Complete guide to saving money without giving up the magic of the Aegean

Greece is not only luxury, resorts and postcard sunsets, it is a universe of islands, flavours and landscapes that if you know the right trick can turn into a beautiful and affordable holiday without spending a fortune. For 2026, with the general rise in prices and an ever-growing demand for tourism, organising a low-cost trip requires a bit of strategy: but nothing complicated. You just need to know when to book, which islands to choose, which means of transport to avoid and where to find the real hidden gems.

In this guide, you will find some advice on how to save money and a list of the 5 cheapest Greek islands of 2026, with practical suggestions for an unforgettable holiday.

How to really save money in a Low Cost Greece 2026

1. Saving on ferries

Ferries are one of the biggest expenses in the Greek islands, but with a few tricks you can save between 20% and 50%.

Practical tips

• Book well in advance (8–12 weeks): Greek ferry companies increase prices as the date approaches.
• Choose slow ferries: they cost up to 40% less and the journey becomes part of the adventure.
• Depart from the nearest possible port: Lavrio and Rafina are often cheaper than Piraeus.
• Avoid travelling between islands that are very far from each other: island-hopping yes, but choose compact archipelagos.
• Use available discounts: international students, families, groups, car + ferry.

2. Saving on flights

The best way to save is to avoid the classic super-requested airports (Santorini, Mykonos, Heraklion) and aim for smaller hubs.

Practical tips

• Book in January or early March: these are the periods with the lowest fares.
• Fly to Athens or Thessaloniki and continue by ferry: you often pay half the price.
• Use the “fly close” technique: for example, instead of Paros, fly to Naxos or Mykonos and continue by ferry—they cost less (even if internal transfers are always quite expensive in any case).
• Never depart on a Saturday: prices rise by over 30%.
• Smart luggage: one carry-on bag saves money both with low-cost airlines and national ones (see article on how to prepare the perfect carry-on bag).

3. Saving on accommodation

The secret is not choosing unattractive areas, but simply staying just outside the centre or outside the most famous areas.

Practical tips

• Avoid the most famous villages: move 2–3 km away and you will save up to 50%.
• Book between December and February: this is when hosts load the lowest rates of the year.
• Look for properties not on Booking but rely on professionals, they always have lower rates and more flexible payment options.
• Long stays = big discounts: many islands apply reductions of 15% and up for 7+ nights.

4. Saving on beaches and food

Two factors that can make your budget rise without realising it.

How to save on beaches

• Avoid beach clubs: sunbeds cost up to 40–60 € per day on the most touristy islands.
• Look for free beaches with natural shade (tamarisk trees, caves, cliffs).
• Buy a 10 € umbrella in local shops and use it for the whole holiday.

How to save on food

• Family-run tavernas in inland villages: bigger portions and lower prices.
• Pita gyros, souvlaki, homemade moussaka: delicious and low cost.
• Avoid seaside restaurants in famous centres.
• Local products from supermarkets or bakeries for cheap breakfasts.
• Menu of the day: they still exist, just ask for them.

To complete this guide on how to enjoy a holiday in Greece without spending a fortune, here are some ideas for the cheapest islands small paradises waiting to be discovered without giving up beauty or the atmosphere of this wonderful land.

1 CHIOS authentic, affordable and perfect for those who love sea and tradition

Chios is one of the most convenient islands in Greece: large, authentic, non-touristy and with very low prices for accommodation, food and rentals. Ideal for those who want an affordable holiday without giving up crystal-clear waters and unique villages.

How to save in Chios

FERRIES: affordable connections from Piraeus and very convenient routes from Cesme (Turkey). Blue Star remains the most low cost even in summer.

FLIGHTS: domestic Athens–Chios flights are among the cheapest of 2026 (40–90 €), no Cycladic-style price surges; also perfect with a stopover in Athens or Thessaloniki.

ACCOMMODATION: Karfas, Kambos, Agia Ermioni and the medieval villages are the areas with the best prices.

