You can save a lot of money when you choose to travel by ferry rather than plane. This is especially true outside the summer months.
Plan your island hopping itinerary carefully. For example, select islands that are connected with each other by a direct ferry route. Avoid having to take multiple ferries, as this can increase your overall costs.
1. Travel during off-peak seasons
Traveling during off-peak seasons can save you a lot of money on flights, hotels and island ferries. It’ll also reduce the number of tourists and make for a less crowded experience on the islands.
Many hotel and guesthouse owners are willing to negotiate the price of accommodation if you show up at their doors without any reservations. This is especially true if you’re traveling during the shoulder season.
2. Stay on a single island group
Generally, it’s cheaper to stay within a single island group than travel between islands. This is because the islands are closer together and transport costs tend to be cheaper.
When you think of Greece, pictures of pristine white-washed houses and breathtaking sunsets often come to mind. These iconic scenes are what makes the country so popular.
To keep travel costs low, consider visiting Greece in spring or autumn to avoid the high summer season prices. Additionally, if you’re willing to be flexible, you may be able to find affordable accommodations by simply showing up and staying at a dhomatia or family operated guesthouse.
3. Travel during off-peak seasons
If you are willing to do without some of the more luxury options, then visiting in late spring or autumn is a great way to save money. This way you avoid the peak summer season and can enjoy the sunshine and scenery without crowds of people.
Winter (late October through mid-March) is also a great time to visit Greece, as prices are low and many attractions shut down. However, ferries are still running and you can get around reasonably inexpensively. Renting a car is also an option, but it does increase costs.
4. Stay on a single island group
A visit to the Greek Islands is well within reach, even for those on a tight budget. With a little careful planning, you can avoid overspending on accommodations and transportation and make the most of your trip.
Flights to the Greek Islands can be expensive, but ferries are much more affordable and a lot more fun! Travelling to a single island group is also cheaper than flying in and out of Athens. This way, you can also save on accommodation expenses by staying at hostels or guesthouses.
5. Travel during off-peak seasons
It is possible to visit Greece on a budget if you travel during off-peak seasons. This is when the weather is mild and pleasant but not as warm as during peak season. Also, accommodation prices are cheaper.
If you’re able to be flexible with dates then you can find deals on hotels and guest houses by simply showing up to the islands without reservations. This is what the local owners will be waiting for as you disembark your ferry and they will be ready to negotiate with you.
6. Stay on a single island group
The 6,000 islands that speckle the Aegean Sea in Greece are not all created equal. While some are renowned party destinations like Santorini, others offer a more spiritual and authentic experience.
The best way to enjoy the Greek islands is by island hopping. To make your trip more affordable, consider staying within a single island group to save money on ferries and hotels. It’s also more cost efficient to travel slower over a longer period of time to save on ferry tickets. Take public transportation instead of taxis whenever possible, as well.
7. Travel during off-peak seasons
During the peak tourist season of July to August, hotel prices rise and it’s difficult to find affordable accommodation on the islands. Plan your trip for spring or fall when you can enjoy the same weather conditions at a lower cost.
Food costs can also be high in Greece, but you can cut down on your expenses by staying at hostels that offer kitchens and cooking your own meals. Also, visit local tavernas and family-owned restaurants to support the economy. They often serve traditional dishes for less.
8. Stay on a single island group
If you’re on a tight budget, consider sticking to a single island group. This will keep your costs low and make it easier to get around.
While most people visit Santorini and Mykonos, other Greek Islands offer breathtaking sunsets, sparkling blue waters and white-washed houses. Avoid spending time battling the cruise-ship hordes by visiting outlying sights and beaches before the ship arrives. This is a great way to experience the beauty of the Greek Islands on a budget. It also makes it easy to meet locals and avoid tourist traps.
9. Travel during off-peak seasons
There are many ways to have a good time in Greece without spending a fortune. You can do this by staying in cheap hostels, eating inexpensive meals, and limiting your alcohol intake.
You can also save money by traveling during off-peak seasons. This can help you avoid the crowds and enjoy a more authentic experience.
If you plan on island hopping, try to find an itinerary that minimizes the number of ferry rides. You can use a ferry search engine like Ferryscanner to make this easy.
10. Stay on a single island group
It might seem crazy but if you’re willing to show up to the islands without reservations then many hotel and guesthouse owners will offer discounts. This is especially true on smaller islands where they can compete for your business.
In peak travel months like July and August, flights and ferry prices are at their highest. However, in shoulder months like June and September you can often find better deals on ferries and accommodation. This makes it much easier to enjoy the beautiful Greek islands.