4 Money-Saving Strategies for Traveling in Popular European Tourist Destinations: A Greece Budget Travel Guide

Last November, I had the opportunity to travel to Greece with a friend, and we intentionally planned the trip together to cut costs wherever possible. Inspired by that experience, I wanted to dig deeper—was traveling as a pair truly more budget-friendly than going solo, or are there hidden savings in solo adventures too? To help answer this, I turned to Featured.com and asked travel experts to weigh in on the best money-saving strategies when visiting popular European destinations like Greece. Whether you're planning a solo escape or a group getaway, this post compares real-life insights and tips to help you travel smarter without overspending.

Greece, with its picturesque islands, ancient ruins, and sun-drenched coastlines, ranks high on most travelers' European bucket lists. Whether you dream of watching the sunset in Santorini, wandering through the ruins of Athens, or soaking up island charm in Naxos, Greece offers a compelling mix of culture, history, and natural beauty.

But like many dream destinations, traveling in Greece can get expensive—especially during peak tourist seasons. That said, seasoned travelers know how to unlock the magic of Greece without draining their bank accounts.

In this post, we’ll dive into four money-saving strategies for traveling in popular European tourist destinations, with a particular focus on Greece. Drawing from firsthand accounts of travel experts, entrepreneurs, and adventurers, you'll discover how to enjoy the best of Greece without overspending. Whether you’re flying solo or planning a group trip, these tips will help you get more value from your travels.

Del Sol Hotel Santorini

1. Timing is Everything: Travel in the Shoulder Season

The first—and arguably most impactful—strategy to cut travel costs in Greece is to be strategic with your timing.

Both Joe Hawtin, Owner of Marin County Visitor, and Grace Olayiwola, founder of BitsStyleJourney , ALGstudiostore and ALGelysianflamesCo, emphasize the importance of traveling during Greece’s shoulder seasons—spring and fall—to save big on accommodations, transportation, and activities.

“The absolute game-changer for budget travel in Greece is timing,” Joe shares. “My September visit meant hotel rates were half what they charge in August, yet the sea remained gloriously swimmable, and most attractions stayed open.”

Similarly, Grace recounts her November travels:

“Traveling together proved to be a smart way to manage our budget... If you're planning a trip to Greece on a budget, consider booking your hotels and ferry tickets well in advance and aim for the shoulder season, like November. We found fewer crowds and noticeably lower prices then.”

Why Shoulder Season Works:

• Cheaper flights and accommodations: Many hotels lower their rates as demand drops.

• Fewer crowds: You’ll enjoy the major sites without battling through swarms of tourists.

• More authentic experiences: Local restaurants and businesses focus less on tourists and more on the community, creating a genuine atmosphere.

A good rule of thumb? Plan your trip between late April to early June, or mid-September to early November. You’ll enjoy mild weather, open attractions, and the peace of mind that comes from spending less.

2. Choose the Right Travel Style: Solo vs. Group Travel

A common question many travelers ask before booking their trip is: Is it cheaper to travel solo or in a group? The answer is—it depends on how you plan and what kind of flexibility you value.

Traveling Solo: More Flexibility, Better Control Over Budget

Georgi Petrov, CMO and travel content creator at AIG MARKETER, and Chris Brewer, Managing Director of Best Retreats, both advocate for solo travel as a cost-effective strategy when done right.

“Personally, I found solo travel to be more cost-effective,” says Georgi. “Solo travel allows you to be more flexible with your spending. You can opt for smaller, less expensive accommodations like boutique hotels or Airbnbs, avoid group tours, and choose local, casual dining spots.”

Chris agrees, highlighting the budget control that solo travel offers:

“I found it more cost-effective than traveling with a group, mainly because I could control my spending without compromising on group activities or dining preferences.”

He adds that staying in hostels and budget Airbnbs saved him significant money. A private Airbnb room in Naxos cost him only 40 EUR per night—a deal hard to match when splitting group accommodations.

Traveling in a Group: Shared Costs Mean More Savings

On the other hand, traveling with a friend or a group can lead to serious savings on accommodations and transportation. Grace and Joe both found group travel to be highly cost-effective.

“Sharing rooms, transportation, and even some meals significantly reduced our individual costs compared to what we would have spent traveling solo,” Grace shares.

Joe echoes the sentiment:

“Sharing accommodations in Naxos saved me €65 per night, and splitting rental cars on the mainland turned an unaffordable €55/day expense into a reasonable €27.50 each.”