BEACHES: almost all free, wide and natural: Mavra Volia, Komi, Agia Dynami and Vroulidia—zero costs for sunbeds.

FOOD: traditional tavernas with huge portions. Typical masticha products are unmissable.

Bonus: medieval villages such as Pyrgi and Mesta, unique in Greece and completely free to visit.

2 KOS endless beaches

Kos is one of the most economically accessible islands thanks to its large range of options.

How to save in Kos

• FERRIES: ideal if combined with Rhodes or Nisyros, short and cheap routes.
• FLIGHTS: one of the most well-served airports in 2026 (Ryanair, EasyJet – Aegean – Wizz Air).
• ACCOMMODATION: Tigaki, Marmari, Lampi and Psalidi have excellent prices even in August.
• BEACHES: very wide, free and sandy—zero expensive sunbeds (you’re looking at 10 to 20 € for two sunbeds and one umbrella at most).
• FOOD: huge portions in local tavernas, medium prices.

Bonus: natural hot springs at Therma Beach, free.

3 SAMOS nature, trekking and sea

Samos is very underrated and this makes it one of the cheapest islands in Greece.

How to save in Samos

• FERRIES: perfect if arriving from Athens or Turkey (low prices).
• FLIGHTS: cheap domestic flights from Athens.
• ACCOMMODATION: Kokkari, Pythagorion and Vathy have guesthouses with extraordinary prices.
• BEACHES: many free and wild beaches.
• FOOD: genuine local cuisine and very low prices.

Extra: Samos wine is inexpensive and excellent.

4 TINOS the affordable and authentic Cycladic alternative

Tinos is often ignored by international tourists but loved by Greeks: this makes it genuine, affordable and with stable prices.

How to save in Tinos

Ferries

• Very cheap routes from Piraeus (especially with Blue Star).
• Possibility to arrive from Rafina, often more convenient than Piraeus.
• Frequent connections with Andros and Mykonos (but without Mykonos-level prices).

Flights

Tinos has no airport, so you save money:

• fly to Mykonos with low-cost airlines → ferry to Tinos for only 20–25 €.
• or fly to Athens and ferry directly.

Accommodation

• The areas of Agios Sostis, Kiona, Agios Ioannis are much cheaper than the central villages.
• Family-run guesthouses offer clean and authentic rooms at incredible prices even in high season.

Beaches

• Almost all free and vast.
• Beautiful beaches like Kolymbithra, Agios Fokas, Agios Romanos without expensive beach clubs.
• Natural shade in many coves—no need for sunbeds.

Food

• Tinos is famous for its local gastronomy: excellent food at medium-low prices.
• Tavernas in inland villages (Pyrgos, Kardiani, Isternia, Volax) are very affordable.

Good to know

• Traditional villages unique in the Cyclades.
• Excellent for free trekking: incredible views.
• Perfect for those seeking real Greece, beautiful sea and tranquillity.

5 LEMNOS an authentic and affordable Greece

Island of the north Aegean, large, quiet and very affordable.

How to save in Lemnos

• FERRIES: from Kavala or Lavrio at very low prices.
• FLIGHTS: Lemnos airport is one of the cheapest of 2026.
• ACCOMMODATION: Myrina and Plati offer excellent low-cost options.
• BEACHES: huge, free, wild (zero expensive sunbeds).
• FOOD: local restaurants and local products (cheese, honey, wine) at low prices.

Extra: perfect for those who love nature, silence and sea without crowds.

Travelling in Greece in 2026 without spending a fortune is possible: you just need to choose the right islands and follow a few small tricks.

Real low cost Greece is made of:
✔ free beaches
✔ authentic tavernas
✔ slow and affordable ferries
✔ family-run guesthouses
✔ lesser-known but more authentic islands

What are you waiting for? Write to info@meraviglioseisolegreche.com and we will prepare the best itinerary for you at the best prices.