Planning a trip to Greece feels exciting until you start wondering about the actual costs. Between the stunning islands, ancient ruins, and incredible food, how much money do you really need to make it happen without breaking the bank?
Let me walk you through the real numbers based on different travel styles so you can plan your Greek adventure with confidence.
The Short Answer: Greece Trip Costs
A budget traveler can explore Greece for $50-80 per day. Mid-range travelers should expect $120-200 daily, while luxury seekers will spend $300+ per day. For a typical week-long trip, most people budget between $1,500-3,000 per person, including flights.
But those numbers only tell part of the story. Your actual costs depend on when you visit, which islands you choose, and your travel style.
Breaking Down Your Greece Budget
Flight Costs to Greece
Your biggest expense starts before you even land in Athens. Flights from the US to Greece typically range from $600-1,200 roundtrip, depending on your departure city and season.
Spring and fall offer the sweet spot with cheaper flights and better weather. Summer flights cost more because everyone wants those picture-perfect Santorini sunsets at the same time.
Book your flights 2-3 months in advance for the best deals. I've found that Tuesday and Wednesday departures often cost less than weekend flights.
Accommodation Expenses
Where you sleep dramatically impacts your budget. Hostels start around $20-35 per night for a dorm bed. Private rooms in budget hotels or guesthouses run $40-80 nightly.
Mid-range hotels with great locations cost $80-150 per night. Those infinity pool villas you see on Instagram? Expect $200-500+ per night, especially in Santorini and Mykonos.
Athens offers more affordable options than the islands. You can find comfortable accommodations in neighborhoods like Plaka or Monastiraki without spending a fortune.
Many travelers save money by booking apartments through vacation rental sites, especially when traveling with friends or family. A two-bedroom apartment often costs less than two hotel rooms and includes a kitchen for preparing some meals.
Getting Around Greece
Island hopping sounds romantic until you price the ferries. Ferry tickets between islands cost $30-80 per route, depending on the distance and ferry type. High-speed ferries cost more but save time.
Domestic flights between Athens and popular islands like Santorini or Crete run $50-150 each way. Sometimes flying actually costs less than taking the ferry, especially during peak season.
In Athens, the metro system costs just $1.50 per ride. A three-day tourist pass costs around $22 and covers unlimited travel on buses, trains, and trams.
Renting a car makes sense for exploring larger islands like Crete or the Peloponnese. Daily rates start at $30-50, plus fuel costs. Greek drivers can be aggressive, so factor in your comfort level with Mediterranean driving styles.
Food and Dining Budget
Greek food offers incredible value compared to other European destinations. A traditional taverna meal with wine costs $15-25 per person. Gyros from a street vendor? Just $3-5 and absolutely delicious.
Budget $30-50 daily for food if you eat like a local. That means Greek coffee and a pastry for breakfast, a gyro or souvlaki for lunch, and a proper taverna dinner.
Mid-range diners spending $60-100 daily can enjoy waterfront restaurants and try more upscale dishes. Luxury dining in places like Santorini easily exceeds $100 per person for dinner.
Shopping at local markets and supermarkets cuts costs significantly. Fresh feta, olives, bread, and tomatoes make perfect picnic lunches between beach sessions.
Skip the tourist trap restaurants near major attractions. Walk two blocks away and you'll find better food at half the price where locals actually eat.
Activities and Attractions
Many of Greece's best experiences cost little or nothing. Beaches are free. Wandering through old town neighborhoods costs nothing but time and comfortable shoes.
The Acropolis in Athens costs around $20 for entry. Most archaeological sites charge $5-15 per person. Museums typically run $5-10 for admission.
A multi-site pass in Athens covering the Acropolis and six other major sites costs about $30 and stays valid for five days. That's a smart investment if you love ancient history.
Boat tours and organized excursions add up quickly. A sunset cruise in Santorini costs $50-150 per person. Scuba diving trips run $70-120. Wine tasting tours average $50-100.
Many travelers overspend on organized tours when they could easily explore independently. Renting an ATV to tour Santorini costs $30 versus $100+ for a guided tour hitting the same spots.
