Greece Budget Travel

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Cheap Accommodation in Greece

Blue and white backpack cartoon - we use this as our budget symbol here at We Love Crete

Greece Budget Travel - it is still possible to travel in Greece very cheaply.

Here we show you some of the good budget accommodation in some beautiful parts of Greece.

On many of our accommodation pages, all over our site, you will find this blue and white backpack symbol as the budget symbol, showing really good value and low prices.

Greek Island Accommodation

Greek Island Guides

Budget Tips

Tips for travelling on a budget in Greece:

Take the local buses instead of renting a car
Take ferries instead of flying
Stay in small pensions or 'rooms for rent' known as domatia
Bargain for the price with locals - politely - of course
Travel in off season - in spring or autumn
Go camping or stay in self-catering accommodation
Stay in small villages rather than large towns
Ask the locals for tips everywhere you go
Local museums and archaeological sites do not have high entrance fees, buy combined tickets where you can
Take free walks with locals in Athens

Our Picks

In Athens, stay at Kimon Hotel in Plaka, nice and central, just at the base of the Acropolis and just down from the Acropoli Metro station, and literally around the corner from the Acropolis Museum. From Athens Airport change at Syntagma and it is the first stop.

In Syros, stay at Hotel Aegli just a couple of streets back from the harbour in Ermoupolis, with a lovely view and central location. This feels like a boutique hotel but without the price tag. Beautifully restored neoclassical architecture on the charming streets of Ermoupolis. Very handy to everything and no problems leaving your bag there until you catch the ferry.

In Mykonos, stay close to everything in Matina Hotel, with a lovely a garden in a small family-run hotel, one of the cheapest you will find in Mykonos town. Close to everything especially Little Venice and the windmills and seaside cafes and restaurants.

In Santorini, avoid the crowds and stay in budget comfort at Villa Elkaza, which is an offbeat little place away from the edge and the hustle bustle, wonderfully stylish with friendly service. Saving in Santorini! Unheard of!

In Rhodes, stay within the walls of the Old Town but still find budget accommodation at Mango Rooms which are on a beautiful old square or plateia with lovely atmosphere and central location.

Budget Accommodation Crete

In Chania, stay at the P ension Eva in the old town, for plenty of atmosphere at an affordable price. There is a good rooftop balcony for relaxing, it is right in the middle of the old town surrounded by stylish streets and close to the harbour, yet has a budget price tag.

In Rethymnon, the character of the town is in the old zone. A budget option within this beautiful section of town is the Afroditi Hotel, surrounded by narrow laneways and Venetian architecture, you are just a hop skip and jump from stylish cafes and tavernas.

Heraklion has a budget option in the good, safe and central Mirabello Hotel. Close to everything, including El Greco Park, Liondaria Fountain and the pedestrian shopping streets.

In Agios Nikolaos stay at the cheap, good Pergola Hotel close to the harbour and lake. The owner even picked up us from the bus station and dropped us off to catch the ferry!

Greece Budget Travel - in western Crete stay on the beautiful Bay of Kissamos at Camping Nopigia. This accommodation sits directly on the beach 5 km from Kissamos town where there are lots of services - buses, supermarkets, tavernas and cafes - and beautiful beaches. The view over the picturesque Bay of Kissamou is expansive and this location puts you close to Balos Lagoon as well as Falasarna Beach.

This camping ground is in a non-commercialised setting just 45 minutes on the bus from Chania town. It has its own pool and kids pool, and tents for rent, a little convenience store and taverna, as well as a camp kitchen so you can self-cater. Open from May to September only, it is a 15 minute walk to the bus stop.

in the central west of Crete, stay at Camping Elizabeth with budget rates yet in a fantastic location; close to everything.

Just 4 km from Rethymnon Old Town, walk along Rethymnon Beach or through Perivoli to get to town which has everything you need to self-cater. Spend days exploring the twisted, narrow streets of Rethymnon and absorbing the history and café culture.Explore the Rethymnon region on local buses.

Fly into Chania Airport CHQ. From the airport get the intercity bus to Rethymnon, then get the local bus and ask the driver to let you out at 'Camping Elizabeth' or the take the taxi from the bus station which costs around 8 Euros.

Walking in Greece

Greece Budget Travel - take a 2 or 3 hour walking tour of the historic centre of Athens including the Acropolis.So much to see, with multiple outfits running free tours hosted by knowledgeable and passionate locals.

Group of trekkers with The Happy Walker in the hills outside Rethymnon

The Happy Walker have a range of affordable walks around Rethymnon, in central Crete. Cheap prices for daily walks without all the touristic hullabaloo, just good walking experiences with knowledgeable walkers. These routes are off the beaten track and offer a real insight into the local countryside.

Books About Greece

Greece Budget Travel - do your homework with history and guidebooks and you will save yourself money, and no doubt enjoy your holiday much more, a little bit of local knowledge goes a long way.

Our e-books about Crete.

Greece Budget Travel

Check out our pages about travel in Greece, on her beautiful islands and tips for a great stay in Athens. Lookout for Greece budget travel tips on most of our accommodation pages.

Athens Guide - tips on how to enjoy Athens and budget accommodation.

Hydra Island - tips for visiting this magical island.

Santorini - ferries, flights and more. How to enjoy a visit to Santorini from Crete.

Mykonos - home of bright light, sandy beaches and beautiful white-washed streets, this beautiful island in the Cyclades is full of surprises.

Rhodes - how to get to this island in the Dodecanese, and exploring the island.

Skopelos island is where Mamma Mia the movie was filmed

Skopelos - how to get to this green forested island, accommodation and Mamma Mia! movie locations and Greece budget travel.

Kythera island - how to get there and tips for accommodation and exploring the island

Getting to Crete

Take a 1 hour flight from Athens to Heraklion with Aegean Airlines or Olympic Air, with many flights available per day.

Or take a 9.5 hour overnight ferry from Pireaus port of Athens to Heraklion port.