Greece can still be an affordable destination if you know where prices are high and where they stay reasonable. After living in Greece for many years and traveling widely across the mainland and islands, I’ve seen firsthand how timing, island choice, and transport decisions can make or break a budget.
This guide explains how to travel in Greece on a budget right now—what still saves money, what no longer does, and how to avoid common planning mistakes that quietly drive up costs.
QUICK GUIDE ON SAVING MONEY IN GREECE
There’s no single trick to traveling in Greece cheaply, but these strategies make a real difference:
- Save Early By Booking In Advance: Book flights, ferries, accommodation, and car rentals early to secure better prices and availability.
- Visit During The Off-Season: Traveling outside July and August—especially in spring, autumn, or winter—means lower prices and fewer crowds.
- Choose Less Visited Islands: Skip Mykonos and Santorini, and opt for islands like Corfu, Milos, or Tinos to save on accommodation and food.
- Use Ferries For Island Travel: Ferries are often cheaper than flights on short routes and offer a scenic way to move between islands.
- Use Budget Transport: Public transport, walking, and short-term scooter or car rentals help keep daily costs down.
- Choose Affordable Accommodation: Look for hostels, guesthouses, family-run hotels, or vacation rentals instead of large resorts.
- Look For Free Or Discounted Activities: Take advantage of free museum days, discounted attractions, and walking tours.
- Eat Like A Local: Stick to local tavernas, bakeries, and street food to save on meals.
Typical Budget Costs In Greece (Per Person)
| Expense | Low Season | Shoulder Season | Peak Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Accommodation | €25–40 | €35–60 | €60–100+ |
| Meals (Daily) | €15–25 | €20–35 | €30–50+ |
| Local Transport | €3–6 | €3–6 | €3–8 |
| Ferry (Short Route) | €20–40 | €25–50 | €40–80+ |
Greece isn’t as expensive as many people assume. If you avoid a handful of high-end islands and plan carefully, traveling in Greece on a budget is entirely realistic.
You don’t need to overspend to enjoy Greece—you just need to travel smart.
Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!
Best Ways To Save Money When Traveling In Greece
Here are my best tips (as a local) for helping you save money in Greece.
How To Save Money By Booking Greece Travel In Advance
Saving money in Greece starts with planning early. Once you know which islands or regions you want to visit and for how long, booking accommodation ahead of time is one of the easiest ways to keep costs down.
The same applies to transport. Flights, ferries, and car rentals are usually cheaper when booked several months in advance, particularly for popular routes and summer travel. For most trips to Greece, the best airfare deals tend to appear around three to six months before departure, though prices can fluctuate.
To cut costs further, consider flying into another European city and connecting to Greece with a low-cost airline or train. Budget carriers like Ryanair and easyJet often offer cheap routes into Greece from across Europe, especially outside peak season.
Car rentals in Greece can also be good value, particularly when booked early and outside July and August, when prices rise sharply. Local rental companies are often cheaper than international brands, and on larger islands like Crete, Rhodes, or Corfu, having a car can work out cheaper than relying on taxis or tours.
In peak summer, availability matters as much as price. Popular islands, ferries, and rental cars can sell out weeks in advance, so booking early is often essential rather than optional.
Best Time To Visit Greece For Lower Prices
Skipping July and August is one of the easiest ways to save money in Greece. These months coincide with European school holidays, bringing heavier crowds and higher prices.
For better value, travel during the shoulder seasons from April to early June or September to October. You’ll find lower accommodation costs, fewer tourists, and pleasant weather.
September and October are ideal for beach trips, with warm seas and milder temperatures. May and June are also comfortable, though the sea is cooler earlier in the season.
Winter is another budget-friendly option, especially for cultural trips. From November 1 to March 31, many museums and archaeological sites offer reduced entrance fees.
Best Greek Islands To Visit On A Budget
Santorini and Mykonos are tempting, but they’re not essential for a great Greek island experience. Greece has over 200 inhabited islands, and choosing quieter ones can significantly lower accommodation and dining costs.
Many Cycladic islands offer whitewashed villages, traditional architecture, and beautiful beaches at more reasonable prices, though costs vary by island and season.
Islands like Sifnos, Serifos, Anafi, and Paros provide the same relaxed island feel with fewer crowds and better value. Mainland Greece is also worth considering, offering beaches, historic towns, and ancient sites at lower overall costs.
