11 Cheapest Islands to Visit in Greece on a Budget

Scattered throughout the Aegean and Ionian Seas, the Greek islands offer stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and charming white-washed villages. While popular islands like Santorini and Mykonos attract large crowds and high prices, many other islands provide an equally enchanting experience at a fraction of the cost. If you're dreaming of a Greek getaway without breaking the bank, consider these budget-friendly islands where natural beauty, rich history, and local culture await without the hefty price tag.

Traveling from mainland Greece to the Greek islands can be both affordable and enjoyable. Many travelers arrive at Athens International Airport and then head to one of Athens' three main ports: Piraeus, Rafina, or Lavrion. From there, you can catch a ferry to the nearby islands. Greek island ferries are not only cheaper than flights but also offer stunning views of the Aegean Sea.

For budget travelers, island hopping using ferries is a great way to save money while exploring multiple islands. Websites like Omio make booking ferry tickets easy and convenient. Additionally, private boat trips can provide a unique experience; for example, a family-owned caique offers a traditional and affordable way to travel between islands.

Tips:

• Avoid Taxis: Use local buses or rent scooters to save on transportation costs.
• Book Accommodations in Advance: Our search engine is a reliable option for finding budget-friendly stays.
• Travel Off-Season: Visiting during shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) helps avoid high prices and crowds.
• Renting Scooters: Especially on smaller islands, scooters can be an affordable and flexible way to explore.

By using these strategies, you can enjoy the beauty and culture of the Greek islands without breaking the bank.

Exploring the Greek islands on a budget is entirely possible. Walking tours are an excellent way to discover the natural beauty and local culture of islands like Crete, Andros, Tinos, and Corfu, with their dramatic gorges and white-sand beaches. Local buses offer a cost-effective option for getting around, while renting scooters can provide both affordability and flexibility. Although car rentals and taxis are available, they are generally more expensive. By taking advantage of these budget-friendly options, you can enjoy the Greek islands without overspending.

For budget travelers, the best time to visit the Greek islands is during the spring or autumn. These shoulder seasons offer lower prices and fewer crowds compared to the expensive high season in summer. However, even in the summer, you can explore the Greek islands affordably by avoiding popular resort towns and focusing on more budget-friendly islands like Andros, Tinos, or Corfu. Traveling during these periods allows you to enjoy the natural beauty and rich history of the islands without breaking the bank.

If you're looking to travel around the Greek islands on a budget, consider visiting some of the lesser-known and more affordable islands. While everyone dreams of Santorini or Mykonos, islands like Crete, Andros, Tinos, Corfu, and Naxos offer beautiful beaches, sparkling blue waters, white-washed houses, and delicious Greek food at a fraction of the cost. These islands provide a unique experience with their own food, architecture, culture, and history, making them perfect for budget travelers.

To save money, travel during the spring or autumn shoulder seasons, avoid tourist traps, and opt for budget accommodations. Andros, part of the Cyclades, is an excellent alternative to the popular Santorini, offering a less crowded and more affordable experience. Even if you wish to visit the more popular islands, you can do so affordably by planning your trip outside of peak season and avoiding expensive tourist areas.

You’d be surprised how many beautiful cheap places to visit in Greece there are! Here are some of my top picks.

Lefkada might be one of the cheapest Greek islands to visit and is undoubtedly one of the most underrated. Known for its stunning beaches, charming town center, and vibrant marina, Lefkada offers incredible value for budget travelers.

Highlights:

• Stunning Beaches: Visit Porto Katsiki, Egremni, and Kathisma, some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece.
• Charming Town Center: Explore colorful houses and a lively marina in the town center.
• Picturesque Villages: Discover the charming village of Agios Nikitas.

Top Experiences:

• Beach Hopping: Spend your days relaxing on Lefkada's pristine beaches.
• Explore Agios Nikitas: Wander through this picturesque village with its traditional Greek charm.
• Stay at Affordable Hotels: Enjoy great value accommodations, such as hotels with pools and stunning views for as low as $59 a night.

Lefkada offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and affordability, making it an ideal destination for those looking to experience the best of Greece without breaking the bank.

