Updated: 9 November, 2024
The cheapest Greek Islands, yet off the beaten path – I'll tell you how to get there and around, attractions, beaches, and prices.
Greece is an excellent and cost-effective beach destination, generally more affordable than other Mediterranean destinations like Spain or Italy.
Of course, for a budget-friendly vacation, you'll need to choose the right islands to visit, especially during the peak season.
Greece boasts more than 6000 islands, 227 of which are inhabited, and some of them are among the country's priciest destinations.
Mykonos, the famous island, tops the list as the most expensive, with accommodation prices soaring in the summer, followed by the romantic Santorini.
If you're seeking beautiful and budget-friendly islands to explore, you're in the right place.
In this article, I'll introduce you to lesser-known islands for most travelers, where you can enjoy reasonably priced beach vacations, avoid crowds, and revel in stunning landscapes.
10 Cheapest Islands in Greece
1. Agistri
Agistri is a small island in the Saronic Gulf of Greece, a treasure that will offer you an authentic and relaxing experience.
This is a budget-friendly paradise island in Greece, perfect for getting away from the hustle and immersing yourself in the country's natural beauty, complete with picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and stunning turquoise beaches.
Highlights of Agistri
- Megalochori: This picturesque village, also known as Milos for its ancient mill from 1812, is the heart of the island and offers a lively square, traditional shops, and cozy taverns.
- Zoodochos Pigi Monastery: This historic and spiritual site is home to impressive religious icons and provides panoramic views from the top of a hill.
Best Beaches
- Skala: One of Agistri's most popular beaches with crystal-clear waters and a lively atmosphere with bars and restaurants.
- Aponisos: More than a beach, it is a swimming area on a private island, and access costs 5 euros, which includes the use of sunbeds. Although it is very small and can fill up quickly, it is the most spectacular beach in Agistri.
- Chalikiada: A beach with turquoise waters and imposing cliffs, accessible via a scenic trail. This beach gets deep when entering the water, and there can be currents, so it is not suitable for children or non-swimmers.
Practical Information and Prices
- How to get to Agistri: The island does not have an airport, but it is quite close to Athens. The ferry takes between 55 minutes and 1:35 hours, depending on the type of boat. Prices start at 13.50 euros per journey; you can book the ferry ticket here.
- Cruise to Agistri: Another alternative is to take a 1-day cruise from Athens to visit three Greek islands 😍 Agistri, Aegina, and Moni, with lunch, drinks. You can check availability and book at this link.
- Getting around the island: During the year, there are only buses connecting the capital, Megalochori, with Skala. In summer, there are buses to the main beach destinations, from Skala to Aponiso, also stopping at Dragonera and Limenaria.
- Accommodation prices start from: 3 stars 76 euros and 4 stars 126 euros (check availability and prices in the link). *
* All accommodation prices mentioned in the article are the lowest prices in high season, for well-rated hotels, i.e., with a minimum score of 8/10. These are also nightly prices for two people, booking several months in advance.
⭐ You may also be interested in this other article about How to go to the Greek islands and move between them?
✅ Friend's Tip: Don’t forget to get travel insurance for your next adventure. I recommend Heymondo,—it’s super comprehensive, and with that link, you’ll get 15% off!
2. Andros
Andros is the northernmost island in the Cyclades, just a short distance from Athens. It's an affordable and tranquil island.
The mountainous landscape of this Greek island surprises with its valleys of lush greenery, something uncommon in the Aegean.
Thanks to this scenery, it's one of the best islands in Greece for hiking routes, with over 25 trails covering more than 300 km, passing through beautiful villages, forests, rivers, waterfalls, and caves.
Highlights
- Andros Town: Its main town is charming, with its whitewashed houses and narrow cobblestone streets filled with small shops and cafes. It also has a neoclassical area with an ancient bridge and the ruins of the Venetian castle.
- Agios Petros Tower: A stone tower from the Hellenistic period (4th to 3rd century BC) offers breathtaking panoramic views, which you can reach by taking a hiking trail.
- Panachrantou Monastery: A beautiful Byzantine monastery built on the mountainside overlooking the Aegean Sea, it houses valuable relics and religious art.
Best Beaches
- Batsi: It's a well-organized beach with sunbeds and umbrellas, ideal for families and water sports. This crystal-clear water beach is popular among Greeks and gained fame in the late '60s from the movie Girls in the Sun (poster above).
- Achla: With golden sand and stones, it remains almost deserted due to its challenging access.
- Zorko: A pebble beach and one of the most beautiful on the island, located a short distance from the Valian pirate caves.
- Vitali: Known for its turquoise waters, it is the most popular beach on the island.
- Tis Grias to Pidima: The most picturesque due to the rocky column (bottom photo).
Practical Information and Prices for Andros
- How to get to Andros: This island doesn't have an airport, so the only way to reach it is by ferries from Rafina with daily departures that stop at Tinos and Mykonos. The slower ferries take almost 2 hours and cost 25 euros per journey, while the faster boats take just over 1 hour and cost 38 euros.
