Is Greece Expensive? A Local Tour Operator’s Raw Take on Costs in 2023
After 15 years of guiding sunburnt tourists through Greece's ancient ruins and postcard-perfect islands, I've watched traveler concerns shift dramatically. These days, everyone's burning question isn't about hidden beaches or authentic tavernas – it's about their wallets. "Is Greece expensive?" they ask, brows furrowed over spreadsheets.
Let me cut through the noise and give you the unfiltered truth about what your Greek adventure will actually cost in 2023. This isn't theoretical – it's based on literally thousands of real travelers I've personally guided through every corner of this magnificent country.
The Real Deal: Is Greece Expensive Compared to Other European Hotspots?
Here's the good news: Greece remains one of Western Europe's more wallet-friendly destinations. Is Greece expensive compared to Switzerland or Norway? Heck no. Those places will bleed your bank account dry while Greece gives you breathing room.
The 2009 financial crisis left a strange silver lining for tourists – relatively modest prices paired with dramatically improved tourism infrastructure. But is Greece expensive if you don't plan carefully? Absolutely.
The price swing between high and low seasons is jaw-dropping. A July splurge in Mykonos versus a November getaway in Athens? We're talking a 70% difference for the exact same services. Is Greece expensive in summer? You bet it can be.
Where You'll Sleep: Is Greece Expensive for Accommodations?
Budget Sleeps (€30-70 nightly)
• Hostel beds in prime locations: €25-35
• Family-run guesthouses in less touristy spots: €45-70
• Local gem: Dioskouros Hostel in Athens, 10 minutes from the Acropolis, €30/night
Is Greece expensive for budget travelers? Not if you know where to look. I've sent hundreds of backpackers to clean, charming spots that won't destroy their savings.
Mid-Range Comfort (€80-150 nightly)
• 3-star hotels in Athens or family-run island hotels: €80-120 (high season)
• Same rooms during May, early June, September, October: €60-90
• Typically includes breakfast, A/C, often a balcony
Is Greece expensive for the average traveler seeking reasonable comfort? Middle-of-the-road by European standards, but the value is outstanding.
Luxury Digs (€200-1,000+ nightly)
• 5-star Athens hotel: starting around €200
• Santorini cave suites with caldera views: €500-1,000 during peak months
• Exclusive Mykonos villas with private pools: €2,000+ in July/August
• Celebrity hideaways: I've booked €5,000/night properties (same places drop 40-60% in shoulder season)
Is Greece expensive at the high end? Sweet mother of Zeus, yes. But even luxury travelers can find stunning deals by timing their visits right.
Filling Your Belly: Is Greece Expensive for Food?
Greek cuisine is ridiculously delicious, and the best part? Eating well here doesn't demand a fat wallet.
Street Food & Budget Eats (€15-25 daily)
• Gyro pita stuffed with meat, tzatziki, veggies, and fries: €3-4
• Cheese pie (tyropita) or spinach pie (spanakopita): €2-3
• Mix these with simple taverna meals and maybe self-catering breakfast
Is Greece expensive for food if you're pinching pennies? Not at all – it's one of Europe's best bargains for budget foodies.
Classic Taverna Experience (€25-40 per person)
• Greek salad (shared): €7-10
• Tzatziki with warm bread: €4-6
• Grilled souvlaki skewers: €8-12
• Moussaka: €9-13
• House wine (500ml carafe): €5-8
• Fresh fish: priced by weight (€55-70/kilo)
A couple can feast like Greek gods for €50-60 total. And here's my insider secret after thousands of meals with clients: the humble family tavernas often serve better food than fancy places charging triple.
Is Greece expensive for authentic local cuisine? It's surprisingly affordable considering the quality and portion sizes.
Fine Dining (€50-100+ per person)
• Creative modern Greek cuisine in sophisticated settings
• High-end Athens restaurants (Spondi, Varoulko): €50-100 per person with wine
• Santorini restaurants with caldera views: can exceed €150 per person
Is Greece expensive for gastronomic splurges? It can be, especially in tourist hotspots, but still cheaper than equivalent dining in Paris or Venice.
Getting Around: Is Greece Expensive for Transportation?
Flying In
Flight prices swing wildly by season:
• Summer flights from US cities to Athens: €700-1,200 round-trip
• Flights from European cities: €150-300 return
• Winter/shoulder season: often half these prices
Is Greece expensive to reach? From America, it's a significant expense. From elsewhere in Europe, it can be downright cheap.
Public Transit
• Athens Metro single ticket: €1.20 (90 minutes)
• 5-day Athens tourist ticket with airport transfer: €22
• Athens to Delphi bus: approximately €20 one-way
• KTEL intercity buses: €15-40 based on distance
Is Greece expensive for public transportation? Nope – it's remarkably affordable and efficient in most areas.
Island-Hopping Ferries
• Regular ferry Athens to Mykonos: €35-45
• High-speed option: €55-75
• Island-to-neighboring-island (Paros to Naxos): €8-20
• Athens to Santorini: €40-80 depending on speed
🔥 Pro tip from arranging countless island-hopping routes: Book a few weeks ahead in high season! Popular routes sell out, and the time difference matters – Athens to Santorini takes 8 hours on conventional ferries versus 5 hours on high-speed services.
Is Greece expensive for island exploration? Mid-range, but the time savings from faster ferries is often worth the extra euros.
Rental Wheels
• Economy car: €30-60 daily (higher in summer)
• Mid-size car: €50-90 daily
• Island scooter/motorbike: €20-30 daily
• Island ATV: €30-50 daily
Book vehicles well in advance for summer! Last-minute summer rentals – if available at all – come with eye-watering markups.
