Budget Holiday in Greece - How Much Does a Week Cost in 2026?
Can you have a holiday in Greece without spending a fortune? Yes! Guide to costs and budget-friendly destinations.
letovanje-grcka.com Editorial2 min read
Greece has a reputation for being expensive - and in some places (Santorini, Mykonos) that reputation is fully deserved. But Greece is also a huge and varied country with destinations where a family of four can have an excellent week-long holiday for a reasonable budget. This guide separates the myths from reality and shows you how to plan a budget-conscious Greek holiday in 2026.
Which Destinations Are Budget-Friendly?
| Destination | Budget Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Halkidiki | ★★☆☆☆ (budget) | Drive there (no flights), wide range of studios and apartments |
| Thassos | ★★☆☆☆ (budget) | Short ferry crossing, good value accommodation |
| Kavala Riviera | ★☆☆☆☆ (very budget) | Mainland Greece, drive there, cheapest accommodation |
| Crete | ★★★☆☆ (mid-range) | Can be budget if you avoid peak season and luxury resorts |
| Rhodes | ★★★☆☆ (mid-range) | More affordable than Cyclades; direct flights |
| Santorini | ★★★★★ (expensive) | One of the most expensive destinations in Europe |
| Mykonos | ★★★★★ (very expensive) | Extremely high prices in season |
Typical Costs in 2026
Accommodation
- Budget studio/apartment (2 people) - €35–€60/night (Halkidiki, Thassos, Kavala region)
- Mid-range apartment - €60–€120/night
- 3-star hotel (half board) - €80–€150/night for two
- Santorini caldera-view room - €300–€800+/night
Food
- Gyros pita (takeaway) - €2.50–€4
- Taverna meal (per person, without drinks) - €10–€18 in non-resort areas; €18–€30 in resort areas
- Coffee (frappe / espresso) - €2–€4
- Supermarket shopping - comparable to Western Europe; fruit and vegetables are cheaper
Transport
- Petrol in Greece - approx. €1.75–€1.90/litre (diesel slightly less)
- Car rental (small car) - €35–€70/day depending on season
- Ferry ticket (person) - €5–€15 depending on route
- Toll roads to Greece (round trip from Belgrade) - approx. €45–€60
Money-Saving Tips
- Travel in June or September - weather is still excellent, prices are 20–40% lower than July–August
- Cook in your accommodation - apartments with kitchens save significantly on food costs
- Eat away from the waterfront - restaurants 2 streets back from the sea are typically 30% cheaper
- Drive instead of fly - for Halkidiki and Thassos, driving is cheaper than charter flights for 2+ people
- Book accommodation early - the best-value apartments sell out months before peak season
- Visit archaeological sites early in the morning - before the tour groups arrive, and you avoid the worst heat
Sample Weekly Budget for a Family of 4
| Expense | Budget (Halkidiki) | Mid-range (Crete) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (7 nights) | €350–€500 | €700–€1,200 |
| Food (mix of cooking + eating out) | €300–€450 | €500–€800 |
| Transport (petrol/ferry/car rental) | €200–€300 | €300–€500 |
| Activities and entrance fees | €100–€200 | €200–€400 |
| Total | €950–€1,450 | €1,700–€2,900 |
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