- Getting around the island: The most practical way is by renting a car. Alternatively, you can use the buses that connect the main towns, starting from Gavrio where the port is located, and including Andros, Batsi, Korthi, and other towns along the way.
- Tour of Andros: It's a convenient alternative to uncover the secrets of its history and the most fascinating spots.
- Guided hiking route (👈 book at the link): It's a trail through the forest and along the river to the Gerolimni waterfall, where you can take a refreshing dip. 😎
- Accommodation prices from: 3 stars 63 euros and 4 stars 120 euros
3. Aegina
Aegina (Egina) is perhaps one of the most well-known islands on this list, at least for travelers visiting Athens. Due to its proximity, it's a popular destination for one-day cruises, offering a chance to cool off in its waters.
At the same time, it's one of the more affordable Greek islands with a very picturesque town and a rich history.
The island of Aegina is also famous for its pistachios, cultivated on the island since 1860 and ranked among the best in the world.
If you're a fan of this nut, you can enjoy them in various ways – with salt, lemon, or in different preparations like snacks, pistachio butter, and my favorite, in delicious ice creams. 😋
Highlights
- Temple of Afea (or Aphaia): It's an archaeological gem in Doric style dating back to the 6th century BCE. This temple completes the sacred triangle with the Parthenon in Athens and the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion.
- The town of Aegina: Serving as the island's capital, it boasts neoclassical architecture.
- Mount Oros: Standing at an altitude of 532 meters, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the island and the sea. It's ideal for hiking routes passing through historical sites and olive groves, some of which are millennia-old.
Best Beaches in Aegina
- Agia Marina: With golden sand and crystal-clear waters, ideal for sunbathing and swimming. It's one of the favorite beaches for families.
- Marathons: There are two beaches with the same name, A and B. Marathonas A has a relaxed atmosphere and shallow waters, perfect for families. My favorite is Marathonas B, which is quieter.
- Moni: It's an uninhabited island that you can reach in 10 minutes by boat from Perdika to swim in its turquoise waters. You can also spot some of the inhabitants of its dense forest: deer, peacocks, and wild goats.
Practical Information and Prices
- How to get to Aegina: Ferries from Piraeus take between 40 minutes and 1:10 hours, with prices starting from €10.50 per journey.
- 3 Greek Islands Cruise: If you have limited time, the most practical alternative is to visit Aegina, Poros, and Hydra together on a 1-day cruise like the one in the link, which includes lunch.
- Getting around the island: In Aegina, there are 3 bus lines that depart from the town to other areas of the island such as Perdika, Bagia, and Mesagros, passing through some of the most popular beaches.
- Accommodation prices starting from: 3 stars 54 euros and 4 stars 108 euros
👍 My two cents: If you want to stay connected in Greece, 🤳 I recommend this eSIM for Greece. Click on that links for a 5% discount.
4. Karpathos
Karpathos is an island in the Aegean Sea with a unique natural beauty and a fabulous history. Moreover, it is the cheapest island in Greece.
This island has very picturesque villages in the interior that, in pirate times, were protected by its mountainous terrain.
If you're looking for cheap Greek islands with beautiful beaches, Karpathos has a variety of crystal-clear water beaches for every taste, each more beautiful than the last.
Another peculiarity of this island is its traditions different from the rest of the region, with its own dialect, clothing, and customs.
Additionally, Karpathos is the cheapest Greek island to travel to right now (perfect for summer 2024) and an unforgettable destination.
Highlights
- Pigadia: It is the capital of Karpathos, a city with a lively port, small shops, and taverns with very tasty cuisine.
- Olympos: A traditional village in the north of the island built in the 7th century AD, famous for its stone houses. This village was completely isolated until the construction of its road not too long ago, which is why they retain the Doric dialect.
- Panagia Festival: It celebrates the Virgin Mary on August 15th and is an ideal time to see the traditions of some of the villages of Karpathos.
- Kali Limni Peak: Several hiking routes can be taken through forests and waterfalls on this mountain, although they are not marked. The peak is a staggering 1,215 meters high with impressive views of the island.
Best Beaches
- Apella: Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, with turquoise waters and a spectacular natural setting, although it can be challenging to reach by road.
- Amoopi: A well-organized beach with sunbeds and umbrellas, ideal for families and water activities. However, it can be very crowded in high season.
- Diakoftis: There are two beaches very close to each other, one with shallow waters and another deeper, but both with crystal-clear water. However, it is in a windier area of the island, so check the weather before deciding to explore it.
Practical Information and Prices for Karpathos
- How to get to Karpathos:
- Plane: The most practical way to go is by plane from Athens or Rhodes, with direct flights, as well as from Italy, Germany, and other European countries, with prices starting at 135 euros. If you can't find the airport in your flight search, simply use the IATA code for Karpathos, which is AOK.
- Ferry: Another alternative is to go by boat. From Piraeus in Athens, it costs €58, and the boats take between 15 and 20 hours to arrive. There are also boats from Rhodes that take between 2:30 and 6 hours, with prices starting from €18.50. Another option is ferries from Crete, departing from the port of Sitia, taking just over 2 hours and costing €34.90. On this website, you can see all ferry alternatives in Greece, with schedules and prices.
