Overview:
- Skip the tourist traps
- Make use of volunteering sites
- Stay in hostels
- Travel during the shoulder season
- Use public transport
Greece, with its ancient ruins, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture, is a dream destination for many travellers. However, the idea of exploring this Mediterranean paradise often comes with the misconception that it requires a hefty budget. The good news is that experiencing the best of Greece doesn’t have to break the bank.
Welcome to my comprehensive guide on traveling Greece on a budget! Whether you’re a backpacker, a student, or simply a savvy traveler looking to make the most of your money, this guide is packed with tips and tricks to help you explore Greece affordably. From choosing the best time to visit and finding budget-friendly accommodations to savouring delicious Greek cuisine without splurging, I’ve got you covered.
1. You don’t need to visit Santorini or Mykonos
I know – It’s hard to hear! It’s probably what we all envision when first thinking about the trip but honestly there are much better alternatives. Although they are undeniably beautiful, they are also two of the most expensive destinations in Greece. During peak season, accommodation, dining, and activities can be overpriced, and the islands are often overcrowded with tourists. In the past, I’ve seen a lot of people quite surprised and underwhelmed at what these places look like outside of an instagram post, when you’re really looking forward to a holiday, that’s the worst feeling.
Instead…consider visiting some of Greece’s lesser-known but equally stunning islands. Here are a few budget-friendly alternatives:
1. Naxos
-Beautiful Beaches: The island is known for its long sandy beaches, which are less crowded and more relaxed than those in Santorini and Mykonos.
– Rich History: Visit historical sites like the Portara and the Temple of Demeter without the hefty entrance fees.
2. Paros:
– Quaint Villages: Enjoy the charming villages like Naoussa and Parikia with their picturesque white-washed houses and winding streets. Santorini vibes on a budget!
– Budget Dining: Paros has numerous affordable dining options where you can enjoy delicious local cuisine without breaking the bank. Make sure you visit ‘Bountaraki’, which serves traditional Mediterranean food on beautiful plates if you’re looking for a fancier evening meal out – get the traditional greek ‘moussaka’ for 13 euros!
3. Milos:
– Stunning Landscapes: Famous for its unique rock formations and beautiful beaches, Milos is a hidden gem that offers incredible scenery at a fraction of the cost.
– Local Vibe: Experience a more authentic Greek island vibe, as Milos is less commercialised than other, more popular islands. With this often comes great interactions with friendly locals as well as fantastic prices!
4. Syros:
– Cultural Hub: Syros is known for its vibrant cultural scene, including festivals and concerts, many of which are free or inexpensive. Syros is only an hour by boat from Paros so you don’t need to waste a whole day of holiday travelling or being in a stressful airport in the heat.
– Galissas, Kini and Delfini beaches have crystal-clear blue water, spend the whole afternoon relaxing/swimming and you only need to spend money on some amazing greek snacks!
Extra: Don’t feel like you are confined to only visiting the islands! I know that ‘island-hopping’ is the Mamma Mia style dream but explore mainland treasures like Peloponnese or Thessaloniki to indulge in amazing historical sites and natural beauty for a fraction of the cost!
2. Use ‘WorldPackers’ for free accomodation!
One of the biggest travel hacks I have discovered recently is a site called ‘Worldpackers’, there are similar alternative sites but the main premise is that you can volunteer in a variety of different types of places and get free accommodation and meals in return! This is such a fantastic way to meaningfully fill your time and make great friends. Many places will offer additional bonuses like yoga classes or discounts on restaurants, you can even sign up with a friend!
Types of volunteering opportunities:
1. Hospitality and Tourism:
– Hostels and Hotels: Help with reception duties, cleaning, and guest activities.
– Tour Guides: Assist with tours and excursions, sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm for Greece.
2. Agriculture and Eco-Projects:
– Organic Farms: Work on organic farms, helping with planting, harvesting, and animal care.
– Eco-Projects: Participate in environmental conservation projects, sustainable living communities, and permaculture gardens.
3. Teaching and Community Work:
– Language Exchange: Teach English or other languages to locals or in community centres.
– Cultural Exchange: Share your culture and skills in workshops and community programs.
3. Stay in a hostel!
Even if you’d rather keep all your spare time to explore and do activities rather than volunteering, staying in a hostel is still a great option! You can get a happy medium of meeting like-minded people but also being able to go off by yourself/with your friends whenever you like. ‘Hostelworld’ is the most trustworthy site which usually has the best deals, it helps to read reviews because the type of hostel you choose totally depends on if you’re looking to party, to read, or somewhere in-between.
Hostel recommendations:
- ‘Francesco’s’ or ‘Hermes’ in Ios – both are great for a social vibe.
- ‘Paros Backpackers’ in Paros – really easy to meet a diverse range of people.
- ‘Athens Hub Hostel’ – whether you’re staying in Athens or just stopping there before heading off to the islands, this hostel is a quick train from the airport and is a great option.
- ‘Pink Palace Hostel’ – the aesthetic very much lives up to the name, it’s completely pink and super fun.
4. Use Public Transport
Taking taxis everywhere can get expensive if you want to explore somewhere that you can’t walk to. The extent of public transport availability will very much vary depending on where you’re staying but over the mainland and on loads of the island you can get larger and local buses. The long-distance buses to get between towns are operated by KTEL and will take you all over. Crete, Skiathos, Hyrda, Naxos, Syros and Antiparos are great budget options if you don’t have a car.
Whilst there are various ways to get between the islands themselves, ferry tickets are generally much cheaper than flights, especially if you book in advance and take the slower route rather than the high-speed ferries. They offer more flexibility, offering a variety of routes and departure times to choose from, as well as being more eco-friendly and allow you to enjoy the scenic views of the Aegean and Ionian seas. Familiarise yourself with the main ferry routes and schedules, websites like Ferryhopper and Direct Ferries can help you compare options.
When planning your island-hopping route, it’s really important that you do so in a logical order to avoid backtracking. For instance, if you’re starting from Athens, you might head to the Cyclades islands in a sequence like this: Mykonos > Paros > Naxos > Santorini. This way, you’re moving progressively in a time and cost-effective way rather than doubling back.
5. Travel during off-season
Greece can get so incredibly hot and crowded during July and August that visiting outside of this period is often a better, cheaper alternative. The sea often stays warm enough to swim in until October and the cost of activities and food will likely be heavily reduced, yet the culture and beautiful environment will be exactly the same! April to early June and September to October are the best times to visit.
- Enjoy free activities like hiking and exploring archaeological sites without the trouble of extreme heat impacting your experience
- Enjoy quieter beaches with plenty of space to relax without as many children and loud tourists (if that’s not your vibe!)
- Get great deals on flights – if you use the ‘tracking’ function on Google Flights or use the calendar function on Skyscanner then you will see the significant price difference a couple of weeks can make. The more flexible you can be about your plans the better.
Ultimately, taking a budget-friendly adventure through Greece is not only achievable but also immensely rewarding. By utilising smart strategies such as traveling during the shoulder season, staying in hostels, and island hopping by ferry, you can experience the best of Greece without breaking the bank.
Remember, careful planning, flexibility, and a sense of adventure are your greatest assets when traveling on a budget. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of friends, Greece offers endless possibilities for exploration and discovery.
Bon voyage and καλό ταξίδι (happy travels)!