Sample Greece Trip Budgets
Budget Traveler (7 Days)
- Flights: $800
- Accommodation: $210 (hostels/budget hotels)
- Food: $280 (self-catering and cheap eats)
- Transportation: $150 (ferries and local transport)
- Activities: $100 (free beaches, one or two paid sites)
- Total: $1,540
Mid-Range Traveler (7 Days)
- Flights: $900
- Accommodation: $700 (comfortable hotels)
- Food: $490 (mix of tavernas and nicer restaurants)
- Transportation: $300 (ferries and some domestic flights)
- Activities: $250 (archaeological sites, one boat tour)
- Total: $2,640
Luxury Traveler (7 Days)
- Flights: $1,500 (business class or premium economy)
- Accommodation: $2,100 (boutique hotels with views)
- Food: $700 (upscale dining)
- Transportation: $500 (domestic flights, private transfers)
- Activities: $600 (sunset cruises, wine tours, spa treatments)
- Total: $5,400
Money-Saving Tips for Greece
Visit during shoulder season in May, early June, or September. You'll enjoy better weather than July and August, smaller crowds, and significantly lower prices.
Stay in Athens longer than most tourists. The capital offers better value for accommodations and food while providing easy day trips to incredible sites like Delphi or Cape Sounion.
Book accommodations with kitchens to prepare some meals. Greek supermarkets stock amazing local products for a fraction of restaurant prices.
Take slow ferries instead of high-speed options when you have time. The journey becomes part of the experience and saves money.
Many archaeological sites offer free entry on specific days throughout the year. Research these dates if you're flexible with your schedule.
Skip Santorini and Mykonos if budget matters. Islands like Naxos, Paros, or Milos offer equally stunning beauty at much lower prices. When checking out island options, getting comprehensive travel insurance ensures peace of mind without significantly impacting your overall budget.
Best Time to Visit for Your Budget
June and September offer the best balance of weather, prices, and crowds. Ocean temperatures are perfect for swimming, hotel rates drop from peak season, and you'll actually find space on the popular beaches.
July and August bring peak prices everywhere. Hotels double their rates, restaurants charge more, and ferries fill up fast. The heat becomes oppressive, and popular sites feel like theme parks.
April and May feature beautiful weather with wildflowers blooming across the islands. Prices stay reasonable, though some island hotels don't open until May.
October still offers warm weather and good swimming in the south. Prices drop significantly, but some island businesses close for the season by month's end.
Winter travelers find rock-bottom prices but limited ferry schedules and closed hotels on many islands. Athens and mainland destinations work well for winter visits.
Hidden Costs to Consider
ATM fees add up when withdrawing euros. Bring a debit card that refunds foreign transaction fees or withdraw larger amounts less frequently.
Restaurant service charges sometimes appear on bills automatically. Check before adding an additional tip.
Resort fees and tourist taxes apply at some accommodations, typically $1-4 per night. These rarely appear in the initial booking price.
Luggage fees on domestic flights catch people off guard. Budget airlines charge for checked bags and sometimes even carry-ons.
Credit card foreign transaction fees cost 3% per purchase unless you have a travel-friendly card without these charges.
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Final Thoughts on Budgeting for Greece
Greece accommodates nearly any travel budget with proper planning. The key is being honest about your priorities and spending on what matters most to you.
Maybe you want that Santorini sunset view but don't care about fancy restaurants. Or perhaps you'd rather skip the expensive islands entirely and spend more time exploring ancient sites on the mainland.
Start planning your budget by choosing your destinations first, then pricing accommodations in those locations. Flights and hotels typically consume 60-70% of your total budget, so nail those numbers down early.
Build in a 15-20% buffer for unexpected expenses and spontaneous experiences. Some of the best travel moments come from unplanned opportunities that cost money.
Greece offers incredible value compared to many European destinations, especially when you embrace the local lifestyle. Eat where Greeks eat, travel at a relaxed pace, and focus on experiences over luxury, and you'll create unforgettable memories without emptying your savings account.
The Greek islands are waiting, and now you know exactly how much to budget for your adventure.
Explore Greece's must-see attractions, activities, and expert-led tours. Learn more at ➡️ Viator ➡️ Getyourguide
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