Is Greece expensive for independent exploration? Reasonable by European standards, but planning ahead saves substantial money.
Cultural Immersion: Is Greece Expensive for Activities?
Greece's archaeological treasures are reasonably priced:
• Acropolis: €20 high season, €10 low season
• Combined ancient sites ticket: €30 (valid 5 days, covers 7 major sites)
• Archaeological Museum of Athens: €12
• Most other archaeological sites: €6-12
Money-saving hacks:
• Free admission days (often first Sunday, November-March)
• EU citizens under 25: free entry with ID
• Combined ticket is a steal if you're visiting multiple sites
Is Greece expensive for cultural experiences? Not compared to major European capitals – and the historical value is unmatched.
Guided Experiences
• Athens walking tour: €45-70 per person
• Private guide at archaeological sites: €150-300 (half-day)
• Sailing around Santorini with sunset dinner: €100-150
• Greek cooking class with market visit: €65-90
• Santorini wine tasting tour: €100-150
After organizing thousands of tours, trust me: a good guide transforms piles of ancient rocks into vivid stories that'll stay with you forever.
Is Greece expensive for guided activities? Mid-range, but the depth of knowledge gained is priceless.
After Dark: Is Greece Expensive for Nightlife?
Greek nightlife scales from laid-back to legendary:
• Beer at local bar: €4-6
• Cocktail at nice bar: €9-12
• Upscale cocktail in Athens or Mykonos: €15-20
• Mykonos/Santorini club entry (includes one drink): €20-30
• Famous DJ events on Mykonos: can exceed €100
One cultural shock: Greek nightlife runs late. Dinner at 9-10pm, bars fill around midnight, clubs pump until sunrise.
Is Greece expensive for party animals? Neighborhood joints are reasonable, but trendy island clubs will vaporize your budget faster than you can say "opa!"
Sneaky Expenses: Is Greece Expensive in Ways Tourists Don't Expect?
After watching thousands of travelers get caught off-guard, here are the hidden costs to prepare for:
• Beach chair rentals: €5-10 at regular beaches, €50+ at exclusive beach clubs
• Water: Carry a bottle! €0.50-1 at kiosks vs. €3-4 at cafés
• Taxi variations: Athens airport has flat rates (€38 day/€54 night), but island taxis often have no meters and charge whatever they want in high season
• Sunscreen: Essential but pricey in tourist zones (€12-15)
Is Greece expensive in sneaky ways? It can be if you're unprepared, but awareness neutralizes these budget-busters.
Money-Saving Magic: Making Greece Less Expensive
After helping travelers with wildly different budgets, here are my field-tested strategies:
Chase the shoulders: Visit during May, early June, September, or October. Perfect weather, fewer crowds, prices up to 40% lower than peak madness.
Plant roots: Island-hopping every other day bleeds money. Base yourself somewhere fantastic and take day trips instead.
Eat street-smart: Have main meals at lunch when specials abound. Shop local markets for picnic supplies.
Book direct: Small hotels often offer discounts for cutting out international booking sites.
Get your international driving permit before arrival: This simple preparation avoids unnecessary fees and hassles.
Is Greece expensive if you use these strategies? You'll be amazed how far your euros stretch with a bit of planning.
Regional Price Tags: Where Is Greece Expensive vs. Affordable?
After running tours throughout the entire country, here's the honest breakdown:
Budget-Busters:
• Mykonos (especially July/August)
• Santorini's caldera-view areas
• Fancy Athens neighborhoods
Remarkable Value:
• Naxos (gorgeous beaches, authentic villages, 1/3 Mykonos prices)
• Pelion Peninsula (mountains meet sea, beloved by Greeks)
• Nafplio (stunning coastal town near multiple ancient sites)
• Zagorochoria (stone mountain villages with incredible hiking)
Is Greece expensive everywhere? Absolutely not. The price variation between regions is astonishing.
Bottom Line: Daily Budget Reality Check
Based on arranging thousands of itineraries, here's what you'll likely spend per person daily (excluding international flights):
Shoestring Traveler: €50-80 daily
• Hostel dorm or budget room with a partner
• Street food, self-catering, occasional taverna meals
• Public transit, limited organized activities
• Basic nightlife
Middle-of-the-Road: €120-200 daily
• Comfortable 3-star hotels or nice rentals
• Regular taverna meals, occasional nicer dining
• Mix of public transport and some taxis/car rentals
• Several organized experiences
• Moderate nightlife
Living Large: €300-1,000+ daily
• 4-5 star accommodations or luxury villas
• Fine dining and exclusive restaurants
• Private transfers or vehicle rentals
• Private guides and bespoke experiences
• VIP nightlife access
Is Greece expensive for your travel style? This realistic breakdown should help you gauge exactly where you'll land.
Final Verdict: Is Greece Expensive in the Grand Scheme?
After guiding thousands through Greece, what impresses visitors most isn't just the jaw-dropping scenery or ancient wonders – it's the tremendous value compared to other European destinations.
Is Greece expensive? It offers something increasingly rare in today's travel landscape: authentic experiences, phenomenal food, historical treasures, and natural beauty at prices that won't require a second mortgage.
While certain islands have embraced luxury pricing, much of Greece still delivers genuine interactions and reasonable costs. The memories you'll collect – that perfect sunset from a whitewashed church, dancing with locals at a village festival, discovering a secluded beach all to yourself – these moments are what bring my clients back year after year.
Is Greece expensive? The answer depends entirely on your choices. But one thing's certain – few destinations offer such rich rewards for your travel investment.
Yassou and happy travels!
