The cost for a seven-day trip to Greece varies significantly based on destination, season, and comfort level. A week-long vacation can range from approximately $1,400 per person for budget travelers to over $6,800 for a luxury experience, encompassing flights, lodging, food, and activities. Determining a personal budget requires breaking down fixed costs, like international airfare, and variable daily expenses, such as accommodation and meals. This analysis provides clear cost ranges for a typical week-long itinerary.
Key Variables Shaping Your Budget
Three primary elements dictate the final price of a Greek vacation. The time of year has a substantial impact, as prices can fluctuate by 40% or more between peak (June–August) and off-peak travel periods. The shoulder season (April–May and September–October) offers pleasant weather and reduced costs, while winter provides the lowest rates.
The specific location within Greece also affects the budget dramatically. Major tourist centers, such as Santorini and Mykonos, command premium pricing, especially for rooms with caldera views. Conversely, visiting mainland cities like Thessaloniki or less-visited islands such as Naxos or Paros results in a more economical experience. Finally, a traveler’s preferred style—budget, mid-range, or luxury—sets the standard for all subsequent daily spending categories.
Upfront Costs: Flights and Inter-Island Travel
International airfare often constitutes the largest single expense, influenced by the departure continent and booking time. Round-trip economy flights from North America to Athens International Airport (ATH) generally average between $700 and $1,200 during summer. Travelers using budget carriers or flying during the shoulder season can secure fares as low as $350 to $500, especially with layovers. Flights from major European hubs are significantly less, often falling between $200 and $400 round-trip.
Moving between the mainland and the islands introduces the second major upfront cost. Inter-island ferries are the most common transport mode. Conventional tickets for shorter routes, such as Mykonos to Naxos, start at $20 to $40 per person. Longer or high-speed routes, like Piraeus port to Santorini, cost between $40 and $100 for a standard class ticket. Domestic flights between Athens and distant islands like Crete or Rhodes are available for those prioritizing speed, typically costing $80 to $150 per segment when booked in advance.
Daily Spending: Accommodation and Meals
The accommodation budget is highly variable and depends on location and comfort level. A budget traveler can expect to pay between $20 and $50 per night for a hostel bed or a basic guesthouse room on the mainland or a less-popular island. Mid-range travelers typically budget $90 to $160 per night for a clean, well-located three-star hotel or a private Airbnb rental. A luxury stay, such as a sea-view suite in Mykonos or Santorini, starts at $220 per night and can easily exceed $550 during peak season.
Meal costs also vary based on dining preferences, ranging from quick street food to fine dining. A budget of $15 to $25 per day is feasible by relying on affordable options like $3 gyros, bakery pastries, and self-catering. Mid-range dining at traditional tavernas and casual restaurants generally requires a daily food budget of $45 to $75 per person. A luxury culinary experience, featuring multiple courses and wine pairings, can elevate the daily food cost to $120 or more.
These elements combine to create sample daily spending totals, excluding flight costs. A budget traveler, staying in a hostel and eating affordably, should plan for a daily total of $60 to $110. A mid-range traveler, opting for a three-star hotel and dining at tavernas, will likely spend between $135 and $235 per day. The luxury traveler, enjoying premium accommodation and fine dining, should anticipate a minimum daily expenditure of $340, with costs increasing substantially in high-demand island areas.
Activities, Sightseeing, and Local Transit
Daily expenses cover local transit and activities. Public transportation in major cities like Athens is efficient; a single metro or bus ticket costs $1.30 to $2.00, and a 24-hour pass is around $5. Taxis for short city trips generally cost between $5 and $12, while an airport transfer is $40 to $60. On the islands, scooter rentals are $20 to $35 per day, though car rentals are higher.
Entry fees for historical and archaeological sites are a predictable part of the budget. A standard ticket to major attractions, such as the Acropolis in Athens or the museums in Heraklion, usually costs between $12 and $28 per person. Travelers visiting multiple sites can often purchase combo tickets for a reduced rate. Optional organized excursions, like a half-day sailing trip, wine tasting, or a cooking class, typically range from $50 to $120 per person, depending on the duration and exclusivity.