10 Cheapest Islands In Greece To Visit On A Budget

Greece is famous for its amazing islands but to explore them does not mean paying huge amounts of money. There are many Greek islands that offer you an incredible experience for budget-friendly travels from crystal clear water to charming villages. Whether you are looking for beautiful beaches, historic ruins or vibrant nightlife, there are various affordable options to suit your taste.

Some islands like Naxos, Paros, and Syros stand out for their perfect blend of beauty and affordability. It provides you stunning landscapes, local cuisines, and cozy accommodations in the half price of more popular destinations. Let’s explore the magic of Greece islands without going out of your budget.

1. Evia

Evia, Greece’s second largest island, is a great place to go on a low-budget vacation. Despite being an island, the Euripus Strait, barely 40 meters wide at its narrowest point, divides Evia from the Greek mainland. Evia is, therefore, a great place for a day trip because it is connected to the mainland by two bridges.

Greeks mainly visit Evia, and it is largely unknown to foreign visitors due to its proximity to mainland Greece. If you decide to remain for a few days, the cost of accommodations will vary because there are a lot of various types of lodging and locations to stay on the island.

2. Crete

Despite its popularity, the largest Greek island, Crete, may surprise you by being reasonably priced. It all comes down to knowing where to search. With a wide range of hostel and low-cost hotel alternatives, particularly in towns like Chania and Rethymno, Crete is a masterclass in budget travel.

The island is a foodie’s paradise for those on a modest budget. Delicious Cretan dishes are affordable and served by neighborhood tavernas and street food sellers. Not to mention the number of free or inexpensive attractions, such as amazing beaches, attractive climbs, and ancient landmarks like the Palace of Knossos.

3. Kythira

Kythira, the home of Aphrodite, is still one of Greece’s best-kept secrets for a peaceful escape and is also one of the most affordable Greek islands to visit! Kythira is situated in the southern Peloponnese and is rather remote from Greece’s popular tourist destinations.

This island has no indications of mass tourism, making it the ideal Greek retreat for individuals who value privacy and the natural world. The most well-liked activity in Kythira is hiking around the island and seeing the many deserted towns, stunning chapels, and small, remote beaches.

4. Chios

Chios is a calm island near the Turkish coast that is ideal for an inexpensive vacation. Chios has stayed relatively unexplored by mainstream tourism since it lacks huge resorts despite being the fifth-largest Greek island.

Chios, sometimes known as “the Mastic Island,” is well-known for its mastic gum exports. The odd mastic flavour is utilized in various desserts, but it is most famous in Mastiha, a Chios digestive drink.

The famous mastic trees, from which the mastic gum is said to “weep,” can be seen if you hike along the south side of Chios. The island is also well-known for its stunning settlements, such as Pyrgi and Olympia, if you would prefer to spend your time drinking Mastiha than climbing.

5. Rhodes

Rhodes, the Dodecanese’s largest island, is a well-liked tourist destination. Given its size and popularity, Rhodes has a wide range of lodging alternatives to suit any budget. You can find the ideal low-cost place to stay with big resorts and modest homestays.

For those who enjoy history, Rhodes, sometimes known as “the Knights Island,” offers a wealth of sights and activities. With its stunning beaches, lively towns, and magnificent medieval architecture, there is never a lack of things to do.

The Old Town is one of the nicest places on the island. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where tourists may see the Palace of the Grand Master, the Street of the Knights, and the Venetian Castle. These websites will take you back to a time when people were wealthy and had a dramatic past of the island.

6. Nisyros

Nisyros, one of the lesser-known islands in the Dodecanese, provides travellers with an untouched, urban escape and a wide range of affordable housing choices. Nisyros is the ideal low-cost option because it has a volcanic scenery that is comparable to Santorini. Despite its modest size, the island offers a lot of sights and activities.

Mandraki, the island’s capital, is replete with historic whitewashed buildings and winding streets lined with cafes, shops, and tavernas. Numerous small, traditional fishing villages may be found there as well, such as Pali, which has an old thermal bath, and Nikia. Visiting the island’s active volcano and standing on the hot sulfur grounds is unquestionably one of the nicest things to do there.

