Famed for its breathtaking scattering of islands, it’s no wonder why Greece is one of Europe’s top island-hopping destinations. With such a reputation, it’s easy to assume that an island-hopping holiday to this beautiful country would cost an arm and a leg.
However, there are lots of ways you can make this kind of trip more affordable.
In this article, we share the best ways to go island hopping in Greece on a budget to help you plan an unforgettable adventure to this stunning part of the world without breaking the bank.
Can You Island Hop in Greece on a Budget?
With its idyllic whitewashed villages and breathtaking coastline of islands like Mykonos and Santorini, Greece is easily one of Europe’s most sought-after holiday destinations.
Given its popularity, you may be wondering if it is even possible to island hop in Greece on a budget. The good news? It absolutely is. With some smart planning and research, you can easily explore Greece’s gorgeous islands on a budget.
In fact, it is often considered to be cheaper than travelling to other popular European destinations like Italy or France. Start by setting a realistic budget and building an itinerary with this figure in mind.
Or take the stress of planning out of the equation and let us do all the planning for you. Olympic Holidays offers a variety of tried-and-true island hopping packages that have become beloved over the years. Our packages factor in flights, accommodation and even ferries in between destinations so all you have to do is pack! The best way to create your perfect itinerary with your budget and holiday style in mind is to call one of our trusted specialists at 020 8492 6868.
Read on for more tips and considerations when looking forward to an island hopping holiday!
What is the Best Way to Island Hop in Greece on a Budget?
There are so many tips and tricks you can use to find the cheapest way to island hop in Greece, allowing you to see and do everything you want in this beautiful archipelago while sticking to a budget.
Check out how to keep your holiday affordable below.
Don’t Stay Overnight on Every Island
If you want to save money and stick to a budget, the best way to island hop in Greece is to not stay overnight on every island you visit. This way, you can cut down on accommodation costs without missing out on anything.
The Greek ferry system between the islands is very well-organised and easy to use. You can catch the earliest ferry to your next destination and return on the latest one, giving you plenty of time to explore.
This can be an especially great way to check out the smaller islands to visit in Greece, such as Hydra and Sifnos. These islands are charming and beautiful but are small enough to explore in just a day.
Choose Your Travel Dates Wisely
Like most holiday destinations, Greece has peak travel seasons. Namely, the summer months of July and August. During this time, demand for accommodations and flights skyrockets, which drives up prices.
If you’re on a budget and looking for the cheapest way to island hop in Greece, you may want to avoid these months and instead visit during the low season.
September is often considered the best time to island hop in Greece on a budget. The prices are lower, but the weather is still nice and warm. Plus, everywhere is less crowded, so you can experience each island while it is quieter and more peaceful.
That being said, if you are set on island hopping in Greece during the summer months, you can, of course, still do this on a budget during these months. It just takes some careful planning.
How to Get to Greece When Island Hopping on a Budget
When island hopping in Greece, your starting point will likely be Athens or another major island.
While flying into Athens is common, it can be expensive. Sometimes, the best way to get to the Greek islands is to bypass the city altogether and fly directly to larger islands like Mykonos and Santorini.
These islands all have airports with regular flight routes that are often very budget-friendly. Some of the smaller islands also have airports but these tend to have fewer flight options.
Our island hopping packages are built with the best inbound and outbound flights from the UK in mind, allowing you to visit as many islands as possible for the best price.
Choose The Cheapest Way to Island Hop in Greece: Ferries
Now you know how to get to Greece, the next thing to consider is how to actually go island hopping affordably in Greece. Thankfully, it is very easy to get around on a budget in this archipelago, thanks to its excellent ferry system.
The ferries are the best way to island hop in Greece. They’re not only efficient but also treat you to stunning views of the Aegean along the way.
As you might have guessed, the longer the route, the more expensive the ticket. So, keep this in mind when looking forward to your Greek island-hopping holiday!
It’s also important to keep in mind that some islands have multiple ports, so always double-check your destination to avoid any mix-ups.
Where to Go When Island Hopping in Greece on a Budget
The best places to island hop in Greece can easily be ticked off on a budget-friendly trip. When you’re sticking to a budget, you need to plan your route carefully. Check out some of the most affordable islands to visit during your holiday below.
