10 Cheap Islands in Greece to Visit Instead of Mykonos & Santorini
Are you dreaming of visiting Greece but afraid of the cost? While Greece can be one of the most expensive destinations in Europe, you can also visit Greece on a budget. You just have to know the right places to go and apply some of my money-saving travel hacks to travel to Greece affordably. One is to AVOID the most touristy destinations like Santorini or Mykonos. My favorite kind of travel is exploring off-the-beaten-track. Not only do you benefit from fewer crowds, these places tend to be much cheaper. Now, check out these 10 cheap islands in Greece to visit.
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Tips for traveling Greece on a budget:
– Travel during the start or end of the season. The season opens after Greek Orthodox Easter towards the end of April and closes in October.
– Avoid touristy destinations and visit the hidden Greek Islands like Kimolos or Antiparos.
– Search for cheap hotels in Greece
– Is tipping required in Greece? Tipping in customary in Greece and you should plan to tip between 10-15%.
– Travel Insurance in Greece: I recommend SafetyWing which will cover you in case of trip cancellations or any accidents during your travels. This will save you money if anything happens out of your control on the trip.
How much does a trip to Greece cost?
The average daily cost for a trip to Greece generally is $183 a night for food and accommodation. If you want to save money skip the touristy places like Santorini and Mykonos, and go to cheaper lesser-known Greek islands like Lefkada, Kimolos, or Tinos.
As you can see in my comparison below, you can travel Greece for as little as €75 a day on average so you can go even cheaper if you desire.
Mykonos is the most expensive island in Greece with an average daily cost of €237 a night. In Santorini, you’d find a daily average travel cost of €237 a night. However, you can still visit these islands affordably if you stay out of the town center and eat at small local shops serving gyros, etc.
Going to Italy? Here are some of the cheapest places to see in Italy.
Cheapest Places to Visit in Greece Comparison
Ranked from cheapest to highest average daily cost, here are the cheapest places to visit in Greece. The costs include accommodation, transport, and food. This is based on if you’re traveling with someone and the daily average costs are per person.
| Destination | Daily Cost | Where to Stay |
| 1. Lefkada | €75 | Spacious Studios |
| 2. Kimolos | €78 | Κalamitsi Rooms |
| 3. Amorgos | €82 | Anatoli Rooms |
| 4. Tinos | €91 | Mr. & Mrs. White Tinos |
| 5. Crete | €95 | Marin Hotel |
| 6. Ios | €99 | Gorgona |
| 7. Serifos | €105 | Naias |
| 8. Milos | €118 | Milos Inn |
| 9. Paros | €122 | Hotel Dina |
| 10. Naxos | €123 | Elite Suites |
10 Cheap Islands in Greece to Visit
You’d be surprised how many beautiful cheap places to visit in Greece there are! Here are some of my top picks. They are especially great for solo travelers on a budget.
1. Lefkada (Daily Avg Cost €75)
Photo by Israel Ferrera on Unsplash
💶 Daily Budget (per person): €75 (€26 on meals, €12 on local transport & €84 for a hotel for 2)
✈️ How to Get There:
🏨 Where to stay: Katerina $ | Spacious Studios $ | Hotel Selini $$
Lefkada, might be one of the cheapest Greek Islands to visit. It’s one of the most underrated places in Greece to visit too! For instance, this hotel is $59 a night and has a pool for guests and stunning views! So you can get really great value if you visit Lefkada.
The charming town center has many colorful houses and a lively marina. You can also explore the picturesque village of Agios Nikitas.
Lefkada has no short of stunning beaches, including Porto Katsiki, Egremni, and Kathisma. They are even considered some of the most beautiful in Greece.
2. Kimolos (Daily Avg Cost €78)
💶 Daily Budget (per person): €78 (€25 on meals, €30 on local transport & €75 for a hotel for 2)
✈️ How to Get There: To get to Kimolos, fly to Athens International Airport (ATH) and then take a ferry which takes around 7 hours. Alternatively, arrive from Milos in a 25 minute ferry ride.
🏨 Where to stay: Κalamitsi Rooms $ | The Windmill $$
Kimolos is a gorgeous islands located only 25 minutes by boat from Milos. Not many people have heard of it, which adds to its charm. This tiny volcanic island is home to a few beaches and a small quaint village with picturesque streets. It is super affordable to visit. I highly recommend staying at The Windmill for less than $100 a night, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful views of the sea and the town. You can definitely find cheaper hotel deals though but this one might be a unique experience as it’s set in a restored windmill after all and has a really delicious breakfast. I’ve written a guide to Kimolos which has all my tips for navigating this beautiful hidden gem.