- Getting around the island: The island's buses connect Pigadia with the airport and major towns like Olympos, Mesochori, and the most popular beaches, including Apella.
- Hiking Route to Kali Limni: If you love hiking, I suggest checking out this guided group through the link to reach the mountain's highest peak. The vibe is great, and the pace allows you to savor the views. If you don't have your own walking sticks, feel free to ask for a pair.
- Accommodation prices starting from: 3 stars 52 euros and 4 stars 65 euros
5. Lefkada
Lefkada is located in the Ionian Sea of Greece, it is one of the cheapest islands in Greece, and it's one of the more affordable islands that captivates with its dreamy beaches—a true paradise for sun and sea enthusiasts.
The mountainous landscape, with green valleys and rugged cliffs, creates a picturesque natural setting.
Places of Interest in Lefkada
- Nidri: A lively cosmopolitan coastal town with a wide selection of restaurants and shops.
- Agia Mavra Fortress: An imposing walled castle with other medieval structures offering panoramic views of the sea and coast.
- Sivota Village: A captivating fishing village boasting stunning views and seaside tavernas that serve exceptional seafood.
- Nidri Waterfall: An impressive 12-meter-high waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation, perfect for a refreshing and easy 20-minute walk.
Best Beaches
- Porto Katsiki: One of Greece's most famous beaches, embraced by a towering cliff and inviting turquoise waters.
- Egremni: A pristine beach with challenging access, but the natural beauty is awe-inspiring. You can also reach it by boat from Nidri or Vasiliki port.
- Kathisma: While easily reachable and somewhat bustling, its significant length of 1 km keeps it from becoming too overwhelming.
- Milos: It is a secluded and quiet beach, the secret is its access through a winding rocky path that deters many visitors. There is also no sun lounger and umbrella service on the beach, this also contributes to its relaxing atmosphere.
Practical Information and Prices
- How to get to Lefkada:
- Bus or car: This island doesn't have an airport; however, it is connected to the mainland, so you can reach it by driving or taking a bus from Athens, which takes 5 hours and 50 minutes and costs starting from 30 euros.
- Ferry: Another alternative is to take a ferry, with departures only from Ithaca, Kefalonia, and Meganisi. The latter is the closest island, taking 45 minutes and costing only 3.90 euros per trip.
- Getting around the island: Lefkada has an extensive bus network connecting main towns and beaches, with increased frequency during the peak months.
- Kayak tour: This is one of the best water activities to explore the fascinating Blue Cave.
- Accommodation prices starting from: 3 stars 54 euros and 4 stars 108 euros
6. Limnos
Lemnos is one of the less touristy Greek islands on this list, located in the northern Aegean Sea. It's an undiscovered gem in Greece with deserted beaches that have a unique appearance.
It's one of the affordable Greek islands for a relaxing getaway without the crowds, allowing you to enjoy its natural beauty, where lush valleys contrast with volcanic landscapes.
Highlights
- Myrina Castle: An impressive Venetian fortress from the 13th century offering excellent panoramic views of the city and the surrounding sea.
- Moudros Village: A charming seaside village with cobblestone streets, traditional houses, and a beautiful bay. This village is renowned for its excellent seafood. 😋
- Faraklou Geological Park: A unique site with fascinating rock formations of petrified lava from volcanoes that were active during the Miocene period 23 million years ago (pictured above).
- Aliki Salt Lake: This lake fills with seawater in winter and leaves a significant layer of high-quality salt when it dries up in summer. Throughout the year, it serves as an important natural reserve for migratory birds, including flamingos.
Best Beaches
- Keros: One of the island's most popular beaches, especially for water sports enthusiasts like kitesurfing and windsurfing, thanks to the windy conditions.
- Thanos: One of the most beautiful beaches, with a secluded atmosphere and turquoise waters with white, fine sand.
- Mikro Fanaraki: Another stunning beach, but it gets crowded quickly due to its small size. At the entrance, the waters are shallow, and with a short swim, you can explore an interesting cave.
Practical Information and Prices for Lemnos
- How to get to Lemnos:
- Plane: Lemnos has a small airport with direct flights from Athens, Thessaloniki, Lesbos, and Ikaria, taking less than 1 hour, with prices starting at 120 euros. IATA airport code LXS.
- Ferry: During the summer, there are ferries from Kavala in northern Greece, taking about 4 hours, with prices starting from 16.50 euros. There are also infrequent boats from the port of Lavrio, south of Athens, taking 9 hours, with prices starting from 28.50 euros.
- Getting around the island: The most economical way to travel around the island is by buses that run from Myrina to larger towns like Moudros and tourist spots during the summer.
- Accommodation prices starting from: 3 stars 53 euros
7. Syros
Syros, a hidden gem in the Greek Cyclades, is a beautiful destination with well-preserved neoclassical and Venetian architecture, along with a rich history.
It's one of the more affordable islands to visit in Greece that will captivate you with its dreamy beaches.
In Syros, you'll experience an authentic Greek atmosphere with a cosmopolitan flair evident in its lively nightlife and cultural scene, seamlessly blending tradition and modernity.