Due to the lack of an airport, the island can only be reached by ferry from other islands or Piraeus. But because Nisyros is so close to Kos, taking a plane to Kos Airport and a ferry to the island’s Mandraki port is a simple method to get there.

7.  Lesvos

The island of Lesvos, which is on the Turkish shore, is well-known for its amazing olive oil, amazing affordable food, and Petrified Forest. The third-largest island in Greece is the least expensive Greek island to visit for that liquid gold, and it prospers from its olive oil business rather than just tourists.

The island is renowned for its mouthwatering indigenous cuisine and its abundance of “liquid gold.” Travelling to all of the old villages and tasting the tavernas and the regional liqueur, ouzo, is one of the nicest things to do in Lesvos.

Lesvos is home to several breathtaking natural features, such as gorgeous beaches and hot springs. There are many historic Byzantine monuments to see because of its rich history, such as the monasteries of Taxiarchis and Agios Raphael, the Acropolis of historic Pyrra, and the castles of Molyvos, Sigri, and Mytilene.

With regular local and international flights landing at Mytilene (Lesvos) Airport, getting to Lesvos is simple. There are also several boats from nearby islands, including Syros, Mykonos, Ikaria, and Chios, and there is a lengthy 12-hour ferry from Piraeus Port in Athens.

8. Astypalea

Astypalea, one of the most stunning islands in the Dodecanese, has avoided mass tourism and is still a budget destination. Your friends will be jealous of the low-cost Greek island vacations you go there. With all the charm and none of the crowds, Astypalea is the ideal island getaway, with its gorgeous whitewashed villages, breathtaking blue waters, and fascinating history.

With its meandering streets and numerous exquisite churches, Chora’s main town blends Dodecanese and Cyclades architectural traditions. The Venetian Castle, located above the village, is a fantastic location for touring and discovering some of the island’s past. The island’s famous windmills are located close to the castle, making them the ideal spot to enjoy the scenery and perhaps even a coffee or sunset cocktail.

The airport at Astypalea is open at the busiest time of year and is reachable by domestic flight from Athens. If not, a nine-hour ferry from Piraeus Port or other islands like Paros, Naxos, or Rhodes can take you to the island.

 9. Folegandros

Folegandros, a lesser-known island island island in the Cyclades, is ideal for those who wish to enjoy the classic Greek island atmosphere without the crowds or expensive prices. Imagine it as a more affordable Santorini with a unique charm of its own.

Given its tiny size, you can easily tour the island without hiring a car—all you need are comfy shoes! Budget-friendly lodging is available here, ranging from simple rooms to quaint family-run motels.

Finally, let’s not overlook the cuisine: Folegandros serves delicious, authentic, and affordable Greek meals. Folegandros offers a tranquil Greek island experience for a fraction of the cost, whether you’re exploring its charming villages or relaxing by the Aegean Sea.

10. Kimolos

Your first choice for an affordable Greek vacation is the island of Kimolos, a hidden treasure in the Cyclades. It’s like entering a more tranquil and relaxed era away from the bustle of its more well-known neighbours.

Kimolos’ genuineness is what makes it a great destination for low-budget tourists. Instead of opulent resorts, you’ll find quaint, reasonably priced guesthouses and bed and breakfasts that provide a cozy, intimate setting. Going out to eat? No issue! Delicious Greek food is served at affordable costs at the neighborhood tavernas.

What about the beaches? Naturally, they are free, and there are many isolated areas to enjoy the sun without seeing any people. The main goal of Kimolos is to savor the small joys of Greek island life sans the huge price.

Conclusion

Visiting Greece’s famous islands does not required to be expensive. There are various budget-friendly destinations like Naxos, Paro, and Syros that offer stunning beaches, rich history and authentic Greek experiences with spending much. These islands are the perfect blend for travellers seeking affordable accommodations, local cuisine and unforgettable adventure. Discover the beauty and culture of these incredible islands while keeping your budget intact.