Want to experience Greece without breaking the bank? Here are three essential hacks to help you travel affordably while still enjoying all that this stunning country has to offer. Read this entire blog post “Greece cheap travel” to discover the best budget-friendly destinations and tips!
1. Travel During Shoulder Season 🌅
✅ Visit in April-May or September-October for lower prices and fewer crowds.
✅ Flights and accommodations are significantly cheaper compared to peak summer months.
✅ The weather is still warm, and attractions are less crowded, giving you a more authentic experience.
2. Use Ferries Wisely ⛴️
✅ Instead of expensive high-speed ferries, take slower but more affordable ones.
✅ Look for ferry pass discounts if you’re visiting multiple islands.
✅ Overnight ferries save you money on accommodation while covering long distances.
3. Eat Like a Local 🍽️
✅ Skip touristy restaurants and eat at family-owned tavernas for cheap and delicious food.
✅ Buy fresh produce, olives, and cheese from local markets for a budget-friendly picnic.
✅ Gyros and souvlaki are tasty street food options that cost just a few euros.
Now lets start the “Greece cheap travel” blog post, lets get it!
Athens
A Budget-Friendly Historical Adventure
Why You Should Visit:
✅ Home to some of the world’s most iconic ancient ruins
✅ Affordable accommodations, from hostels to budget hotels
✅ Free walking tours available in many parts of the city
Athens is the perfect place to experience Greek history without spending a fortune. The Acropolis is a must-visit, and if you go during the first Sunday of the month (from November to March), you can enter for free! And on this blog, we do like free stuff 😉
For cheap eats, check out Thanasis in Monastiraki, known for its affordable souvlaki and kebabs. You can also explore the city on foot and enjoy free attractions like Anafiotika and Mount Lycabettus for stunning views.
Santorini
How to Experience Greece’s Most Famous Island on a Budget
Why You Should Visit:
✅ Breathtaking caldera views and sunsets
✅ Affordable hostels and guesthouses in Perissa or Karterados
✅ Cheap local buses connect you to major attractions
Santorini is often seen as an expensive destination, but you can still visit on a budget. Skip the luxury resorts in Oia and stay in budget accommodations in Perissa, where hostels start at just €20 per night.
Instead of expensive restaurants, grab a €3 gyros from Lucky’s Souvlakis. To save even more, visit the free volcanic beaches like Red Beach and Kamari Beach. They are both really stunning as-well.
Crete
An Affordable Paradise for Food Lovers
Why You Should Visit:
✅ One of Greece’s most affordable islands
✅ Incredible Cretan cuisine at budget-friendly prices
✅ Free or low-cost outdoor activities like hiking and beaches
As you already know if you read some of my earlier blogs, i LOVE food! Crete is a food lover’s paradise! You can enjoy a full meal for under €10 at local tavernas. Try dakos (Cretan bruschetta) or a plate of fresh seafood at a seaside taverna.
Explore the stunning Samaria Gorge for just the price of an entrance ticket (€5), or relax at Elafonissi Beach, which is completely free to visit. (This is personally my favorite off all beaches.)
Thessaloniki
Greece cheap travel – Underrated Budget Destination
Why You Should Visit:
✅ A vibrant city with a rich history and culture
✅ Some of the cheapest accommodations in Greece
✅ Fantastic street food scene with budget-friendly options
Thessaloniki is a hidden gem for budget travelers. Visit the White Tower and Ano Poli for incredible views without spending a dime. #Lifehack 😉
For affordable yet delicious food, grab a bougatsa (Greek custard pastry) or a pita gyro for just €2-3. If you’re looking for nightlife, many bars offer free entry and have drink specials during happy hours.
Naxos
A Budget-Friendly Alternative to Mykonos
Why You Should Visit:
✅ Beautiful beaches and traditional villages
✅ Much cheaper than nearby Mykonos and Santorini
✅ Free hiking trails and budget-friendly local food
Naxos offers all the charm of the Greek islands without the high prices. You can enjoy stunning beaches like Plaka Beach without paying an entrance fee.
Try Naxian cheese and locally grown olives from a traditional taverna for an authentic (and cheap!) dining experience. Many attractions, like the Temple of Apollo, are free to visit.
Final Thoughts
When I first thought about Greece, I honestly thought, ‘This is going to be expensive…’ BUT it doesn’t have to be! You can experience everything Greece has to offer without spending a lifetime saving up. From affordable meals to free historical sites, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a Greece cheap travel experience.
Thanks for reading this blog post about “Greece Cheap Travel.” If you want more budget travel tips, check out my guide on affordable destinations around the world!
If you want to see how to travel cheap in Costa Rica, CLICK HERE.
Have an amazing trip! 🇬🇷✈️
/Thomas