How to Plan a Trip to Greece on a Budget

As a travel writer, I am often asked by friends, family, and readers, “Where should I go on vacation next?” And almost every time, my answer is Greece.

This southern European nation has long been a favorite of mine, and not just because my family is from there. It’s also because it’s a place filled with culture, history, natural beauty, and, dare I say, some of the best food in the world.

There’s one downside to a Greek vacation, though: it can be expensive, especially if you’re visiting the famous islands during peak tourist season, from June to September. But don’t worry, there are still a few ways to experience Greece on a budget without feeling like you’re missing out. Here’s how to plan your trip without breaking the bank.

Consider a Dupe Destination

Greece is full of fantastic places, including popular islands like Santorini And MykonosBut as several locals point out, visitors can save some money by spending their time on lesser-known islands.

“Traveling to the Greek islands on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty or charm,” says Lena Korres, co-founder of Greek skincare brand Korresshared with Travel + Leisure“While Santorini and Mykonos are iconic islands, both of which welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. However, there are several lesser-known sunny islands, with their sandy beaches, turquoise bays, rocky cliffs and white and blue houses, that offer affordability without compromising stunning scenery, rich culture and delicious cuisine.”

Here are some great destinations that can help you get great deals and explore with fewer crowds.

Syros instead of Santorini

While Santorini is famous for its sunsets and caldera views, Syros offers similar charm and equally alluring beaches. “In Syros, the capital of the Cyclades, tourism is not yet the island’s main source of income. It’s an interesting island to explore on a lower budget than neighboring Mykonos or Santorini,” says an Athens resident and spokesperson for the island. A quarter GreekNicoletta Barbata, shared.

Thessaloniki instead of Athens

ThessalonikiGreece’s second-largest city, is home to many historical and cultural sites that will leave you as satisfied as Athens. Here, travelers can explore Byzantine churches, ruins, and bustling markets, and it’s a place where delicious food abounds. The city has even been named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Naxos instead of Paros

Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades islands, is often overshadowed by its neighbor Paros, due to its party atmosphere and Instagram-friendly cobblestone streets. Yet Naxos offers just as much charm with far fewer tourists and, as a result, lower prices. From ancient ruins to pristine beaches, Naxos has it all.

How to save on flights

Saving money on flights to Greece is all about timing your trip and having some flexibility in your travel plans.

“For those looking to explore Greece on a budget, the shoulder seasons – late April to early June and September to early October – are ideal,” says Eduardo Vega Augusto, editor-in-chief of the travel platform. PiratesTravelsexplained. “At this time, the weather is nice, the crowds are smaller and the accommodation prices are more reasonable.”

Augusto has two tips for finding affordable flights to Greece: book with a low-cost airline and buy your tickets as early as possible.

“Many low-cost airlines, such as Play Airlines, offer affordable flights from major U.S. cities to Europe, making Greece an accessible destination,” Augusto said. “Norse Air also offers a direct summer route from New York to Athens for a fraction of the usual price.”

Flexibility is also key to saving on flights. “Flexibility with travel dates can lead to significant savings. Set up Google Flights alerts to monitor price fluctuations at nearby airports,” Augusto adds. “Booking accommodations in advance, especially before peak season begins, can also help you secure lower rates.”

Finding affordable housing

Even the best hotels in greece offer great deals if you're traveling off-season.

“You can spend as much or as little as you want in Athens, which remains a European capital offering excellent value for money,” said Andria Mitsakos, president of AMPR and owner of Anthologist in Athens, explained. “Luxury hotels such as our iconic Hotel Grande Bretagne (which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year) or the chic and boutique Dolli Hotel Rates are lower in the off-season. Both are perfect for a long weekend getaway.

Here are some other budget hotels to consider.

Zillers Boutique Hotel, Athens

Located in the heart of Athens, Zillers Boutique Hotel offers a luxurious experience at an affordable nightly rate. The hotel offers stunning views of the Acropolis from its rooftop restaurant, which serves locally sourced Greek dishes that will keep you coming back for more.

Porto Naxos Hotel, Naxos

Going on a Greek island vacation on a budget is entirely possible if you book stays at places like Porto Naxos. The hotel perfectly combines comfort and affordable prices, and offers excellent deals for those who book well in advance. Its location near the town of Naxos and the most beautiful beaches of the island is a plus.

Artemis, Milos

The Artemis It's a bit pricey, but compared to other hotels on Milos Island, it's a real bargain. And it might be worth treating yourself to a few nights here, as the hotel is right on the beach and has one of the island's trendiest beach bars.

Travel at a lower cost

Visitors wishing to island hop in Greece by ferry should consider the Eurail Pass for the Greek Islandswhich allows travelers to explore for four days per month starting at $84 or six days per month starting at $192.

“Another tip is to take a trip to another lesser known port, the port of Lavrio “In the Attica region,” said Melanie Marten, local consultant and PR specialist at The Coup. As Marten also noted, it will also take you to a hidden gem of an island. “This port has a ferry that takes you to the beautiful neighboring island of Kea. Since there are no ferries from the busy port of Piraeus, only from Lavrio, Kea has never been overrun and is a great destination from April to October.”

Free and affordable activities

The great thing about visiting Greece is that there's no shortage of historical sites to see, and you can do it for less than you might think. Here are some ways to save on some of its iconic attractions.

Visit the Acropolis in Athens.

A visit to the Acropolis is practically mandatory when visiting Greece. The entrance fee is around $16 during peak season; however, admission is reduced during the winter and the site offers several days of free visits per year.

Explore the National Archaeological Museum.

Discover some of the world's most important ancient artifacts on display at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. The entrance fee is modest enough, but the museum also offers free admission on the first Sunday of every month from November to March.

Go hiking.

Natural beauty is on full display all over Greece. The country is home to hundreds of miles of hiking trails to explore for free, including trails on the mainland and islands. Discover all the best routes to explore, including the top-ranked Fira Trail in Santorini, on All trailsand plan an unforgettable walk for $0.

Go to the beach.

Greece is also a nation that believes that access to the country's beaches should be free for all — it has even adopted the “Beach bill” in 2024, ensuring that the beaches are not invaded by paying deckchairs. So bring your towel and sunscreen, and enjoy it for free.

Use AI to save even more

Greece is full of ancient ruins, but that doesn't mean it's living in the past. As Ross Borden, CEO of Matador Networkpointed out that the official Discover Greece website has a brand new AI chat partner (built by Matador Ventures) that will help you plan every aspect of your trip, even on a budget.

Simply tell Pythia (named after the high priestess of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi and known as an all-knowing oracle) your interests, budget and time spent in Greece to get a tailor-made itinerary.

“Visitors to the Discover Greece Website “Travelers will find Pythia in the bottom right corner and will be able to converse with the AI ​​as if it were a friend who knows everything about Greece, including the best deals,” Borden says. “For example, travelers can ask Pythia to plan an entire itinerary within a set budget. There are no ads and Pythia’s answers are completely tailored to the question, so if you ask for stays and activities within a certain budget, that’s all you’ll get.”