How to Visit Santorini Affordably - 2023 Guide

How to Visit Santorini Affordably

Santorini is a famous and picturesque island that many tourists visit each year. However, it is also one of the most expensive European islands. If you hope to visit Santorini without overspending, our Guide can provide useful cost-cutting advice. 

Best Time to Visit Santorini Affordably

Suppose you’re interested in visiting Santorini when it’s not as pricey. In that case, you might want to consider going during the winter months, during which the island remains open. If winter weather is not the ideal for you, April and November are your best bets. You will find affordable options and mild weather. These months fall during the shoulder seasons, so there are fewer visitors and less heat, but there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy great weather, explore different bars and restaurants, and take advantage of various tour options.

If you visit outside of the high season, you can find great budget deals. This is the best time to visit if you want to save money. Read our article “Best Time to Visit Santorini” for exploring all the available choices.

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Planning a trip to Santorini. Read Next:

• Best Things to Do in Santorini
• Best Places to Watch the Sunset
• Best Beaches in Santorini

How to Get to Santorini Affordably

To save money when traveling to Santorini, it’s best to avoid fast ferries as they can be expensive. Instead, opt for conventional ferries, which are reasonably priced. The travel time on a conventional ferry from Athens to Santorini is approximately 8 hours, and the average ticket cost is between 20-30 Euros. You can check the Ferryhopper for the latest ferry timetable and prices.

If you are on a budget, flying from Athens to Santorini during the off-season can be a good option. Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air are popular airlines for this route, and the flight time is only 45 minutes. However, booking in advance and travel during the low season is important to get flights that cost around 30-40 Euros.

Where to Stay in Santorini Affordably

If you want to save money, don’t stay in places on the Caldera. Instead, there are great budget options near Kamari and Perissa beaches. Santorini has many backpacker hostels to offer if you’re searching for an inexpensive place to stay. Here are some excellent choices for budget Santorini hotels.

Stavros Villa 

Stavros Villa is a fantastic choice for budget accommodation on the island. This family-run hotel is located on the outskirts of Fira, close to Perissa beach, and features a swimming pool, private balconies, and a sun terrace with stunning views of Santorini. Additionally, there are several great restaurants and bars nearby.

Check prices for Stavros Villa

Selini Hotel (Kamari)

For those who want to be near the beach, Selini in Kamari is a great option. Families with children will especially love it because it’s close to the gorgeous Kamari beach. They can also easily access the nearby Kamari beachfront, which has plenty of family-friendly restaurants, shops, and tavernas – all within walking distance. Plus, the rooms are cozy and well-maintained, and breakfast is provided.

Check prices for Selini Hotel

Antonia Hotel (Fira)

The Antonia Hotel is situated in the heart of Fira, making it an ideal choice for those who want to be near the lively area. It’s run by a family and boasts of a central location that provides easy access to all attractions in Fira. While the rooms are simple, they are well-maintained, and there’s a pleasant terrace to unwind. Also, for only 5 euros, the owners can book you a shuttle service to and from the port or airport, which is an excellent value.

Check prices for Antonia Hotel

How to Get Around Santorini Affordably

If you’re on a budget while visiting Santorini, there are many great and affordable transportation options available on the island. Taxis tend to be costly, so it’s best to avoid them if you’re trying to save money. Also forget the private transfers. However, if you have limited time on the island, Welcome Pickups might still be a good idea despite the cost.

Read Also:

• Best Airbnbs in Santorini
• Best Airbnbs in Mykonos
• How to Visit Mykonos Affordably

Use the public bus

If you’re looking to save money, taking the public bus is a great choice. You can take it from the airport to the main areas in Santorini, and you can travel around the island at reasonable prices. Additionally, you can take the public bus to and from Fira to Santorini’s port, as well as to the most popular destinations on the island.

Rent a scooter

Renting a scooter is a great budget-friendly transportation option that costs approximately 20 Euros per day. However, it’s essential to ensure that your insurance covers accidents if you choose to ride a scooter. Unfortunately, several travelers encounter problems with costly medical treatment expenses as their insurance doesn’t provide coverage for scooter accidents. Hence, if your insurance doesn’t offer this coverage, renting a scooter may not be as inexpensive as you initially thought.

Where to Eat in Santorini Affordably

To save money on food, it’s best to steer clear of restaurants located on the Caldera as they tend to be more expensive. Despite this, there are still affordable options available for Greek cuisine that you can enjoy without breaking the bank.

Santorini has some great options for budget-conscious visitors, including the famous and affordable souvlaki. Bakeries across the island are also a great choice, with cheap sandwiches, pies, and pizza slices that can keep you full all day. To save money on drinks, bring your own water and buy from kiosks rather than bars and restaurants, as the prices are considerably lower.

Experts Tip

If you’re trying to save money, it’s best to skip the expensive Santorini sightseeing tours. However, there is a budget-friendly option available. You can purchase a special ticket package that includes admission to the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, Archaeological Sites of Akrotiri, and Archeological Sites of Ancient Thera. Typically, the cost to visit all three places is 18 Euros, but with the special ticket, you can visit all three for a cheaper price of 14 Euros.

Free Things to Do in Santorini

Hike from Fira to Oia

One of the best free activities to do on the island is to walk from Fira to Oia. This hike of just over 6 miles offers hikers a wide variety of excellent views and is relatively easy for those having decent fitness levels.

Swim on one of the beaches

In Santorini, there are many beautiful beaches with clear water that are perfect for swimming, especially during the summer. Red Beach and Perissa Beach are two popular options for those visiting Santorini on a budget.

Watch the sunset from Oia

To witness Santorini’s breathtaking sunsets, visit Oia where you can enjoy the most stunning views without any cost.

Climb to Profitis Ilias for the views

For breathtaking views of Santorini, I recommend hiking up this mountain. The views are absolutely stunning and there is no cost involved. Just remember to bring enough water, especially during the summer.

Visit the Akrotiri Lighthouse

The Akrotiri Lighthouse is a must-visit attraction on the island that offers free access. From here, you can enjoy a beautiful sunset and capture amazing panoramic photos of the island with almost 360-degree views.