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Destin-Nation Greece: Budget Travel on the Cheap
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A A AGreece on a budget. Looking for an inexpensive European getaway? Look no further than the land of the philosophers, whitewashed and blue domed churches, Hercules and those other gyros.
Greece has fallen on tough times lately. Its economy was particularly hard hit by the global downturn, and the country is plagued by excessive national debt. But, that can mean financial breaks for the traveler.
Luxury travel options in Greece abound, especially at upscale island resorts. But, think about mom and pop, family owned establishments for food and lodging deals, especially those that include breakfast. Also, look out for internet rates when booking rooms.
Sightseeing doesn't have to be expensive either. Some of Greece's greatest sights are its centuries-old monuments and archaeological sights – many of which can be seen for free, or for not much more than $10. Even the paid monuments have their free days:
March 6, April 18, May 18, June 5, September 27, the last weekend in September, Sundays between November 1 and March 31, Greek national holidays, the first Sunday of every month except July, August and September.
Athens
The capital of the country is loaded with things to do and places to stay, and it doesn't have to cost a fortune.
A visit to the Acropolis, home of the Parthenon, is a must. For €12/$17 visitors have access to the Acropolis, ancient agora, archaeological museum of Kerameikos, Kerameikos, Museum of the Ancient Agora, north slope of the Acropolis, Olympieio, Roman agora, and the south slope of the Acropolis. For more museum fun, tickets to the National Archaeological Museum are €7/$10. Both sites have a number of free admission days.
After knocking out the important stuff, there are free activities about town as well. Those traveling with children (or even kids at heart) can check out the Hellenic Children’s Museum. At the Municipal Art Gallery, art enthusiasts can get a taste of Greek art with works by more than 3,000 artists or take a free guided tour of archaeological and cultural sites.
Stop by Parliament to watch the changing of the guard (yes, they’re wearing skirts). Afterwards, visit the local market and pick up food to eat in the national gardens.
Where to Stay: Located in the center of Athens, three star Plaka Hotel is just a short walk from many of the city’s major attractions. Rates, including full buffet breakfast, run from €90-232/$130-336. Its sister hotels are also a good value: Hermes Hotel (€75-232/$108-336) and Athens Center Square Hotel (€65-95/$94-138).
It may be in a less refined area of town, but Centrotel Hotel offers good rates as well. Verify rates online, but for three nights in October a small double room starts at €60/$88 per night.
Getting There: This one’s easy – fly into Athens International Airport and hop a cab, or the metro or city bus.
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There is a major mistake in the listing above. Meteora is NOT located on the island of Skopelos, but rather at the northwestern edge of the Plain of Thessaly near the Pineios river and Pindus Mountains, in central Greece. Rebecca Dolan needs to check her facts and her geography next time she posts. Poor journalism.
June 13 2011 at 2:46 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyIn regards to the person who commented that my post was as fake as a $3 this is absolutely not correct and it seems you may have a chip on your shoulder against Greece. I am not Greek and do not speak the language, however, I learned basics communication before going. I heard negative things in advance but I kept a positive outlook, avoided negativity and unsafe surroundings. That's the key because we can find plenty of negative people and things in our country and other countries. It's finding the beauty and positive that is often most difficult during challenging times. It's really what you make of it. As far as expensive, it can be due to tourism and especially the value of our dollar. We didn't book hotels in advance which is how we got the lowest prices but we also went before season when there were vacancies. One hotel we paid 80e and our balcony neighbors paid 120e in advance by internet. When you arrive at some of the islands they are waiting for you with brochures to negotiate getting you to go to their place (Most speak English). Work it and they'll go down in price. You just have to get creative and I don't recommend going at high peak season due to crowds and price. Hope my posts help some.
June 12 2011 at 10:05 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down ReplyI'm sure all the jobless and homeless Americans find these tips useful .
June 12 2011 at 4:42 PM Report abuse Permalink -1 rate up rate down ReplyI am very surprised about all of you Greeks. If Life there is so good what are you doings here? You are say America dents do anything for Greeks? You wrong America give hospitality to unappreciative people like you.
June 12 2011 at 4:20 PM Report abuse Permalink -3 rate up rate down ReplyI can hardly wait for the day when I visit Greece. I'm polishing up on my Greek. Santorini will be a must for me
along with the ancient ruins. Hydra sounds so peaceful as one posted noted.. this would be just perfect for me.
Greece doesn't have to suffer so much monitary strains. If, many wealthy Greek people would help finincally.
This would help to place Greece back on target with quarterly government audits to control spending. A country
that thinks it can spend its way into harmony and bliss will surely die. Common sense must be the watchword, not only for Greece, but for every Nation around the world including America.
I went to the Greeke island of Rhodos it was beautiful there. Would go again
June 12 2011 at 4:16 PM Report abuse Permalink +2 rate up rate down ReplyI am very surprised about all of you Greeks. If Life there is so good what are you doings here?
June 12 2011 at 4:13 PM Report abuse Permalink -2 rate up rate down ReplyI went to Santorini 20 year ago I love the place it was beutiful I will like to go back one of this days
June 12 2011 at 3:59 PM Report abuse Permalink +2 rate up rate down ReplyThats great, except our money isnt worth much there now so you get hit with high cost to buy ANYTHING there. My friend went to England (also on the euro) and paid $22 dollars for a burger, fries and a beer!!!! Def not worth the trip right now. I also dont travel to any of the caribbean islands that are euro based.
June 12 2011 at 3:55 PM Report abuse Permalink +2 rate up rate down ReplyComparing prices between England to Greece is like comparing NEw York to Oklahoma prices.
June 13 2011 at 1:43 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI am the author of THE MAN WITH THE BLACK WORRYBEADS who loves this country. So come on over to the LAND OF GODS AND LOVERS, meet me at Kastela and we will go to Microlimano
Cheers to all
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