Kimolos is a beautiful and affordable island located just 25 minutes by boat from Milos. This tiny volcanic island is perfect for those seeking tranquility and charm. With its picturesque streets and small, quaint village, Kimolos remains a well-kept secret among the Greek islands.

Highlights:

• Beaches: Enjoy the serene and uncrowded beaches, perfect for relaxation.
• The Windmill: Stay at The Windmill for under $100 a night, offering stunning views of the sea and town, and a delicious breakfast.
• Chorio Village: Wander through the main village, Chorio, with its charming narrow streets and traditional Greek architecture.

Top Experiences:

• Beach Hopping: Visit the island’s beautiful beaches like Prassa and Bonatsa, known for their clear waters and peaceful ambiance.
• Hiking: Explore the island’s volcanic landscape on foot, with trails leading to breathtaking viewpoints.
• Local Cuisine: Enjoy fresh seafood and local delicacies at quaint tavernas.

Kimolos offers a unique and budget-friendly Greek island experience, perfect for travelers looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in authentic Greek culture and natural beauty. For more tips and detailed guides, check out my comprehensive guide to navigating this beautiful hidden gem.

Amorgos, part of the Cyclades archipelago, is an affordable and stunning destination perfect for budget-conscious travelers. Known for its dramatic landscapes, beautiful waters, and authentic Greek charm, Amorgos offers a peaceful escape without the hefty price tag of more tourist-heavy islands like Mykonos or Santorini.

Highlights:

• Dramatic Landscapes: Explore the island’s rugged beauty and scenic trails.
• Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa: Visit this iconic, cliffside monastery for breathtaking views and a glimpse into Greek religious history.
• Pristine Beaches: Relax on Agia Anna and Mouros beaches, known for their clear waters and tranquility.

Top Experiences:

• Hiking: Take scenic trails like the one to the ancient city of Minoa, offering stunning vistas and a sense of adventure.
• Local Cuisine: Enjoy delicious and reasonably priced meals at traditional tavernas, with local dishes available for €10-15.
• Affordable Accommodation: Stay in quaint guesthouses or budget-friendly hotels, with prices typically starting around €50-100 per night.
• Ferry Travel: Travel to Amorgos via ferries connecting to Athens and other islands, with one-way tickets averaging €30-50.

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.

Tinos is a captivating Cycladic island known for its white-washed buildings and quaint streets, making it a fantastic option for budget-conscious travelers exploring Greece. This charming island offers a mix of beautiful villages, stunning beaches, and impressive churches, particularly the renowned Church of Panagia Evangelistria.

Highlights:

• Picturesque Villages: Visit Pyrgos, famous for its marble craftsmanship, and Volax, known for its unique landscapes.
• Stunning Beaches: Relax and swim at Kolymbithra and Agios Sostis, two of the island’s beautiful beaches.
• Impressive Churches: The Church of Panagia Evangelistria is a must-see, drawing pilgrims from all over.

Top Experiences:

• Affordable Accommodation: Stay in budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses, with prices ranging from €60-100 per night.
• Delicious Local Cuisine: Enjoy meals at local tavernas for about €10-20, savoring traditional Greek dishes.
• Exploring Villages: Wander through the picturesque streets of Tinos’ villages, soaking in the local culture and history.

Tinos combines natural beauty, rich history, and affordability, making it an ideal destination for those looking to experience the Greek islands without spending a fortune.

Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, offers a diverse range of landscapes and wonderful beaches, making it an ideal destination for budget travelers. Known for its rich history and stunning scenery, Crete provides an array of affordable accommodations and experiences.

Highlights:

• Diverse Landscapes: From mountains to beaches, Crete has it all.
• Historical Sites: The Palace of Knossos is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
• Stunning Beaches: Relax on Elafonissi and Balos beaches, known for their crystal-clear waters.

Top Experiences:

• Hiking: Explore the breathtaking Samaria Gorge, one of the longest gorges in Europe.
• Affordable Accommodation: Stay in budget-friendly hostels or hotels, with prices starting at around €30-50 per night.
• Public Transportation: Travel between cities like Chania, Heraklion, and Rethymno easily and affordably using the island's reliable public transportation.

