Greece is understandably at the top of most travellers’ bucket lists. Who wouldn’t want to dive into those turquoise-blue waters? Soaking in all the rich history also sounds tempting. But taking a trip like this can be intimidating when you think about what it would cost. Luckily, even the average Joe can travel to Greece on a budget. It just takes some planning based on insider know-how. In this article, we’ll give you tips and tricks to help you enjoy all that Greece offers. And don’t worry, it won’t burn a hole in your wallet.
When Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Greece?
Almost everyone thinks that the best time to travel to Greece is during summer. And why not? Island hopping sounds perfect in the hot summer sun. Plus everything is open to tourists, including the historic sites. With Greece being an archipelago, summer is the peak season for tourism. Unfortunately, this also means prices are at their highest. You’ll also run into crowds wherever you go. So, the off-season is the best time to travel to Greece on a budget.
Travel to Greece on a Budget in the Off-Season
If you want to travel to Greece on a budget without the crowds, you might want to visit in the off-season. The lowest influx of tourists coming to Greece is from November to March. Yes, this is technically winter. But, being in the Mediterranean, Greece will still be warmer than most Western places at the same time of year. Accommodation and flight costs will also be at their lowest. What’s the catch? Well, it will be mostly rainy during this time. Plus, the off-season means most island destinations are closed. So you’re looking at limited options for activities.
Shoulder Season Is The Sweet Spot
In between the peak and off-season is the perfect time to travel to Greece on a budget. The shoulder season is from September to October. The weather during this time is cooler compared to the height of summer. But it’s still warm enough to enjoy island hopping. Don’t worry, there won’t be too many tourists around this time of year. So you can enjoy exploring the islands and countryside better. All the must-visit spots will still be open. But they will be closing for the off-season, so the entrance fees may cost less. You can also get deals on flights and places to stay during the off-season. Consider it a win-win for the experience and your savings.
Getting Around When You Travel To Greece On A Budget
You might think that exploring Greece is tricky with all the islands and mountainsides. But getting around is pretty convenient. By land, you can get an unlimited 5-Day pass for all public transport. If you want to go island hopping, you can check the ferry schedule. Either way, you don’t need to rent a car to explore the beautiful spots in Greece.
Choosing The Best Budget Accommodation
Hotels and resorts in Greece look like paradise. While they aren’t an option for budget travel, you can always look into alternatives. In fact, Greece has more holiday and short-term rentals compared to hotels and resorts.
For solo travelers on a tighter budget, hostels are the go-to accommodation type. Greece has invested in its tourism infrastructure. All their vacation rentals are sure to be comfortable and safe.
If you want to experience living like a Greek local, look into renting a guesthouse. It’s a charming and more authentic type of accommodation. Plus, if you book your stay directly with the owner, you can save more money than booking online. The hosts are usually right next door and are very accommodating. They are also more than happy to make food and activity recommendations for your stay.
Do A Little Of Everything While In Greece
There are tons of activities to do in Greece. And while you’re on a budget, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the adventure. But you may need to plan your itinerary depending on the season you choose to visit.
Dive Into Island Adventures
Are your main goals for visiting Greece island hopping and swimming? Then the latest you can go without breaking the bank is September. Past that, and the waters will be too chilly. Hot spots like Mykonos and Santorini will be more enjoyable. The beaches and restaurants won’t be packed with people and you’ll experience a more relaxed vibe.
Stroll Through Historic Treasures
Another reason to visit Greece is to relish in its ancient and rich history. Must-visit places like the Acropolis and Delphi will cost half-price if you visit in the winter. The cooler weather makes the walk to and from the ruins more enjoyable.
You can also still go island hopping for historical reasons. Islands like Aegina and Crete offer a lot of archaeological sites and charming communities. Rhodes is UNESCO world heritage site that should be on your list if you’re a history buff. The Colossus of Rhodes may not be there anymore, but seeing where it stood is still cool. The best part of this island adventure is that walking around these places is free. Ferry rides are also cheaper in the winter. Just make sure you keep track of the schedule since there are fewer trips in the off-season.
Explore The Local Food Scene
No matter what season you visit Greece, the food will always be fresh. Summertime is grilling time, even in this part of the world. You can enjoy fresh meat, seafood, and veggies with their famous tzatziki. And in the winter, specialty soups and stews made with fresh ingredients will warm you right up. Greek food is not only delicious but also one of the healthiest cuisines.
Takeaways When You Travel To Greece On A Budget
Going to a top summer destination like Greece doesn’t have to break the bank. You just have to be smart about when to visit. The off-season is the very best time to travel to Greece on a budget. Winter means more rain and no swimming. But for history buffs, it won’t matter because all the historical sites will be either free or half-off.
Going on the shoulder season from September to October is the prime time for an all-out Greek adventure on a budget. All the summer fun awaits you without spending top dollar on everything.
Sources:
- https://www.ceicdata.com/en/indicator/greece/visitor-arrivals
- https://www.thisisathens.org/getting-around/public-transportation-metro-bus-tram
- https://www.ferryhopper.com/en/maps/ferries-map
- https://www.statista.com/statistics/413417/number-of-travel-accommodation-establishments-in-greece/
- https://followmetogreece.com/article/making-the-best-choice-a-guide-to-choosing-accommodation-in-greece/14
- https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/europe-travel/greece/greek-islands-you-can-visit-all-year-round-nkd0lgvgg
- https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/travel-healthiest-cuisines
