Greece Travel Guide
Greece is the birthplace where Western civilization emerged and where you'll find stunning beaches. You can soak in the sun, enjoy yourself for many nights, or just explore the ancient ruins. However, all of such activities can cost you. Though sites such as Mykanos and Santorini could be expensive, it is still possible to experience the best of Greece and not burn through all your savings. Pack up your favorite sandals and camera and start reviewing the top tips I have provided in my Greece travel guide for going to Greece on a tight budget.
When to Go. Similar to many locations in Europe, the shoulder season is the ideal time for visiting. Going to Greece from May to June, or from September to October, you shall yet enjoy fair weather, less crowds, and even better prices. But the months July and August are actually peak season and most rates are out of control. Plus, the summer heat itself and the endless unceasing crowds could become almost frustratingly difficult to bear at times. If you like attaining an idea of the culture as well as mixing with locals, know that summer is not the perfect time for touring. You might have to plan ahead and to figure out which is exactly the best time to go to Greece.
Where to Stay. Though most first order nations can be pricey, in Greece you'll find reasonable rates in larger cities. Get the cheapest accommodations staying in either Thessaloniki or Athens. But if you choose to stay in a hostel dorm room, then you could grab a spot for less than $20 per night. In fact, picking hostel option over a hotel room is a great way for saving hundreds of dollars, adding up quickly to significant savings towards the end of your trip.
Transportation. In fact, Greece provides a few ways for getting around. Both bus and train services you'll find are quite cheap and very convenient for traveling short distances. For much longer journeys, airfare is shockingly cost-effective. Instead of enduring a weary and five-hour long bus trip without air condition, for instance, you may want to catch an hour flight for under $50 and cut down on your time. Consider taking advantage of a website such as Skyscanner to make moving around Greece far less expensive. Search for airlines such as RyanAir, Aegean, and Olympic. You could take a flight starting from Athens to beautiful Greek islands in only one hour.
Ferries, on the other hand, could consume up to 10 hours! But, once you arrive at a Greek island, a ferry can be a great option. Ferries normally operate most of the time and you could buy a cheap standard ticket because cabins are not required for short trips. If you choose to take a much longer ride on the seas, opt for the overnight ferry option such as the routes which Blue Star Ferries takes. Why? They cost half the price of a fast ferry, plus it is more comfortable.
Street Travel. For shorter trips, there are a few apps to use. Uber should be your first choice on this app list. For most of Greece, consider using Beat that provides a list of reviewed drivers. Taxi services are affordable in Greece and the rates will be similar to cabs that you'll run into on the street. If you are sticking around to any place for some time, a moped is an excellent option. It's fast, affordable, and the choice many locals get around.
Which Islands. For a few good reasons, it is recommended to step off the usual path. Why? Tourists traps are everywhere and a quick manner for increasing your costs rather rapidly. By checking out least popular destinations, you could end up reducing up to 30% of the total cost. Oia in Santorini offers it all, including a special view of turquoise seas. But it is more of a nice honeymoon site than a budget-friendly destination. Mykonos is no doubt the ideal party beach location. Skip this destination to save cash. Better yet, check out fantastic places such as Milos and Corfu, for they are more affordable Greek islands.
Cheap Eats. Greece offers great tasting food options. As usual, you can experience enticing best grub with street food. Each corner you will surely often find souvlaki and gyro being sold rather cheaply. "Gyro" actually means meat which has been prepared on a vertical rotisserie. Generally, it will be either pork or chicken covered in pita together with fries, onions, and tomatoes. Souvlaki is skewered meat containing some vegetables. Either treat is quite cheap.