Tip: When island-hopping, choose islands close together to keep ferry costs down.
GREECE BUDGET DESTINATION IDEAS
- Athens, Tinos, and Andros: You can experience mainland Greece along with nearby islands that are relatively off the radar.
- Crete: As Crete is such a big island, the exploration, accommodation, and restaurant options are endless, many of which are super budget-friendly.
- Corfu or Milos: These are the perfect islands to visit if you want to experience local Greek life.
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Is Taking Ferries Cheaper Than Flying In Greece?
Flying is the fastest way to reach the islands, but ferries are often cheaper on short routes. Prices vary by season and demand, and ferry travel takes longer.
For example, flying from Athens to Crete takes about an hour, while ferries usually run overnight. For budget travelers with flexible schedules, ferries can be a cost-effective option.
HOW A FERRY RIDE WILL SAVE YOU MONEY IN GREECE
- Ferry travel is often cheaper than air travel, particularly on short routes, though prices vary by season and demand.
- Slow ferries are more affordable than fast ferries.
- Overnight ferries save you a night of accommodation costs (Blue Star Ferries).
- Pre-booking ferry rides in advance can help secure better prices and availability, especially during the summer.
- EU student IDs may qualify for ferry discounts, depending on the ferry company and route.
- Children may receive free or discounted ferry tickets, depending on age and the ferry operator’s policies.
TIP: Ferryhopper is an excellent tool for pre-booking ferry rides and comparing route options, or check out our complete guide to traveling between the islands.
Cheapest Ways To Get Around Greece
As mentioned, ferries are often the most affordable way to reach the islands, but how should you travel once you are on the mainland or an island?
Traveling In Greek Cities
Public transport is cheap and easy. You can hop on the Athens metro with a single ticket costing €1.20.
Most cities are also set up so you can easily walk, including central Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, and Kalamata. If you are visiting these locations, you may be able to see everything without spending on transport at all.
If you need to take a taxi, use apps like Free Now or Uber (taxi service only) to book licensed taxis.
Traveling Off The Beaten Path
If you are hoping to travel off the beaten path a bit in Greece, the best option is to rent a car, especially if there are multiple people in your travel group. Sharing car rental costs will be more effective than paying for taxis or buying bus tickets if you’re traveling with friends.
Remember that toll roads are found throughout the country, and taking a car on a ferry is costly, so you may want to rent a car for short periods when you really need it.
Check Flights Within Greece
You may be surprised to find that some flights within Greece are cheaper than long-distance bus or train travel, so it’s always worth checking prices. A short domestic flight can sometimes be inexpensive and save time, though prices vary by route, season, and availability.
Where To Find Cheap Accommodation In Greece
There are so many options for accommodation that it won’t be challenging to find the perfect place to stay. No matter your budget, renting a flat or a house on Airbnb for a short term or longer to save on hotel room costs is always possible.
You can also opt to stay in a family-run hotel instead of a large, international structure. Other cheap accommodations include hostels (common in bigger cities & popular islands) and campgrounds (which often have tents for rent).
Prices tend to be lower the sooner you start looking, so don’t leave this step until the last minute. Cheap and easy places book really fast!
TIP: Book accommodations that include breakfast or have cooking amenities to save on your food budget.
CITIES FOR CHEAPEST ACCOMMODATION
- Athens
- Thessaloniki
- Crete
How To Find Free And Discounted Activities In Greece
Museums, Archaeological Sites & Art Galleries
Generally speaking, activities and attractions such as archaeological sites and museums are not extremely expensive. It’s common to find package deals that allow you to visit several places within the same week to save money.
You can even access some of these sites for free on some occasions or special days of the year.
Discounts also apply to children, students, senior citizens, journalists, and more, so it’s always a good idea to contact the museum or site you want to visit in advance to check what identification you need to carry with you and present at the ticket office for you to enjoy a discount.
In big cities, such as Athens, city passes are available to make your life easier by allowing you to save a few euros as you go.
PUBLIC MUSEUM & ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE FREE DAYS
- 6 March
- 18 April – International Monuments Day (includes many state-run archaeological sites)
- 18 May – International Museums Day (includes private museums)
- Last weekend of September – European Heritage Days
- 28 October – Ochi public holiday
- First Sunday in November, December, January, February & March
Remember that free days are busy, so arrive early and expect crowds.