3. Amorgos (Daily Avg Cost €82)
Photo by Johnny Africa on Unsplash
💶 Daily Budget (per person): €82 (€26 on meals, €12 on local transport & €95 for a hotel for 2)
✈️ How to Get There: To get to Amorgos, fly to Athens Airport (ATH) and then take a ferry from the Port of Piraeus, which takes up to 9 hours.
🏨 Where to stay: Anatoli Rooms$ Soil Amorgos $$
Amorgos, a gem in the Cyclades archipelago, is an affordable yet stunning destination in Greece, perfect for budget-conscious travelers. Known for its dramatic landscapes, beautiful waters, and authentic Greek charm, Amorgos is a peaceful escape. And without the hefty price tag of more tourist-heavy islands like Mykonos or Santorini!
Accommodation options range from quaint guesthouses to budget-friendly hotels, with prices typically starting around €50-100 per night. Dining is also reasonably priced, with delicious local meals available for €10-15 at traditional tavernas.
Major travel costs include ferries, which connect Amorgos to Athens and other islands, with prices averaging €30-50 one way. Once on the island, you can explore the iconic Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa, hike scenic trails like the one to the ancient city of Minoa, and relax on pristine beaches such as Agia Anna and Mouros.
The island’s low-key atmosphere, combined with its natural beauty and affordability, makes Amorgos a great destination for those seeking an authentic Greek experience without breaking the bank.
4. Tinos (Daily Avg Cost €91)
💶 Daily Budget (per person): €91 (€35 on meals, €10 on local transport & €92 for a hotel for 2)
✈️ How to Get There: Fly into the Athens Airport (ATH) and then take a ferry which typically takes around 2 to 4 hours.
🏨 Where to stay: Mr. & Mrs. White Tinos $ | Nama Boutique Hotel $$
Tinos, is another Cycladic Island, known for it’s white washed buildings and quint streets. It’s a great option for an affordable destination for those looking to explore Greece without spending a fortune.
This charming island is full of beautiful villages, stunning beaches, and impressive churches, particularly the Church of Panagia Evangelistria.
Accommodation on Tinos is reasonably priced, with many budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses available for around €60-100 per night. You’ll find most meals costing about €10-20 at local tavernas.
The best things to do in Tinos include visiting the picturesque villages like Pyrgos and Volax, famous for their marble craftsmanship and unique landscapes, respectively.
The island also offers stunning beaches such as Kolymbithra and Agios Sostis, perfect for relaxing and swimming.
5. Crete (Daily Avg Cost €95)
Photo by Krzysztof Dubiel on Unsplash
💶 Daily Budget (per person): €95 (€34 on meals, €23 on local transport & €97 for a hotel for 2)
✈️ How to Get There: To get to Crete, fly to Heraklion International Airport (HER) or Chania International Airport (CHQ), or take a ferry from the Port of Piraeus, which typically takes around 6 to 9 hours.
🏨 Where to stay: Marin Hotel $ | Kipos Boutique Suites $$ | Domus Ariadne $$
Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, is a highly affordable destination for travelers looking to explore Greece on a budget Crete is known for its diverse landscapes and wonderful beaches.
There’s a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly hostels to affordable hotels, with prices typically starting at around €30-50 per night.
When visiting, don’t miss visiting the Palace of Knossos, hiking the stunning Samaria Gorge, and relaxing on beautiful beaches such as Elafonissi and Balos.
Public transportation is affordable and reliable, making it easy to travel between cities like Chania, Heraklion, and Rethymno.
6. Ios (Daily Avg Cost €99)
Photo by Johnny Africa on Unsplash
💶 Daily Budget (per person): €99 (€33 on meals, €16 on local transport & €78 for a hotel for 2)
✈️ How to Get There: You can fly into the Athens or Santorini Airport and take a ferry to get to Ios. The ferry is only 45 minutes from Santorini while 6 hours from Athens.
🏨 Where to stay: Gorgona $ | Hotel Aegeon $ | Island House Mare $
Ios, is the cheaper version of Mykonos, as it has a really lively nightlife and is good for those who want to party on a budget.
The island also has stunning beaches, a charming town, and a bustling atmosphere.