Crete's blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and affordability makes it a top choice for those seeking an enriching Greek island experience without breaking the bank.

Ios is often seen as a more affordable alternative to Mykonos, offering a lively nightlife scene perfect for those wanting to party on a budget. Beyond its vibrant nightlife, Ios boasts stunning beaches, a charming town, and a bustling atmosphere.

Highlights:

• Vibrant Nightlife: Known for its lively bars and clubs.
• Beautiful Beaches: Relax on Mylopotas and Magganari beaches.
• Charming Town: Explore Chora with its narrow streets and whitewashed houses.

Top Experiences:

• Affordable Accommodation: Budget hotels and guesthouses are available from €30-60 per night.
• Dining: Enjoy traditional Greek meals for €10-15 at local tavernas and cafes.
• Historical Sites: Visit the ancient ruins of Skarkos for a touch of history.

Ios offers a perfect mix of nightlife, natural beauty, and cultural experiences, all while being easy on the wallet.

Serifos is a lesser-known gem in the Cyclades, ideal for those seeking an affordable and authentic Greek island experience. Known for its picturesque landscapes, beautiful beaches, and traditional villages, Serifos is perfect for budget travelers.

Highlights:

• Stunning Beaches: Enjoy Livadi, Psili Ammos, and Ganema beaches.
• Historical Sites: Explore the ancient mines and the medieval castle in Chora.
• Picturesque Villages: Wander through charming traditional villages.

Top Experiences:

• Beach Hopping: Spend your days on the island's serene and beautiful beaches.
• Cultural Exploration: Visit historical sites, including the ancient mines and the medieval castle in Chora.
• Affordable Stays: Find budget-friendly accommodations and enjoy traditional Greek meals at local tavernas.

Serifos offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and authentic Greek culture, all while being easy on the wallet.

Paros offers a budget-friendly alternative to the expensive Mykonos, with hotels available for as little as €50-70 per night and delicious Greek meals at local tavernas for €10-20.

Highlights:

• Naoussa: Explore this popular town with its picturesque harbor and lively atmosphere.
• Charming Villages: Visit serene villages like Prodromos, Marmara, and Marpissa.
• Antiparos: Discover this nearby hidden gem with even more affordable accommodation options.

Top Experiences:

• Scenic Hiking: Enjoy many scenic trails across the island.
• Swimming and Beaches: Take advantage of the numerous opportunities for swimming and beach activities.

Paros caters to all types of travelers, offering a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and affordability.

Milos

Milos is gaining popularity but still retains its authentic charm and affordability. Known for its unique beaches, colorful fisherman’s villages, and stunning landscapes, Milos offers a budget-friendly Greek island experience.

Highlights:

• Unique Beaches: Sarakiniko with its moon-like landscape, and others like Firopotamos, Mandrakia, and Klima.
• Picturesque Villages: Explore charming fisherman’s villages with colorful houses and boats docked.
• Boat Tours: Discover hidden coves and sea caves, including the famous Kleftiko, on a boat tour.

Top Experiences:

• Affordable Accommodation: Find budget hotels for €50-80 per night and nicer options for €100-150.
• Beach Exploration: Visit the unique and stunning beaches of Milos.
• Cultural Immersion: Wander through quaint villages and enjoy the local atmosphere.
• Adventure: Take a boat tour to explore hidden gems and sea caves.

Milos combines natural beauty, cultural richness, and affordability, making it an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic Greek island experience.

Naxos, the largest island in the Cyclades, is an affordable Greek island that should be on every budget traveler’s bucket list. With a car, you can freely explore all that Naxos has to offer, from its main town, Chora, with its narrow, picturesque streets, to its stunning beaches.

Highlights:

• Beautiful Beaches: Relax at Agios Prokopios, Plaka, and Agia Anna.
• Historical Sites: Explore the Venetian castle and the iconic Portara (Temple of Apollo).

Top Experiences:

• Exploring Chora: Wander through the charming main town with its traditional Greek architecture.
• Beach Hopping: Visit several of the island’s beautiful beaches.
• Cultural Exploration: Discover the historical Venetian castle and the ancient Temple of Apollo.

