10+1 low-budget Greek islands

Affordable Greek islands for everyone!

Are you looking for the best Greek island for holidays on a budget? Have a look at our list of the best low-budget destinations in Greece and get ready for a memorable and affordable trip!

Here are the best Greek islands for vacation on a budget:

  1. Astypalea
  2. Agistri
  3. Gavdos
  4. Anafi
  5. Samothrace
  6. Sikinos
  7. Skyros
  8. Kythira
  9. Kythnos
  10. Nisyros
  11. Amorgos

Find out more about the islands, pick your favorite, and book cheap ferry tickets on Ferryhopper!

Chora, the capital of Astypalea in the Cyclades

The capital of Astypalea, Chora, one of the most impressive in the Aegean

1. Low-budget holidays in Astypalea

Astypalea, “the butterfly of the Aegean Sea” as it is called, is a perfect destination for low-budget holidays. Accommodation in Astypalea can be quite affordable. The island has a camping site with prices starting at around €10 a day for a person and a tent.

In the village of Chora in Astypalea, you can find hotel rooms or small vacation rentals starting at around €35 per night. Ferry tickets are also affordable, with the cost of a single ticket for the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Astypalea ranging from €44 to €56.

2. Budget-friendly vacation in Agistri

Agistri is one of the best islands for quick weekend getaways from Athens, as the ferry trip from the port of Piraeus takes only 1.5 hours. Tickets for the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Agistri start at around €13 and accommodation is also affordable.

The distances on the island are short, so you can walk or cycle instead of renting a vehicle and save good money on transportation.

3. Affordable vacation in Gavdos

The island of Gavdos in the south of Crete is an untouched paradise. There are a few rooms-to-let on the island, and many people go camping on one of the island’s beautiful beaches. There are tavernes and beach bars across the island with value-for-money food and drinks.

You can catch the ferry to Gavdos from the ports of Sfakia or Paleochora, not far from Chania in Crete. There are regular ferry crossings from Athens (port of Piraeus) to Chania, with the trip taking approximately 8 hours and tickets starting at €48.

Note: at the moment, ferry tickets from Sfakia or Paleochora to Gavdos can only be issued at departure ports and online booking is not available.

Hammock at a beach in Gavdos island, Crete

Laid-back vacation in the paradise of Gavdos

4. Low-budget trip to Anafi

In Anafi, you can enjoy the charm and simplicity of the Cyclades on a small travel budget. Tickets for the Athens (Piraeus) - Anafi ferry connection start at around €40 and, if you book in advance, you can find a room for €40 per night.

Local tavernes and traditional cafés in Anafi are great, serving delicious and affordable food and drinks.

5. Traveling to Samothrace on a budget

Located in northern Greece, Samothrace is one of the top low-budget destinations in the country. Its unique landscape with waterfalls and natural pools is adored by hippies and nature aficionados.

The island has 2 camping sites: one is for free (with very few amenities), while for the other one prices start at around €12 / day for a person and a tent. You can also find affordable rooms across the island, while many travelers spend their vacation at the beach or the forests.

The ferry from the port of Alexandroupoli to Samothrace makes the crossing in about 2 hours and tickets are cheap, starting at €9.

A natural pool surrounded by lush vegetation in Samothrace, North Aegean

Amazing waterfall, natural pool and lush vegetation in Samothrace

6. Low-budget vacation in Sikinos

Sikinos is a beautiful island that maintains a traditional Cycladic style. The island is small and there are numerous hiking routes.

Food and accommodation in Sikinos are affordable and you can find a room for about €35 per night. Tickets for the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Sikinos cost around €48.

Tip: we recommend booking your accommodation and ferry tickets to Sikinos in advance as availability might be limited.

7. Affordable holidays in Skyros

Skyros, the largest and southernmost island of the Sporades is a great choice for holidays on a budget. It has more than 30 beaches ranging from long stretches of sand to hidden coves, diverse landscapes, and laid-back vibes.

You can spend your vacation in a nice hotel or a cozy apartment by the sea with prices starting at approximately €50 per night. Street food and fast food cost around €5 per person, while a meal in a local taverna starts at €10.

The ferry trip to Skyros is smooth sailing, just like vacationing on this paradisiacal island. By catching a ferry from Kymi in Euboea (Evia) to Skyros, you can reach the island in about 90 minutes. Tickets for the trip cost around €19.

The impressive castle located in Chora of Skyros

The imposing castle of Skyros above the island's capital

8. Low-cost vacation in Kythira

Kythira is an impressive island of great natural beauty. Due to its large size, it offers many options for accommodation, with prices starting at approximately €40 per night. The local restaurants and cafeterias serve food at very good prices.

Tickets for the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Kythira start at €22, while you can also get to Kythira from the ports of Gythio and Neapoli in the Peloponnese in just 1.5 hours and 2.5 hours respectively.

Tip: we suggest bringing your own vehicle to Kythira as the island is ideal for trips and excursions.

9. Low-budget holidays in Kythnos

You can travel from Athens to Kythnos in less than 2 hours from the port of Lavrio, which makes Kythnos one of the best islands for day trips from Athens. Tickets for the ferry to Kythnos from Lavrio are quite affordable, starting at around €15.

The island has beautiful beaches and a relaxing pace. Accommodation is very affordable, with a variety of rental options for all types of travelers.

10. Nisyros on a budget

The volcanic island of Nisyros is an ideal destination for relaxing holidays. Ticket prices for the ferry to Nisyros from Athens (Piraeus) are normally at around €60.

Most of the rooms and hotels on the island are located at the port of Mandraki or the coastal village of Pali. Room prices start at around €35.

The volcanic landscape and a village in Nisyros, Dodecanese

The breathtaking volcanic landscape of Nisyros

11. Budget-friendly Amorgos vacation

Famous for its Big Blue, Amorgos is one of the most popular holiday destinations for campers in the Aegean Sea. The island has 3 camping sites where you can pay less than €10 per night for a person and a tent. You can also find low-cost accommodation in the larger villages of Amorgos, but we recommend booking in advance.

Tickets for the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Amorgos start at around €50, and you can also find cheap tickets to nearby islands for day trips and excursions.

Diving in the crystalline blue waters of Amorgos in Greece

The magical underwater world of Amorgos

You can check the latest ferry ticket offers to easily book cheap ferry tickets online! And don't forget to use your ferry discount coupon for even cheaper ferry trips! Enjoy!

Extra tip: feeling adventurous? Let luck decide where you'll spend your ferry-tale this year!