Highlights
- Ermoupolis: The capital of Syros, an elegant port city adorned with neoclassical buildings, lively squares, and cobblestone alleys. Undoubtedly, the most impressive capital in all of the Cyclades.
- Ano SyrosThis is a charming hilltop village with narrow cobblestone streets and stunning sea views. Exploring it is one of the best things to do in Syros.
- Apollo Theater: A historic and well-preserved theater hosting cultural performances and events throughout the year. The theater follows an Italian style, although its exterior construction is rather simple.
- Syros Archaeological Museum: A fascinating place to explore the island's history and culture through artifacts and exhibits. Some of the notable pieces date back to the third millennium B.C. from the ancient Cycladic period.
Best beaches in Syros
- Galissas: With crystal-clear waters and a wide range of water activities, it's perfect for family trips or water sports enthusiasts.
- Vari: A picturesque beach with shallow waters, a true paradise to relax in its serene atmosphere.
- Delfini: A remote and hidden beach, surrounded by untouched nature, it's less frequented compared to other beaches.
Practical Information and Prices
- How to get to Syros:
- Plane: Syros Airport has direct flights from Athens, taking 40 minutes and costing from around 160 euros. Airport IATA code: JSY.
- Ferry: This island is well-connected by sea to other Cyclades islands. From the mainland, there are departures from Lavrio, Kavala, and Piraeus. From the latter port, the fastest boats take 2 hours and cost from 45.50 euros.
- Getting around the island: Syros has two bus routes, one connecting Ermoupolis with major southern towns, and another to Kini.
- Accommodation prices starting from: 3 stars 57 euros, 4 stars 78 euros
8. Skiathos
Skiathos (Skiathos) is a small island in the Sporades, with a cosmopolitan and relaxed atmosphere, it is ideal to escape the hustle and bustle and have a cheap paradise holiday in the Mediterranean.
The island boasts wonderful beaches with crystal-clear waters and golden sand, perfect for ultimate relaxation.
Notable Places in Skiathos
- Skiathos Town: It is the main city of the island, which is most picturesque with its cobbled alleys and colorful houses. Its port is full of restaurants and cafes with delicious Greek food.
- Evangelistria Monastery: A must-visit for its religious and historical significance, serving as a refuge and meeting place for Greek liberators from the Ottoman Empire.
- Bourtzi Fortress: Located on a small peninsula, this Venetian fortress from 1211 is one of Skiathos' remarkable sites, offering panoramic views of the coast and the city.
- Papadiamantis Museum: This museum is dedicated to the famous Greek writer Alexandros Papadiamantis, the father of modern Greek literature.
Best Beaches
- Koukounaries: One of the island's most popular beaches with its emerald waters, nestled next to a natural park.
- Lalaria: An iconic beach with crystal-clear waters, set against an imposing cliff and rock formations with arches and caves. This beach is only accessible by boat, and the best option is to join this tours that also take you to the beautiful island of Tsougrias.
- Banana: A lively beach with water sports and beach bars playing electronic music, a favorite among Greek university students. It's an ideal spot if you're looking for some fun.
Practical Information and Prices
- How to get to Skiathos:
- Airplane: Skiathos International Airport has flights from various European countries like Italy, Germany, and England. In Greece, you can fly from Athens; the flights take 40 minutes and start from 130 euros. The airport's IATA code is JSI.
- Ferry: Ferries from the mainland depart from Volos, Mantoudi, Agios Konstantinos, and Thessaloniki, with boat journeys taking a minimum of 1:30 hours and prices starting from 25 euros per trip. In this ferry search engine for Greece, you can explore all the ferry options, including schedules, durations, and prices for easy comparison.
- Getting around the island: The island has buses that run from the town of Skiathos to the airport, major cities, Evangelistria, and popular beaches like Koukounaries.
- Accommodation prices starting from: 3 stars 73 euros and 4 stars 152 euros
9. Skopelos
Skopelos is one of the affordable green gems in the Aegean, known for its lush vegetation—a rarity in the region.
This island, successfully avoiding mass tourism, maintains its traditional charm with cobblestone streets in villages and hospitality that will make you feel at home.
Highlights
- Skopelos Town: The main town is perfect for a stroll through its colorful alleys and a lively central square.
- Church of Agios Ioannis Kastri: The famous church atop a rock by the sea, featured in the movie Mamma Mia!, is worth climbing its 110 steps for the breathtaking views of the coast.
- Evangelistria Monastery: A historic monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary, adorned with magnificent 14th-century frescoes depicting passages from the Old Testament.
🎥 Fun fact: the movie Mamma Mia! was filmed in various locations in Greece, including this island and Skiathos, the island in the previous point.
Best Beaches
- Hovolo: The most exotic beach on the island, with fine sand, turquoise waters, and white rocks, ranked by The Telegraph as one of the 17 most beautiful beaches in the world.
- Kastani: The island's sandy and crystal-clear water beach, famous for its appearance in Mamma Mia!.
- Milia: A beach embraced by vibrant nature and a bit bustling. Stretching over 1 km, there are serene spots to discover, particularly as you stroll southward.