Naxos offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical richness, and affordability, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a comprehensive Greek island experience.

Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is one of the affordable party islands in Greece. Popular among 18 to 30-year-olds, Laganas features a lively strip filled with bright lights, music, and affordable drinks. A pint of beer costs around €2sa here.

Highlights:

• Shipwreck Beach: A must-visit for its iconic and breathtaking views.
• Hidden Villages: Explore tiny, picturesque villages nestled in rolling hills.
• Affordable Public Transport: Buses from Zakynthos Town's Central Bus Station cost only €1.80 ($1.97), providing extensive routes to the airport, Shipwreck Beach, and other villages.

Top Experiences:

• Party Scene: Enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Laganas.
• Beach Hopping: Relax on beautiful beaches like Shipwreck Beach.
• Cultural Exploration: Visit charming villages and experience local life.

Zakynthos offers a perfect mix of lively nightlife and stunning natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for budget travelers.

While not every Greek island has an airport, several do, making them more accessible for travelers. Here are some of the Greek islands with airports:

• Crete: Heraklion and Chania
• Rhodes
• Corfu
• Kos
• Santorini
• Mykonos
• Naxos
• Paros
• Skiathos
• Zakynthos
• Kefalonia
• Karpathos
• Lemnos
• Lesbos
• Chios

These islands offer direct flights from various international and domestic locations, making them convenient starting points for your Greek island adventures.

As seen on this map, Greece is in the most southerly part of the Balkan peninsula. The country comprises a large mainland portion and over 6,000 islands and islets

Navigating the Greek islands without Uber might seem challenging, but renting motorcycles, ATVs, and cars provides an excellent solution. Renting a scooter, ATV, or car is the best way to explore the beautiful and affordable Greek islands at your own pace. These rentals are available at numerous locations, but it's essential to choose reputable providers. Using Google Maps to check customer reviews can help ensure a reliable rental experience. This approach allows budget travelers to fully experience the local culture and stunning beaches of the Greek islands.

Island hopping in Greece is made easy and affordable by the extensive network of Greek island ferries. Ferries are a popular and cost-effective mode of transportation, connecting major islands like Crete, Santorini, and Mykonos with lesser-known gems such as Naxos, Tinos, and Serifos. Enjoying the scenic views of the Aegean Sea while traveling between islands enhances the overall Greek island experience, making it both enjoyable and economical.

Rental scooters in Santorini cost around 15 to 15 Euro per day. ATVs are a little less expensive, but are much easier to ride with a person. There are a lot of rentals available on the Island, and there is no real need for car rentals or ATV rentals at the time of booking.

Exploring the Greek islands on a budget is possible with these money-saving tips:

• Visit Popular Destinations Outside Peak Hours: This can help avoid crowds and high prices.
• Travel During Off-Season: Consider visiting outside high season, but check for seasonal openings and availability of hotels and Greek island ferries.
• Enjoy Free Activities: Relax on the beautiful beaches, soak up the sun, and enjoy the natural beauty.
• Book Early: Secure the best rates for transportation and accommodations by booking in advance.
• Dine Locally: Eat away from touristy areas to find delicious and affordable Greek meals at local tavernas and cafes.

When visiting Greece, especially during the summer, temperatures can be high and the sun intense. Here are some essential items to include in your suitcase:

• Cool, Loose-Fitting Clothes: Lightweight and breathable fabrics.
• Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the strong Mediterranean sun.
• After-Sun Lotion: Useful for soothing any sunburn.
• Hat and Sunglasses: Essential for sun protection.
• Swimsuit and Towel: For enjoying the beautiful Greek beaches.
• European Plug Adapter: For charging your devices.
• Euros: Local currency for convenience.

Absolutely! Greece is an attractive destination for budget travelers, especially when focusing on the cheaper Greek islands. Planning your transportation routes effectively, such as using Greek island ferries and renting scooters or ATVs, can significantly reduce costs. Affordable accommodations, delicious Greek meals at local tavernas, and exploring lesser-known islands like Naxos, Tinos, and Serifos make for a memorable yet budget-friendly vacation. With careful planning and savvy choices, visiting Greece on a budget is entirely possible.