How much does it cost to go to Greece on holiday? - 2026 Guide

How much does it cost to go to Greece?

A one-week trip to Greece typically costs between $1,400 and $3,400 per person. Your final bill depends heavily on your travel style, ranging from staying in hostels to booking a private villa. Where you sleep, how you get around, and what you eat will make the biggest difference.

Flights will likely eat up the biggest chunk of your budget, though timing your visit can cut this price in half.

What is the average daily budget for a trip to Greece?

Travelers in Greece spend approximately €77 (approx. $85) per day on average. That amount usually takes care of food, bus tickets, and entry fees, but excludes accommodation. You'll spend more or less depending on whether you choose budget-friendly street food or sit-down meals at tavernas.

Using public transportation instead of private transfers keeps costs down. Remember, that's just for spending money, so you must budget for hotels separately.

How much does a one-week trip to Greece cost for solos and couples?

A seven-day solo trip generally costs between $1,225 and $1,785. While solo travelers often face higher costs if booking private hotel rooms, opting for hostels can keep the weekly budget as low as $1,225. Couples, on the other hand, average $2,800 in total for a one-week vacation.

Couples save big by splitting the room bill. For longer stays, a two-week trip for two people runs around $5,615. These estimates include airfare, food, travel insurance, and transportation.

Comprehensive Greece Travel Cost Breakdown (2025)

What is the cost of flights to Greece?

Airfare is the biggest expense for travelers visiting from the United States. Round-trip tickets typically range from $600 to $2,500 per person, depending on your departure city and airline. Prices depend heavily on when you fly. Summer demand drives costs to their peak.

Booking flights for the shoulder season—specifically April through May or September through October—gets you the best deals. Most international routes connect through Athens, and choosing off-peak dates is the best way to save money. Personally, I find the weather in late September perfect—warm seas without the scorching heat.

How much does accommodation cost in Greece?

Where you stay determines what you pay. You can find everything from affordable hostels and guesthouses to exclusive boutique hotels. Popular islands like Santorini come with much steeper prices than mainland destinations.

Rates surge during the peak season and drop substantially during the off-peak months of November through March. Travelers visiting during the shoulder season enjoy the ideal balance of warm days and wallet-friendly rates. Keep in mind that your final bill will include the climate resilience tax, which applies to all overnight stays.

What are the prices for hostels, hotels, and luxury resorts?

Lodging in Greece ranges from just €15 for budget beds to hundreds of euros for luxury suites.

• Expect to pay between €15 and €25 per night for hostels, which helps lower costs for solo travelers.
• You'll find mid-range hotels and guesthouses generally charging between €80 and €150 per night.
• Luxury resorts and boutique hotels in Santorini and Mykonos often exceed €300 nightly.

Where you stay will make or break your budget.

What is the climate resilience tax and how much does it cost?

Since 2025, the Climate Resilience Tax has been a mandatory fee ranging from €2 to €8 per room per night. Greece added this fee to help pay for infrastructure repairs and environmental protection. The daily rate depends on the star rating of your accommodation and the time of year.

Luxury resorts and five-star properties charge the full €8 during the peak season, while boutique hotels and four-star hotels charge less. Budget travelers in hostels or one-star hotels pay the minimum fee of €2 per night. These fees decrease significantly during the off-peak months. You pay this amount directly at the property, separate from your booking price.

How much should you budget for food and dining?

Dining in Greece is still very cheap compared to other European destinations. A realistic daily budget ranges from €30 to €50 per person. That's enough for a pita lunch and a nice tavern dinner.

Traditional tavernas offer authentic meals at reasonable prices, while quick bites like gyros or souvlaki help reduce expenses further. Mix cheap eats with a few nice dinners to save money. House wine and local beer are generally inexpensive, which keeps the bill low. In my experience, the house carafe is often better than the bottled stuff you'd find back home.

What is the cost of street food and local tavernas?

Street food and local tavernas are your best bet for saving money. Popular items like gyros and souvlaki cost between €3 and €15, depending on whether you order a handheld pita or a full plate. Authentic dining at family-run tavernas is also budget-friendly. Hearty mains usually cost from €10 to €15.