Practical Information and Prices for Skopelos
- How to get to Skópelos: Ferries depart from Volos, Mantoudi, Agios Konstantinos, Kimi, and Thessaloniki. The nearest port is Mantoudi, with fast boats taking just over 1 hour, starting at 25 euros.
- Getting around the island: Buses on the island cover four routes, connecting Skopelos Town, villages like Glossa and Elios, as well as beaches like Kastani and Milia.
- Mamma Mia Tour!: One of the most exciting experiences on the island is this tour, taking you to see the breathtaking filming locations from the movie. 😍
- Accommodation prices starting from: 3 stars 64 euros and 4 stars 140 euros
10. Tinos
Tinos is one of my preferred affordable Greek islands for its authenticity, despite being a short distance from Mykonos. It remains one of the country's inexpensive paradises.
The island is the most significant religious pilgrimage center in Greece for Greek Orthodox believers.
Outside the pilgrimage season, the island stays peaceful with few tourists, offering marvelous secluded beaches to unwind and escape stress.
👍 Friend's advice: If you seek tranquility and good prices, avoid visiting Tinos during the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on August 15,, the main religious pilgrimage date on the island, followed by the Orthodox Holy Week (one week after the Christian Holy Week).
Highlights
- Church Our Lady of Tinos (Panagia Evangelistria): The spiritual heart of the island, a pilgrimage destination housing a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. A must-visit for those interested in religion and local culture.
- Valley of the Dovecotes: The island's traditional architecture is beautiful, and the Dovecote Valley is undoubtedly the most intriguing of all.
- Pyrgos: The largest and most famous village on the island, where the arts flourished using marble. You'll find carved marble decorating squares, fountains, residences, and even bus stops. Almost everything is made of marble. 😍
- Mount Exomvourgo: If you love hiking, this 640-meter-high mountain provides stunning views of the entire island.
Best Beaches in Tinos
- Kolibithra: Actually two beaches, the most famous in Tinos, with crystal-clear waters surrounded by green hills. One is popular among surfers, while the other is a quieter beach with less waves.
- Agios Fokas: One of the busiest and most popular beaches on the island, equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas. If you're traveling with small children or prefer calmer waters, the northern part has fewer waves.
- Livada: An extensive beach with golden sand and large rock formations. The waves here can reach up to 3 meters high, making it a favorite among surfers.
Practical Information and Prices
- How to get to Tinos: Ferries run from Piraeus and Rafina. The boats from Piraeus take about 4 hours, starting from 50 euros one way. Alternatively, from Rafina, the journey is shorter, with ferries taking between 2 and 4 hours depending on the type of boat, starting from 28 euros.
- Another option to visit the island is to take a day trip to Tinos from Mykonos, like the one in the link.
- Getting around the island: You can rent a car or use public transportation; buses connect the main town with Pyrgos, Volax, Kalloni, and major coastal destinations.
- Accommodation prices starting from: 3 stars 72 euros and 4 stars 100 euros
Map of the Cheapest Greek Islands
10 Tips for Saving Money in the Greek Islands
1. Book accommodation in advance, hotels with a good price-quality ratio tend to sell out several months ahead.
2. Choose small, family-run Greek lodgings; they're more budget-friendly than large hotel chains.
While they may be more basic, they're comfortable and provide a more authentic Greek experience, all while supporting the local economy.
I usually use Booking to find the best accommodation deals in Greece.
3. If you won't be driving, carefully consider the location of your accommodation and check for available buses.Otherwise, relying on taxis in the islands can become quite expensive.
4. Using buses is the cheapest way to get around the islands, but keep in mind that the frequency is generally not very high. For example, buses to popular destinations may run every hour, while to other places, there might be only a couple of buses per day.
5. If you plan to visit the most popular islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Zakynthos, etc.), avoid traveling in July or August, to find better prices on accommodations.
6. During the off-peak season, you can also save on visiting museums and archaeological sites in Greece, as they often offer free entry days, you can read more in this article.
7. When dining out check the menu prices before ordering.While this may seem obvious, many tourists in Greece make this mistake. The reason is that sometimes, expensive restaurants in Greece may have a similar appearance to typical affordable Greek tavernas.
8. Stray away from tourist attractions and main beaches to find budget-friendly restaurants. Sometimes, walking just 100 meters is enough to discover good prices.
9. Explore Greek tavernas, they offer homemade, delicious Greek food at a reasonable price.
10. Book ferries in advance. I recommend you buy ferry tickets in Greece using this search engine; it shows you all the alternatives with schedules, durations, and prices for easy comparison. Additionally, if you book at least two weeks in advance, there are often discounts not available even when purchasing directly from the ferry company.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, although it was considered the cheapest island in the country until a few years ago.
In the summer of 2023, a room in a well-rated 4-star accommodation for two people during peak season cost more than 300 euros per night.
That's double the price of hotels on the islands in this article.
In 2024, the cheapest Greek island is Karpathos, with 3 and 4-star hotels in peak season costing less than 70 euros per night for double occupancy.
While renting a car is the best way to get around the island, there's also a more economical option of using buses.
Moreover, the island offers a varied and delicious gastronomic experience. Opting to dine in its Greek tavernas can save you a lot of money.