The Cheapest Greek Islands to Visit
Everyone knows the glamorous side of Santorini and Mykonos, but Greece is also home to plenty of budget-friendly islands. Many are just as stunning but are just less famous and see fewer tourists, which keeps them more affordable.
Many of the best-value Greek islands to visit are also located close to the most popular islands, making them easy to stay in for less money while still popping over to see the big names.
Check out some of the cheapest islands to visit in Greece below.
Crete
Crete is one of the cheapest Greek islands to visit. As the largest island in the archipelago, it has a fantastic variety of budget-friendly accommodations, restaurants and activities on offer.
Along with being affordable, Crete is home to stunning beaches and is celebrated for its world-renowned food scene and rich heritage and history. Plus, the sheer size of the island means that you can really veer off the beaten track and escape the crowds, stumbling upon breathtaking spots that you can have all to yourself.
With so much to see and do, it’s impossible to get bored on this fantastic island. Plus, many of the best things to do in Crete won’t cost you a penny.
You can wander through the old lanes and beautiful Venetian Harbour of Hania and follow beautiful coastal trails to caves and beaches from the village of Kato Zakros without having to spend any money.
Naxos
Naxos is another of the most affordable islands to visit in Greece. Here, you can expect to have gorgeous beaches, fascinating ancient ruins and quaint villages at your fingertips, all the while enjoying budget-friendly prices.
Accommodation, restaurants, and bars in Naxos are much more affordable than on the more famous Cycladic islands like Mykonos and Santorini. This is because Naxos has managed to remain a little further off the tourist radar than other parts of the Greek archipelago.
Bering lesser-known, it also retains a charming authenticity, with many family-run tavernas scattered all over the island and offering a traditional taste of local life.
Andros
Along with being one of the cheapest places to go in Greece, Andros is also one of the least crowded. To get here, you need to take a ferry as the island does not have an airport. There are ports in Athens, Rafina and Lavrio, all offering year-round routes.
This has kept the island a bit quieter and more peaceful than the others in the Greek archipelago. In fact, it is more of a holiday spot for locals from mainland Greece than for international tourists.
With fewer tourists on Andros, there is less competition for accommodation and restaurants, keeping prices low. Plus, there are lots of wonderful things to do in Andros that won’t cost you a thing.
Along with its stunning coastline, it boasts fantastic hiking opportunities, with 100 kilometres of maintained routes and unspoilt landscapes to explore.
Tinos
Tinos, located just to the east of mainland Greece, is a great island to visit for budget-conscious travellers. It is one of the more affordable in the archipelago. Plus, it is known for its stunning natural beauty, with golden sand beaches and scenic hiking trails.
It is actually home to some of the most beautiful villages in the Cyclades. For example, the whitewashed village of Ysternia (or Isternia). It lies perched on the slope of Meroviglia, offering sensational panoramic views over the Aegean Sea and islands below.
Like Andros, there are no direct flights to the island, and it is only accessible by ferry. This leaves Tinos very quiet and peaceful. The low-key vibe on the island means you won’t find overpriced accommodations or crowded restaurants.
Corfu
If you’re island hopping in Greece on a budget, Corfu is one of the most affordable and picturesque stops you can make. Located on the northwestern coast of Greece, Corfu offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and stunning landscapes without the steep prices found on some of the more famous islands.
You can easily reach Corfu by ferry from the mainland or from nearby islands. Though the ferry is often the cheaper option, there are also flights available from Athens.
You’ll find plenty of cheap places to stay in Corfu, from cosy guesthouses to simple apartments, making it one of the best places to stay in Greece when island hopping on a budget.
When it comes to dining, the island boasts an abundance of local tavernas where you can enjoy a delicious meal for a fraction of the price you’d pay in more tourist-centric spots.
Summary
As you can see, you can absolutely island hop in Greece on a budget. With so many stunning and unique islands to explore, you’ll want to experience as many of these beautiful destinations as you can during your holiday.
Lucky for you, with some careful planning, you can experience many of the best islands in Greece on an affordable island-hopping adventure.
Wondering how to island-hop around Greece on a budget? Take a look at our range of multi-island hopping routes in Greece for more tips and tricks on exploring this beautiful country affordably.