Greece is a favourite summer destination for tourists around the globe. Mainly known for its scenic islands, beautiful beaches and deep blue waters, this fascinating eastern Mediterranean country has more to offer than meets the eye!
If you think a high price tag is unavoidable for a trip to this beautiful destination, think again! There are many cheaper, more convenient and frugal ways to visit Greece on a budget and experience its beauty as a local. Keep reading for our tips on how to how to plan a frugal trip to Greece.
Getting There & Getting Around
Depending on your itinerary, you might fly into Athens, if you want to have a few days to explore the capital. Otherwise, travelling directly to your destination could be more convenient – and also save you some money.
When choosing flights, always check the low-fare calendar that many companies have. Choose weekday flights is another way to make sure you get the best rates when flying to Greece.
For travel across the country, consider taking the train or the bus. Bonus tip: while booking your train ticket, choose the night routes. They are considerably cheaper and also quieter than those that run throughout the day.
If you have to travel somewhere by boat, it is best to book your tickets before arriving in Greece. We also recommend checking several websites in order to find the best deal (yes, the price may vary from website to website). If you can, book your trip directly from the company in order to avoid commission fees, but note that this is mainly available only for shorter trips. Also be sure to check for discounts for students, families, the unemployed or pensioners.
And one more thing: you can always ask whether there is a public-owned company for the destination you are travelling to as their prices are significantly lower. For example, look for Saronic Ferries for trips in the Argo-Saronic Gulf or Skyros Shipping Company for trips in the Sporades in the Aegean Sea.
Commuting around Athens is cheap and easy, too. The metro, subway and buses all share a common ticket so you can opt for a one-day pass to move around the city.
Where to Eat in Greece on a Budget
The main advice when it comes to eating in Greece is to avoid tourist places. They usually charge you for meals that are not always of great value. Consulting Google reviews and Trip Advisor or asking the locals for the best small taverns is always a good idea!
You could also choose to have one good meal for the day and try local pies for your dinner or breakfast. Considering we are talking about Greece, souvlaki is always a good option, can be considered a full meal and is fairly cheap!
When to Go
Travelling off-season is a great way to save lots of money. If you wish to visit a Greek island, you could consider going there in September as it is still very warm, it’s not crowded and the prices are really low. The time to avoid is August when most Greeks take their summer vacations. June and May can also be a good option, but they still might be more expensive than travelling in September.
If you would rather explore the mountains of Greece on a budget, the best time to go is spring and summer. Temperatures in the mountains are not as high as they are on the beaches, even in summer, which can be an added bonus for those looking to escape the heat. The times to avoid are ski season (December-February) and national holidays (be sure the check the calendar!), when mountain lodges can become filled with tourists and prices skyrocket.
If you have your heart set on travelling during the winter, you can always opt to visit during the weekday, when prices will be moderate and the service will still be exceptional.
Does a holiday in the mountains of Central Greece sound like just the ticket for you? Check out this destination guide for Karpenisi, a unique mountainous destination known as “Greece’s Switzerland” (but without the Swiss price tag!).
Where to Stay in Greece on a Budget
Camping can be a great budget-friendly option when travelling around Greece. Several places offer organized camping with great services and low costs. Islands like Angistri, Ikaria and Donousa are only a few of Greece’s famous camping destinations.
If you are outdoorsy and used to roughing it, Greece also offers some unregulated camping options in some areas. Though not strictly legal, it is a common practice in certain areas, so chances are you would not have much of an issue there.
Where to Go: Frugal Destinations in Greece
Frugal destinations themselves can also be the way to go if you are vacationing on a budget. Islands near Athens (like Aegina, Angistri, Salamina and Poros) have a lot to offer when it comes to short excursions, and boat tickets to the islands are fairly cheap.
You can also skip the boat rides and enjoy some of Greece’s coastal destinations instead. There are many breathtaking coastal destinations that offer significantly cheaper options. The Peloponnese offers amazing alternatives for any traveller, from the medieval city of Monemvasia to beautiful beaches in Messinia and the Mani Peninsula.
Northern Greece is also home to some beautiful, low-cost and famous destinations for summer months like Preveza and Chalkidiki.
You Don’t Have to Break the Bank to Travel in Greece
It IS possible to visit Greece on a budget! By planning wisely, you can enjoy beautiful sceneries all year round on your budget-friendly Greek vacation.