Generally, Crete is cheaper than Corfu.
he good news is that even though Corfu and Crete are very touristy islands, choosing the right area to stay can lead to finding very good prices, as affordable as many islands on this list. This also holds true for Rhodes.
I didn't include these islands in the article because the idea was to discuss lesser-known islands. Greece has many islands, but the same ones are always talked about.
Additionally, if you're looking to truly disconnect, I imagine the last thing you'd want is to be in crowded places.
The cheapest time to travel to the islands is in the low season, from December to March.
However, I don't recommend traveling during this period as many places on the islands are closed (restaurants, hotels, and some attractions), transportation is significantly reduced, and it's cold.
Therefore, the best time to travel to the Greek islands without spending a fortune is late spring or early fall when there are fewer people, and you can better enjoy the islands.
You can read more in this article where I talk in detail about When to Travel to the Greek islands.
Yes, there are affordable cruises in Greece, and it's actually the best way to explore the islands without worrying about anything.
I recommend this all-inclusive cruise through the Greek islands , the most popular one costs less than 100 euros per day. 😍
Final Thoughts
These are the best budget-friendly Greek islands in 2024 for a peaceful vacation, enjoying beautiful beaches, landscapes, and cultural visits.
If you have any questions, leave me a comment below, save the article for future adventures and share it with other travel lovers. Enjoy the trip! ❤✈
More about the Greek islands and Greece
- What to see in Rhodes: 27 essentials
- Best all-inclusive trips to Greece: 4, 5, 8 and 10 days
- How to go to the Greek islands and move between them?
Hello, I’m Andrea, the creator and writer of Viajeros Activos (Active Travelers). I’m a nomad, so I consider myself a full-time traveler. I’m passionate about good food and always looking for new adventures.
HELLO, I'M ANNA, I WANT TO GO WITH MY FAMILY IN THE SUMMER OF 2024 TO A GREEK ISLAND, THE LEAST MASSIFIED BUT HAS A SANDY BEACH WITH SHALLOW WATER, THERE ARE 2 CHILDREN AGED 13 AND 9, SO I WOULD LIKE TO RENT A HOUSE AND BE ABLE TO LET US MOVE BY CAR, BUT IN A QUIET PLAN.
WE ARE 8 PEOPLE, WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND?
THANK YOU VERY MUCH
hello Anna
Greece and specifically the Greek islands are wonderful for a vacation, according to what you tell me:
1. You have to keep in mind that in Greece, many beaches are made of small stones, larger ones or large rocks. There are also beaches with sand of different types and colors. The diversity of the beaches is precisely the charm of Greek beaches and some of the most attractive beaches are not sandy. If you are going to go to a small island, you may not be able to change beaches too much if you only want sandy beaches.
2. There are many uncrowded islands, there are 227 inhabited islands of the more than 6,000, only a few are overcrowded, it is difficult to recommend one. I would invite you to re-read the article, here you have 10 islands that are not crowded and at the same time are the cheapest, and I have reduced the number of total islands quite a bit. 😉
3. If you are a diverse age group including a pre-teen and a teenager, and you want to be on one island, you might want to go to a large island.
One of the best Greek islands for families is Rhodes, which has many things to do so that no one gets bored, cultural visits, natural spaces and many beaches, including many sandy ones.
Another advantage of Rhodes is that it is next to Turkey and you can take a trip there.
In this other article you can read more about What to see in Rhodes: 27 essentials.
Hello Andrea, I now live in Bali (Indonesia), I have been here for 9 years, this has changed a lot and unfortunately for the worse due to globalization. I'm thinking about going to live on one of the Greek islands. I look for places with not much tourism, near the sea, where the food is good, with nice people and cheap. I am 67 years old and I am retired, I live alone. What island do you recommend? At first I would rent a house and then I could buy if I liked the place. I thank you and greatly value your advice.
Hello Julian
What a shame about Bali, but I'm not surprised either, it gave me that feeling on my last visit.
Regarding living on a Greek island, I recommend one of the large islands: Corfu, Rhodes or Crete.
They are tourist islands for 6 months but they continue to have "life" the rest of the year in the main towns, you can find somewhere to eat, some entertainment and even hospitals, many towns become ghost towns.
On the other hand, small islands become ghost islands, few places remain open and very few local people, who in many cases do not speak English.
The people in Greece are very nice and the food is good.
Whether it is economical is another story, because many things cost much more than on the mainland, even basic necessities, but there are also supermarkets where Greeks shop or Lidl.
When it comes to rent, you can find prices similar to those in Athens but much better places, but on the islands it sometimes takes time to find a place to live, most are rented to tourists.
If you haven't read it, I recommend this other article When to Travel to the Greek islands. I wrote it thinking about people who come on vacation but I tell you some things that may interest you.
Luck!
HELLO ANDREA, delighted to find so much information from you for the Greek islands. I don't know if you can help me with some information, I'll explain that I currently live in Paris and I want to buy a small house with a little land and I don't know which ISLAND, could you recommend me which is cheaper, and I'm not interested in what It is not touristy. I also have my friends and other family who want to. Or we can meet individuals directly. We would be very grateful.
