There’s no doubt that Greece is one of the most popular summer vacation destinations and one of the most beautiful and complete places in the world.
Choosing where to bask in the warm sunlight or cool off in the clear, blue waters can be a challenge, as there are so many islands and coastal spots that picking the best one is a truly daunting task.
Let’s start by saying that Greece is not what it was 30 years ago when you could just buy a ticket and be greeted by friendly, slightly disheveled ladies dressed in black, offering you a room at an almost negligible price. In recent years, Greece has aligned itself with the prices of other well-known destinations, as the cost of living has also increased here.
Many who come to Greece still expect third-world prices, and honestly, we can’t understand why. Everyone has evolved, everyone has changed. If only Greece could still offer quality at low costs, but that’s not the case anymore. So, if you have this wonderful country in mind for your next vacation, be aware that everything has a price, just like anywhere else in the world.
However, there are still some small islands that have kept their prices reasonable. They may not be the most famous or the ones that invest in marketing to promote themselves. Instead, they prefer to stay under the radar to avoid losing their authentic charm and maintain that old-world movie atmosphere.
First of all, to save money, you need to choose a destination that might be off the beaten tourist path, which sometimes requires more effort just to reach. Another key factor is curiosity—exploring and discovering these places by following your instincts, rather than relying on the increasingly dull Facebook group pages where everyone seems to know everything just because they’ve been there. Of course, there are always some who write interesting and useful things, but most of the time, people just repeat what they’ve heard, which honestly ruins the spirit of adventure one should have to truly understand and feel Greece.
Let’s also say that less frequented islands are not necessarily less beautiful than the more famous ones. Believe us, there are small corners of paradise; you just need to look at them with the right eyes.
So, let’s see, by dividing them by archipelago, which islands might be less expensive than others—of course, with the understanding that you’ll need to adapt and not expect the impossible.
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NORTH-EASTERN AEGEAN
Loved especially by Greek or Nordic tourists, this area is still not overwhelmed by mass tourism but offers places with incredible history and nature. Lesbos is a prime example. Known only for migrant issues, it is actually a stunning island with high mountains, pine forests, olive groves, and fantastic waterfalls with miraculous thermal springs, all complemented by idyllic beaches and a sea with amazing colors. Gastronomically, Lesbos also excels as the homeland of the famous Ouzo, a producer of one of the best olive oils, and the delicious sardines of Kalloni, which even have a festival in August, featuring tons of fresh fish, along with traditional dances and songs passed down through generations. Then there’s Chios, home to the famous Mastika liqueur, known as a digestive throughout Greece, or Ikaria, where man first attempted to fly—an island of wild, lush vegetation and heart-stopping cliffs. Finally, there’s Thassos, just ten kilometers from mainland Greece, where you won’t find the classic white houses with blue windows or sun-scorched landscapes. Called the Emerald Island for its rich flora, it offers dreamlike beaches where you can relax and unwind. We end with a secret gem, the small island of Fourni, with its slow, quiet atmosphere where everyone knows each other and where you can find an almost surreal peace.
DODECANESE ARCHIPELAGO
Here we are in familiar territory, as our base is in Kos. It’s certainly not among the cheapest, but it’s undoubtedly beautiful and wild, where, if you search well, you can still find places where you don’t have to spend a fortune. Since we’ve lived here for 11 years, you can rely on us for anything. Without a doubt, Kalymnos is an island that still maintains a typical Greek atmosphere and has no desire to conform to its now very touristy sisters. It’s a haven for free climbers, with very wild beaches and an intensely blue sea, the island of sponge divers where you can taste the freshest fish in the archipelago. Lively but not too noisy, it’s a perfect destination to enjoy everything Greece has to offer without breaking the bank. A hidden gem of the Dodecanese is Kasos, between Karpathos and Crete, still brutally wild, unspoiled, and rural, with few modern amenities. Visitors need to be content with the basics, but in return, they’ll experience pure simplicity and nature in its original state—what more could you ask for?
