Open Travel Guide
Budget travel in Greece

Greece Travel Budget 2026

What Greece really costs per day — tiered budgets, category breakdowns, and where the money goes.

Greece offers a captivating blend of ancient history, stunning islands, and Mediterranean culture. From the iconic Acropolis in Athens to the whitewashed villages of Santorini, this sun-soaked destination combines archaeological wonders with pristine beaches and world-class cuisine.

Local currency: Euro (€).

Daily budget by traveller style

Typical per-person daily spend in Greece.

Backpacker $30-50
Mid-range $120-180
Luxury $350-600+
Family of 4 $200-400

Cost breakdown

Typical price ranges across major spending categories.

Accommodation

Hostel
€15-25/dorm, €40-60/private
Budget
€45-80/night (budget hotel)
Midrange
€90-160/night (3-star hotel)
Luxury
€200-500+/night (4-5 star)

Food

Street
€2-4 (souvlaki, koulouri, loukoumades)
Local
€8-14 (taverna lunch with wine)
Midrange
€20-35/person (mid-range restaurant with wine)
Fine
€60-150+/person (fine dining)

Transport

Bus
€1.40 (Athens metro/bus single), €2 (island buses)
Taxi
€10-20 (typical city journey)
Airport
€38 (fixed taxi Athens), €10 (metro from Athens airport)
Daytrip
€14-30 (KTEL intercity buses)

Activities

Museum
€8-15 (most archaeological sites)
Sites
€10-12 (smaller museums)
Tour
€40-70 (half-day guided tour)
Excursion
€60-90 (full-day tour including transport)

Trip budgets by length

What a typical trip to Greece costs end-to-end.

Budget

Budget traveller

€280-400/week (hostel, street food, public transport)

Midrange

Midrange traveller

€700-1100/week (hotel, restaurants, car hire)

Luxury

Luxury traveller

€2000-5000+/week (luxury hotel, fine dining, private tours)

Money-saving tips

Practical ways to stretch your budget further.

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Buy the Athens Combination Archaeological Ticket (€30) if visiting the Acropolis, Agora, and other major sites - saves €50+ versus individual tickets

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Eat lunch at 'mageirefta' (oven-cooked dish) tavernas rather than tourist menus - moussaka and stifado cost €8-11 and are freshly made daily

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Travel by ferry at night in deck class (€15-25 for many routes) rather than flying or booking cabins

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Visit popular beaches early morning (before 9am) or late afternoon when free lounge spots open up

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Shop at supermarkets (AB Vassilopoulos, Sklavenitis, Lidl) and self-cater for breakfast and snacks

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Use the KTEL intercity bus network instead of rental cars - comprehensive, cheap, and air-conditioned

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Visit Greek islands in shoulder season (May-June, September-October) for 30-50% lower accommodation prices

Free things to do

Memorable experiences that cost nothing.

Free

Athens Ancient Agora

Wander through the ancient heart of Athens where Socrates philosophised - the ruins are extensive and the Hephaisteion temple is one of the best-preserved in Greece. (Free for EU citizens under 25; otherwise €10 or included in combo ticket)

Free

Monastiraki Flea Market

Browse the extraordinary flea market in Monastiraki - free to wander through antiques, vintage items, and curios even if you don't buy. Sundays are best for the expanded street market.

Free

Anafiotika neighbourhood, Athens

Explore the tiny Cycladic-style neighbourhood clinging to the Acropolis rock in Plaka, with whitewashed houses, bougainvillea, and cats - completely free and one of Athens' most atmospheric spots.

Free

Sunset at Cape Sounion

Watch the sunset from the clifftop above the Temple of Poseidon - the view itself is free; entry to the temple is €10 but the coastal road lookout is accessible without paying.

Free

Walk the Meteora rock trails

While monastery entry costs €3 each, the walking trails between the rock pillars and the panoramic viewpoints are free, offering extraordinary views of the formations and valley below.

Free

Athens National Garden

A tranquil 15-hectare park behind the Parliament building in central Athens with duck ponds, botanical specimens, and shaded benches - a free oasis in the summer heat.

Free

Thessaloniki Waterfront promenade

Walk the 4km waterfront from the White Tower to the Concert Hall (Megaro Mousikis), passing public art, the Aristotelous Square, and the historic port - completely free and Athens' most pleasant urban walk.

Free

Snorkelling in secluded coves

Greece's public beaches are free by law and the crystal-clear waters allow free snorkelling throughout the coastline. Bring your own equipment (inexpensive to buy at any beach shop) and explore hidden coves.

Hidden costs to watch for

Charges that catch travellers by surprise.

Heads up

Ferry port taxes (€2-8 per departure) not always included in advertised ticket prices

Heads up

Tourist accommodation tax (€0.50-4 per room per night depending on star rating) often added at check-in

Heads up

Sunbed hire on popular beaches: €10-20 per set - not advertised but expected

Heads up

ATM withdrawal fees: most Greek banks charge €3-4 per transaction to foreign cards

Heads up

Rental car full coverage insurance: €15-30/day on top of advertised rental rates

Heads up

Luggage storage at ferry ports and airports: €3-6 per item

Heads up

Resort and beach club entry on Mykonos and Santorini: €15-30+ can include a drink