Hello Marius
What a nice project you have, the Greek islands are beautiful!
All of these islands in the article are good, because they are attractive and not very touristy, so you will find good prices to buy.
Although I have to tell you that the use you are going to give to the house is important.
If you want to buy to come only on vacation in season, any of those islands are fine.
But if the house is to live in now or in the future, it is better to choose one of the large islands: Crete, Rhodes or Corfu.
The small Greek islands are not a good place to live all year round, the boat schedules are greatly reduced, you will not find many things to buy and you could even have problems if you need an emergency medical issue.
The large islands, although they are touristy, by getting away from the cities and tourist places you can find tranquility and good prices.
If it helps, here are some websites where you can search for a house: https://www.xe.gr/en; https://www.spitogatos.gr/.
Locals also use the Marketplace and Facebook groups a lot to advertise properties.
Good luck!
Super interesting! We are in Greece and we had no idea about visiting the islands because we thought the ferries would be more expensive. Thank you very much for all the information! A super complete article 🙂
Hello Carol and Alex!!
Yes, I saw something about Greece on social media, but I didn't know you were still here.
Ferry prices to these non-touristy islands are always quite reasonably priced and now, in low season, you can get some discounts.
On the other hand, prices for ferries to the most popular islands in high season skyrocket.
Thank you very much for commenting and I hope you enjoy the islands, I'm looking forward to seeing what you publish.
A handsome hug!
Hello, this summer we are going to do the Interrail through the Greek islands, these weeks we are setting an itinerary. As I have seen that you are very informed, I would like you to give us an idea of the itinerary, how many days to spend on each island? We plan to go for two weeks
Thank you:)
Hello Paula
For these islands in the article, I recommend spending about 3 or 4 days if you want to have time to visit the most beautiful places and enjoy the beaches quietly.
As for the itinerary, try to visit islands that are in the same group of islands or at most in two different groups. The issue is that the different groups of islands are not so well connected by ferry, although you can fly to some islands. This article about How to move between the Greek islands can be of help to you.
Enjoy the islands a lot!
Good morning,
We are a couple with three children (13, 13 and 15 years old) and we plan to go to Greece in September (10 days). Apart from 3-4 days in Athens and 2-3 days in the Peloponnese, we wanted to go to an island for another 3-4 days. Due to proximity, we plan to go to Zakinthos or Kefalonia by ferry from Cilene, or to Kithira from Neapoli. Would you recommend any of them, or according to your article and looking a little at the pocketbook, is it preferable to go to Aegina or Agistri (by ferry from Piraeus) or Lefkada directly by car?
And another question, this time gastronomic, could you recommend taverns where you can taste homemade Greek food at an affordable price in these places.
Thank you
Hello Francisco Javier
Zakynthos and Kefalonia are very beautiful islands, and it is also a good idea to follow the route from the Peloponnese.
But if it is a budget issue, the islands in the article are cheaper and September is high season, although it is not the most expensive month.
Likewise, as there are still several months left before your trip, if you look ahead of time you will be able to find some accommodation at a good price and finally compare.
Regarding the taverns, there is no problem, when you decide which islands you are going to go to, tell me and I will recommend a tavern with the 3Bs. 😋
I can also recommend Athens, which I know quite a few.
Have a good trip!
Thank you Andrea,
We already have the flights and when the date gets closer and we have a clearer idea of the route and the places we are going to visit, I will ask you about those taverns. I will also share our trip.
Thanks, again
Excellent news, tell me!
Good evening Andrea,
We have given the trip a big push, and we are more or less clear about the route:
– Athens (2 nights) September 7-9
– Athens-Delphi-Meteora (2 nights) September 9-11.
– Meteora-Lefkada (3 nights) September 11-14.
– Lefkada-Olimpia (we don't know whether to spend the night in Olympia or surrounding areas) Sep 14.
– Olympia-Mycenae-Nafplion (night in Nafplion) Sep 15
– Nafplio-Epidaurus-Corinth-Athens (night in Athens) September 16.
– Athens (1 night), and the next day for home.
We are missing accommodations in Lefkada, Olympia, Nafplio and the last night of Athens, but we will continue studying the best options.
If you could give me information about accommodation and places to eat in Lefkada and taverns to eat in Athens, I would greatly appreciate it. I forgot to tell you that one of our daughters is celiac so we will have to find out about places where they guarantee that special care has been taken with the handling of products with gluten (at least with the dishes we order for her) and with contamination crusade, but that is another story that will require a separate investigation. If I also have information of interest, I will publish it to help other travelers. To get out of this, we plan to print a note explaining the matter (in Greek naturally) and being clear from minute one.
Thank you Andrea,
Hello Francisco Javier
Beautiful tour, you are going to have a great time!
In Lefkada I can recommend the following taverns:
– Seaside Restaurant, it is more of a restaurant than a tavern, but it is nice, medium-priced, with a varied menu and very good seafood.
– Taverna Giorgalakis, a typical cheap traditional Greek tavern with delicious homemade food.
– Batzanakias Taverna a very unique tavern with its own farm where they produce much of what they serve, the moussaka is finger-licking good.