SPORADES ARCHIPELAGO
A group of four islands, like the famous musketeers, brave and fearless, ready to challenge their better-known sisters. Let’s start with Skopelos, which you can only reach by getting to Skiathos and then taking a ferry. Covered with mountains of pine and enchanted forests, valleys rich with orchards and olive groves, jagged coasts with postcard-worthy coves, and beaches for all tastes, with a clean sea of changing colors. Without a doubt, the most famous spot is Agios Ioannis, where the wedding scenes of the now-cult film Mamma Mia were filmed. It’s a perfect island for trekking, with numerous trails that will let you discover this corner of the earth, with enchanted woods that reach down to the tranquil waters. And then there’s Skyros, the largest of the Sporades, where the mythical demigod Achilles hid. An island with a slightly closed population, proud of their origins and firmly rooted in their traditions. With a mild climate, nearly Cycladic architecture, a landscape divided in two, with charming bays protected by green forests, enchanting beaches, and fertile fields to the north, while the south is arid and sun-scorched, with rocky promontories and steep cliffs. Here, you can still find old tavernas where you can savor century-old recipes and delight your palate.
CYCLADES ARCHIPELAGO
The Cyclades are undoubtedly the most crowded, as they are famous worldwide and better marketed. Finding a budget-friendly Cycladic island is now like looking for a needle in a haystack; they are all highly exploited and always full, especially during the summer when most people can take vacations. Among the most famous, we can say that the least expensive is Naxos. Given its size, it offers numerous accommodation options as well as taverns and restaurants. The secret is to look outside the main towns; in less equipped areas, you can surely find something affordable, and what you save can be spent on transportation, allowing you to explore the island far and wide. Another idea could be Iraklia or Anafi, small islands with no frills but with pristine nature. The primary amenities are certainly there; the choice may be limited, but who cares if you’re enjoying yourself?
IONIAN ARCHIPELAGO
The Ionian Islands are closest to Italy and can easily be reached by sea. Everything here seems to cost less than in other archipelagos. The most affordable are Corfu, although it’s overrun by young people during the summer graduation trips, or Zakynthos, with its shimmering sea and long, immaculate sandy beaches, as well as places like the famous Blue Caves and unique, unparalleled masterpieces of Mother Nature. Then there’s Lefkada, “the Emerald of the Ionian,” as it’s known, with talcum-powder-like sands, turquoise waters that seem almost fake, and a landscape rich in greenery, high cliffs, pine forests, and steep drop-offs with idyllic views. If you want something smaller, head to Ithaca or Paxos, but prices there are already rising, though their extraordinary beauty will make it worth it.
SARONIC GULF
Little known to mass tourism but particularly loved by the Greeks (and they know their stuff), the Saronic Gulf offers small gems waiting to be discovered. Let’s start with the island of Aegina, famous for its unique pistachios and close to Athens, where ferries depart daily. A place rich in history, like the Temple of Aphaia from the Doric period, one of the best-preserved in Greece, or the Monastery of Agios Nektarios, similar to the famous Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. Its beaches are not among the most beautiful in Greece, but they offer tranquility and the chance to spend relaxing days under the warm Greek sun. Aegina is full of tavernas where you can enjoy an endless variety of Greek dishes, capable of satisfying even the most discerning palates. Next is Agistri, also reachable from Athens’ port. The smallest and most secretive island in the gulf, it’s found by those who are determined to find it. Covered in pine trees, it offers relaxation and an untouched landscape with beautiful pebble beaches. An island where you can eat delicious fish and where time flows slowly and lazily—this is the kind of vacation you can expect if you venture here.
THE PELOPONNESE
For some reason, when people think of Greece, they immediately imagine the islands, but nothing could be further from the truth. All of Greece is sun and sea, including the Peloponnese. There are incredible places here, with breathtaking beauty, an immense historical weight, and corners of pure bliss. One area we particularly like is
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