Free Walking Tours
In large cities like Athens, joining a free walking tour is a fun way to orient yourself with the city and learn some of its rich history.
Even though it’s free, don’t forget to tip your guide!
Beach Days
Swimming in the Mediterranean is free, so plan lots of beach days! Equipment rentals for activities such as water sports are also easy to do on location and are sensibly priced.
Picnics & Sunsets
One of the best ways to enjoy Greece on a budget is to pack up a picnic, your camera, and a bottle of wine, then head to the coast, a national park, or some other natural space where you can catch a sunset and enjoy nature while you eat fresh Greek food.
How To Eat Cheap In Greece
When it comes to the capital, Athens, or even bigger cities such as Thessaloniki, Larisa, or Heraklion, you will be able to find endless food choices, not just Greek, if you were wondering, at relatively low fees.
Street food is usually delicious, and the prices are even more affordable.
CHEAP, FILLING STREET FOODS
- Gyros
- Souvlaki
- Spinach & Cheese Pie (Spanakopita)
- Koulouri
- Falafel
- Shawarma
Local markets are also great places to pick up inexpensive produce, cheese, and bread for easy picnic meals and snacks on the go.
When traveling around the islands, choose the same places locals go for lunch or dinner. Traditional, family-run tavernas are more convenient than fancy restaurants with views, music, or shows. Portions are generally massive in more modest restaurants, so sharing meals with your travel mates won’t be hard to cut even more expenses.
Those who love to pair their meals with a glass of wine will be happy to know that wine in Greece is generally not expensive and even more delighted to discover that quality is top-notch. Not all Greek wine is retsina! On the contrary, more and more local wineries are producing unique labels that are getting recognition worldwide, so take advantage of the trip and taste some stunning Greek wine!
Those who are not keen on alcohol will find that bottled water is cheap. Soft drinks are more expensive than freshly squeezed orange juice, so if the fruit is your thing, you won’t be disappointed at the taste of Greek oranges. On the contrary, you will love the fragrance, the taste, and the freshness!
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Enjoy The Coffee Culture
Make sure you take advantage of the local customs, including the opportunity to spend hours over a coffee while you chat, read a book, or take in the stunning local views. Spending the cost of a single coffee to enjoy a whole afternoon is often great value.
How does your tight budget look now that you’ve read these tips? Set your travel dates outside of summer, and I am sure you will find the cheapest way to travel while still enjoying everything a Greek vacation offers.
TRAVELING GREECE ON A BUDGET FAQS
Can you travel to Greece on a budget?
Yes. Greece remains affordable when you avoid peak summer months, choose less-hyped islands or mainland destinations, and plan transport and accommodation strategically.
What is a realistic daily budget for Greece?
For budget travelers sharing accommodation, €60–90 per person per day is realistic, covering lodging, meals, local transport, and occasional ferries.
What is the cheapest month to visit Greece?
Late October through March offers the lowest prices, though many islands have limited services in winter. April, May, and October balance cost and accessibility best.
Is Athens expensive compared to the islands?
Athens is generally cheaper than Mykonos or Santorini and offers more budget accommodation, cheap food options, and low-cost public transport.
Are ferries cheaper than flights in Greece?
Ferries are often cheaper for short routes, but fast ferries and peak-season tickets can cost more than flights on popular routes.
Which Greek islands are best for budget travel?
Crete, Naxos, Tinos, Andros, Ikaria, and parts of Corfu offer good value, especially outside July and August.
Is Santorini possible on a budget?
It is possible with careful planning, but Santorini remains one of Greece’s most expensive destinations year-round.
Do museums in Greece have free entry days?
Yes. State-run museums and archaeological sites offer free entry on specific dates, mainly between November and March and on select public holidays.
Is public transport reliable in Greece?
Public transport is reliable and affordable in major cities and on the mainland. On islands, schedules are limited and often seasonal.
How many days do you need for Greece?
Ten to fifteen days allows time for Athens, the mainland, and one or two islands without rushing.
Making informed decisions about where to go, when to go, and how far in advance to book can make all the difference when traveling to Greece on a budget, allowing you to enjoy a top-class holiday at a very reasonable price.
Bookmark this guide and remember all these traveling to Greece on a budget tips for your next trip to Greece!
TIPS FOR TRAVELING TO GREECE
