Greece: A Budget-Friendly Travel Haven?

how good of a travel bargain is greece

Greece is a country full of ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and fascinating cities. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, but is it a good travel bargain?

The answer is yes! While Greece has a reputation for being expensive, it is actually quite affordable, especially when compared to other European countries. Accommodation in Greece is generally lower than in other European countries, with many hostels and mid-range hotels available for between $40 and $80 per night. Transportation costs are also relatively low, with ferry tickets starting at $20 for a one-way trip and buses costing around $4.50 for a 24-hour ticket. Food prices in Greece are also reasonable, with traditional Greek fast food costing around $5 and meals at mid-range restaurants costing around $20 per person.

There are also plenty of ways to save money when visiting Greece. For example, taking overnight ferries can save you money on accommodation, and booking in advance can help you take advantage of lower prices. Overall, a mid-range budget for a two-week holiday in Greece is around $2800, which includes accommodation, transportation, food, and activities.

So, if you're looking for a travel bargain, Greece is a great option! With its combination of rich history, stunning natural beauty, and affordable prices, it's no wonder that Greece is a favourite destination for many travellers.

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How to find cheap Greece package deals

Greece is a large country with a lot to offer, from the iconic Santorini and Mykonos to the laidback Ithaca and Kefalonia. It is also relatively inexpensive, especially when compared to other Eurozone countries.

  • Travel during the off-peak season: The peak tourist season in Greece is during the summer months of June to September. To find cheaper package deals, consider travelling during the low season (November through March) or the shoulder season (April to mid-June and mid-September through October).
  • Book in advance: Airlines usually advertise flight tickets up to a year in advance, so you can often find good deals by booking early.
  • Be flexible with your destination airport: It might be cheaper to fly into an airport on one of the Greek islands, such as Corfu, rather than into Athens.
  • Book flights and accommodation together: You can often get a better deal by bundling your flight and hotel bookings.
  • Stay in hostels: Hostels in Greece are generally cheaper than hotels, with dorm beds costing around €10-15 per night. Private rooms in hostels are also an affordable option for those who want more privacy.
  • Cook your own meals: Eating out for every meal can add up quickly. Consider booking accommodation with access to a kitchen so you can cook some of your own meals.
  • Eat like a local: Tavernas are small, family-run restaurants that offer big dishes at low prices.
  • Take public transportation: Buses and ferries are the cheapest way to get around Greece.
  • Look for package deals: Many travel websites offer package deals that include flights, accommodation, and other extras like tours or car rentals. These packages can often be customized to your preferences and budget.
  • Compare prices online: Use travel websites like Skyscanner, HostelWorld, and Booking.com to compare prices and find the best deals on flights, hotels, and hostels.

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Budgeting for a trip to Greece

Greece is a beautiful country to visit, with its ancient ruins, stunning islands, and delicious food. Planning a trip to Greece can be exciting, but it's also important to consider your budget to make the most of your trip. Here are some tips and estimates to help you plan your dream vacation to Greece:

Accommodation

Greece offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly to luxurious. Here are some estimates for different types of lodging:

  • Hostels: You can find hostels in Greece for as low as €10-25 per night, with prices varying depending on the location. In popular tourist spots like Santorini and Mykonos, prices can be higher, even for dorm beds.
  • Mid-range hotels: Expect to pay around €40-60 per night for a comfortable stay. You may even find some guesthouses for as little as €25.
  • Luxury hotels: For a more luxurious experience, be prepared to spend €100 or more per night. The average price in Santorini, for instance, is around €150 per night.

Transportation

Getting around Greece doesn't have to break the bank. Here are some options to consider:

  • Ferries: Ferry tickets are a great way to island-hop, with prices ranging from €20-80 for a one-way trip. Overnight ferries can save you money on accommodation, and they are usually about half the price of regular ferries.
  • Buses: Public buses are an affordable option, with 24-hour tickets costing around €4.50.
  • Car rentals: If you prefer more freedom, renting a car is a good choice. Prices start at €15-30 per day, and fuel is relatively cheap at around €2 per liter.
  • Flights: Domestic flights within Greece can cost around $200, especially during peak season. However, some smaller islands like Ithaca don't have an airport, so you'll need to rely on ferries or local buses.

