A Guide to Cheap Holidays in Greece

Getting to and around Greece cheaply

Greece and its islands are well served by cheap charter and scheduled flights. During the summer months many operators run daily flights. If you are going on a package, transfers will generally be pre-arranged.

Alternatively, there are cheap local bus services on the mainland and on larger islands such as Crete, Rhodes and Kefalonia, although these aren't always entirely reliable.

Beaches in Greece

There is a veritable plethora of beautiful sandy beaches for holiday goers in Greece, and it's virtually impossible to single one out as having better beaches than another.

On the mainland Halkadiki is a firm favourite, while islands like Rhodes, Kos, Corfu and Crete all have numerous popular beaches. Many of the most popular resorts are spread around these islands and places such as Faliraki, Lindos, Kos Town, Kavos, Gouvia, Ipsos and Malia can be noisy and crowded in peak months. Most beaches are lined with cheap restaurants and cafes where you can sit and watch the sun set with some of the delicious local cuisine.

Low-cost sightseeing in Greece

When visiting Greece there is a lot to see, the history of this beautiful holiday destination is rich and there are many sights worth a visit. If it's history and archaeology you're after, head to Athens, and drink in the magnificent ancient Acropolis, Parthenon and National Archaeological Museum.
Crete's Royal Palace of Knossos was discovered 100 years ago and gives visitors a fascinating insight into life in 2000 BC. Other Minoan sites on Crete include Phaestos, Malia, Gournia and Agia Triada.

Don't miss the mainland's surprisingly verdant and mountainous interior, where you'll find the ancient Oracle of Delphi, the rock pillar monasteries of Meteora and the lush hilltop villages of the Pelion Peninsula. These are all worth a visit and can be accessed at cheap prices making it an ideal day out on your trip in Greece.

Eating cheaply on Holiday in Greece

Tavernas serving the best cheap seafood and local specialties are popular eating places with locals, but they are more than happy to welcome more adventurous Brits looking to experience traditional Greek dishes such as lamb pilaf, stewed rabbit and sweet ricotta pies. Other tasters include souvlaki (kebabs) and mezedes, the Greek version of tapas, which includes taramasalata, tzatziki and spanakopita (spinach pie).

Traditional resorts for this kind of nightlife include Kavos and Ipsos, as well as Roda, Gouvia and Dassia. On Kos, Kardamena is the place for all-night action, while Kos Town comes alive at night, with hundreds of clubs and pubs to choose from around the Main Square.

Cheap Shopping in Greece

Greece isn't the place to come if shopping is one of your main pastimes. Yes, you'll find some delightful cheap local handicrafts such as leather goods, pottery, jewelry and woven bags, but it's not like Spain, where high-street stores like Zara and Mango are great for bargains.

Mykonos is probably the exception, and the trendy designer boutiques boast cutting-edge fashions without the bargain element. Gourmets can stock up on good-quality, fair-priced olive oils and there are also nice natural soaps and sponges on offer.

<< Back to Greece Holiday Guide