Verdict:

• Travel Solo If: You want complete control over your spending, don’t mind minimalistic lodging, and enjoy flexible planning.

• Travel With Others If: You plan to split hotel, transportation, and food costs. Bonus: it's great for first-time travelers seeking safety in numbers.

Either way, your budget will thank you—as long as you plan thoughtfully.

3. Cut Costs on Food, Lodging, and Transportation

Greece is surprisingly friendly to budget-conscious travelers—if you know where to look.

Where to Stay:

Avoid international hotel chains in favor of guesthouses, Airbnbs, and small boutique hotels.

Georgi recommends:

“In smaller towns, these are not only cheaper but more authentic.”

Chris managed to spend only 30 EUR per night in Athens and 40 EUR per night in Naxos by choosing budget-friendly options. Not only did this save him hundreds, but it also allowed him to spend more on experiences.

Where to Eat:

Skip overpriced restaurants near major tourist sites. Joe recommends venturing just a few streets away to find cheaper and tastier local fare.

“I discovered small family-run tavernas just two streets away from tourist hotspots in Athens where a hearty Greek salad and moussaka cost €9 instead of €22.”

Georgi adds:

“A gyro or souvlaki from a local joint can cost as little as 3–5 euros.”

Grace emphasizes the same:

“Don’t overlook the charm and affordability of local family-run tavernas, where we savored some of our most memorable and budget-friendly meals!”

Want to save even more? Consider accommodations with kitchenettes so you can prepare breakfast or a few dinners yourself. Joe describes this as part of a hybrid luxury-budget strategy, allowing for the occasional splurge—like a sunset cruise in Santorini—while keeping daily expenses low.

How to Get Around:

One of the biggest budget killers? Transportation. But savvy travelers avoid the trap by using:

• Public Buses: A single ride in Athens can be as low as 1.20 EUR, according to Chris.

• Slow Ferries: They’re more budget-friendly than high-speed options and offer scenic views.

• Shared Rentals: Great if you’re traveling with a friend and need to explore the mainland.

• Walking and Hiking: Not only free, but also the best way to soak in Greece’s natural and historical wonders.

Chris says:

“A solo car rental can hit 40 EUR a day... I skipped it. Instead, I used ferries and buses and explored sites on foot.”

Whether you’re catching the metro in Athens or hopping ferries between islands, embracing local transportation can help you save hundreds during your trip.

4. Take Advantage of Free and Low-Cost Activities

Greece is a playground of free activities—nature, history, and culture collide in a way that doesn’t always require a ticket.

Hike, Swim, Explore

Many of Greece’s best offerings—sunsets, beaches, trails, and public spaces—are completely free. Georgi points out:

“Greece is full of free activities—like hiking the trails on the islands (Santorini has some great routes), exploring ancient ruins, or swimming at public beaches.”

Chris also recommends:

“I explored the Acropolis on my own for 10 EUR and hiked around Naxos for free.”

You can also visit:

• Local markets for a cultural experience and budget snacks.

• Churches and monasteries, many of which are free to enter.

• Neighborhoods like Plaka in Athens, where every turn is a photo op.

Museums & Sites

Many attractions offer discounts or free entry on certain days or for EU residents under 25. Always check ahead.

Pro tip: Don’t buy a tour unless it offers something you couldn’t get on your own (like expert-guided storytelling or early access). Often, a good travel guidebook or phone app can give you the same background on historic ruins without the extra cost.

Final Thoughts: Greece Is As Affordable As You Make It

The beauty of Greece lies not just in its landscapes, ruins, and food—but in the flexibility it offers travelers of all budgets. From luxurious sunset cruises to scenic hiking trails, there's something for everyone.

To recap, here are the top strategies to save money while traveling in Greece:

✅ Travel in the shoulder season (Spring or Fall)

✅ Choose a travel style that suits your budget (solo for flexibility, group for shared costs)

✅ Stay in guesthouses, eat local, and use public transportation

✅ Take advantage of free and low-cost activities (hiking, beaches, ruins)

As Grace Olayiwola says, “Greece can be both magical and affordable—if you're intentional with your plans.”

Grant Hyatt Athen

Greece rewards the thoughtful traveler. Whether you're planning a romantic escape, a solo adventure, or a trip with friends, these strategies will help you stretch your euros without sacrificing the richness of your experience.

So—has anyone recently traveled to Greece and wants to share more budget-friendly tips? Leave your insights in the comments below! Your story might just inspire someone to take the leap.