With its stunning beaches and rich history as the birthplace of Western civilization, Greece is truly awe-inspiring. This European destination is perfect for those who want to bask in the sun, discover ancient ruins, or enjoy vibrant nightlife. However, it does come at a significant cost.
Visiting Greece doesn’t have to be expensive, even though popular destinations like Santorini and Mykonos can be pricey. You can still experience the best of Greece on a budget.
Grab your flip-flops camera, and let’s explore the top tips for traveling Grto piece on a budget.
1. Where should I stay?
In the bigger cities of Greece, you can find decent prices, unlike in most countries. You can find some of the cheapest accommodations in the country by staying in Athens and Thessaloniki. You can secure a spot in a hostel dorm room for less than $20 a night.
Prices on the islands will increase significantly once you begin searching for hotels. Booking in advance allows you to secure a budget-friendly stay at a no-frills hostel for around $20 per night.
2. Best Time to Visit
Like most European places, the best time to visit is during the shoulder season. Suppose you plan your trip to Greece for May to June or September to early October. In that case, you can enjoy pleasant weather, avoid large crowds, and take advantage of more affordable prices.
The prices during July and August are extremely high due to the peak season. The heat and the crowds can become unbearable, causing many locals to leave town. Summer is not ideal for immersing yourself in the local culture and mingling with the locals if you enjoy an authentic experience.
However, it is important to plan in advance as certain places may close during the off-peak season.
3. Transportation
You can get around Greece in a few different ways. Train and bus services offer affordable and convenient transportation options for short distances.
Flights can be surprisingly affordable for longer trips. Consider opting for a short flight instead of enduring a five-hour bus journey. You could pay for flights as low as $35, saving significant time.
Traveling around Greece becomes incredibly affordable with the help of sites like Skyscanner and other money-saving travel resources. Consider airlines such as Aegean, Olympic, and RyanAir. Flying from Athens to some of the best Greek islands only takes an hour. Meanwhile, ferries can be time-consuming, taking up to ten hours.
Ferries are a great option once you arrive at the Greek islands. They regularly run and offer affordable standard tickets for their short trips, as no cabin is required.
For a longer trip on the seas, consider choosing an overnight ferry, such as the routes offered by Blue Star Ferries. Speed ferries cost twice as much, and feeling at ease is effortless
4. Travel on the streets.
For short trips around town, you have a few options when it comes to apps. Let’s start with Uber. In Greece, Uber drivers are not permitted like in many other countries. However, you can still utilize the app to request a regular taxi in Athens.
Beat (formerly Taxibeat) is an app available for the rest of Greece that allows you to get drivers who have been reviewed by other users. Taxi travel in Greece is affordable, and the prices for using apps are comparable to hailing a cab on the street.
A moped is an excellent choice if you plan on staying in one place for an extended period. Many locals rely on it as a quick and affordable mode of transportation.
5. What islands to visit?
We strongly recommend exploring less-traveled routes for several compelling reasons. Plenty of tourist traps can quickly add up to your expenses. Checking out less popular options can help you reduce your total cost by 30 percent.
Feeling uncertain about your destination? Discover our concise guide to the finest Greek islands for every budget! Oia in Santorini offers a breathtaking view of turquoise seas. However, it’s important to note that this destination is a must-visit for any bucket list. A special honeymoon destination rather than a budget destination.
Mykonos reigns as the ultimate party beach destination. Although the island is undeniably stunning and highly regarded, it is also the priciest destination in Greece. There are not many budget options available when it comes to restaurants and hotels. If you want to save some money, then skip it.
Although Mykonos and Santorini are popular destinations, there are lesser-known spots that offer great value for your money.
Discover incredible destinations like Corfu and Milos by venturing away from the crowd. These Greek islands not only offer affordability but also provide an authentic glimpse into the local culture.
