Want to backpack Greece, but you’re on a tight budget? Have no fear – these essential tips and tricks will help you save money while having the experience of a lifetime.
Greece is a bucket-list trip for millions. From the ancient Acropolis to Santorini’s epic sunset views, this incredible country is home to some of the most touristic sites in the world.
However, trips abroad can get very expensive and Greece is no exception. I went through the trial and error of backpacking Greece for a month so that I can share my favorite budgeting tips with you.
This post is all about how to backpack Greece on a budget so that you can save money on your next trip.
How to Backpack Greece on a Budget
1. Stay in Hostels
Hostels are always a good idea when it comes to saving money. Luckily, some of my all-time favorite hostels are located in Greece.
When trying to find a hostel, I recommend booking on HostelWorld. For the best experience, book hostels with a 9.0+ rating and at least 200 reviews (always cross-check with Google reviews).
The best hostels in Greece:
Ios – Francesco’s Hostel
Francesco’s Hostel is elite when it comes to inexpensive accommodation. This family-run hostel has excellent facilities, a pool, a cafe/bar, and a panoramic ocean view. Most importantly, it is extremely cheap.
Paros – Paros Backpackers
Paros Backpackers Hostel is truly a solo traveler’s dream. This is easily the most social accommodation on the list, with nightly group drinks on the rooftop overlooking the ocean. The accommodations are basic, but each room is equipped with a fridge, ensuite bathroom, and a balcony.
Crete – Cocoon City Hostel
Cocoon City Hostel is one of the trendiest & cleanest hostels in Greece. Boasting two kitchens, a private pool & terrace area, and organized day trips, this place is the perfect home base. The high-speed WiFi also makes it ideal for remote workers.
Athens – Athens Hub Hostel
Athens Hub Hostel is a great spot for exploring the ancient city of Athens. Situated in the gorgeous neighborhood of Psyri, the location is perfect for seeing all of the tourist attractions. Plus, this modern accommodation has some of the nicest dorms on the market.
2. Hack the Ferry Schedule
No trip to Greece is complete without a trip to the world-famous Greek Islands. To get to and from the islands, you will be navigating the time-consuming & expensive ferry system. Oftentimes ferries will cost upwards of €50 for a one-way trip.
Luckily, there is an alternative to shelling out so much cash on the ferries. The trick is all in the ferry schedule. Once or twice a week, each ferry route offers a lower price. This is generally €5-€15 one-way. I recommend using Ferry Hopper to check out ferry prices & schedules. I also use them for booking my ferries and tracking my ferry to see if it will be arriving on time.
To save money on ferries, do the following:
- Go to the Ferry Hopper website and enter in your Departure Port and Destination Port. Pick a random day around the time you wish the travel.
- Click the arrow next to the date to parse through the next 7 days. Pay attention to the day of the week.
- Once you find a cheaper fare, take note of the day of the week. For example, if you end up on a Tuesday, this means fares on that itinerary are cheapest on Tuesdays.
- Plan your trip according to the days of the weeks that have the cheapest ferries.
3. Eat Like the Locals
Food is one of the most expensive parts of traveling, but it is also the easiest area to cut back on spending. When visiting Greece, the best way to do this is to get your food where the locals do: at the supermarket!
I know, I know. You want to try all the classic Greek specialties, not make cheap spaghetti in your sub-par hostel kitchen. I promise you can save money while still fulfilling your desire to sample local food.
When you visit a Greek supermarket, you will be bombarded with classic Greek cuisine. Feta cheese, pita bread, Greek yogurt, fresh cucumbers & tomatoes, olives, and so much more. Most importantly, these all cost a fraction of what you would pay at a restaurant. I recommend making your own meals once or twice a day, and eating out for the remaining meal. This will allow you to explore local restaurants without breaking the bank.
Delicious Greek supermarket meals:
- Greek yogurt, honey, and in-season fruit
- Cucumbers & carrots with Tirokafteri (spicy feta dip)
- Pita with Tzatziki & olives
- Feta & honey inside a pita pocket
- Greek Salad (feta, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano)
4. Skip the Tourist Traps
No matter how much you budget, some areas in Greece will always be more expensive. These are generally the most touristy spots, like Santorini & Mykonos. On the bright side, there are plenty of alternative destinations you can visit when you backpack Greece that will save you money and give you a more authentic experience.
The best budget-friendly destination swaps:
Instead of Santorini, choose Paros
Paros is one of my favorite islands in Greece. You can explore the picturesque white town of Naoussa, road-trip to beaches on the island, hike through Paros park, or take a ferry to the remote island of Antiparos. Though Santorini’s views are undoubtedly more spectacular, you can still have a quintessential Greek Island experience on Paros.
Instead of Mykonos, visit Ios
If you’re coming to the Greek Islands to party, Mykonos isn’t your only option. To save money and have a more local experience, consider visiting Ios instead. Ios is also a party island, but it is not nearly as expensive and crowded as Mykonos. Plus, you can stay at Francesco’s Hostel, one of the best hostels in Greece.
Instead of the Greek Islands, road trip the Peloponnese
The Greek Islands are significantly more expensive than mainland Greece. For those on a shoestring budget, consider renting a car with friends and road-tripping the famous Peloponnese peninsula. You will find Greece’s famous Mediterranean ocean views at a fraction of the cost.
5. Split the Costs
A huge cost when backpacking Greece is paying for ATVs, scooters, or cars to explore more remote areas. These can easily cost you €30-€65, which is simply too much for a backpacker’s budget. An excellent way to minimize these costs is splitting them with fellow travelers. I recommend making some new friends in your hostel and renting transportation together.
Potential savings from splitting transportation costs:
ATV: €30 for one // €15 each when split between 2 people
Scooter: €30 for one // €15 each when split between 2 people
Car: €50 for one // €10 each when split between 5 people
Now You Can Backpack Greece on a Budget
As you can see, you can easily backpack Greece on a budget. Though it may require some flexibility in time & comfort, the pros easily outweigh the cons.
Visiting Greece?
If you’re visiting Greece, consider extending your trip to see more of Europe! A short trip across the Mediterranean will bring you to the beautiful shores of Italy. Check out my blog posts on Cinque Terre and Florence for some Italian travel inspiration.
