How Much Does a Trip to Greece Cost?

While there is something endlessly glamorous about Greece, it is a destination that caters for all kinds of budgets. Some islands are a little higher end than others, while luxury resorts and budget hotels come in equal measure. It’s not the cheapest country to visit but, if you want a Greek adventure, you’ll be able to find one that fits your budget.

This is all you need to know about the cost of a trip to Greece.

As ever, we recommend booking early, checking multiple flight comparison tools, looking for airline discounts and avoiding travel booms. Prices can fluctuate based on demand, while being close to an airport with good flight paths always helps. Being flexible with date and time can also save you significant sums of money.

Unfortunately the peak season in Greece, when prices are at their highest, is throughout summer, especially during school holidays in July and August. Most people will want to travel during this time and are happy to swallow the expensive pill, but if you are able to plan around late spring, early summer or early September, then you might be in for big savings without losing out too much on the sunny summer weather.

Ultimately, if you’re in the US, you can expect to pay somewhere between $600 to $1,200 for your flights to Greece. UK travellers, naturally, benefit geographically and will only need to pay between £100 and £300 for a round trip.

Some parts of Greece are noticeably grander than others, so your travel costs here will depend a little on where you are. Mainland Greece is significantly cheaper than the islands, due to lesser demand. Santorini stands alone as the most luxurious island, while the likes of Crete and Mykonos can also cost a prettier penny come peak season.

Quieter, smaller islands can often offer cheaper accommodation and cost of living, so don’t discount islands like Serifos, near Athens, and Kythnos, in the Cyclades.

Generally, however, you can mould your Greek experience to your budget. There are plenty of good, affordable accommodation options, from all-inclusive resorts to budget hotels and reasonably priced Airbnbs. The same can be said of food, which is such a valued part of Greek culture that you can eat incredibly well in small tavernas and independent eateries. That said, there’s also no shortage of high-end find dining establishments to indulge in too.

The other main factor is what you want to get out of Greece. If you’re a history or archeology nut then there’s a lot to get stuck into, and entrance fees are generally pretty reasonable. More adventurous activities, like boat trips, water sports and guided tours can make a bigger dent in the wallet. The beauty of Greece, however, is many people will simply enjoy embracing the laid-back atmosphere, chilling on the beach, swimming in the ocean and pottering about charming old fishing villages – if that’s you, then don’t bother packing too many Euros.

Getting around the mainland, islands and hopping from one to another is pretty reasonable too, with buses and ferries offering the most affordable and effective way of getting around.

Most people who visit Greece either make a beeline for Athens or choose the island that their nearest airport has the quickest, easiest and cheapest connection too. We think that, in order to get the proper Greek experience, you need to broaden your horizons. That’s why both of our trips in Greece feature mainland exploring and island living.

Island hopping is a joyous form to travel, but one that people rarely do on their own. That’s where small-group travel comes in. Our itinerary is carefully curated by Travel Experts and, most importantly, led by Local Insiders who really know their stuff – whether that’s the best sunset spot or where to find the freshest Greek salad in town. And there’s none of the stress of booking multiple accommodations, overland and ocean transport all by yourself. We’ll take care of that, you just enjoy the sunshine.

Our flagship trip to Greece is just over a week long, which we think is the perfect amount of time to indulge in the Mediterranean’s finest offerings. We’ll blend the historical wonder of Athens with three distinct islands, each charming in their own right, and each showcasing a cornerstone of Greek culture.

In Athens we’ll blend old with new, going from the iconic Acropolis overlooking the city, to the lively Keramikos neighbourhood, which represents the city’s contemporary beating heart. Then it’s onto the ferry to Milos, the southwesternmost island in the Cyclades. It’s criminally under-explored, with a series of idyllic white-sand beaches and pretty little cobblestone villages. You’ll embark on a boat cruise around the island, checking out remote beaches, hidden caves and swimming in crystal clear waters.

Naxos is island number two on the itinerary, home to more great beaches and unfinished temple remains dating back to 530BCE, but the star of the show on our trip is food. We’ll head to a quiet inland village, surrounded by olive groves and oak trees, for a three-course Greek cooking masterclass within a family home. You’ll be learning family recipes that have been passed down for generations, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients like Naxian potatoes and arseniko cheese.

Finally, we’ll hop over to Santorini, staying in the clifftop capital of Fira. Explore the city’s famously beautiful whitewashed building, blue-domed churches and spectacular views of the island’s volcano and the surrounding Aegean Sea. You’ll watch one of the world’s greatest sunsets take place ahead of a group farewell dinner.

Prices for this itinerary vary from £1,725 to £2,149, depending on booking and travelling time. That takes your total costs, if travelling from the UK, as low as £1,800. Meanwhile, US-based Culture Trippers can expect to spend between $2,500 and $3,000 all in.

Check out the full itinerary and book your spot today.

If that sounds a little pricey then our five-day express trip might be more for you. At $1,129, or £849, you won’t have to spend much more than $1,5o0, or £1,000, to have a proper Greek experience.

On this itinerary we split our time between Athens and the nearby island of Serifos. Again, you’ll get to visit the Acropolis, and tuck into a Greek mezze dinner as you explore the city’s vibrant nightlife. We’ll also take you on a street art tour – the perfect symbol of Athens’ modern artistic edge, but one that reflects and is influenced by its ancient history.

If its all about energy and excitement in Athens, then sleepy Serifos is the place to slow things down, in true Greek fashion. This is truly the Aegean Sea’s best kept secret, and you’ll get to explore the island’s beautiful beaches, rocky peaks and crystal clear waters across two and a half days. We’ll also whisk you over to Kalo Ampeli beach, hike up to the windswept remnants of Gria Castle near the small coastal village of Koutalas, before capping off the final day with a wine tasting at a local vineyard.

Check out the full itinerary and book your spot today.