Travel to Greece: Budget-Friendly or Expensive?

Coronavirus-related panic has not deterred travellers. No one wants to give up a planned holiday, and many are still considering their favourite destinations, helped by the option of early booking. Turkey, Cyprus, Tunisia and Greece are among the most popular choices. Today, we will take a closer look at Greece.

Of course, the surprises brought by the beginning of 2020 have made people more cautious when choosing holiday destinations. That is why it may be useful to find out what the situation is like in popular holiday countries right now, especially if you are planning to visit Greece soon.

Naturally, the first thing we consider when planning any trip is the budget. We have put together estimated costs for a holiday in Greece as of early March. Flights, especially when booked well in advance, can cost between $144 and $213 for a direct flight. Not long ago, tickets could be found for almost half that price, so anyone who booked early was fortunate. Still, there is no need to be discouraged: keep checking for dates with better offers. Fares can vary significantly depending on your departure city, so it is worth comparing nearby airports if your schedule is flexible.

If you do not plan to rent a car, you will be pleasantly surprised by the affordable public transport. You can get from Athens Airport to the city centre without taking a taxi for just €6 on the 95 bus route. If you do prefer a rental car, the average price in the country is around $34 per week.

There are plenty of accommodation options besides hotel packages. Consider hostels in the city centre: strong competition encourages owners to offer excellent conditions. You may find a standard room for no more than €10, or a more comfortable option for around €25.

Greece is part of the Schengen Area, so visa requirements depend on your nationality. Check the rules for your passport with an official visa centre or consulate before travelling. Travel insurance is another essential expense and should not be overlooked. It may cost around $4 per week, but it can save you from much larger expenses if you become unwell.

Saving money on food is difficult unless you decide to go on a diet during your holiday, which is more the exception than the rule. After all, you will want to try local products. This is especially relevant if you choose a hostel or private apartment with a kitchen and plan to shop at a nearby supermarket. Here are some prices in euros to help you estimate your food budget. Wine starts at €2 per bottle, and you can sometimes find something both tasty and inexpensive. Pork costs around €5. Cheese starts at €3.50, while more exotic varieties may cost twice as much. Large olives are around €5 per kilogram. For fruit, oranges cost about €0.70 per kg, while bananas are more expensive at around €1.50. These prices apply to Athens, and there is not much difference across the country unless you choose expensive islands such as Mykonos.

Incidentally, your choice of destination in Greece depends greatly on the time of year you visit. Since spring has already begun, there are slightly more options. However, it is still too cool for swimming. At this time of year, it is better to focus on sightseeing rather than expect a beach holiday.

Many travellers who enjoy spending time in this country say that the number of interesting places to see is overwhelming. This is especially true of central Greece and the Athens area. If you cannot imagine a holiday without swimming, choose Crete, but be sure to check the weather forecast and plan excursions separately. Do not deny yourself these short yet fascinating trips. Be sure to visit the Acropolis of Athens and see the Parthenon. Ancient temples with colonnades and statues, along with the original architectural ideas of the past, have made these structures great masterpieces of world architecture. Although centuries of destruction have left them in ruins, their former splendour is still visible and creates an extraordinary sense of awe. However, take only the essentials with you. Large items are not permitted, and you should keep a close eye on your belongings, as tourists are often targeted by thieves in these places. Among the ancient attractions, you can also visit the Theatre of Dionysus, an impressive open-air structure, as well as numerous temples. The most famous are the Temple of Hephaestus and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Athens also has many museums, most of them dedicated to archaeological finds.

This destination is popular for good reason: magnificent landscapes, ancient monuments and unique monasteries make it almost impossible to have a dull holiday here. If you take a little time to plan visits to at least a few cities, you will be surprised by the diverse beauty of these magnificent places with their rich history.