These spots often serve low-cost house wine and may even offer complimentary dessert or fruit. Choosing these local options, especially in Athens and on the islands, means you'll eat like a local—full plates and fresh flavors—without the tourist markup.

How much do fine dining and nightlife cost?

Fine dining and nightlife will blow your budget, particularly on cosmopolitan islands like Mykonos and Santorini. High-end spots in these locations often charge over €100 per person. Cocktails at popular beach clubs and bars frequently cost between €15 and €25 during the peak season.

These premium costs are a huge jump from the affordability of local tavernas. If you prioritize luxury resorts and vibrant evening entertainment, you'll need to plan for a much higher daily spend.

How much does transportation cost within Greece?

The Athens Metro and the extensive KTEL bus network are a cheap way to get between major cities and historical sites for just a few euros. But travelers seeking independence often opt for car rentals, which increase costs.

Ferries are a big expense, especially for island-hopping itineraries in the Cyclades or Ionian groups. High-speed vessels cost more than standard slow boats, so you need to plan your route carefully for staying on budget.

What are the costs for ferries and island hopping?

Ferry tickets are a main cost for island hopping. Prices change depending on the vessel's speed and the distance of the route.

• You'll pay between €30 and €50 for standard economy seats on slow ferries from Athens to islands like Naxos and Paros.
• High-speed vessels reduce travel time but increase costs to a range of €50 to €90 per ticket.
• Popular destinations such as Santorini and Mykonos usually cost €45 to €85 for a one-way journey.
• Expect to pay between €40 and €60 for basic deck access on longer routes to Crete or Rhodes.
• Short connections between neighboring islands are the most affordable, usually pricing between €10 and €25.

Ferries are consistently cheaper than domestic flights, which often exceed €100 during peak summer months. Taking the ferry saves money and gives you a great view. Trust me, standing on the deck as you approach an island is a memory worth the extra travel time.

Should you rent a car or use public transport?

If your main goal is saving money, stick to public transportation. The KTEL bus system and Athens Metro offer reliable connections. On the other hand, car rentals let you explore the Peloponnese or secluded beaches but add significantly to daily costs.

Vehicles typically cost between €30 and €60 per day, not counting gas and insurance. Renting makes sense for groups splitting the bill, but solo tourists save a lot by using public transit.

Why is an eSIM the best option for connectivity in Greece?

An eSIM is the cheapest way to stay connected without incurring expensive roaming charges. This digital technology means you don't have to worry about finding a local vendor or swapping physical chips. You can get a specialized eSIM card for Greece that activates immediately upon landing to ensure you have working maps and translation apps the moment you step off the plane.

Avoiding high home carrier fees saves you money. Reliable data makes navigating Athens easy and gives you instant access to ferry schedules while island hopping. It helps you stay on budget while staying online.

What are the fees for sightseeing and attractions?

Sightseeing costs are going up. Price hikes have raised prices for premier attractions. For instance, the iconic Acropolis in Athens has increased its single-entry ticket price.

Other major sites, such as the Palace of Knossos on Crete and the sanctuary of Delphi, also charge admission. Professional guided tours add a lot to the cost, often costing €50 to €100 per person. You can save money by picking up multi-site museum passes available in major cities.

How much are tickets for the Acropolis and museums?

Single-entry tickets for the Acropolis in Athens cost €30 during the peak season. Pro tip: get there right at 8 AM to beat the cruise ship crowds and the heat. Other major landmarks, including the Palace of Knossos and Meteora, typically charge between €15 and €20, while smaller museums range from €6 to €12. These prices drop by 50% during the off-peak season from November to March.

Are there free activities or multi-attraction passes available?

You can save on sightseeing by buying multi-attraction passes. The Athens combined ticket costs €30 and covers the Acropolis plus six other sites over five days, which is a better deal than single entries.

Free walking tours in Athens are a cheaper option to expensive guided options. Exploring the National Garden or hiking Lycabettus Hill are great free things to do.

How does the time of year affect travel costs?

