10 Cheap Places to Visit in Greece

The elegant, untouched Andros charms visitors wandering along its hills with scents of thyme, saffron and sage. Andros is best experienced on the many inviting hiking trails crisscrossing this Cyclades Island. The Andros Route rewards hikers with the most spectacular views and the best historic landmarks. The island capital, Chora, is a feast for the eyes with its unique combination of medieval, neoclassical and island-style houses.

For a moment of reflection, stop by the monastery in Batsi or Korthi. You can find gorgeous beaches all around the island; make sure to check out the divine Psili Amos, Grias and Pidima beaches. Many hotels and traditional inns offer reasonable prices and there’s also a camping site in Gavrio.

The Cyclades Island of Kynthos is a great long weekend destination with wild natural landscapes, exotic beaches and traditional villages. Here you can find a beach in every corner of the island and as most of them are undeveloped, you will enjoy some luxurious privacy. Try the Kolona beach on the western side of the island or take a dip in the Kynthos’ thermal springs in Loutra. Visit the village of Dryopida to experience the true Kythnos way of life as you make your way through the narrow, cobbled streets.

In the family-run restaurants, you can find traditional dishes such as sfoungato, a croquette made with local cheese. Inexpensive lodgings are easy to find in Merichas and Chora (or Mesaria), the island capital.

The compact and snug Agistri is ideal for total relaxation on the lovely beaches or in the countryside enjoying the breath-taking views. Here you can find a magical combination of secluded beaches, tiny, whitewashed chapels and a lively village vibe in Skala, the island capital. The beach restaurants serve fresh seafood, grilled vegetables and delicious tzatziki. To work up your appetite, take the hiking trail from Skala towards Milos. Near the end of the trail, climb down to the Chalikiada beach and enjoy a heavenly dip in the sea. For more accessible beaches, visit the Skala, Dragonera, or Megalochori beach.

Camping on this island is forbidden, but in Skala and Milos you can find affordable accommodation in the family run inns.

Multicultural and vibrant Thessaloniki on mainland Greece is ideal for a refreshing city break. It’s a foodie heaven with traditional taverns, gourmet restaurants and street food on every corner, and at every price point. Those hungry for culture will find amazing galleries, museums and art festivals to fill their senses. There’s history all around from the colourful old town and Venetian castles to Byzantine churches and the famous White Tower. Coexisting with the traditional Thessaloniki is the avant-garde youthful energy, which can be felt day and night. Listen to live music in the Ladadika district or let your hair down bar hopping on Valaoritou Avenue.

Explore the city on foot or rest your weary feet and enjoy Thessaloniki’s excellent and affordable public transport.

Lefkada is a gorgeous island in the Ionian Sea is famous for its soft-sand beaches, interesting museums and charming villages. Lefkada is connected to the mainland by a bridge, so you can get there easily by car. For a heavenly day in the sun, visit the Milos beach or Porto Katsiki. In Lefkada town, you’ll find colourful and beautifully decorated houses, great food, bars and cafés suitable for every budget, lovely quiet alleyways and the lively main street.

Make your way to the Panagia Faneromeni monastery just outside the town to enjoy the amazing view and some peace and quiet. Walk to the quaint village of Agios Nikitas to explore this traditional Greek settlement where no cars are allowed.

Green, lush and traditional the Cycladic Island of Tinos a is real treat for anyone seeking a genuine Greek destination. Here you can mingle with Greek holidaymakers, enjoy great food in the taverns of the many tiny villages and relax on the gorgeous beaches. You’ll also meet pilgrims on their way to the Panagia Evangelistria church and its miraculous icon.

Sunbathe and swim at the beaches of Agios Fokas, Stavros or Kolibithra like the locals or visit the medieval village of Dio Horia for a spectacular view of the Aegean Sea. The beautiful village of Pirgos, known as the home of sculptors, charms visitors with marble streets, arches, churches and monuments made by the local craftsmen.

Ikaria is the perfect destination for slowing down, taking a break from your everyday life and basking in the setting sun away from the crowds. Whether you enjoy hiking through the mountains or relaxing at the hot thermal springs, this majestic island has everything to make your holiday dreams come true. Ikaria boasts unspoiled nature, remote beaches, historical sites and charming villages with the feel of authentic old-world Greece.

Visit the traditional village of Evdilos with its beautiful houses and cobblestone alleys. For a striking view from a lush green hillside, stop by Christos Rachon, the main village of the mountainous area of Raches. You can get a ferry to Ikaria from Piraeus or the neighbouring islands.

The popular island of Rhodes has it all: amazing beaches, lovely mountain villages, centuries-old history and a pulsating nightlife. The medieval town of Rhodes is a mix of old and new. In its narrow streets, you can get a glimpse of the way of life in ancient Greece and enjoy the vibrant modern atmosphere at the same time. The village of Lindos charms visitors with traditional white houses, beautiful churches and inviting alleys.

No trip to Rhodes would be complete without sunbathing on its gorgeous beaches. For the best holiday selfies, strike a pose on the Elli beach. To enjoy a more tranquil beach day, visit Agathi or Glystra. With public transport you can reach most destinations on the island.

If you haven’t heard of Astypalaia, you’ve probably always dreamed of it. This quiet, authentic island invites visitors to discover the untouched beaches and explore the lovely, whitewashed villages. The steep and narrow streets and doors painted in hues of blue are the trademark of the capital town Chora. To capture a selfie with the perfect backdrop, stop by the eight iconic windmills in Chora. For a relaxing day on the beach, head to the sun-drenched beaches of Livadi, Plakes, Vatses or Kaminakia.

To get around the island at a low cost, use the public buses or the local electric-powered ride-share fleet. For a low-budget accommodation, check out Astypalaia’s bohemian camping scene which is well-known around Greece.

Car-free and stylish, the island of Hydra takes your breath away right from the start. The beautiful marina with its colourful houses is shaped like an amphitheatre and the magnificent mansions look like they could have come from the set of an old movie.

Climb to Kiafa high above the harbour and you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view into the Saronic Gulf. For a panoramic view of the whole island, make your way to the summit of Mount Eros. On your way back stop by the monastery of Prophet Elias. For sustenance, head for the cosy fish taverns at the beaches. You can find the best deals for hostels, hotels and self-catering rooms in Hydra Town.