Food

Greek food is famous for its freshness and delicious flavors. Here are some estimates to help you plan your food budget:

  • Budget-friendly options: Street food like souvlaki or gyro can be found for as little as €2.50-3.50. If you stay in accommodation with a kitchen, you can also cook your own meals with groceries for about €30-40 per week.
  • Mid-range restaurants: For a sit-down meal, expect to pay around €10-20 per person. A typical Greek salad or main dish will cost you €5.50-12, and a seafood dinner will be around €15-20.
  • Luxury dining: For upscale restaurants, prices start at about €30 per person for a standard meal, excluding service charges.

Activities

There are plenty of activities and attractions to enjoy in Greece, catering to different budgets:

  • Budget-friendly options: Opt for independent exploration of local museums and attractions. A ferry trip to a nearby island for the day is also a great, affordable option.
  • Mid-range activities: Include a mix of guided tours and independent activities. You can also enjoy a few nights out at popular nightclubs.
  • Luxury experiences: Consider private daily tours, which can cost around €110 per person, and add on some extra activities like bungee jumping or scuba diving.

Overall Budget Estimates

Now, let's look at some overall budget estimates for a two-week trip to Greece:

  • Budget holiday: For a tight budget, plan for around $1,500 for two weeks. This includes budget accommodation, mostly ferry transportation, and a limited daily budget for activities and food.
  • Mid-range holiday: For a more comfortable experience, budget around $2,800. This allows for mid-range hotels, more dining out, and some guided tours.
  • Luxury holiday: If you want to splurge, set aside a minimum of $5,800. This covers luxury accommodation, private tours, and upscale dining.

Remember, these are just estimates, and your actual spending may vary depending on your choices and preferences. Happy planning, and enjoy your trip to Greece!

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Transportation costs in Greece

Buses

The standard mode of overland public transport in Greece is the bus. Bus services on major routes are efficient and frequent, with computerized ticketing and assigned seating. On secondary roads, they are less regular, with long gaps between departures. The national bus network is run by KTEL, a syndicate of private operators based in each county. Fares are fixed according to distance, and tickets can be purchased at the ticket office or from a conductor on board. A one-way ticket will cost a few euros, depending on the distance covered.

Trains

The Greek mainland's railway network is limited and run by OSE. Trains are generally slower and more expensive than equivalent buses, although they can be much cheaper on non-express services. A train ride from Athens to Thessaloniki, for example, costs around €52.50.

Ferries

Ferries are the primary mode of transport for inter-island travel in Greece. They connect the hundreds of Greek islands and certain ports on the mainland. Ferry tickets usually cost around €40, regardless of the destination. Hydrofoils and catamarans are also options but are more expensive and tend to be cancelled in bad weather.

Flights

There are dozens of international and domestic airports throughout Greece. Domestic flights are mostly relatively expensive, but they can save a lot of travel time. For example, Athens to Rhodes is just a 2-hour flight compared to 28 hours by boat.

Taxis

Greek taxis are among the cheapest in the Mediterranean, provided you get an honest driver who uses the meter. A taxi to the airport from downtown Athens, for instance, will cost around €35-39.

Car Rental

Car rental prices vary depending on the vehicle type and rental company. A small car can cost around €15-20 per day, while a larger vehicle can be €25-30 per day. Scooter and motorcycle rentals are also available and are a good option for getting around the islands.

Metro and City Transport

Athens has an extensive public transport system, including a metro, tram, suburban railway, and bus network. A single ticket for all public transport in central Athens costs €1.20 and is valid for 90 minutes. There are also passes offering unlimited travel for a specified period, such as 24 hours or 5 days.

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Food prices in Greece

Greece is known for its delicious, fresh, and healthy food. Greek food is heavily influenced by Turkish and Italian cuisine, but it has a unique, authentic taste. Greek food is also the epitome of Mediterranean cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables, and lamb or seafood as the main source of protein.

