Greece is a country with a rich and fascinating history, culture, and natural beauty. It is home to some of the most famous ancient monuments and sites in the world, such as the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Oracle of Delphi, and many more. However, visiting Greece can also be expensive, especially if you want to see all the major attractions and enjoy the local cuisine and nightlife. But don’t worry, there are ways to explore the ancient wonders of Greece on a budget, without sacrificing quality and fun. Here are some tips and tricks to help you plan your trip and save money.
Choose the right time for your trip
One of the easiest ways to save money on your trip to Greece is to choose the right time to travel. The peak season for tourism in Greece is from June to August, when the weather is hot and sunny, but also when prices are high and crowds are large. If you want to avoid the crowds and high costs, you should travel in the low season, from April to May or from September to October. The weather is still pleasant, but not too hot or cold, and you can find cheaper flights, accommodation, and tours. During these months, you can enjoy festivals and events such as Easter, Independence Day, and Ohi Day.
Use public transport or rent a car
Another way to save money on your trip to Greece is to use public transport or rent a car instead of taking taxis or private tours. Public transportation in Greece is reliable, affordable, and convenient, taking you to most major cities and attractions. You can use buses, trains, subways, trams or ferries to get around. You can also buy tickets that give you unlimited use of public transport for a certain period of time. For example, you can buy a 5-day ticket for Athens for 9 euros, which allows you to use all public transport in the city.
You can rent a car and drive around Greece if you want more flexibility and freedom. This can be a great option if you want to explore less touristy areas or islands that are not well connected by public transport. However, driving in Greece can be challenging, especially in large cities or mountainous regions. You must also have a valid driver’s license and an International Driver’s Permit. You can find cheap car rental deals online or at the airport.
Accommodation in hostels or Airbnb
Accommodation is one of the most important expenses when traveling to Greece, but you can save money by staying in hostels or Airbnb instead of hotels. Hostels are an excellent option for solo travelers or backpackers who want to meet other travelers and experience a sociable atmosphere. Hostels can be found in most major cities and islands in Greece, and they usually offer dorms or private rooms at reasonable prices. They also offer some amenities such as free Wi-Fi, breakfast, laundry facilities, and more. Some hostels also organise activities such as pub crawls, hikes or parties.
Airbnb is another option for travelers who want more privacy and comfort than in a hostel. You can find Airbnb rentals in almost every place in Greece, from cozy apartments to spacious villas. You can also enjoy some amenities, such as your own kitchen, bathroom, living room, etc. Airbnb rentals are usually cheaper than hotels, especially if you share the cost with your fellow travelers. You can also get discounts if you book for longer periods.
Visit free or discounted attractions
There are numerous attractions in Greece that are accessible to visitors for free or at discounted prices. For example, you can visit some of the most famous ancient sites in Athens for free on certain days of the year, such as March 6 (the anniversary of Melina Mercouri’s death), April 18 (International Heritage Day), May 18 (International Museum Day), June 5 (World Environment Day), 27 September (World Tourism Day) and on October 28 (Öhi Day). Also, you can visit some museums for free on Mondays or Sundays throughout the year.
You can also get discounts at attractions with a student ID card or an EU passport. For example, with a valid student card from any country, you can get a 50% discount on most archaeological sites and museums. You also get free entry if you have an EU passport and are under 25 or over 65 years old.
Eat like a local
Eating like a local is one of the most effective ways to save money while traveling to Greece. Greek food is delicious, healthy, and inexpensive, and you can find it everywhere. You can enjoy typical dishes such as souvlaki, gyros, moussaka, tzatziki, dolmades, spanakopita, and more. You’ll also get to sample local specialties such as feta cheese, olives, honey, yogurt, and baklava. Cheap and tasty food can be found at street stalls, bakeries, taverns or markets. You can also buy groceries and prepare meals in a kitchen.
Another tip is not to eat in touristy areas or near popular attractions, as they are overpriced and of poor quality. Instead, look for places where locals eat, or ask your hostel staff or Airbnb host for recommendations. You can also use apps like TripAdvisor or Yelp to find reviews and ratings of restaurants.
Enjoy the nightlife
Greece is known for its vibrant and lively nightlife; You can have a lot of fun without spending a lot of money. In most cities and islands of Greece, there are bars, clubs, pubs and live music venues that cater to different tastes and styles. You can enjoy local drinks such as ouzo, raki, tsipouro or wine, but also international beers or cocktails. You can also dance to local music such as rebetiko, laiko or bouzouki or to modern genres such as pop, rock or techno.
One tip is not to drink in touristy areas or near popular attractions, as they are overpriced and crowded. Instead, look for places where locals drink, or ask your hostel staff or your Airbnb host for recommendations. You can also use apps like TripAdvisor or Yelp to find reviews and ratings of bars and clubs.
Increase your budget by winning
If you’re lucky and adventurous, you can also boost your budget by winning online bets . Sports betting is a popular and legal activity in Greece, and you can find many online platforms or physical stores where you can place your bets on various sporting events such as football, basketball, tennis, or horse racing. You can also bet on some local teams or leagues, such as the Greek Super League or the Greek Basket League. However, be aware that sports betting is not a guaranteed way to make money, and it comes with a high level of risk and uncertainty. It’s best to bet only as much as you can afford to lose, and do your research and analysis before placing your bets. Also, you should avoid betting impulsively or by feeling, and have a clear strategy and budget. Sports betting can be a fun and exciting way to spice up your trip to Greece, but it shouldn’t be your main source of income or the only reason for your trip.
Inference
Greece is a beautiful country that has a lot to offer for travelers who love history, culture, and nature. However, it can also be expensive if you don’t plan wisely and don’t exhaust your budget. By following these tips and tricks, you can explore the ancient wonders of Greece on a budget, without sacrificing quality and fun. So you can enjoy the best of Greece without breaking the bank. Have a great trip!