Then for dessert you can't miss To Loukoumadaki, they are one of the best loukoumades I have ever eaten, they are not suitable for celiacs but they have ice cream.
As for accommodation, it is more difficult to recommend, that depends on each person's preferences and budget.
Being a family you will find houses and apartments at a good price to be comfortable, like these ones in Booking link.
Then in Athens there are many good and cheap taverns, I leave you some that are between Monastiraki and Omonia, you will have them close to the tourist places:
– Tavern Klimataria is a classic, one of the best, with delicious, medium-priced dishes
– Iporto a very peculiar, cheap tavern, some of its specialties are sardines and chickpea stew.
– Karamanlídika of medium price and with simply delicious cuisine.
You also have to try some bougatsa at Bougatsadiko Psirri, which are the house specialty.
I don't know if you still need accommodation in Athens, the place I can recommend is east of Monastiraki, is where I usually stay when I go, because it is close to everything and is very well priced.
Although I don't know how the larger studios are in terms of comfort for a family.
I hope you find places so that your daughter can also enjoy Greek gastronomy, I know it can be complicated, I have a close relative with celiac disease.
Have a lot of fun family!
Good morning Andrea,
Thank you very much for the information! We will try to try everything you recommend and we will take care to explain ourselves and try to ensure that they take the greatest precautions in the kitchen, for the good of our daughter (Andrea).
We already have accommodation in Athens, Kalambaka (Meteora) and Lefkada. Regarding this matter, we only need to decide the two intermediate nights between the island and Athens; The intention would be to stay near Olympia and Nafplion.
We also have to make a reservation for a car that will allow us to make the trip, and see if there is an agency that allows us to pick up the vehicle in Athens (center), and return it to the airport (in order to have it until our return, avoiding having to take a taxi to the airport).
And nothing more for now; This is our approach and it is taking shape at a forced pace…
Thanks again and a hug
Yes, hahaha, you have everything right!
Have a good trip!
Good morning Andrea,
Yesterday I hired the car rental (with free cancellation up to 48 hours before), so we have a few details left to finalize the organization of the trip. But I have to ask you one last thing (I hope) about Lefkada. In principle we have reserved a house in the city of Lefkada itself, but we do not know if we have done correctly. The island is not very big, but we don't want to be on the road all day.
Thank you
Hello Francisco Javier
Well, that depends on what you want to see in Lefkada.
Many people stay in the city.
I prefer to stay closer to beaches, hiking areas and to take boat tours.
I like Nidri or Vasiliki better.
Thank you so much. We will study options.
Very kind as always, Andrea.
Good afternoon Andrea,
I find the selection you have made super interesting. My name is Maria and I was planning to travel as a couple at the beginning of June of this year, the only thing I am going with is a crutch because I have a disability. That's why I wanted to ask you if, of the entire selection, which one do you think would have the beaches with the best access? Thank you so much
Hello Maria
Well, the truth is I couldn't tell you.
I'm not the most suitable person either, I tend to go around and take many paths that are not exactly accessible.
I think it would be better to look for information on specific websites about accessible travel.
Luck!
Hello Andrea! How are you? I read everything and found all the information to be super complete.
Let me tell you, I am traveling in August with my boyfriend (high season, I know) and I would like to know what you recommend, according to what I read, staying in Milos is quite convenient, especially for the time of year I am going. If I stay in Milos, will I be able to go on my own to Santorini, Mykonos, Paros and Naxos on the day? Are there ferries until late to return? As you can see, the idea is to move around to discover one day on each island. What do you recommend? We are going for 8 days of which we want to do 2 in Athens.
Thank you very much in advance for all the information provided.
Greetings!
Hello María Marta!
I'm glad the information is useful to you. You are going to love Greece and the islands are beautiful. 😍
Regarding your questions, on the Greek islands, basing yourself on one island and going to visit other islands for the day is very little done and there are several issues that make it not work very well.
1. Ferries between some islands are not cheap. It will be cheaper for them to spend the night on the islands they want to see than to go and return in the day.
2. The boats are not as frequent as you might imagine, even in high season. Depending on the boat schedules, there may be only a few hours left to visit.
3. You have to be at the port 1 hour before the ship leaves.
4. Public transportation on the islands is not that frequent, if you want to visit many places in a few hours you will have to rent a car or take a taxi.
5. It's a bummer, they're going to spend more time on ferries and transport than visiting.
6. All of these islands that you want to visit have enough beautiful and interesting places to spend at least 3 days there.
With 6 days to see the islands, my recommendation is that you visit a maximum of 2 islands, maybe 3, so you will have time to enjoy and get to know each of those islands better.
In case you would like to continue with the plan of visiting the 5 islands, do not base yourself in Milos, but rather move around and spend the night there, this way you will have at least 24 hours on each one.
To organize the tour and make a decision, the first thing you should do is look at the ferry schedules and prices. This way you can compare with hotel prices and you will also better understand what I have told you before. This ferry finder What I recommend in the article is great, it shows you all the options and you can book all the boats right there.
If you have any questions, tell me. 😉
Good vacations!