  • Meze: A traditional Greek dining style that includes a series of small dishes, similar to Spanish tapas, served either hot or cold. Popular options include octopus dishes, small salads, cheese plates, or fried sausage. Prices vary depending on the restaurant, but a typical price for a meze dish is around €7-8.
  • Spanakopita: A spinach pie made from phyllo pastry and filled with a spinach and feta cheese mixture. This dish can be found for around €6-7.
  • Souvlaki: A traditional Greek fast food made with meat and vegetables grilled on skewers, typically lamb, and served as a pita sandwich or as a main course. Souvlaki usually costs around €3-4.
  • Gyros: Another Greek fast food option, similar to souvlaki, but usually made with pork instead of lamb. Gyros typically cost a few euros.
  • Breakfast: €5-10
  • Greek Salad: €6
  • Greek Main Dish: €8-12
  • Seafood Dinner: €15-20
  • Lunch Specials: €10-12
  • Cocktails: €12-15
  • Beer: €3-4
  • Bottle of Wine at a Restaurant: €10
  • Slice of Pizza: €2.50
  • Sandwich from a Deli: €4
  • 30 cm Pizza: €11
  • Cappuccino: €1.50
  • Litre of Milk: €0.75
  • Loaf of Bread: €0.80
  • Dozen Eggs: €1.80
  • 1 kg of Tomatoes: €1.40
  • 1 kg of Potatoes: €0.80
  • 1.5L Bottle of Water: €0.90

When it comes to dining out, the average daily cost of food in Greece is around €85 per person, with previous travelers spending between €35 and €200. Breakfast and lunch are usually less expensive than dinner, but this depends on the type of restaurant and your order.

For those on a budget, there are plenty of options for eating affordably in Greece. Street food and gyros are usually very reasonably priced, and cooking in your hostel or Airbnb can also help save money. Many resorts and hotels offer meal packages, so it's important to know what meals and drinks are included in the price.

Overall, Greece offers a range of food options to suit all budgets, and with its fresh, delicious cuisine, it's sure to please any food lover.

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Cost of activities in Greece

Greece is a very popular destination for tourists, famed for its ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and delicious food. The cost of activities and entertainment in Greece typically costs an average of $30 (€29) per person, per day, based on the spending habits of previous travellers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Athens: Acropolis and 6 Archaeological Sites Combo Ticket: €35
  • Athens: Full-Day Meteora Trip by Train: €98
  • Athens: Delphi Guided Day Trip with Pickup & Optional Lunch: €87
  • Santorini: Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs Visit: €26
  • Santorini: Guided Wine Tasting Tour with Pickup: €140
  • Santorini: Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Open Bar: €100
  • Zakynthos Island: Navagio Shipwreck Beach & Blue Caves Tour: €45
  • Mykonos Cooking Class: €140
  • From Thessaloniki: Day Trip to Dion and Mount Olympus: €55

Budgeting for Activities in Greece

It's worth noting that the cost of activities in Greece can vary depending on the season. The peak season in Greece is during the summer when tourist numbers are high, and prices tend to increase. Visiting during the shoulder or low seasons is a great way to avoid the crowds and save money.

Additionally, some destinations in Greece, such as Delphi, Mykonos, and Santorini, are particularly popular with tourists, which can result in higher costs during peak times. It is recommended to make reservations in advance, especially for popular attractions, to avoid sold-out tickets and long queues.

For those looking for budget-friendly options, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities in Greece. Exploring the charming towns of Delphi, Mykonos, and Santorini offers stunning views and cultural experiences. The beach getaways around Chania, Corfu, and Paros provide fun and entertainment at a low cost. Hiking trails in Corfu, Rhodes, and Chania offer breathtaking vistas and healthy exercise.

Overall Costs in Greece

The average Greece trip cost for one week for two people is approximately $3,120 (€3,024). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing. For those travelling on a budget, it is possible to reduce costs by opting for cheaper restaurants, free activities, and visiting during the off-season.

Frequently asked questions

The average hotel price in Naxos is around $70 per night.

The average hotel price in Santorini is $150 per night.

A luxury hotel in Greece costs an average of $160 per night.

A budget hotel in Greece costs between $40 and $80 per night.

A mid-range hotel in Greece costs between $1000 and $1200 for two weeks.

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