Timing is the single biggest factor in swinging your budget from affordable to expensive. Prices jump during the peak season from late June to August when international tourism peaks. Airfare and accommodation costs often double during these months compared to winter.

Think of the shoulder season (April, May, September, October) as the 'sweet spot' of Greek travel: the weather is warm enough for swimming, but the crowds—and the prices—haven't yet spiked to their summer highs. Visiting during the off-peak season from November to March saves you the most money. While ferry schedules and services are reduced, budget travelers find the best value during these cooler months.

What is the price difference between peak and shoulder seasons?

Travel costs increase by 30% to 50% during the peak season compared to the shoulder season. Accommodation and airfare surge in June, July, and August, particularly in hotspots like Santorini and Mykonos. A vacation in July is significantly more expensive than in May, and hotel rates often double. The shoulder season months offer the best value, giving you great weather for a lower price.

Can you save money by visiting during the off-peak season?

Visiting from November to March is the cheapest time to go. Accommodation rates frequently drop by up to 50% compared to peak season, saving you even more than the shoulder season. Airfare prices also fall to their annual lows.

You'll save money, but you have to deal with cooler weather and reduced island accessibility. Ferry services operate less frequently, and many tourist facilities on smaller islands close for the winter. Focusing on year-round locations like Athens and Crete means you'll still have plenty to do with access to museums and historical sites.

How do costs vary between Athens and the islands?

Athens is generally more affordable than the Greek islands. Athens has more options, which keeps prices down compared to tourist-heavy island destinations. A budget guide for Athens might suggest €60 a day, whereas popular islands often require double that amount.

Transport within the city is cheap using the metro or buses, while getting around the islands means paying for ferries. Goods on islands are also typically more expensive due to shipping requirements, raising the price of grocery and fuel prices.

Is it expensive to visit Santorini and Mykonos?

Santorini and Mykonos are the most expensive destinations in Greece. These islands are the priciest spots due to their global popularity. Accommodation for luxury resorts frequently exceeds €300 per night during the peak season.

Food and dining prices are just as high, with meals at high-end restaurants often costing over €100 per person. Overcrowding in July and August drives costs up further, making everything more expensive from transfers to sunbeds.

Which Greek islands offer more affordable vacation options?

Crete, Naxos, and Paros are great, cheaper options to the luxury hubs. These destinations cost a lot less while providing stunning beaches and authentic villages. Larger islands like Rhodes and Corfu benefit from year-round local populations, keeping food and accommodation costs significantly lower.

Lodging in these areas typically ranges from €40 to €70 per night. Lesser-known islands such as Andros and Tinos give you that classic island vibe perfect for budget-friendly island hopping. Dining at local tavernas here often costs 30% less than on Santorini.

How should you handle money and tipping in Greece?

Managing money in Greece requires a mix of cash and digital payments. You'll need both euros and credit cards. While modern establishments in Athens accept cards, smaller islands often prefer physical currency. Understanding local tipping etiquette makes things easier with service staff.

Do you need cash or can you use credit cards?

Relying solely on credit cards won't work. Visa and Mastercard work for major expenses in Athens, but cash is essential for daily spending. Local kiosks, buses, and street food stalls typically only take cash.

Traditional tavernas found during island hopping often don't take cards. You must carry euros to pay for these small things. I always keep a stash of coins handy for exactly these moments.

What is the tipping policy in Greece?

Tipping in Greece is entirely optional, though staff always appreciate the gesture.

• At casual tavernas, people usually round up the bill to the nearest euro or leave loose change.
• For exceptional service at sit-down restaurants, adding a tip of 5% to 10% is a generous gesture.
• Street food vendors generally don't expect tips.
• When taking taxis, passengers typically round up the final fare rather than calculating a percentage.
• For guided tours, tipping the guide €2 to €5 per person is standard.
• Small gratuities for hotel staff are welcomed but remain optional.

Sources

• https://radicalstorage.com/travel/how-much-is-a-trip-to-greece/
• https://news.gtp.gr/2025/01/07/climate-resilience-fee-rates-increase-for-greek-hotels-short-term-rentals/
• http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh355.jsp?obj_id=2384