How much does a day in Greece cost?
Greece is one of the better-value destinations in Western Europe, but prices swing hard between Athens and the famous islands. Here are realistic daily budgets per person, excluding flights.
- Backpacker: 50-70 EUR — hostel dorm, gyros and souvlaki, public buses, free sights
- Mid-range: 100-160 EUR — 3-star hotel, tavernas, the odd ferry and museum
- Comfort: 200 EUR and up — boutique hotels in Santorini or Mykonos, sea-view dining, taxis
Sample prices
Food is where Greece shines for value. A souvlaki or gyros pita costs 3.50-5 EUR. A full taverna meal with a carafe of house wine runs 15-22 EUR per person. A frappe or Greek coffee is 2-3.50 EUR, a bottle of beer around 4 EUR.
- Coffee (frappe/freddo): 2.50-4 EUR
- Greek salad: 7-10 EUR
- Metro/bus ticket in Athens: 1.20 EUR (90 min)
- Acropolis ticket: 20 EUR (cheaper in winter)
- Sunbed and umbrella set: 15-40 EUR on popular islands
Islands and ferries
Ferries are a real budget line. Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini costs roughly 40-65 EUR on a slow ferry or 60-80 EUR on a high-speed boat. Short hops in the Cyclades are 15-35 EUR. Book early on Ferryhopper or Blue Star Ferries in summer, when seats sell out.
Santorini and Mykonos are the priciest islands. For the same beauty at half the cost, look at Naxos, Milos, Syros or the lesser-known Dodecanese.
Money and cards
Greece uses the euro. Cards (Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted, even at many tavernas, but carry some cash for small villages, kiosks and island bakeries. ATMs are everywhere; use bank-branded machines to dodge the high fees of Euronet ATMs. Tipping is modest — round up or leave 5-10 percent for good service.
Tips to save money
- Travel in May, June or September for warm seas and lower prices
- Eat the daily special (piato imeras) at family tavernas
- Buy water and snacks at supermarkets like AB or Sklavenitis
- Use the Athens metro from the airport instead of a taxi
- Pick one or two islands instead of hopping daily — ferries add up fast
Stay connected in Greece
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