Ios offers a range of affordable accommodations, with prices starting around €30-60 per night for budget hotels and guesthouses. Dining on the island is also reasonably priced, with traditional Greek meals available for €10-15 at local tavernas and cafes.
The best things to do include visiting the picturesque Chora with its narrow streets and whitewashed houses, relaxing on beautiful beaches like Mylopotas and Magganari, and visiting historical sites such as the ancient ruins of Skarkos.
7. Serifos (Daily Avg Cost €105)
Photo by Despina Galani on Unsplash
💶 Daily Budget (per person): €105 (€31 on meals, €19 on local transport & €131 for a hotel for 2)
✈️ How to Get There: To get to Serifos, fly to Athens International Airport (ATH) and then take a ferry which takes 2.5 to 4.5 hours.
🏨 Where to stay: Naias $ | Studios Niovi Serifos $$
Serifos is a lesser-known island in the Cyclades and is an excellent choice for those wanting an affordable and authentic Greek island experience.
Known for its picturesque landscapes, beaches, and traditional villages, Serifos is the perfect destination for Greece on a budget.
Serifos has many beautiful beaches to choose from such as Livadi, Psili Ammos, and Ganema.
While there, don’t miss the historical sites, including the ancient mines and the medieval castle in Chora.
8. Milos (Daily Avg Cost €118)
Milos is becoming more and more discovered but it’s still got its authenticity and is a very affordable Greek island to visit.
You can find hotels as low as €50-80 per night for budget hotels and really nice ones for just €100-150.
Milos has really unique beaches including Sarakiniko with its moon-like landscape. There are a few super cute fisherman’s villages with colorful houses and boats docked. Firopotamos, Mandrakia, and Klima are a few to note.
While there, you can also take a boat tour to discover hidden coves and sea caves, such as the famous Kleftiko.
💶 Daily Budget (per person): €118 (€48 on meals, €40 on local transport & €100 for a hotel for 2)
✈️ How to Get There: To get to Milos, fly to Athens International Airport (ATH) and then take a ferry which typically takes 3 to 5 hours.
🏨 Where to stay: Milos Inn $ | Aera Milos $$
9. Paros (Daily Avg Cost €122)
💶 Daily Budget (per person): €122 (€45 on meals, €37 on local transport & €106 for a hotel for 2)
✈️ How to Get There: Fly into the Athens Airport and take a 4 hour ferry.
🏨 Where to stay: Hotel Dina $ | Porto Bello di Paros $ | Akrotiri Hotel $$
Paros, is a great alternative to expensive Mykonos. You can find hotels here for as little as €50-70 per night. Dining is also reasonably priced, with delicious Greek meals available for €10-20 at local tavernas and cafes.
Naoussa is one of the most popular towns on the island to explore. It’s known for its picturesque harbor and lively atmosphere. There are many small villages on the island you can explore with no one around. That includes places like Prodromos, Marmara, and Marpissa.
Antiparos is another hidden gem moments from Paros and you can stay here for even cheaper although you’ll find less options for accomodation.
The island is suitable for all types of travelers. If you love to hike, you can find many scenic trails and if you love to swim Paros has many opportunities for that too.
10. Naxos (Daily Avg Cost €123)
Photo by Stefanos Nt on Unsplash
💶 Daily Budget (per person): €123 (€52 on meals, €62 on local transport & €80 for a hotel for 2)
✈️ How to Get There: To get to Naxos, fly to Athens International Airport (ATH) and then take a ferry from the Port of Piraeus, which typically takes around 3 to 5 hours.
🏨 Where to stay: Elite Suites Naxos $ | Georgia Mare $$
Last but not least is Naxos, the largest island in the Cyclades. Naxos is another affordable Greek Island to add to your bucket list.
You’ll need a car to explore the island as things are spread out. Once you have it you’re free to explore all the island has to offer. Chora is the main town and like many of the Greek Islands, you’ll find narrow streets, picturesque streets all around.
Naxos is also home to several beautiful beaches, such as Agios Prokopios, Plaka, and Agia Anna. There’s even a Venetian castle to explore and the iconic Portara (Temple of Apollo).
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🏛️ Athens 1 Day Itinerary
🌊 Things to Do on Antiparos Island
🏠 Kimolos Island, the Hidden Gem of Greece
🏖️ Milos Travel Guide
♡ Instagrammable Spots in Mykonos
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