This means you do not have to pay for an expensive ferry. First of all, this saves you a lot of money right away. Also, it has some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world.
I found plenty of budget accommodations here. Additionally, it is a great place to rent a scooter to explore the coast. A scooter usually costs around €15 to €30 per day. It is much easier to park than a car. Finally, this island offers a lot of beauty for a very small price.
How to Save on Transportation
A big part of cheap travel greece is knowing how to get around. The ferry network is the backbone of the islands. I learned that conventional ferries are much cheaper than high-speed ones. For example, a slow ferry from Athens to Santorini might be €40, while a fast one is €80.
Therefore, I recommend the slow boats. They are more relaxed. You can see the view from the deck. Additionally, I used the Interrail/Eurail Greek Islands Pass. For about €82, I got four days of unlimited travel. This saved me over €110 compared to buying separate tickets.
If you want to fly, look for Aegean Airlines or Sky Express. Sometimes a flight is cheaper than a ferry if you book it two months early. I saw one-way flights for as low as €30. Plus, there is an AEGEAN Pass that lets you buy a bundle of flights at a fixed price.
Eating Like a King on a Budget
Is food expensive in Greece? No, it is not. I think Greek food is the best in the world because it is so fresh and healthy. First of all, you must try the Street Food. A gyro or souvlaki pita is only €3 to €6. It is a full meal for a very low price.
Additionally, look for Tavernas. These are small, family-run places. I often found a “menu of the day” for about €10 to €15. This usually includes a starter, a main dish, and sometimes even a drink or dessert. However, if you eat at a fancy restaurant with a view, you will pay much more.
If you are a resident or staying a long time, use the local markets. I bought fresh bread for €0.80 and a dozen eggs for €1.80. Also, house wine in a carafe is very cheap, often only €7 to €10 for half a liter. Therefore, you can enjoy a drink without spending too much.
Where to Sleep: Domatia and Hostels
When I travel, I look for domatia. These are simple rooms for rent in family-run houses. They are often very clean and have a small kitchen. I found them for about €25 to €50 per night. Gradually, you might even become friends with the owners.
Similarly, hostels are a great choice for solo travelers. A bed in a dorm usually costs €15 to €30. I found some hostels in Athens for as low as €10. On top of that, some hostels give you a free breakfast if you book directly with them.
Timing Your Trip: The Fall Secret
I highly recommend visiting in the fall. This is the shoulder season. From September to October, the weather is perfect. However, the prices for rooms are 30% to 40% lower than in the summer. First of all, the crowds are gone. Therefore, you do not have to wait in long lines for the museums.
Daily travel budget greece in the fall is much easier to manage. You can find better deals on flights too. Additionally, the ferry schedules are still pretty good. Gradually, the islands start to close in late October, so September is the sweet spot.
FAQ
How much budget do I need for a Greece trip?
A budget traveler usually needs between €45 and €70 each day. However, this amount changes based on where you stay and what you eat. If you choose cheap hostels and street food, you can keep costs low.
How much does a trip to Greece normally cost?
Prices vary based on your travel style. Mid-range travelers often spend between €150 and €250 daily. On top of that, luxury trips can cost over €250 per day.
How much for a 7 day trip to Greece?
A one-week vacation might cost anywhere from €500 to €3,000 per person. Additionally, if you fly from the United States, your total could be between $1,225 and $1,785 including airfare.
Is food in Greece expensive?
No, food is quite affordable. You can buy a gyro for €3 to €6. Also, a meal at a local taverna usually costs between €10 and €25.
What is the cheapest month to go to Greece?
The winter months from November to March offer the lowest prices. First of all, accommodation costs can drop by 40% during this time. Later, you might find that many island shops close for the season.
What is the most affordable Greek island?
Crete is often the cheapest island for travelers. Similarly, Syros and Naxos offer great value for your money.
How much is a trip to Santorini?
Santorini is very expensive. A dorm bed can cost as much as €72 in the summer. Therefore, you should stay in villages like Perissa or Kamari to save cash.
What is the best time to visit Greece?
The shoulder seasons are best. This means late April to mid-June or September to early October. The weather is nice. The crowds are small. The prices are lower.
Is 500 euros enough for a week in Greece?
Yes, this is the low end for a weekly trip. You must stick to a strict budget of €30 to €50 a day for a room and €20 to €30 for food.
What language is spoken in Greece?
The people speak Greek. Many people in tourist areas also speak English.
Is 1000 euros enough in Greece?
Yes, 1000 euros is plenty for a budget or mid-range week. This amount covers a nice room, good food, and some fun tours.
Concluding words
Greece offers many ways to save money while you see beautiful sights. You can visit islands like Crete, Syros, or Naxos without spending too much. First of all, choose local tavernas for your meals. Also, travel during the shoulder season to find the best deals. Finally, use public buses or slow ferries to keep your costs down. Beautiful beaches. Ancient history. Friendly people. You can enjoy all of this on a budget. Start your plan now.
